Since this video was posted, Kentucky Kingdom has CONFIRMED their new Kentucky Nature land will be located in the back area by Thunder Run and Storm Chaser, AND their new upgraded restaurant will serve barbecue! Yum! There are also photos traveling around showing the parks massive ferris wheel removed from its current location. Seems like it is either getting a HUGE refurb, a relocation, or removed entirely! We'll have to wait and see which it is!
Small amusement park to abandoned to upgraded amusement park to Six Flags to abandoned (again) to basically Six Flags-esq (again) to mini-Dollywood is a wild timeline
Hello, currently serve as a Security Officer here. Our security system counts the total number of guest who have entered the park. Last day of operations it counted that we hit 1 million guest for the season which is a start based on past years.
i worked here over the summer and i can say that the park has the audience needed for new investments. there were days during the summer that wed have 13 to 15 thousand guests in the park
@ I was a finance/audit intern, so I was working with cash control. If you dealt with money, I was one of the people who you would come visit in the side room if we’re was a counting issue.
Kentucky Kingdom is one of those parks that ROASTS in hot weather. Even as a thoosie craving intense attractions, there are few things I would appreciate more than more trees at Kentucky Kingdom.
This is super refreshing to see for Kentucky Kingdom. It’s gonna take a LOT to turn it into an actual theme park- as well as undo a decade+ of downright STUPID ride placements & not removing old ride pads and such- but I am all for it, and am thrilled to see Herschend begin the process.
I hope they plant many many new trees in the areas of the park that either has none - or only a few. Summer is super hot in Louisville. Shade is a must! I also hope the park can improve it’s food quality (if they haven’t already done so). I would love to see that road that cuts the park into two sections and incorporate the land currently used by the road into the park.
Kentucky Kingdom having the most absolutely blessed turnaround and transformation. You love to see it! (Let's just hope Herschend's plans come to fruition and make KK a destination again)
I had season passes in middle school and remember when they added T2 and Chang. It used to have some legit coasters but the water park is better now despite parts of it being older. My kids, wife and I had season passes last year and the kids love Hurricane Bay.
We went last summer, and I'm glad we did. We had a really great time. The rapids ride leaving is a shame. As hot as it gets they really need a water ride like that. It also had some really fun theming. Eye of the Storm was weird. I didn't ride it, and the only reason we even found it was because we were trying to find a way around the water park to Storm Chaser. Speaking of which - they could 100% use a better path layout. It was hard figuring out how to get around.
Yup i think if they kept the rapids and just pit a path through the back to where that nature earia is going to be that would be great. They do need some extra thrill coasters though. Now that they got rid of the SLC an STC would make a great addition. Put in a wildcat or bermuda blitz to and you have a pretty nice line up. Nothing to fancy but enough to make it worth while for a stop. As it is without the rapids and SLc the park just sucks. Maybe a nice water park with some perks for the locals but thats it.
As a native, the good things Holiday World has vs KK, is that there is a HUGE great waterpark, "enough" roller coasters but TONS of other great rides- awesome food and drinks. Im sorry but why would you put a nature theme walking zone in an amusement park? Kentucky kingdom consistently gets visitors but its people on summer/spring vacation who wanna take their family. They WANT to ride rides and swim. Kentucky Kingdom is conveniently located but holiday world just has much better things to actually experience. Oh, and holiday world is laid out sensically. Front> dry rides> semi-wet rides> water park.
I agree. He did his best for what Kentucky Kingdom was when he revived it (for the second time). Safe to say, it’s in one of the safest hands of operation right now.
We need a flagship coaster… it used to be Chang… and with the height restrictions from the airport next door that’s why we never had one. But with multi launch technology we can get it now! Also they have already started demolishing the bowling alley next door for them to expand!
This park has always been like a Rollercoaster Tycoon Challenge game. Going all in on the Kentucky theme is such a great idea. Looks like a lot of work going into this, it really has potential to be something special.
Herschend really is the class of the (non giant film company) theme park business. They strike an incredible balance between great ride selections and general park atmosphere. SDC is easily my favorite theme park, and I think watching Herschend adapt KK into their lineup is going to be really fun to watch over the next long while, especially with huge additions going on to SDC and continued investment in Dollywood. No one does it better.
You forgot to mention that Thunder Run is getting some track rework and reprofiled. I can't wait to see the new improvements over the next few years. I'm gonna try to head up there and film when they get the new area open. Sad to see the River Rapids going. though it wasn't the best river rapids I've been on. It was still kinda fun. I think it would be a perfect ride for retheming to Nature.. or maybe even lake life..
As a Louisville native and huge lover of Dollywood, turning KK into what DW and SDC are would be a huge dream come true. Also I appreciate you for getting the pronunciation for Louisville correct 😂
My dad is from Louisville so I grew up hearing stories from his time there :) It's funny, I now visit Louisville pretty much every year and he hasn't been since I was born, despite literally living there!
