As a Michigander I can’t help but correct you it’s mus-keee-gan . They way you said it made it sound like a Pokémon.😂 great video either way keep it up man.
When Chris’s favorite park is your home park. But seriously I agree about ki being slightly better do to the staff. Man seeing Orion lit up every morning while walking into work is something to behold
Ive been going to KI every year since I was 10. I love being able to watch the park grow and get better and better rides. It's definitely what turned me into a coaster enthusiast
I’ve come to agree with it. Their staff, atmosphere, food, and crowds put it over. Their Haunt is better too. I love CP being words, but I honestly can’t justify going without Fast Lane Plus
Ive been going to kings island every year since I was like 8 and I had been there before that because they have amazing rides but also have many rides for kids so the whole family can come and some amazing food and also shout out to the workers there
I agree with your take on Ki, it’s an elite park that I think does well in just about every category. It has the atmosphere, theming, food, operations, and not a single bad coaster. The park was dead on my first visit so it was pretty surreal to walk onto some coasters I’d been wanting to ride for years.
My husband and I went to Kings Island for the first time in June of this year, and it was the BEST theme park experience we've ever had. Operations were top tier. 3 train ops on almost all of the rides (The Bat being the only ride with 2). Going through the lines very fast despite the crowds. The employees were super helpful during the check in process. The park was very clean and well maintained. There were a lot of local musicians and bands playing due to some festival for charity going on. We were able to secure many rerides. Kings Island is the best park in America, bar none. And this is coming from someone who has Six Flags Great America as my home park.
@@BlueChicken57 I've been to CP a few times. It was fun, but the operations were TERRIBLE every single time I went, so that kind of knocked it down a peg. It's still a top tier park
Growing up near Charlotte; Carowinds was a monthly summer event. It's amazing how Cedar Fair has transformed Carowinds into a world class theme park. Kings Dominion is nice as well, love the layout of that park.
Great list, I really appreciate your thoughts on Knott’s. It may not have the most impressive lineup of coasters, but the care and detail that CF has put into it to maintain that family built feel makes it one of my favorite parks.
As having Knott's be my home park I agree. Knott's is a fantastic park and no matter if you're an enthusiast or a small child there is always something to do there. Plus the food is 💣
@@melissaleigh8019the incident happened at the Kansas City location. The San Antonio location is the flagship location where most of their business and revenue come from
@@musicalmango5527 I think it’s stupid to criticize the ending of Mystic Timbers when you’d just be sitting on a boring brake run on any other ride 🤦🏻♂️🤣
I’m a ride op at KI, and this put a huge smile on my face. Hardly feels like work because of how amazing the environment is. It’s always fun, with safety first of course!
It's funny, after last year when I visited both CP and KI, I almost felt guilt thinking that I somewhat liked KI more. Glad to know it's not that crazy after all.
I like cedar point better I might be a little biased but it has bigger and better roller coasters but I can confirm Orion is better than Millenium Force
What makes Kings Island so good is that no matter what 2 favorites of yours you choose, they will always be amazing coasters, sometimes the best of their kind. Like one guy might say The Beast and Diamondback, another might say Mystic Timbers and Orion, unlike at Cedar Point where Steel Vengeance will always be one of the two. I don't know, maybe I just like when we can share our favorites even though they're different.
Personally I liked Maverick better than Steel Vengeance. I didn’t get a chance to go on Dragster, as when I went it was just a few days after the accident. It would take another visit though to lock in what I thought were my favorites at CP.
@@Derangedlefty I so agree with you! I’m a KI homeparker, and we 1000% need something big. Like an S&S axis or even a Mack multi-launch. Just something, *anything* more intense.
My old home park (and favorite place on Earth) Kings Island getting the love! That place has always been special, it just keeps getting better while retaining some of its old charm
I gotta give you credit for changing my life. I think your video in which you crowned Kings Island your favorite park over Cedar Point pushed me over the edge to add it to my trip to Ohio last year. There must be something in the air or water or both in Mason that makes the locals so incredibly friendly and inviting. The coasters are all fun, even the worst ones. Add one RMC and game over for best park in USA hands down.
I was shocked to see Canada’s wonderland at number 6! It’s my number 2 or 3 in the chain! I love the atmosphere and also I really love their ride lineup. I find all the rides at least decent (except time warp which belongs in the 🗑) and their flat rides collection is unmatched by probably any other park in the world, especially before they got rid of their enterprise. Other than that I agree with your list! Great job
Time Warp, Flight Deck and the woodies are probably knocking it down a few spots, but I definitely do think the flat ride collection deserves some credit here. Got 3 or 4 that are North-America's-only and one that's world's-only.
@@ColeYote which one is world only? But yeah I agree with this. But tbf I really like the woodies actually, I think they’re really good. Flight deck really hurts but it isn’t too bad after only 1 ride. Time warp tbh you can get used to also, if it wasn’t to shaky and you weren’t in a cage then the layout would be great
I agree 100% about King's Island and Cedar Point. I visited both a lot this year and King's Island was on top of their game every day. I once got stuck on mystic timbers this summer for literally 10-15 minutes and the staff came right out to us on the brake run explaining the situation and gave us all ice cold water bottles once we got off. No park does that. Not even Cedar Point; and CP's rides get stuck and break down a lot. This year everyday there'd be 1 to 2 coasters down for the day or break down a lot throughout the day, and not just TTD either.
cedar point may not give you water. but sometimes depending on what ride you were stuck on they have given people a bunch of dif passes for the day. like exit passes and more. so yeah
Appreciate you not being too harsh on Michigan's Adventure. Being my home park it's definitely a bit depressing knowing we are probably stuck with getting a few flat rides here and there because Cedar Fair would rather keep it small and highly profitable than to take the risk of putting a big investment into a park that is out of the way and doesn't pull a big crowd but ill always love the park for what it is, especially knowing we have one of the best hidden gems of a coaster in Shivering Timbers.
I was expecting you to say KI over CP. However, I still disagree with you. KI does have the better atmosphere and better operations, but I personally put a larger emphasis on the coaster collection than everything else (I’m a single 22y/o). But, Cedar Point should capture the charm of KI and all they’d really have to do is add more green space somehow
I side with Chris on this one. The overall experience I had when I went this past summer really made it obvious. The coaster collection at cedar point is amazing, no doubt about that. Lines were long, operations were hit or miss, and the atmosphere, while great in many places, didn’t do it as well as KI. With CP, a lot of the workforce lacks the same enthusiasm and joy. At kings island I had multiple employees pointing out the shirts I was wearing from other theme parks around the country. They were personable, conversational, and at the end of the day, I came out of Kings Island having fun, and just enjoying my time. Cedar point was nothing but managing time, making sure to get in lines at the best time to beat some of the crowds, and overall a lot of cross-park walking trying to ensure that we could wait in as little lines as possible
Thanks for consistently putting out great content! I’m a Michigander and found my way back to enthusiasm at the wrong time since winter has just begun… In the meantime I’ve been binging your content, top notch.
As a roller coaster junkie... Cedar Point has a better all around coaster line up then King's Island. But King's Island does have a lot of great features. I think overall Cedar Point has stepped up their seating game for those waiting and continued to keep their charm. That said, judging any of these by which portions were closed or not example restaurants etc. seems silly given you visited them in the height of COVID. Overall fair assessment. Cedar Fairs has done a really nice job with several of these parks.
100% spot on with Kings Island, personable employees. Everyone seemed like they were having a good time when I was there in both 2020 and 2021, which were my first visits to the park since 2000. I love Cedar Point with a passion, and prefer it’s coaster collection simply for Steel Vengeance and Magnum, but Kings Island seems to be the better run park. And it truly is not far behind with its own coaster collection. I can’t imagine what might replace Vortex and if they add some kind of looper there, as well as a big RMC somewhere else eventually, it could just about tie Cedar Point despite having fewer coasters. I say the park should go for broke and call up S&S for a 4th Dimension. Then BOOM, as good as or better than Cedar Point with one addition.
Your top 3 rings true for me too! Carowinds is super cute and I found myself riding the main rides once but piling ALL my rerides to JUST Fury 325. XD What can I say? I love that coaster to PIECES! Cedar Point is MASSIVE. Though I never really got lost in the park. I just didn't get as much time as I wish I could have there (gotta love weather). Chef's kiss to Steel Vengeance for existing. Those back row rides were EVERYTHING (especially the 2nd time when I was all by myself on that row!). And Millie can still pack some speed to back her up! KINGS ISLAND!!! I loved how everyone was having so much fun! I loved how each ride had its own charm. I think I kept giving both Diamondback AND Orion opps the weather updates when they had to close them for weather. It was ALWAYS a tiny cell but it was enough to shut the big rides down. One of them even said I should work there! If only I lived close... Ah but Mystic Timbers, Diamondback, Banshee, Orion, The Beast. YES PLZ! (Actually, speaking of the Beast, supposedly it's getting some retrack work. You heard about that?)