@@kennethprice1833 but with the size of the park and the height restrictions it isn’t easy to put theme rides into. With how small the park is it would be better to focus more on families since that is a more profitable market to hit anyways.
It's so nice to see a company putting time, effort and money into a park that needs it. The park gave similar vibes to Flamingo Land. Just rides placed down somewhat randomly. But seeing the plans in place for Kentucky Kingdom is amazing. Moving some rides around, retheming others and hopefully a new coaster and some waterslides in the coming years and this park will really be a new place
*partner with Yum brands (hq’d in Louisville) and put in a KFC modeled after the original in Corbin. *remodeling the waterpark after KY lake life is a GREAT idea. *bourbon. Lean into it. A “Fire in the Hole”-type dark ride/family coaster modeled after a distillery. *scary attraction themed after the goat man under the bridge/Pope Lick monster *Trains and coal mining. The possibilities with those are endless.
Great ideas. I still think Herschend will shy away (since they are obviously family oriented) from any scary themes, even though Pope Lick monster/goatman is a well known Kentucky urban legend. But they could definitely more subtly incorporate a "spooky" theme inspired by the Pope Lick Monster.
As a local and a former ride op, it was about time they invested! I was working there during Pumpkins (2024), and I will say, there was just so much closed down compared to my last season (at the time) in 2022. This place needs the love. Like another person did mention, we did bring in crowds, and the right demographics (more families) came back! I remember fights being at an all-time high back in the early 2020s, and those have basically dwindled down to none or very minimal. They get shut down quick. Overall, I think the management is better, they just need more workers continually throughout the season (especially in the later months) to keep operations smooth. I think Lightning crew did really well, so did Storm, but they had the minimum amount on coasters like Flyer and Thunder (we could have used the help, but I understand we had to spread out to make sure we could open every ride). Overall, the seasons since 2021 have felt transitional, but hopefully these new themes and expansions help the place out a bit more!
I'm glad Kentucky Kingdom is getting some much needed improvements. With Holiday World and Kings Island nearby it always felt like the park was lacking something, and while its rides (save for T3) are good, it just felt like it needed a bit more.
To answer why the derby has never been used it’s because all of us locals absolutely hate it. So a lot of the local attractions only use it during derby time to attract tourism and then the rest of the time it’s one place in the city.
We visited Kentucky Kingdom this past Summer. Spent the morning there, then drove over to Holiday World for the remainder of the day and gaining an hour with the time zone! While our main focus was the coasters, there were other things that we really enjoyed as well, like the indoor theater "ride" for example. While certainly not a full day park (we saved the water park for HW) overall we were glad we went. The main issue for us was the lack of food options and the quality of the food we did find! I certainly hope some of that $25 million is spent improving that aspect.
This is my home park and I remember the glory days when Six Flags ran it. I’m so sad that they’re getting ride of what used to be Penguin’s Blizzard River; it was always a big favorite of mine. Hopefully they bring it back better than ever like the rafts at Dollywood. I had season passes in 2022. I used it twice because it was so disappointing. The rides were janky and unpredictably closed for staffing reasons. I got stuck on the swings both trips and young kids on it with me were panicking because there was no communication from the ops about what was happening.
Go Louisville, my beloved home town, but that patch of ground at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds will never be as beautiful as the Smoky Mountains, which make one stand in awe of its natural beauty.
Kk home park here. I will say in the few years since herchend has taken over. They have redone alot of stuff. Since stuff like pumpkins and Christmas has come the park looks amazing during those times. Plus food has gotten a lot better as well. While there is stuff that needs to get redone and I bet it will over time. The park is heading in a great direction
Those are both over 100 years old and as far as I know, the only other one is at Blackpool Pleasure Beach... Unless a manufacturer is willing to recreate and make parts to support it, it's not likely. The parks that have them actually have machine shops to make their own parts.
This is one of many parks that seriously needs a multi-looping coaster, AKA a looping roller coaster with possibly vest. Restraints are over-the-shoulder restraints with 8 to nine car trains and multiple inversions would be lovely for Kentucky Kingdom and Kings Island too 🥰🎢
I see Kentucky Kingdom as a park with a lot of potential. I am curious how much money they want to invest in the land though with how the land is owned by the fair ground, versus the attractions that can be relocation. I know six flags struggled with the fair grounds. The second thing I wonder is how much longer Kentucky Kingdom will serve alcohol, as it isn't something Dollywood or Silver Dollar City offers, especially if they focus in on family friendly. Hershend parks are amazing, and excited to see what they bring to one of my home parks.
Just by watching the video, it makes me excited for what Herschend Family Entertainment has planned for Kentucky Kingdom in the future! It's gonna take a LOT of time to turn amusement park into a theme park, but I think that this transformation will be worth it.