My only visit to Carowinds was this past summer and I splurged on Fast Lane, managed 9x laps on Fury, 6x on Intrimidator, and 4x on Copperhead. Fury's drop in the back seat is just falling forever, but the front seat on Fury is the true way to experience what Fury has to offer with speed and g-forces!
I think the two things that helps KI stand out is, (1) balance and (2) park culture/management. (1), KI has a very balanced ride collection, with no bad coasters save one of the kid coasters. (2), KI has just a good culture that trickles down from park management. The ride ops are fast and sociable. There people just seem to like working there. You know KI management is good when the park has remained profitable and popular despite terrible ownership for decades preceding Cedar Fair. The park isn't perfect. It still needs a replacement for Vortex's inversions, and an RMC. Not to mention, it could definitely use new flat and dark rides (put Boo Blasters out of its misery already, and get a real light gun ride). I'd mention the Beast desperately needs a retrack too, but Gravity Group just started that. So... good. But overall, it is just the most well rounded park in the Cedar Fair collection.
The boo blasters supervisors would agree with you. I work at ki and it’s a common to hear about them stopping the ride because of teenagers getting handsy with each other. Which is also why you probably shouldn’t ride boo blasters.
The boo blasters supervisors would agree with you. I work at ki and it’s a common to hear about them stopping the ride because of teenagers getting handsy with each other. Which is also why you probably shouldn’t ride boo blasters.
The boo blasters supervisors would agree with you. I work at ki and it’s a common to hear about them stopping the ride because of teenagers getting handsy with each other. Which is also why you probably shouldn’t ride boo blasters.
Knotts is always one of my fav parks I’ve been to because I think it has such a great balance of theme park rides and amusement park rides to appeal to families and coaster junkies
Very pleasantly surprised when you got to number 2. I’ve always preferred Kings Island. Like you said, good culture. And being halfway between it and Cedar Point, Kings Island is easier to get to.
Great to hear you say you're liking Magnum more every time you ride it. I'd rather ride Magnum than Maverick or MF any day! It's #2 in the park behind SV imo! Love that coaster from start to finish!
Personally I love cedar point. Im a sucker for the views and feeling of being on a island. And all the history of course, both personally and the park itself. Last time I got to KI was right after Cedar Fair bought it and were changing all the branding and ride names so it’s probably changed a lot since I’ve seen. Great video.
Gonna be honest you putting cedar point at number 2 was like the biggest plot choice for me, but i can't blame you. I think KI is way more welcoming and people there are more friendly than CP. Also, KI has a great diverse yet classic line-up of coasters. Also I really like KI layout, I mean CP can't really change that it is stretched out due to lake erie, but still the back of the park feels like it is split in two and takes kind of a long time to get from one coaster to the other imo
Your spot on man. Kings island is my family’s home park but we started getting platinum passes so we can hit cedar point when we have the need for big thrills but man you have to be lucky to have all rides operational when you go and that’s a bummer! This was a great video but all your videos are good 👍 keep them coming 🤙
I'm sure CP's location doesn't help either...finding staffing when the closest major metro area is an hour away, for a park that size...probably not easy
@@AirtimeThrills sorry I’m everywhere in this comment section but yeah cedar point is so desperate for employees they offered to cover the cost for kings island employees to stay in Sandusky just to have them work at cedar point.
How he pronounced Muskegon made me laugh so hard. Sorry I know you probably don’t live near their, but I live in Michigan so it made me chuckle a bit. Anyways great video!
CP is my home park and even I have to agree with you. Every time I visit KI, I have such a good time there. Great rides, great people, great fun! Still have to get a credit on Orion, but I'm going to take care of that next season!
I went to CP back in 2019 for the first time in almost 20 years and bragged to my friends (all 1st timers) how amazing it was. We bought the combo ticket that gets you KI admission too, but just knew we wanted 2 days at CP and felt like only 1 was needed at KI. Even though we had a good time at CP, minus a fast lane plus issue, we could not stop talking about the amazing day we had at KI. It took us awhile to admit it, but KI is definitely better than CP in terms of the overall park experience. Forgot to mention it was the entire group's, myself included, first time to KI. Last days of Vortex and right before Orion. We can't wait to go back.
I have only ever been to Cedar Point and Kings Island. Both were fantastic, amazing parks.I found the employees and patrons of Kings Island to be generally friendlier and in better spirits than the people at Cedar Point. Cedar Point is still mind blowing and I can't wait to go back. However, for example at Cedar Point one woman at the security screening for Steel Vengeance was literally screaming at patrons. It was intense and I thought she was going to pop a blood vessel or something. With the exception of one person, the demeanor of people working that security checkpoint was one of a person who hated their job. In the employees' defense many patrons were honestly acting like complete morons about the screening. Just an overall different vibe in the two parks.
I’ve only ever been to Cedar Point and King’s Island as well. For me, the staff at Cedar Point was amazing, their operations went well, and everyone was really friendly. The employees weren’t as nice at KI, and not generally really helpful either. They’re both really great parks but for me, Cedar Point was the standout of the two.
@@blissful-guide The staff is normally great at both parks but operations are almost always better at KI. I've been to both for multiple day this year and last year and it's the most consistent reason I and many others think KI is the better overall park
@@ootheboss9307 I mean, many, many, MANY more people think CP is a massively better park. Like, 85% of people at least would say so. Stop acting like your vocal minority speaks to some dramatic point about the two parks.
@@gibiati8295 it does though. Operations at KI are certainly better than any other cedar fair park. Not even mentioning that CP’s coaster break down ALL THE TIME and KI’s simply don’t. It’s not an overwhelming park and a more relaxed atmosphere. CP’s more popular and loved because it’s iconic and everybody knows it but if you came in without bias KI is the more rounded park. I don’t knock people that argue CP has better coaster and location because it does and that’s a fair reason to like it but saying it matches KI in terms of anything else is just not true. It speaks volumes that even 15% of people think KI is better as that’s shows there’s something KI has that CP does not have
"Canada's Wonderland is right there in the middle of the city" Well that's not fair, it was far from the city when it was built, it was a good 10 miles from anywhere when it opened, was just farmland or forests as far as the eye could see. But times change.
Thank for this excellent video! To complement this I'd also like a theming freak who doesn''t like coasters to rank the parks for everything but coasters, like food, cleanliness, natural beauty/gardening, dark rides, architecture, value, crowds, etc.
As someone who lives in Muskegon, here are the facts of Michigan's Adventure 1.) The local and county government have bent over backwards for multiple requests in the name of tourism and job creation. 2.) The last new attraction was Thunderhawk in 2008, like you mentioned, was moved from another park. 3.) The land owned by Cedar Fair at the MI Adventure park is 152 Acres with about 42 Acres unused. 3a.) The Park 41.20 Acres (Rides, Waterpark, Walk ways, food areas, etc) 3b.) Operations 17.25 Acres (Employee Areas) 3c.) Parking 28.15 Acres 3d.) Main Pond 9.00 Acres & Other Water 14.88 Acres 3e.) There's 550+ Acres of undeveloped land that could be purchased that's contiguous to the existing property. (Could be 2x the size of Cedar Point)
Michigans adventure is neglected in terms of new rides but it ends up being one of their most profitable parks for that very reason. People in Michigan are still willing to go to it but they are also willing to go to cedar point for the big thrills. It will probably mostly just keep getting flat rides as it’s only investments, maybe a family coaster in the future
I had my 1st and so far my only visit to Canada Wonderland 2 months ago and I rode every coaster there except Wonder Mountain's Guardian. I'd rank the 6 best coasters there like this. 6: Dragon Fyre; 5: Backlot Stunt Coaster; 4: Vortex; 3: Yukon Striker; 2: Leviathan; 1: Behemoth; all in the back car (except perhaps Leviathan which is good in every row). After that, every coaster there was either painful or boring. Behemoth has a drop to EBR duration of 71 seconds, with a third of it airtime. That means Behemoth provides guests with about 24 seconds of airtime per ride; which admittedly isn't as much as The Voyage (which I've not yet ridden) or Steel Vengeance, (which I have ridden) but is both a faster and taller coaster than either The Voyage OR Steel Vengeance. In fact: Behemoth is my favourite coaster I've ridden after Steel Vengeance.
Kings Island is my home park, and I think it is a great park. The operations are always amazing. The only problems I can think of are that they have a few random empty spaces and there's not really a stand out restaurant.
Planned to visit Kings Island last weekend and things fell through. Was only able to get there to ride one coaster before closing terrible for my first trip there and I want to go back soon and do it right, God willing.
You know at first when I saw you put kings Island at 1 I was confused. But now it makes since. They have a top tier Hyper, one of the best woodies, and one of the best supporting lineups of any park.
@@AirtimeThrills Off the topic of Cedar fair, is this just me or when you went to Six Flags Over Georgia the workers didn’t act like they cared to worked. At one of the food places the guy was just slopping food on the plate getting it in different foods. But maybe we just went on a bad day.
Kings Island was the first theme park I ever went to back when I was 3 years old. I just went there on Memorial Day for its 50th anniversary. It’s always been my favorite, not only for Nostalgia but just for the good vibes you enjoy every time you go. So to see it rank so high when Cedar Point usually takes the crown (which has an inferior park layout imo) warmed my heart 😂
I love how you point out the lack of efficiency at CP and that is what holds CP back for me as well. They really need to get on it and improve to be more like KI
I’ve never been to kings island but my standards are very high when I visit. I’ve been to Carowinds and Cedar Point and those two parks are flawless. Only been to Californias great America once had a bad experience. I’ve been to Knott’s countless times love it.
This is why I'm considering getting a platinum pass if and when I go to cedar point because kings island is in the same state so it would save money if I do decide to go to both. I think it would also allow me to go to both parks twice that way I don't have to rush to get to every ride I wanna ride and can take my time. Which I feel like would be nice since it would be my first time to those parks Also, the reason cedar point is priority over kings island is because steel vengeance is on my bucket list while no ride from kings island is on my bucket list except for maybe the beast
That's what I did. We drove 11 hours to Kings Island, spent 2 full days, then drove to Cedar Point and spent almost 2 days. 3 days at Cedar Point would've been better, there's too much to do. We did KI first because we stayed in a cheap motel, and ended at CP at Hotel Breakers, a beautiful resort lol
Definitely buy a platinum pass if you're going to each park at least twice next year. It's cheaper than buying day tickets especially when you factor in parking and discounts for tickets for friends and food.
Hi! Watching from Toronto Canada. Wonderland is my home park. I love it. My park has 17 roller coasters. I'm really proud of my park. See ya next year.
You missed the best part of Carowinds, being that it crosses the border between North Carolina and Best Carolina, and a lot of the attractions are Carolina themed to some extent. I mean thats the only one I’ve ever been to so I wouldn’t know if thats common anywhere else.
11:Michigans Adventure 10:Valley Fair 9:Worlds of Fun 8:Dorney Park My home park 7:Californias Great America 6:Canadas Wonderland 5:Knots Berry Farm 4:Kings Dominion 3:Carowinds 2:Kings Island 1:Cedar Point
You probably know by now but Cedar Fair just announced all their updates for each park in 2023. Cedar Point is getting a new Zemperla family wild mouse next to the Dinning/Bar/Recreation building currently under construction. A complete revamp of that section of the park before next May. Calling it a 'new boardwalk experience' with several flats being refurbished and relocated. This should open up more free space for future construction in the middle of the park. Like the Corkscrew area, the old conference (games under) building going as well. It looks that way based upon rendering they shared.
Couldn't agree more with these rankings. After visiting Cedar Point this past season, I was disappointed by the food, staff, and operations. Rides are great, but it's really the only thing it's got going for itself. Kings Island certainly needs it's own "steel vengeance", basically whatever CF adds next. Kings island feels a just a lot better in general. Staff constantly talk with people in the lines, while I saw none of that at Cedar Point.
@@AirtimeThrills The only times I saw actual slow operations at KI were when someone vomited on the train right before I boarded Diamondback and they had to wipe it down and cycle it empty a few times, or when people don't fit in the restraint and they give them a good couple of pushes.
Kings dominion regular here (switching to Carowinds as of late, the extra hour drive is worth it) and you’re the first big time enthusiast or anyone really I’ve ever heard say that dominator is a top tier floorless. It’s a good layout decently intense but it is a headache machine!
Yeah kings island has always gotten the nod for me as well. I live in Ohio and visit both parks several times a year, and cedar point has just been god awful when it comes to operations. KI has never let me down. CP can’t even use COVID as an excuse cause they are always ran like shit but we overlook that because of the coaster quality.
You know, I’m not surprised that Michigan’s Adventure was ranked low. I love that little guy with all my heart. I might be biased, but even though they haven’t aged great, Wildcat and Thunderhawk were never rough to me. Cedar Fair really needs to give her some love. Maybe a MaxAir? Also, i hate to be that guy, but it’s pronounced “Mus-KEE-gun”. I agree with most of this list, and I really enjoyed this video.
@@kevinthompson6986 those were just rumors, and they were confirmed as false. Unfortunately, I don’t see my scrappy little home park getting anything big in the next decade.
It's definitely the weird cousin of the Cedar Fair family but as long as we have Shivering Timbers I'll still be there a few times a year. Legitimately one of the best wooden coasters out there but it's a shame the park as a whole is so forgotten about a little love could really go a long way.
Another thing that favors Kings Island is that is has possibly the greatest physical layout of any park I have personally ever been to. It's like a wagon wheel. A circle with spokes leading to the center. You can easily go "Around the world" or cut across at any point. You're not forced to ride things in a specific order.
I just visited CP, KI, and Carowinds this week. I grew up going to Carowinds and KD every few years and this was my first time at CP and KI. I liked KI more than CP as well. It has a much better atmosphere and actual trees. I really enjoyed the 50th anniversary feel even though they didn’t go all out. And their fireworks show was very enjoyable. After years of just doing theme parks (WDW, Seaworld, BG Tampa and Williamsburg), I’ve learned to appreciate amusement parks as well.
I live in Columbus, so Cedar Point and KI are close. I really enjoy much more Kings Island and here is why, The rides are not far from each other, the lines move quick, you dont have to sepend all day in lines, the food is good and everywhere, the staff is friendly, parking is close and well thought, no big line of cars in entrance, perfect layout in a cirucular manner that you dont mis a ride.
"It's tough to have a B&M Invert as your best coaster" I think Alton Towers & Bush Gardens Tampa (at least for the next few months) would beg to differ?
Of the five Cedar Fair parks I've been to, my favorite is Cedar Point followed by Kings Island, Kings Dominion, Knott's Berry Farm and Valleyfair. I used to slightly like Kings Island more than Cedar Point after visiting both in 2015 but my opinions changed after revisiting Cedar Point in 2017.
hahaha LOVE MY MICHIGANS ADVENTURE 2for the price of 1 My home park.. will always show the love... could be a top teir park if more coasters added.. but has one of the best water parks ive ever been too. thats its main attraction cedar fair has invested in since its take over.. anyways.. great video glad u made it here... glad u liked it..
As a local California resident whose first theme park was knotts I approve of the rating 👍🏽 a lil harsh on silver bullet but like you say it what it is, great video 👏🏽
I live close enough to KI that I can see it from my back yard. I assumed it would rank 3 if you were being generous, but more likely 4 or 5. I easily take for granted how nice my literal backyard park is. The irony of your ratings is that all of us locals (for the most part) feel like Cedar Fair treats us like the little step brother. Orion is 289 feet tall with a 300 foot drop. It's like, well, they don't want to outshine their baby Melnium Force up the road. I absolutely love the care Cedar Fair has put into our park, but it does feel like they want us to be number two so Sandusky can retain coaster capital of the world. To me, that's fine, because while they might be doing that, they are also making KI one of the absolute most fun parks around. Mystic Timbers is just crazy and fun. Orion is intense with good pops of air and positive Gs, and it's fun! Not every ride needs to break a record. At the end of the day, if your park goers leave with great memories and the overall impression of having fun, they'll be back. I appreciate the ranking as a local, and I have a personal goal to hit each of the top 5 parks and enjoy all the Cedar Fair goodness. One last thought: Speaking of whatever comes next for KI being world class, you think that attraction will go in the space Vortex occupied, and what kind of design might fit in that space? It's not a small plot by any means.
I lost this guy at "Orion outclasses Millennium Force" and "Maverick is a B+..." The OP of this video definitely ranks at the bottom of youtube's amusement park video makers.
I haven’t been to Carowinds yet(2022!!) but I constantly shuffle around Cedar Point, Kings Island, and Kings Dominion as my top Cedar Fair park. I love all 3 so much and they all offer a little something different.
As a Charlotte native that has had Carowinds season passes since 2014, i love this place to death but sometimes the customer service is just TERRIBLE. You can tell that the teenage workers don’t really wanna be there, and it drags down the experience. Other than that they do add something to the park every year, which keeps it fresh. Great video
I saw my homepark Kings Island at #1. I went to Cedar Point a week ago and it's a popular destination for tourists. The bad part about it is that the rides break down for frequent that Kings Island's. Almost every ride at Cedar Point broke down at least once. I hope KI replace vortex very soon. weather it's a launch coaster or RMC hybrid, they can't leave it empty forever.
As Kings Island is my home park, I must say I agree! Carowinds is the only other CF park I've been to besides the Ohio parks, so by default, it's my #3 as well. The bias aside, I will whole heartedly agree that KI has the best operations. I do, however, love the unique rides that Carowinds has that Ohio doesn't have. I would love to visit the rest of them eventually, too. Kings Dominion and Canada's Wonderland are my next destinations.