A great once small park that upgraded is Holiday World in souther Indiana.When I was a kid it was Santa Claus land.I think their water park is one of the best around.Its such a great area too.They are always adding something new.
I would LOVE some turn of the century and early 20th century theming. Play up the old Kentucky Derby style for a fancy dapper flare and them some more traditional old Appalachian theming in other parts. This would really fit for Herschend and for the main park in Kentucky.
It's a day care during the summer. Teens get annual passes and hang out all day there. Many people complain about harassment from these teens, and the overall atmosphere of the park. Maybe this will help.
A family launched coaster would be a huge win for Kentucky Kingdom, especially with Holiday World and Kings Island both adding family boomerangs last year. Fingers crossed they call it "Derby Dash" or similar
@@TheRealPSKilla502Chang was there for years and wasn’t a bad ride. It ended up in Jersey as the Green Lantern. Wish they’d put a steel wing like X-Flight, Gatekeeper, Thunderbird and Wild Eagle.
@ A launched wing coaster would be expensive, but it would help them stand out from Kings Island. I guess if Herschend wants to invest millions of dollars into theming, they should have no trouble affording a B&M.
As a mechanic for the park, you did a pretty good job on this video. You got many things right and many things are going to be changed during the off season. By the way, it’s not sky catcher getting moved. 😮
Theming should be prioritized first, then family attractions, and then a marque thrill ride. This park has a ways to go, but its Herschend. Let's see them make it happen.
Dollywood and SDC thrive on making it a place for ALL ages. If they could tap into shows with local bluegrass musicians and add a show about Louisville-born Cassius Clay aka Muhammad Ali, that could help. Also, have a store like Casey’s at SDC which sells baseball bats and related items since Louisville Slugger is right there
I just gotta say being originally from Louisville, KY and hearing someone pronounce it correctly on this platform made me giddy! Absolutely love all the work you do for the coaster and theme park community!
While the park has been teasing the Nature Theme of the new area and not giving names, going on the Media Room/Media Kit portion of the Kentucky Kingdom website, and looking at the images and specs of the new rides, it looks like the new land is going to be called "Discovery Meadows". The Train is "Cumberland Express", the Squirrel ride is "Scout's Squirrel Race", the Cardinal ride is "Red Bird Racer." The reveal was hidden in plain sight, I guess. Maybe they want to see if people are paying attention.
Love the new changes. But I think also along with these changes. They need a bigger signature coaster. If there gonna put any pressure. On the surrounding parks. 🤔
Anyone hear about the new ride? It goes up and drops two feet... For those who don't rememeber, a young woman lost her legs on a ride that use to be called the Hell-A-Vator, than renamed Superman Tower of power. A cable snapped a mutilated her legs. Never forget!
Expect to see some improvements to the food and beverage operations here too. In my work with the F&B dept at Hersheypark their park was one of the ones surveyed by a third-party company for analysis. I think they're trying to follow trends of the rest of the industry to have a couple large, indoor sit-down food locations at strategic points around the park followed by small snack locations placed afterward.
I'm a local. Good for them. Something similar to "Maverick" at Cedar Point would be a winner there I think. Wishful thinking though. The arrow is pointing up.
I go to Kentucky Kingdom every September for Louder than Life and it’s the parking gets more and more expensive every year. It jumped from $25 to $40 which sucks
I’d be happy if even half of these plans come to fruition. I’ve been going here since I wasn’t tall enough to ride anything and now I take my three kids every summer. It’s got something but it definitely needs something more. I’m excited!
Ngl, it would’ve been funny if instead of scrapping it, Six Flags would’ve sold Green Lantern to Kentucky Kingdom. I’m really sure it wouldn’t have happened though.
I have high hopes for Herschend to manage KK. I know they once operated Darien Lake and that park looked really nice during that era. Kentucky Kingdom is still going through growing pains as they’re under new management, and I can’t wait to visit the park one day.
Herschend seems like they run a quality park so it's nice to see they are giving some love to this park. Hopefully they will give some attention to Wild Adventures soon...
I personally am sad to see the river rapids go 😞 I understand that it was problematic but it sure was fun. Some folks, like me, can't do the coasters anymore due to health issues. I really enjoyed the river rapids because it was something I could still ride with my daughter...
I'm all for $11 million going into Kentucky Kingdom to shape the amusement park into a theme park like its sister parks, SDC and Dollywood. I'm even more for it if the future holds spending double or triple that to bring a stand out roller coaster the way Time Traveler and Lightning Rod did!
I'm glad to hear about this because of how the place looked it needed an overhaul when I visited in 2023. There is one thing about all this that does bug me and that's how they're finally paying attention to this park, but not Wild Adventures. They need to show love for both parks.
Went for the first time last year and I definitely think this park has a long long long way to go, but at this pace they’ll definitely get there. And I really hope they manage to remove the road in the middle of the park.