I'm from Columbus, I'd call Cedar Point my home park, cause like, I grew up there basically, but I feel you on the kings island love. I've been back and forth over those two lately. haven't ridden Orion yet, but everyone talks about those operations like it's next level stuff. I really appreciate high quality operations. it's kinda why I always hated on great america when I lived in Chicago. they might be good, but they've got nothing on cedar fair ops. I shiver to think what low tier six flags ops look like lol
Valleyfair is my fav in the cedar fair chain.Somedays there are walk on rides like renegade and wild thing.steel venom is one of the best coasters.unfortunately they haven’t got a new coaster for 17 yrs now
If Cedar Fair throws Michigan's Adventure $4M, they could add two family thrill attractions where Big Dipper once stood. Those two being an S&S Double Shot (80 foot model) and a Zamperla Disk'O 24. With that land being literally next to the main entrance, the entire park would vibe off of those rides. Heck, even just a Zamperla Disk'O there and the park would be better.
A lot of the things you said about Kings Island you can say for Six Flags Great America. From my experience, all of the coaster are open unless there is maintenence needed, the staff is nice, the operations are awesome, and its food is good for parks. The park is also pretty.
🤣 at how he pronounced Muskegon for Michigan's Adventure....I live in Michigan so lemme help you out my brother lol...its pronounced Muh-skee-gun ..not Muss-cagun..🤣 had to help you out ATT! ..much love keep up the great content!
It's interesting how we feel similar in some ways about these parks and different in others... In fairness you've been to far more of these parks than I have (I've ONLY been to 5 Cedar Fair parks...each with multiple visits). I have several friends and fellow amusement park enthusiasts however who have given me a good understanding of 2 more of the Cedar Fair parks to the point I think I can confidently say ''oh THAT park would be ranked in 'x' place for me!'' So with that said here's the 7 Cedar Fair parks ranked that I'm familiar with: 7th --> Michigan's Adventure --> The park where all other parts of amusement park attractions go to die. Visiting here is like going to a mall that used to be the largest mall in the region, but ended up losing most of its stores and now you walk through a mostly empty mall with everyone else there who just wants to get their step count in while grabbing something at the local dollar store... 6th --> World's Of Fun --> I'm told this is a fun ''half-day out'' type of park from multiple people. It sounds like the video here backs up that type of impression. Keeping expectations lower as to not compare it to ''major parks'' is the key, and if you're able to do so, it will result in a mild-level of appreciation. 5th --> King's Dominion --> Yes it's a good park, and yes people go crazy over their top end coasters (admittedly some of my faves are here also)...but in some ways it's also the most 'dead feeling' park of the bunch I've been to. There's something about the park's design & atmosphere that just feels like a series of dead-end pathways with random placed food kiosks and rides. I sometimes wonder if Busch Gardens Williamsburg takes some of the regional hype and that's why the atmosphere is a bit more low-key. 4th --> Canada's Wonderland --> Although this is my 'home' park, there are just too many negatives that match the impressive positives of this park. Having the 2nd most amount of rollercoasters in North America is kinda cool, but as mentioned in the video, you'll ONLY want to ride about 10 of them (if you're smart and value your wellbeing). If parks were only measured by top 5 coasters, this would be my 2nd favourite park in the Cedar Fair chain....and then it just hits rock bottom (I've actively petitioned to have 3 of their rollercoasters shut down because of the injuries myself and other family & friends have sustained and needed medical treatment for). Their flat-rides are good but lineups, crowd control, and food service at this park are beyond horrible! 3rd --> Knott's Berry Farm --> Fun, thematic, and best of all, you ALWAYS feel like you're in an amusement park which has a larger impact than people realize. Sometimes atmosphere covers for many of the 'minor blemishes' a park would have otherwise, and Knott's Berry Farm does that and then some! * 2nd --> Kings Island --> For all the positive reasons listed in this video I fully agree! It's just a great overall park with nothing really 'bad' about any of it. The only negative I suppose would be that it feels a bit smaller in comparison to Canada's Wonderland & Cedar Point (but given it's impressive layout, food services, rides & coasters I'd gladly take the trade). And first without a doubt is the KING... Cedar Point. The coasters, the food, the balance of active and inactive ways to have fun are spot on in my opinion. No other park (in North America) holds more of my top-50 rollercoasters than Cedar Point. The only problem with this park is the ''hit & miss'' nature of it's operating schedule and shutdowns... I've had amazing trips here where everything I wanted to ride was functioning with reasonable lineups... and I've had horrible trips here where it was almost a complete write-off and I thanked the Lord that I was coming back the next day (otherwise I would've been more than a little ticked having traveled so far to get there)! I'd really like to get to Carrowinds one day...
I'm sorry but your opinion of Valleyfair is so out of line with how I view the park. You're saying a tiny weird Arrow mine train hybrid is the same as having 2 B&M's (including an amazing invert) at both Great America and Dorney? Sorry but nope. Not even close. Dorney certainly loses on the GCI comparison, but Dorney's a much more well-rounded park including or excluding coasters compared to Valleyfail. And I guess looking solely at coasters, Knott's should be at #4. But in literally every single other metric it completely stomps Carowinds.
I agree. Also VF and MIA has gotten to be so overrated as of recent. WOF and Dorney are both better rounded than VF and MIA in my opinion. I get Renegade is an amazing ride, but it stands just like Shivering Timber’s does at MIA... good standout but nothing else to really boast about. At least at Dorney and WOF you have two solid and two pretty good supporters after that.
As a Michigander I can’t help but correct you it’s mus-keee-gan . They way you said it made it sound like a Pokémon.😂 great video either way keep it up man.
Yeah, it’s kind of a Native American name. Words spoken like Asian vowels, and European pronunciation of consonants
I literally just pauses the video to make almost the same comment! I was laughing pretty hard when I heard it. 🤣
Came to say the same thing. So cringy that he gets that wrong.
he wasn't even close lol- still a good video tho
Lol thank you! I’m from that area and it made me giggle 🤣
When Chris’s favorite park is your home park. But seriously I agree about ki being slightly better do to the staff. Man seeing Orion lit up every morning while walking into work is something to behold
Ive been going to KI every year since I was 10. I love being able to watch the park grow and get better and better rides. It's definitely what turned me into a coaster enthusiast
I’ve come to agree with it. Their staff, atmosphere, food, and crowds put it over. Their Haunt is better too. I love CP being words, but I honestly can’t justify going without Fast Lane Plus
I live between Great Adventure, Hersheypark, and Dorneypark so I have to watch this video to cancel out the others and keep me humble
Ive been going to kings island every year since I was like 8 and I had been there before that because they have amazing rides but also have many rides for kids so the whole family can come and some amazing food and also shout out to the workers there
I agree with your take on Ki, it’s an elite park that I think does well in just about every category. It has the atmosphere, theming, food, operations, and not a single bad coaster. The park was dead on my first visit so it was pretty surreal to walk onto some coasters I’d been wanting to ride for years.
Orion is pretty lame
My husband and I went to Kings Island for the first time in June of this year, and it was the BEST theme park experience we've ever had. Operations were top tier. 3 train ops on almost all of the rides (The Bat being the only ride with 2). Going through the lines very fast despite the crowds. The employees were super helpful during the check in process. The park was very clean and well maintained. There were a lot of local musicians and bands playing due to some festival for charity going on. We were able to secure many rerides. Kings Island is the best park in America, bar none.
And this is coming from someone who has Six Flags Great America as my home park.
clearly havent been to CP! nah im just joking but seriously, cp better. respect opinion though
@@BlueChicken57 I've been to CP a few times. It was fun, but the operations were TERRIBLE every single time I went, so that kind of knocked it down a peg. It's still a top tier park
Growing up near Charlotte; Carowinds was a monthly summer event. It's amazing how Cedar Fair has transformed Carowinds into a world class theme park.
Kings Dominion is nice as well, love the layout of that park.
CLT lets gooo
As someone 45 minutes from cedar point, it is the only thing to do in northern Ohio 😂😂😭😭😭
Same I have a gold pass
Great list, I really appreciate your thoughts on Knott’s. It may not have the most impressive lineup of coasters, but the care and detail that CF has put into it to maintain that family built feel makes it one of my favorite parks.
As having Knott's be my home park I agree. Knott's is a fantastic park and no matter if you're an enthusiast or a small child there is always something to do there. Plus the food is 💣
Doesn’t have the elite coasters but the theming can’t be beat.
Number 0: Schlitterbahn
why did cedar even buy it, ever since that incident i doubt anyone would go there.
Lol 😂😂
Yoooo czsworld!!!
@@melissaleigh8019wait what incident I’m confused
@@melissaleigh8019the incident happened at the Kansas City location. The San Antonio location is the flagship location where most of their business and revenue come from
Chris: It’s kinda dicey to rely on a GCI as your best coaster.
Kings Island: 👁👄👁
Mystic is a special breed but I still like Diamondback better
@@AirtimeThrills mystic is good I just wish you could opt out of the ending
@@musicalmango5527 I think it’s stupid to criticize the ending of Mystic Timbers when you’d just be sitting on a boring brake run on any other ride 🤦🏻♂️🤣
@@AirtimeThrills I agree. I'm the Diamondback superfan so...
@@hyperchronicxlc I really like the ending tbh. I think it is underrated and has a lot of attention to detail.
I’m a ride op at KI, and this put a huge smile on my face. Hardly feels like work because of how amazing the environment is. It’s always fun, with safety first of course!
It's funny, after last year when I visited both CP and KI, I almost felt guilt thinking that I somewhat liked KI more. Glad to know it's not that crazy after all.
Sounds like a good week vacation in Ohio. Hit up both parks.
I love CP >:)
You are crazy!
I like cedar point better I might be a little biased but it has bigger and better roller coasters but I can confirm Orion is better than Millenium Force
I like KI more too
What makes Kings Island so good is that no matter what 2 favorites of yours you choose, they will always be amazing coasters, sometimes the best of their kind. Like one guy might say The Beast and Diamondback, another might say Mystic Timbers and Orion, unlike at Cedar Point where Steel Vengeance will always be one of the two. I don't know, maybe I just like when we can share our favorites even though they're different.
thing is steel vengeance is way better than anything at KI. same goes for a few others at CP depending on who you ask.
Personally I liked Maverick better than Steel Vengeance. I didn’t get a chance to go on Dragster, as when I went it was just a few days after the accident. It would take another visit though to lock in what I thought were my favorites at CP.
You could see it as a good thing, but I see it as KI is missing a standout coaster.
@@Derangedlefty I so agree with you! I’m a KI homeparker, and we 1000% need something big. Like an S&S axis or even a Mack multi-launch. Just something, *anything* more intense.
@@Queue_Thrills RMC WOODSTOCK EXPRESS
I’ve been to Kings Island a bunch of times, and I agree. Every time I go, I feel like it’s a better park. It just gets better every year.
Except for the year 2000. We don’t talk about that one.
My old home park (and favorite place on Earth) Kings Island getting the love! That place has always been special, it just keeps getting better while retaining some of its old charm
i love worlds of fun, it may not be the best, but its my home park and holds a special place in my heart
Same with me for Valley Fair. (Ffs, they need at least an RMC raptor.)
I was sad when worlds of fun was that low
Also which Lamar hunt still owned worlds of fun
@@SomeYTuser B&M invert is my Valleyfair dream, but it's never gonna happen. A raptor *would* be nice.
@Eric C hydra is at Dorney not wof
I gotta give you credit for changing my life. I think your video in which you crowned Kings Island your favorite park over Cedar Point pushed me over the edge to add it to my trip to Ohio last year. There must be something in the air or water or both in Mason that makes the locals so incredibly friendly and inviting. The coasters are all fun, even the worst ones. Add one RMC and game over for best park in USA hands down.
**Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is up there with Gwazi but we'll see...
Chris, you have the BEST coaster TH-cam channel. Hands down.
You should check out coastoons
@@thomasobrero756 I sub to all of them. Coastoons and OkayCoasters are both amazing. OkayCoasters just doesn't post much anymore, unfortunately.
yeah sure if you like a biased youtuber
@@mr.intamin1081 That's the whole point of these videos... It's their opinions.
@Arrow Dynamics Inc. yeah seems like he is a bit I like him too
5:25 Well that was a short-lasting hope lmao
I was shocked to see Canada’s wonderland at number 6! It’s my number 2 or 3 in the chain! I love the atmosphere and also I really love their ride lineup. I find all the rides at least decent (except time warp which belongs in the 🗑) and their flat rides collection is unmatched by probably any other park in the world, especially before they got rid of their enterprise. Other than that I agree with your list! Great job
same
you kinda get used to time warp tho but flight deck is unbearable
Time Warp, Flight Deck and the woodies are probably knocking it down a few spots, but I definitely do think the flat ride collection deserves some credit here. Got 3 or 4 that are North-America's-only and one that's world's-only.
@@ColeYote Wilde beast maybe but not Canadian mine buster I always walk off happy
@@ColeYote which one is world only? But yeah I agree with this. But tbf I really like the woodies actually, I think they’re really good. Flight deck really hurts but it isn’t too bad after only 1 ride. Time warp tbh you can get used to also, if it wasn’t to shaky and you weren’t in a cage then the layout would be great
I agree 100% about King's Island and Cedar Point. I visited both a lot this year and King's Island was on top of their game every day. I once got stuck on mystic timbers this summer for literally 10-15 minutes and the staff came right out to us on the brake run explaining the situation and gave us all ice cold water bottles once we got off. No park does that. Not even Cedar Point; and CP's rides get stuck and break down a lot. This year everyday there'd be 1 to 2 coasters down for the day or break down a lot throughout the day, and not just TTD either.
cedar point may not give you water. but sometimes depending on what ride you were stuck on they have given people a bunch of dif passes for the day. like exit passes and more. so yeah
Appreciate you not being too harsh on Michigan's Adventure. Being my home park it's definitely a bit depressing knowing we are probably stuck with getting a few flat rides here and there because Cedar Fair would rather keep it small and highly profitable than to take the risk of putting a big investment into a park that is out of the way and doesn't pull a big crowd but ill always love the park for what it is, especially knowing we have one of the best hidden gems of a coaster in Shivering Timbers.
I was expecting you to say KI over CP. However, I still disagree with you. KI does have the better atmosphere and better operations, but I personally put a larger emphasis on the coaster collection than everything else (I’m a single 22y/o). But, Cedar Point should capture the charm of KI and all they’d really have to do is add more green space somehow
I side with Chris on this one. The overall experience I had when I went this past summer really made it obvious. The coaster collection at cedar point is amazing, no doubt about that. Lines were long, operations were hit or miss, and the atmosphere, while great in many places, didn’t do it as well as KI. With CP, a lot of the workforce lacks the same enthusiasm and joy. At kings island I had multiple employees pointing out the shirts I was wearing from other theme parks around the country. They were personable, conversational, and at the end of the day, I came out of Kings Island having fun, and just enjoying my time. Cedar point was nothing but managing time, making sure to get in lines at the best time to beat some of the crowds, and overall a lot of cross-park walking trying to ensure that we could wait in as little lines as possible
Thanks for consistently putting out great content! I’m a Michigander and found my way back to enthusiasm at the wrong time since winter has just begun… In the meantime I’ve been binging your content, top notch.
Thanks for binging!
As a roller coaster junkie... Cedar Point has a better all around coaster line up then King's Island. But King's Island does have a lot of great features. I think overall Cedar Point has stepped up their seating game for those waiting and continued to keep their charm. That said, judging any of these by which portions were closed or not example restaurants etc. seems silly given you visited them in the height of COVID. Overall fair assessment. Cedar Fairs has done a really nice job with several of these parks.
100% spot on with Kings Island, personable employees. Everyone seemed like they were having a good time when I was there in both 2020 and 2021, which were my first visits to the park since 2000. I love Cedar Point with a passion, and prefer it’s coaster collection simply for Steel Vengeance and Magnum, but Kings Island seems to be the better run park. And it truly is not far behind with its own coaster collection. I can’t imagine what might replace Vortex and if they add some kind of looper there, as well as a big RMC somewhere else eventually, it could just about tie Cedar Point despite having fewer coasters. I say the park should go for broke and call up S&S for a 4th Dimension. Then BOOM, as good as or better than Cedar Point with one addition.
That's a compliment to me lol. My home park is Kings Island!
"it's tough to have a b&m invert as your best coaster"
The entire UK
And formerly BGT until Iron Gwazi finally opens
Alton Towers: U wot mate?
_Nemesis_ is special, though. It gets a pass.
Your top 3 rings true for me too! Carowinds is super cute and I found myself riding the main rides once but piling ALL my rerides to JUST Fury 325. XD What can I say? I love that coaster to PIECES!
Cedar Point is MASSIVE. Though I never really got lost in the park. I just didn't get as much time as I wish I could have there (gotta love weather). Chef's kiss to Steel Vengeance for existing. Those back row rides were EVERYTHING (especially the 2nd time when I was all by myself on that row!). And Millie can still pack some speed to back her up!
KINGS ISLAND!!! I loved how everyone was having so much fun! I loved how each ride had its own charm. I think I kept giving both Diamondback AND Orion opps the weather updates when they had to close them for weather. It was ALWAYS a tiny cell but it was enough to shut the big rides down. One of them even said I should work there! If only I lived close... Ah but Mystic Timbers, Diamondback, Banshee, Orion, The Beast. YES PLZ! (Actually, speaking of the Beast, supposedly it's getting some retrack work. You heard about that?)