I wonder if they are going to do like sdc where you exit by going through the gift shop where you can pick up your souvenirs. That service blew me away and was so impressed how they worked that. Very awesome
I got to say, I'm so excited for this. I am going to miss Eye Of The Storm and River Rapids ride. I honestly think Zone 3 is going to have a makeover since it feels empty. I'm so glad herschend is pouring investment to the park and i think that they will do great
Really fun park- they’ve got an awesome top 2 and the other coasters and flats aren’t bad either. Definitely needs some love, but could imagine this place thriving with the right people in charge
I had a good feeling about Herschend buying Kentucky Kingdom. They are giving it the same love Dollywood and Silver Dollar City got. It takes a few years to change stuff up but they are slowly making their mark and that counts a lot!
I'm in Nashville, and Holiday World and Kentucky Kingdom are the two closest parks (followed closely by Dollywood). I've driven past KK several times and had no real desire to go, but would love for that to change. Dollywood is a fantastic park and if done right, KK could become a fantastic regional theme park!
From a European perspective I gotta say these are great investments. The park already has a decent coaster lineup but the park itself has been pretty bare looking. Not exactly the most pleasant space to loiter around all things considered and sometimes you just need to have the moment to enjoy the surroundings and hope theyre nice, and take a breather between the rides. Like Im an enthusiast, not as active anymore as in my teenage years but still. And even I often need to just sit down and relax for a bit between rides. Plus family rides are so so important, theyre the bread and butter of theme parks, at least here in Europe, so to see Herschend making them a bigger priority is great to see. I love the idea of a derby themed coaster, whether its a straddle coaster from say Intamin or Vekoma, or might be that S&S Steeplechase revival, thatd be great to have! All in all Im impressed and hope as much of the plans comes to be as possible
I'm excited to go this summer. Had a horrible experience last time for my first ever experience. Had to miss slayer because of the hurricane at louder than life and right next to it is Kentucky kingdom. had to look at that closed park walking out from the festival. Rough day man 😂
Since this video was posted, Kentucky Kingdom has CONFIRMED their new Kentucky Nature land will be located in the back area by Thunder Run and Storm Chaser, AND their new upgraded restaurant will serve barbecue! Yum! There are also photos traveling around showing the parks massive ferris wheel removed from its current location. Seems like it is either getting a HUGE refurb, a relocation, or removed entirely! We'll have to wait and see which it is!
Small amusement park to abandoned to upgraded amusement park to Six Flags to abandoned (again) to basically Six Flags-esq (again) to mini-Dollywood is a wild timeline
No, to a mini Dollywood.
Hello, currently serve as a Security Officer here. Our security system counts the total number of guest who have entered the park. Last day of operations it counted that we hit 1 million guest for the season which is a start based on past years.
that's great to hear!!
Do you know if the new layout will take over the camping areas for Louder than life/bourbon and beyond? they don't have much area to expand to
i worked here over the summer and i can say that the park has the audience needed for new investments. there were days during the summer that wed have 13 to 15 thousand guests in the park
I worked here over the summer too. It was awesome. So glad some investment is being poured into the park!
Gotta ask, which departments were you all in?
@ I was a finance/audit intern, so I was working with cash control. If you dealt with money, I was one of the people who you would come visit in the side room if we’re was a counting issue.
@ i was a slide operator ^_^
That's so exciting! You guys had some fun jobs
Kentucky Kingdom is one of those parks that ROASTS in hot weather. Even as a thoosie craving intense attractions, there are few things I would appreciate more than more trees at Kentucky Kingdom.
more trees would be much appreciated
@@CoasterStudiosAlso the fans with water were awesome back in the day
I'd like more trees in Louisville period. The downtown is a heat magnet in the summer with all that concrete.
This is super refreshing to see for Kentucky Kingdom. It’s gonna take a LOT to turn it into an actual theme park- as well as undo a decade+ of downright STUPID ride placements & not removing old ride pads and such- but I am all for it, and am thrilled to see Herschend begin the process.
I hope they plant many many new trees in the areas of the park that either has none - or only a few. Summer is super hot in Louisville. Shade is a must! I also hope the park can improve it’s food quality (if they haven’t already done so). I would love to see that road that cuts the park into two sections and incorporate the land currently used by the road into the park.
Kentucky Kingdom having the most absolutely blessed turnaround and transformation. You love to see it!
(Let's just hope Herschend's plans come to fruition and make KK a destination again)
I had season passes in middle school and remember when they added T2 and Chang. It used to have some legit coasters but the water park is better now despite parts of it being older. My kids, wife and I had season passes last year and the kids love Hurricane Bay.
We went last summer, and I'm glad we did. We had a really great time.
The rapids ride leaving is a shame. As hot as it gets they really need a water ride like that. It also had some really fun theming.
Eye of the Storm was weird. I didn't ride it, and the only reason we even found it was because we were trying to find a way around the water park to Storm Chaser.
Speaking of which - they could 100% use a better path layout. It was hard figuring out how to get around.
Yup i think if they kept the rapids and just pit a path through the back to where that nature earia is going to be that would be great. They do need some extra thrill coasters though. Now that they got rid of the SLC an STC would make a great addition. Put in a wildcat or bermuda blitz to and you have a pretty nice line up. Nothing to fancy but enough to make it worth while for a stop. As it is without the rapids and SLc the park just sucks. Maybe a nice water park with some perks for the locals but thats it.
Yeah, maybe the rapids ride closes for a year long refurbishment or like Silver Dollar City they just replace it with an all new one!
As a native, the good things Holiday World has vs KK, is that there is a HUGE great waterpark, "enough" roller coasters but TONS of other great rides- awesome food and drinks. Im sorry but why would you put a nature theme walking zone in an amusement park? Kentucky kingdom consistently gets visitors but its people on summer/spring vacation who wanna take their family. They WANT to ride rides and swim. Kentucky Kingdom is conveniently located but holiday world just has much better things to actually experience.
Oh, and holiday world is laid out sensically. Front> dry rides> semi-wet rides> water park.
Ed Hart must be proud that his place is in good hands.
I also liked when Kentucky Kingdom's own social media team made fun of how rough T3 was.
I agree. He did his best for what Kentucky Kingdom was when he revived it (for the second time). Safe to say, it’s in one of the safest hands of operation right now.
Has it seriously been 11 years!?!? My gosh time has flown! It seems like just yesteryear you were campaigning to help save the park.
We need a flagship coaster… it used to be Chang… and with the height restrictions from the airport next door that’s why we never had one. But with multi launch technology we can get it now! Also they have already started demolishing the bowling alley next door for them to expand!
This park has always been like a Rollercoaster Tycoon Challenge game. Going all in on the Kentucky theme is such a great idea. Looks like a lot of work going into this, it really has potential to be something special.
Great vid, looking forward to enjoying the new updates! 👍👍
Herschend really is the class of the (non giant film company) theme park business. They strike an incredible balance between great ride selections and general park atmosphere. SDC is easily my favorite theme park, and I think watching Herschend adapt KK into their lineup is going to be really fun to watch over the next long while, especially with huge additions going on to SDC and continued investment in Dollywood. No one does it better.
You forgot to mention that Thunder Run is getting some track rework and reprofiled. I can't wait to see the new improvements over the next few years. I'm gonna try to head up there and film when they get the new area open. Sad to see the River Rapids going. though it wasn't the best river rapids I've been on. It was still kinda fun. I think it would be a perfect ride for retheming to Nature.. or maybe even lake life..
That little speed hill and reprofiled first drop looked awesome in some recent pics!
I absolutely love this for Kentucky Kingdom. This park has had so many highs and lows, but this is fantastic news. I'm extremely excited for this.
As a Louisville native and huge lover of Dollywood, turning KK into what DW and SDC are would be a huge dream come true. Also I appreciate you for getting the pronunciation for Louisville correct 😂
My dad is from Louisville so I grew up hearing stories from his time there :) It's funny, I now visit Louisville pretty much every year and he hasn't been since I was born, despite literally living there!
3 new family rides is pretty smart.
Iwould say they need some better thrill rides more. But thats for outsiders. To attract the locals more this might be a better start.
@arturobianco848 outsiders will go to the other Two big ones near by like he said in video... so yes this park does need a thrill ride
@@kennethprice1833 but with the size of the park and the height restrictions it isn’t easy to put theme rides into. With how small the park is it would be better to focus more on families since that is a more profitable market to hit anyways.
It's so nice to see a company putting time, effort and money into a park that needs it. The park gave similar vibes to Flamingo Land. Just rides placed down somewhat randomly. But seeing the plans in place for Kentucky Kingdom is amazing.
Moving some rides around, retheming others and hopefully a new coaster and some waterslides in the coming years and this park will really be a new place
*partner with Yum brands (hq’d in Louisville) and put in a KFC modeled after the original in Corbin.
*remodeling the waterpark after KY lake life is a GREAT idea.
*bourbon. Lean into it. A “Fire in the Hole”-type dark ride/family coaster modeled after a distillery.
*scary attraction themed after the goat man under the bridge/Pope Lick monster
*Trains and coal mining. The possibilities with those are endless.
Great ideas. I still think Herschend will shy away (since they are obviously family oriented) from any scary themes, even though Pope Lick monster/goatman is a well known Kentucky urban legend. But they could definitely more subtly incorporate a "spooky" theme inspired by the Pope Lick Monster.
Love the deep dive on a less talked about park.