My only visit to Carowinds was this past summer and I splurged on Fast Lane, managed 9x laps on Fury, 6x on Intrimidator, and 4x on Copperhead. Fury's drop in the back seat is just falling forever, but the front seat on Fury is the true way to experience what Fury has to offer with speed and g-forces!
@@MakBot Won't lie, I did get 1 front row ride on Fury but for me, it's the back ALL the way! Gave her 11 rides! XD
I think the two things that helps KI stand out is, (1) balance and (2) park culture/management.
(1), KI has a very balanced ride collection, with no bad coasters save one of the kid coasters.
(2), KI has just a good culture that trickles down from park management. The ride ops are fast and sociable. There people just seem to like working there. You know KI management is good when the park has remained profitable and popular despite terrible ownership for decades preceding Cedar Fair.
The park isn't perfect. It still needs a replacement for Vortex's inversions, and an RMC. Not to mention, it could definitely use new flat and dark rides (put Boo Blasters out of its misery already, and get a real light gun ride).
I'd mention the Beast desperately needs a retrack too, but Gravity Group just started that. So... good.
But overall, it is just the most well rounded park in the Cedar Fair collection.
The boo blasters supervisors would agree with you. I work at ki and it’s a common to hear about them stopping the ride because of teenagers getting handsy with each other. Which is also why you probably shouldn’t ride boo blasters.
The boo blasters supervisors would agree with you. I work at ki and it’s a common to hear about them stopping the ride because of teenagers getting handsy with each other. Which is also why you probably shouldn’t ride boo blasters.
The boo blasters supervisors would agree with you. I work at ki and it’s a common to hear about them stopping the ride because of teenagers getting handsy with each other. Which is also why you probably shouldn’t ride boo blasters.
I randomly stumbled upon your channel one day, and now I’m addicted to your videos. Keep up the awesome work!
Knotts is always one of my fav parks I’ve been to because I think it has such a great balance of theme park rides and amusement park rides to appeal to families and coaster junkies
Very pleasantly surprised when you got to number 2. I’ve always preferred Kings Island. Like you said, good culture. And being halfway between it and Cedar Point, Kings Island is easier to get to.
I was surprised about kings island being up at #1 but I like your analysis. I can't wait to hear what their replacement for vortex will be!
Great to hear you say you're liking Magnum more every time you ride it. I'd rather ride Magnum than Maverick or MF any day! It's #2 in the park behind SV imo! Love that coaster from start to finish!
Absolutely my #2 there now
Magnum sucks especially in that third row IDK if new trains would fix it either
It is by far one of my favorites.
Magnum is rough it used to be fun like 10 years ago
Personally I love cedar point. Im a sucker for the views and feeling of being on a island. And all the history of course, both personally and the park itself. Last time I got to KI was right after Cedar Fair bought it and were changing all the branding and ride names so it’s probably changed a lot since I’ve seen. Great video.
Best views of any chain park that’s for sure
Gonna be honest you putting cedar point at number 2 was like the biggest plot choice for me, but i can't blame you. I think KI is way more welcoming and people there are more friendly than CP. Also, KI has a great diverse yet classic line-up of coasters. Also I really like KI layout, I mean CP can't really change that it is stretched out due to lake erie, but still the back of the park feels like it is split in two and takes kind of a long time to get from one coaster to the other imo
Your spot on man. Kings island is my family’s home park but we started getting platinum passes so we can hit cedar point when we have the need for big thrills but man you have to be lucky to have all rides operational when you go and that’s a bummer! This was a great video but all your videos are good 👍 keep them coming 🤙
I'm sure CP's location doesn't help either...finding staffing when the closest major metro area is an hour away, for a park that size...probably not easy
@@AirtimeThrills sorry I’m everywhere in this comment section but yeah cedar point is so desperate for employees they offered to cover the cost for kings island employees to stay in Sandusky just to have them work at cedar point.
You’re*
How he pronounced Muskegon made me laugh so hard. Sorry I know you probably don’t live near their, but I live in Michigan so it made me chuckle a bit. Anyways great video!
Kings Island staff is amazing. Everyone is so friendly and efficient. I love it and I'm so happy it's my home park.
CP is my home park and even I have to agree with you. Every time I visit KI, I have such a good time there. Great rides, great people, great fun! Still have to get a credit on Orion, but I'm going to take care of that next season!
I went to CP back in 2019 for the first time in almost 20 years and bragged to my friends (all 1st timers) how amazing it was. We bought the combo ticket that gets you KI admission too, but just knew we wanted 2 days at CP and felt like only 1 was needed at KI. Even though we had a good time at CP, minus a fast lane plus issue, we could not stop talking about the amazing day we had at KI. It took us awhile to admit it, but KI is definitely better than CP in terms of the overall park experience. Forgot to mention it was the entire group's, myself included, first time to KI. Last days of Vortex and right before Orion. We can't wait to go back.
I have only ever been to Cedar Point and Kings Island. Both were fantastic, amazing parks.I found the employees and patrons of Kings Island to be generally friendlier and in better spirits than the people at Cedar Point. Cedar Point is still mind blowing and I can't wait to go back. However, for example at Cedar Point one woman at the security screening for Steel Vengeance was literally screaming at patrons. It was intense and I thought she was going to pop a blood vessel or something. With the exception of one person, the demeanor of people working that security checkpoint was one of a person who hated their job. In the employees' defense many patrons were honestly acting like complete morons about the screening. Just an overall different vibe in the two parks.
I’ve only ever been to Cedar Point and King’s Island as well. For me, the staff at Cedar Point was amazing, their operations went well, and everyone was really friendly. The employees weren’t as nice at KI, and not generally really helpful either. They’re both really great parks but for me, Cedar Point was the standout of the two.
@@blissful-guide The staff is normally great at both parks but operations are almost always better at KI. I've been to both for multiple day this year and last year and it's the most consistent reason I and many others think KI is the better overall park
@@ootheboss9307 I mean, many, many, MANY more people think CP is a massively better park. Like, 85% of people at least would say so. Stop acting like your vocal minority speaks to some dramatic point about the two parks.
@@gibiati8295 it does though. Operations at KI are certainly better than any other cedar fair park. Not even mentioning that CP’s coaster break down ALL THE TIME and KI’s simply don’t. It’s not an overwhelming park and a more relaxed atmosphere. CP’s more popular and loved because it’s iconic and everybody knows it but if you came in without bias KI is the more rounded park. I don’t knock people that argue CP has better coaster and location because it does and that’s a fair reason to like it but saying it matches KI in terms of anything else is just not true. It speaks volumes that even 15% of people think KI is better as that’s shows there’s something KI has that CP does not have
"Canada's Wonderland is right there in the middle of the city"
Well that's not fair, it was far from the city when it was built, it was a good 10 miles from anywhere when it opened, was just farmland or forests as far as the eye could see. But times change.
So excited for this to finally be out!
Thank for this excellent video!
To complement this I'd also like a theming freak who doesn''t like coasters to rank the parks for everything but coasters, like food, cleanliness, natural beauty/gardening, dark rides, architecture, value, crowds, etc.
As someone who lives in Muskegon, here are the facts of Michigan's Adventure
1.) The local and county government have bent over backwards for multiple requests in the name of tourism and job creation.
2.) The last new attraction was Thunderhawk in 2008, like you mentioned, was moved from another park.
3.) The land owned by Cedar Fair at the MI Adventure park is 152 Acres with about 42 Acres unused.
3a.) The Park 41.20 Acres (Rides, Waterpark, Walk ways, food areas, etc)
3b.) Operations 17.25 Acres (Employee Areas)
3c.) Parking 28.15 Acres
3d.) Main Pond 9.00 Acres & Other Water 14.88 Acres
3e.) There's 550+ Acres of undeveloped land that could be purchased that's contiguous to the existing property. (Could be 2x the size of Cedar Point)
Lets go!!!! Love these types of videos!!
Also, happy that ki is finally over cedar point! 😎
Michigans adventure is neglected in terms of new rides but it ends up being one of their most profitable parks for that very reason. People in Michigan are still willing to go to it but they are also willing to go to cedar point for the big thrills. It will probably mostly just keep getting flat rides as it’s only investments, maybe a family coaster in the future
I had my 1st and so far my only visit to Canada Wonderland 2 months ago and I rode every coaster there except Wonder Mountain's Guardian. I'd rank the 6 best coasters there like this. 6: Dragon Fyre; 5: Backlot Stunt Coaster; 4: Vortex; 3: Yukon Striker; 2: Leviathan; 1: Behemoth; all in the back car (except perhaps Leviathan which is good in every row). After that, every coaster there was either painful or boring. Behemoth has a drop to EBR duration of 71 seconds, with a third of it airtime. That means Behemoth provides guests with about 24 seconds of airtime per ride; which admittedly isn't as much as The Voyage (which I've not yet ridden) or Steel Vengeance, (which I have ridden) but is both a faster and taller coaster than either The Voyage OR Steel Vengeance. In fact: Behemoth is my favourite coaster I've ridden after Steel Vengeance.