So happy this park is getting proper investment. I plan on making a visit this year to show support
As a local and a former ride op, it was about time they invested! I was working there during Pumpkins (2024), and I will say, there was just so much closed down compared to my last season (at the time) in 2022. This place needs the love. Like another person did mention, we did bring in crowds, and the right demographics (more families) came back! I remember fights being at an all-time high back in the early 2020s, and those have basically dwindled down to none or very minimal. They get shut down quick. Overall, I think the management is better, they just need more workers continually throughout the season (especially in the later months) to keep operations smooth. I think Lightning crew did really well, so did Storm, but they had the minimum amount on coasters like Flyer and Thunder (we could have used the help, but I understand we had to spread out to make sure we could open every ride). Overall, the seasons since 2021 have felt transitional, but hopefully these new themes and expansions help the place out a bit more!
Its nice to see my home park geting some love.
🎉 excited! We spend a lot of family time at KK since we are Louisvillians.❤ So happy it is getting new life!
All good to hear. Would love to have the same quality of atmosphere as Dollywood. Man I wish we could still have that RMC raptor though….😢
I'm glad Kentucky Kingdom is getting some much needed improvements. With Holiday World and Kings Island nearby it always felt like the park was lacking something, and while its rides (save for T3) are good, it just felt like it needed a bit more.
To answer why the derby has never been used it’s because all of us locals absolutely hate it. So a lot of the local attractions only use it during derby time to attract tourism and then the rest of the time it’s one place in the city.
We visited Kentucky Kingdom this past Summer. Spent the morning there, then drove over to Holiday World for the remainder of the day and gaining an hour with the time zone! While our main focus was the coasters, there were other things that we really enjoyed as well, like the indoor theater "ride" for example. While certainly not a full day park (we saved the water park for HW) overall we were glad we went. The main issue for us was the lack of food options and the quality of the food we did find! I certainly hope some of that $25 million is spent improving that aspect.
We need Chang II as a modern Vekoma multi-looper or tilt
"Get ready to experience CHANG!"
This is my home park and I remember the glory days when Six Flags ran it. I’m so sad that they’re getting ride of what used to be Penguin’s Blizzard River; it was always a big favorite of mine. Hopefully they bring it back better than ever like the rafts at Dollywood.
I had season passes in 2022. I used it twice because it was so disappointing. The rides were janky and unpredictably closed for staffing reasons. I got stuck on the swings both trips and young kids on it with me were panicking because there was no communication from the ops about what was happening.
2:57 graphic design is my passion
LOL
This is underrated
I’m crrrryyyiinnngg 💀💀💀
Yay! I'm glad that they're going to make Kentucky Kingdom more Kentucky-y.
The Christmas event was extremely impressive. The amount of lights was stunning and beautiful. A great value added for season pass purchasers.
My home park. Thrilled to see it getting a much-needed renovation!
Go Louisville, my beloved home town, but that patch of ground at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds will never be as beautiful as the Smoky Mountains, which make one stand in awe of its natural beauty.
Kk home park here. I will say in the few years since herchend has taken over. They have redone alot of stuff. Since stuff like pumpkins and Christmas has come the park looks amazing during those times. Plus food has gotten a lot better as well. While there is stuff that needs to get redone and I bet it will over time. The park is heading in a great direction
Celebration Downs should include a horse racing carousel akin to the ones at Cedar Point and Rye Playland!
Those are both over 100 years old and as far as I know, the only other one is at Blackpool Pleasure Beach... Unless a manufacturer is willing to recreate and make parts to support it, it's not likely. The parks that have them actually have machine shops to make their own parts.
This is one of many parks that seriously needs a multi-looping coaster, AKA a looping roller coaster with possibly vest. Restraints are over-the-shoulder restraints with 8 to nine car trains and multiple inversions would be lovely for Kentucky Kingdom and Kings Island too 🥰🎢
Most of the adults I know only go for the water park, including those with kids. More investment in the water park is very smart.
Petition for coaster studios to do a fan Meet and greet on opening day for Kentucky kingdom
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I see Kentucky Kingdom as a park with a lot of potential. I am curious how much money they want to invest in the land though with how the land is owned by the fair ground, versus the attractions that can be relocation. I know six flags struggled with the fair grounds. The second thing I wonder is how much longer Kentucky Kingdom will serve alcohol, as it isn't something Dollywood or Silver Dollar City offers, especially if they focus in on family friendly. Hershend parks are amazing, and excited to see what they bring to one of my home parks.
As someone who works in the new Fire District at SDC, KK’s kiddie area looked pretty sad during my visit in 2024. I hope that is updated.
Give it time
Just by watching the video, it makes me excited for what Herschend Family Entertainment has planned for Kentucky Kingdom in the future!
It's gonna take a LOT of time to turn amusement park into a theme park, but I think that this transformation will be worth it.
If you visit this park in Fall...Check out the local Jack O Lantern Spectacular. It's unreal how many Jack O Lanterns get made
I love pumpkins
A great once small park that upgraded is Holiday World in souther Indiana.When I was a kid it was Santa Claus land.I think their water park is one of the best around.Its such a great area too.They are always adding something new.
I would LOVE some turn of the century and early 20th century theming. Play up the old Kentucky Derby style for a fancy dapper flare and them some more traditional old Appalachian theming in other parts. This would really fit for Herschend and for the main park in Kentucky.
It's a day care during the summer. Teens get annual passes and hang out all day there. Many people complain about harassment from these teens, and the overall atmosphere of the park. Maybe this will help.
A family launched coaster would be a huge win for Kentucky Kingdom, especially with Holiday World and Kings Island both adding family boomerangs last year. Fingers crossed they call it "Derby Dash" or similar
That would also make sense because they’re right next to the airport, so they can’t build any tall lift hills
@@TheRealPSKilla502I think the height limit is about 150 feet because Chang and greased lightning were both about that height
@@TheRealPSKilla502Chang was there for years and wasn’t a bad ride. It ended up in Jersey as the Green Lantern. Wish they’d put a steel wing like X-Flight, Gatekeeper, Thunderbird and Wild Eagle.
@ A launched wing coaster would be expensive, but it would help them stand out from Kings Island. I guess if Herschend wants to invest millions of dollars into theming, they should have no trouble affording a B&M.
There's a lauched wing an hr and a half away and arguably the best wing until the one opening this yr
Great video!!!
As a mechanic for the park, you did a pretty good job on this video. You got many things right and many things are going to be changed during the off season. By the way, it’s not sky catcher getting moved. 😮
Not mentioned in the video, but another improvement is that Thunder Run is getting some retracking and reprofiling!
Much needed, my ride last summer was rough
@@PaxtonBolanos yep same here. Looks like Gravity Group is doing the retrack
Very exciting. Thanks for posting.
6:55 I was under the impression the Raptor was going to go on the midway between Storm Chaser and the Larson Loop…not that it matters anymore lol
It’s possible both positions were looked at
Theming should be prioritized first, then family attractions, and then a marque thrill ride. This park has a ways to go, but its Herschend. Let's see them make it happen.
Dollywood and SDC thrive on making it a place for ALL ages. If they could tap into shows with local bluegrass musicians and add a show about Louisville-born Cassius Clay aka Muhammad Ali, that could help. Also, have a store like Casey’s at SDC which sells baseball bats and related items since Louisville Slugger is right there
A lot of this park is idle due to state restrictions due to it being right on the airport the height restrictions and expanding is a challenge
Great video!
Would love to see Kentucky Kingdom add some type of Kentucky Derby themed coaster- maybe something like what Knotts has in Pony Express
I just gotta say being originally from Louisville, KY and hearing someone pronounce it correctly on this platform made me giddy! Absolutely love all the work you do for the coaster and theme park community!
My dad grew up in Louisville and I’ve spent a lot of time there so I got it down! :)
Honeslty love the theme... very original and will be interested to see how this grows
While the park has been teasing the Nature Theme of the new area and not giving names, going on the Media Room/Media Kit portion of the Kentucky Kingdom website, and looking at the images and specs of the new rides, it looks like the new land is going to be called "Discovery Meadows". The Train is "Cumberland Express", the Squirrel ride is "Scout's Squirrel Race", the Cardinal ride is "Red Bird Racer." The reveal was hidden in plain sight, I guess. Maybe they want to see if people are paying attention.
oh interesting!
I'm excited.
The park is already pretty good.
It just feels hodgepodge together.
So actual theming will be awesome.
Love the new changes. But I think also along with these changes. They need a bigger signature coaster. If there gonna put any pressure. On the surrounding parks. 🤔
Cyclos is such a sad loss though. It was easily the best flat ride in the park.
It is popular. But it had its fare share of down time
The rapids was one of the best rides the park had... ot was perfect for how MISERABLY hot it gets during the summer.
Anyone hear about the new ride? It goes up and drops two feet...
For those who don't rememeber, a young woman lost her legs on a ride that use to be called the Hell-A-Vator, than renamed Superman Tower of power. A cable snapped a mutilated her legs. Never forget!
I went there a bunch of times around 2000 when i was in middle school. I havent ever went back since though.
I am shocked! I had written off KK getting big improvements.
Expect to see some improvements to the food and beverage operations here too. In my work with the F&B dept at Hersheypark their park was one of the ones surveyed by a third-party company for analysis. I think they're trying to follow trends of the rest of the industry to have a couple large, indoor sit-down food locations at strategic points around the park followed by small snack locations placed afterward.
I'm a local.
Good for them.
Something similar to "Maverick" at Cedar Point would be a winner there I think. Wishful thinking though.
The arrow is pointing up.