Kings Island is my home park, and I think it is a great park. The operations are always amazing. The only problems I can think of are that they have a few random empty spaces and there's not really a stand out restaurant.
Larosas lol! That’s the best thing about ki being my home park as well
Planned to visit Kings Island last weekend and things fell through. Was only able to get there to ride one coaster before closing terrible for my first trip there and I want to go back soon and do it right, God willing.
You know at first when I saw you put kings Island at 1 I was confused. But now it makes since. They have a top tier Hyper, one of the best woodies, and one of the best supporting lineups of any park.
That, plus all of the intangibles you can't really appreciate until you visit the park and see how it's run and how good the employees are
@@AirtimeThrills Off the topic of Cedar fair, is this just me or when you went to Six Flags Over Georgia the workers didn’t act like they cared to worked. At one of the food places the guy was just slopping food on the plate getting it in different foods. But maybe we just went on a bad day.
Kings Island was the first theme park I ever went to back when I was 3 years old. I just went there on Memorial Day for its 50th anniversary. It’s always been my favorite, not only for Nostalgia but just for the good vibes you enjoy every time you go. So to see it rank so high when Cedar Point usually takes the crown (which has an inferior park layout imo) warmed my heart 😂
It isn’t a theme park.
I love how you point out the lack of efficiency at CP and that is what holds CP back for me as well. They really need to get on it and improve to be more like KI
I’ve never been to kings island but my standards are very high when I visit. I’ve been to Carowinds and Cedar Point and those two parks are flawless. Only been to Californias great America once had a bad experience. I’ve been to Knott’s countless times love it.
This is why I'm considering getting a platinum pass if and when I go to cedar point because kings island is in the same state so it would save money if I do decide to go to both. I think it would also allow me to go to both parks twice that way I don't have to rush to get to every ride I wanna ride and can take my time. Which I feel like would be nice since it would be my first time to those parks
Also, the reason cedar point is priority over kings island is because steel vengeance is on my bucket list while no ride from kings island is on my bucket list except for maybe the beast
That's what I did. We drove 11 hours to Kings Island, spent 2 full days, then drove to Cedar Point and spent almost 2 days. 3 days at Cedar Point would've been better, there's too much to do. We did KI first because we stayed in a cheap motel, and ended at CP at Hotel Breakers, a beautiful resort lol
Definitely buy a platinum pass if you're going to each park at least twice next year. It's cheaper than buying day tickets especially when you factor in parking and discounts for tickets for friends and food.
Props for saying "Shakopee" right! No one can quite get my hometown right without the thick Minnesotan accent.
I had to get it wrong and be corrected in the past to learn tho. Like how i apparently mispronounced Muskegon
Very good and strong video. This is the video i been waiting for
Hi! Watching from Toronto Canada. Wonderland is my home park. I love it. My park has 17 roller coasters. I'm really proud of my park. See ya next year.
You missed the best part of Carowinds, being that it crosses the border between North Carolina and Best Carolina, and a lot of the attractions are Carolina themed to some extent.
I mean thats the only one I’ve ever been to so I wouldn’t know if thats common anywhere else.
10:30 when you said TSA for Steel Vengeance your were right 🤣🤣 Woop Woop
11:Michigans Adventure
10:Valley Fair
9:Worlds of Fun
8:Dorney Park My home park
7:Californias Great America
6:Canadas Wonderland
5:Knots Berry Farm
4:Kings Dominion
3:Carowinds
2:Kings Island
1:Cedar Point
I've never been to knotts but I can't imagine their coaster lineup can compete with KD's 1-2
@@GooseDuck-ft4ko oops yeh just realized that’s out of order
@@GooseDuck-ft4ko Expectations can be exceeded! It's always a possibilty.
4
You probably know by now but Cedar Fair just announced all their updates for each park in 2023. Cedar Point is getting a new Zemperla family wild mouse next to the Dinning/Bar/Recreation building currently under construction. A complete revamp of that section of the park before next May. Calling it a 'new boardwalk experience' with several flats being refurbished and relocated.
This should open up more free space for future construction in the middle of the park. Like the Corkscrew area, the old conference (games under) building going as well. It looks that way based upon rendering they shared.
Awesome video as usual!
You should update your intro one day!
Couldn't agree more with these rankings.
After visiting Cedar Point this past season, I was disappointed by the food, staff, and operations. Rides are great, but it's really the only thing it's got going for itself. Kings Island certainly needs it's own "steel vengeance", basically whatever CF adds next. Kings island feels a just a lot better in general. Staff constantly talk with people in the lines, while I saw none of that at Cedar Point.
Good to know the observations I had about the staff at KI is common for the park
@@AirtimeThrills The only times I saw actual slow operations at KI were when someone vomited on the train right before I boarded Diamondback and they had to wipe it down and cycle it empty a few times, or when people don't fit in the restraint and they give them a good couple of pushes.
Good rankings! I love Kings Island and Cedar Point equally but I definitely understand why you rank Kings Island over Cedar Point.
Kings dominion regular here (switching to Carowinds as of late, the extra hour drive is worth it) and you’re the first big time enthusiast or anyone really I’ve ever heard say that dominator is a top tier floorless. It’s a good layout decently intense but it is a headache machine!
I got a ride this year and thought it was relatively smooth. Compared to Kumba is was glossy smooth
@@AirtimeThrills maybe it’s because you can marathon the crap out of it and most of the time I do lol
Yeah kings island has always gotten the nod for me as well. I live in Ohio and visit both parks several times a year, and cedar point has just been god awful when it comes to operations. KI has never let me down. CP can’t even use COVID as an excuse cause they are always ran like shit but we overlook that because of the coaster quality.
You know, I’m not surprised that Michigan’s Adventure was ranked low. I love that little guy with all my heart. I might be biased, but even though they haven’t aged great, Wildcat and Thunderhawk were never rough to me. Cedar Fair really needs to give her some love. Maybe a MaxAir?
Also, i hate to be that guy, but it’s pronounced “Mus-KEE-gun”.
I agree with most of this list, and I really enjoyed this video.
Didn’t I hear MA was getting wicked twister or even maybe max air?
@@kevinthompson6986 those were just rumors, and they were confirmed as false. Unfortunately, I don’t see my scrappy little home park getting anything big in the next decade.
It's definitely the weird cousin of the Cedar Fair family but as long as we have Shivering Timbers I'll still be there a few times a year. Legitimately one of the best wooden coasters out there but it's a shame the park as a whole is so forgotten about a little love could really go a long way.
@@quintonworden6318 Of course. Still holding out for RMC Wildcat!
Another thing that favors Kings Island is that is has possibly the greatest physical layout of any park I have personally ever been to. It's like a wagon wheel. A circle with spokes leading to the center. You can easily go "Around the world" or cut across at any point. You're not forced to ride things in a specific order.
And the center of that wheel is the Eiffel Tower, so it's hard to get lost when you have that as the central landmark.
Fun fact maverick now holds longer lines then steel vengeance with similar dispatch times
Any chance we could get a top 25 Cedar Fair coasters list? Also, if you ever need footage for your videos, you’re always welcome to use mine.
I just visited CP, KI, and Carowinds this week. I grew up going to Carowinds and KD every few years and this was my first time at CP and KI. I liked KI more than CP as well. It has a much better atmosphere and actual trees. I really enjoyed the 50th anniversary feel even though they didn’t go all out. And their fireworks show was very enjoyable.
After years of just doing theme parks (WDW, Seaworld, BG Tampa and Williamsburg), I’ve learned to appreciate amusement parks as well.
I live in Columbus, so Cedar Point and KI are close. I really enjoy much more Kings Island and here is why, The rides are not far from each other, the lines move quick, you dont have to sepend all day in lines, the food is good and everywhere, the staff is friendly, parking is close and well thought, no big line of cars in entrance, perfect layout in a cirucular manner that you dont mis a ride.
Well said, couldn't disagree with anything there
I grew up in SoCal, and never knew Knotts was a Cedar Fair park… though as a kid, I had no idea Cedar Fair was even a chain
"It's tough to have a B&M Invert as your best coaster" I think Alton Towers & Bush Gardens Tampa (at least for the next few months) would beg to differ?
Of the five Cedar Fair parks I've been to, my favorite is Cedar Point followed by Kings Island, Kings Dominion, Knott's Berry Farm and Valleyfair. I used to slightly like Kings Island more than Cedar Point after visiting both in 2015 but my opinions changed after revisiting Cedar Point in 2017.
I have to say the employees at CP itself are awesome can’t say the same of my home park carowinds I think I prefer paramount running employees better
I've been to Cedar Point many times, and it is one of my favorite places on Earth!!!! Fantastic Park!
hahaha LOVE MY MICHIGANS ADVENTURE 2for the price of 1 My home park.. will always show the love... could be a top teir park if more coasters added.. but has one of the best water parks ive ever been too. thats its main attraction cedar fair has invested in since its take over.. anyways.. great video glad u made it here... glad u liked it..