I go to Kentucky Kingdom every September for Louder than Life and it’s the parking gets more and more expensive every year. It jumped from $25 to $40 which sucks
Being on state fair land has been a problem for who ever owned this park
Cyclos is one of my favs I can’t believe they are getting rid of it
This is good news! Holiday World isn't that far, but King's Island is too far from Bowling Green. I'm excited for the KY Nature Center.
I’d be happy if even half of these plans come to fruition. I’ve been going here since I wasn’t tall enough to ride anything and now I take my three kids every summer. It’s got something but it definitely needs something more. I’m excited!
Ngl, it would’ve been funny if instead of scrapping it, Six Flags would’ve sold Green Lantern to Kentucky Kingdom. I’m really sure it wouldn’t have happened though.
I have high hopes for Herschend to manage KK. I know they once operated Darien Lake and that park looked really nice during that era. Kentucky Kingdom is still going through growing pains as they’re under new management, and I can’t wait to visit the park one day.
Herschend seems like they run a quality park so it's nice to see they are giving some love to this park. Hopefully they will give some attention to Wild Adventures soon...
I personally am sad to see the river rapids go 😞 I understand that it was problematic but it sure was fun. Some folks, like me, can't do the coasters anymore due to health issues. I really enjoyed the river rapids because it was something I could still ride with my daughter...
I'm all for $11 million going into Kentucky Kingdom to shape the amusement park into a theme park like its sister parks, SDC and Dollywood. I'm even more for it if the future holds spending double or triple that to bring a stand out roller coaster the way Time Traveler and Lightning Rod did!
Do not sleep on this park! It’s a blast. You can run around in your swim suit all day in the summer.
I'm glad to hear about this because of how the place looked it needed an overhaul when I visited in 2023. There is one thing about all this that does bug me and that's how they're finally paying attention to this park, but not Wild Adventures. They need to show love for both parks.
I really hope this parks keeps most of their old rides because that is what made it so itself and so fun.
Much needed here.
Went for the first time last year and I definitely think this park has a long long long way to go, but at this pace they’ll definitely get there. And I really hope they manage to remove the road in the middle of the park.
1/3 of the ferris wheel was down today. It was wild to see
so I heard. very interesting to see what that means- if its a relocation, large scale maintenance, or a full on removal
Now I hope Six Flags Sells off Six Flags America, then Herschend Purchases the park and does a complete overhaul. That Would Be Awesome
I wonder if they are going to do like sdc where you exit by going through the gift shop where you can pick up your souvenirs. That service blew me away and was so impressed how they worked that. Very awesome
I hope they actually add some good thrill rides and not just a bunch of family and kids rides.
9:06 S&S modern Steeplechase would be cool, but is it high enough capacity for the park?
Haven’t been to this one yet. Been to holiday world many times though. I gotta go here
I got to say, I'm so excited for this. I am going to miss Eye Of The Storm and River Rapids ride. I honestly think Zone 3 is going to have a makeover since it feels empty. I'm so glad herschend is pouring investment to the park and i think that they will do great
Really fun park- they’ve got an awesome top 2 and the other coasters and flats aren’t bad either. Definitely needs some love, but could imagine this place thriving with the right people in charge
I had a good feeling about Herschend buying Kentucky Kingdom. They are giving it the same love Dollywood and Silver Dollar City got. It takes a few years to change stuff up but they are slowly making their mark and that counts a lot!
I'm in Nashville, and Holiday World and Kentucky Kingdom are the two closest parks (followed closely by Dollywood). I've driven past KK several times and had no real desire to go, but would love for that to change. Dollywood is a fantastic park and if done right, KK could become a fantastic regional theme park!
Believe it or not, it is actually a really great little kept secret. I prefer it to HW.
From a European perspective I gotta say these are great investments. The park already has a decent coaster lineup but the park itself has been pretty bare looking. Not exactly the most pleasant space to loiter around all things considered and sometimes you just need to have the moment to enjoy the surroundings and hope theyre nice, and take a breather between the rides. Like Im an enthusiast, not as active anymore as in my teenage years but still. And even I often need to just sit down and relax for a bit between rides.
Plus family rides are so so important, theyre the bread and butter of theme parks, at least here in Europe, so to see Herschend making them a bigger priority is great to see. I love the idea of a derby themed coaster, whether its a straddle coaster from say Intamin or Vekoma, or might be that S&S Steeplechase revival, thatd be great to have!
All in all Im impressed and hope as much of the plans comes to be as possible
I'm excited to go this summer. Had a horrible experience last time for my first ever experience. Had to miss slayer because of the hurricane at louder than life and right next to it is Kentucky kingdom. had to look at that closed park walking out from the festival. Rough day man 😂
I suggest going during the summer, mid June- beginning July is a prime timr
As soon as you said fire district it made me think of blazing fury would be super nice to get one here makes perfect sense if you ask me.
*Fire in the hole