As a local California resident whose first theme park was knotts I approve of the rating 👍🏽 a lil harsh on silver bullet but like you say it what it is, great video 👏🏽
I live close enough to KI that I can see it from my back yard. I assumed it would rank 3 if you were being generous, but more likely 4 or 5. I easily take for granted how nice my literal backyard park is. The irony of your ratings is that all of us locals (for the most part) feel like Cedar Fair treats us like the little step brother. Orion is 289 feet tall with a 300 foot drop. It's like, well, they don't want to outshine their baby Melnium Force up the road. I absolutely love the care Cedar Fair has put into our park, but it does feel like they want us to be number two so Sandusky can retain coaster capital of the world. To me, that's fine, because while they might be doing that, they are also making KI one of the absolute most fun parks around. Mystic Timbers is just crazy and fun. Orion is intense with good pops of air and positive Gs, and it's fun! Not every ride needs to break a record. At the end of the day, if your park goers leave with great memories and the overall impression of having fun, they'll be back. I appreciate the ranking as a local, and I have a personal goal to hit each of the top 5 parks and enjoy all the Cedar Fair goodness.
One last thought: Speaking of whatever comes next for KI being world class, you think that attraction will go in the space Vortex occupied, and what kind of design might fit in that space? It's not a small plot by any means.
For the parks I've visited this is the ranking.
Cedar Point>Knotts>Kings Island>Carowinds >Kings Dominion > California's Great America
Great video! I like the Kings Island pick, my home park! I honestly hate Cedar Point's lines. That lowers it a little in my rankings.
It’s got the beautiful setting though
I lost this guy at "Orion outclasses Millennium Force" and "Maverick is a B+..."
The OP of this video definitely ranks at the bottom of youtube's amusement park video makers.
Awesome video!
I haven’t been to Carowinds yet(2022!!) but I constantly shuffle around Cedar Point, Kings Island, and Kings Dominion as my top Cedar Fair park. I love all 3 so much and they all offer a little something different.
ur point abt kings island is correct. last time i was there the crew was racing against other dispatches. they were pumping trains out super quik
I agree with Kings Island finally passing Cedar Point
Wrong 😑
@@SteelersGalXSoraFR cedar point is better idk what people don’t understand 😭
As a Charlotte native that has had Carowinds season passes since 2014, i love this place to death but sometimes the customer service is just TERRIBLE. You can tell that the teenage workers don’t really wanna be there, and it drags down the experience. Other than that they do add something to the park every year, which keeps it fresh. Great video
I saw my homepark Kings Island at #1. I went to Cedar Point a week ago and it's a popular destination for tourists. The bad part about it is that the rides break down for frequent that Kings Island's. Almost every ride at Cedar Point broke down at least once. I hope KI replace vortex very soon. weather it's a launch coaster or RMC hybrid, they can't leave it empty forever.
Great list bro!!!
As Kings Island is my home park, I must say I agree! Carowinds is the only other CF park I've been to besides the Ohio parks, so by default, it's my #3 as well. The bias aside, I will whole heartedly agree that KI has the best operations. I do, however, love the unique rides that Carowinds has that Ohio doesn't have. I would love to visit the rest of them eventually, too. Kings Dominion and Canada's Wonderland are my next destinations.
I'm from Columbus, I'd call Cedar Point my home park, cause like, I grew up there basically, but I feel you on the kings island love. I've been back and forth over those two lately. haven't ridden Orion yet, but everyone talks about those operations like it's next level stuff. I really appreciate high quality operations. it's kinda why I always hated on great america when I lived in Chicago. they might be good, but they've got nothing on cedar fair ops. I shiver to think what low tier six flags ops look like lol
Valleyfair is my fav in the cedar fair chain.Somedays there are walk on rides like renegade and wild thing.steel venom is one of the best coasters.unfortunately they haven’t got a new coaster for 17 yrs now
If Cedar Fair throws Michigan's Adventure $4M, they could add two family thrill attractions where Big Dipper once stood. Those two being an S&S Double Shot (80 foot model) and a Zamperla Disk'O 24. With that land being literally next to the main entrance, the entire park would vibe off of those rides. Heck, even just a Zamperla Disk'O there and the park would be better.
$4M is a big ask for Michigan's Adventure
@@AirtimeThrills Considering that Cedar Fair dumped $6M into the park for an Intamin River Rapids, it shouldn't be too terribly big of an ask.
Cedar point is better than Kings island. Orion is nowhere near millennium force and Cedar point has a way better collection
A lot of the things you said about Kings Island you can say for Six Flags Great America. From my experience, all of the coaster are open unless there is maintenence needed, the staff is nice, the operations are awesome, and its food is good for parks. The park is also pretty.
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who thought those two parks had similar atmospheres. I could’ve spent two days at Great America
"It's tough to have a B&M invert as your best coaster."
Alton Towers and Parque Espana: Are we a joke to you?
Chris: "Kings Island doesn't have a bad coaster"
Flying Ace Aerial Chase: 👁👄👁
hahaha OK you got me
🤣 at how he pronounced Muskegon for Michigan's Adventure....I live in Michigan so lemme help you out my brother lol...its pronounced Muh-skee-gun ..not Muss-cagun..🤣 had to help you out ATT! ..much love keep up the great content!
It's interesting how we feel similar in some ways about these parks and different in others...
In fairness you've been to far more of these parks than I have (I've ONLY been to 5 Cedar Fair parks...each with multiple visits). I have several friends and fellow amusement park enthusiasts however who have given me a good understanding of 2 more of the Cedar Fair parks to the point I think I can confidently say ''oh THAT park would be ranked in 'x' place for me!''
So with that said here's the 7 Cedar Fair parks ranked that I'm familiar with:
7th --> Michigan's Adventure --> The park where all other parts of amusement park attractions go to die. Visiting here is like going to a mall that used to be the largest mall in the region, but ended up losing most of its stores and now you walk through a mostly empty mall with everyone else there who just wants to get their step count in while grabbing something at the local dollar store...
6th --> World's Of Fun --> I'm told this is a fun ''half-day out'' type of park from multiple people. It sounds like the video here backs up that type of impression. Keeping expectations lower as to not compare it to ''major parks'' is the key, and if you're able to do so, it will result in a mild-level of appreciation.
5th --> King's Dominion --> Yes it's a good park, and yes people go crazy over their top end coasters (admittedly some of my faves are here also)...but in some ways it's also the most 'dead feeling' park of the bunch I've been to. There's something about the park's design & atmosphere that just feels like a series of dead-end pathways with random placed food kiosks and rides. I sometimes wonder if Busch Gardens Williamsburg takes some of the regional hype and that's why the atmosphere is a bit more low-key.
4th --> Canada's Wonderland --> Although this is my 'home' park, there are just too many negatives that match the impressive positives of this park. Having the 2nd most amount of rollercoasters in North America is kinda cool, but as mentioned in the video, you'll ONLY want to ride about 10 of them (if you're smart and value your wellbeing). If parks were only measured by top 5 coasters, this would be my 2nd favourite park in the Cedar Fair chain....and then it just hits rock bottom (I've actively petitioned to have 3 of their rollercoasters shut down because of the injuries myself and other family & friends have sustained and needed medical treatment for). Their flat-rides are good but lineups, crowd control, and food service at this park are beyond horrible!
3rd --> Knott's Berry Farm --> Fun, thematic, and best of all, you ALWAYS feel like you're in an amusement park which has a larger impact than people realize. Sometimes atmosphere covers for many of the 'minor blemishes' a park would have otherwise, and Knott's Berry Farm does that and then some!
* 2nd --> Kings Island --> For all the positive reasons listed in this video I fully agree! It's just a great overall park with nothing really 'bad' about any of it. The only negative I suppose would be that it feels a bit smaller in comparison to Canada's Wonderland & Cedar Point (but given it's impressive layout, food services, rides & coasters I'd gladly take the trade).
And first without a doubt is the KING... Cedar Point. The coasters, the food, the balance of active and inactive ways to have fun are spot on in my opinion. No other park (in North America) holds more of my top-50 rollercoasters than Cedar Point. The only problem with this park is the ''hit & miss'' nature of it's operating schedule and shutdowns... I've had amazing trips here where everything I wanted to ride was functioning with reasonable lineups... and I've had horrible trips here where it was almost a complete write-off and I thanked the Lord that I was coming back the next day (otherwise I would've been more than a little ticked having traveled so far to get there)!
I'd really like to get to Carrowinds one day...
I'm sorry but your opinion of Valleyfair is so out of line with how I view the park. You're saying a tiny weird Arrow mine train hybrid is the same as having 2 B&M's (including an amazing invert) at both Great America and Dorney? Sorry but nope. Not even close. Dorney certainly loses on the GCI comparison, but Dorney's a much more well-rounded park including or excluding coasters compared to Valleyfail.
And I guess looking solely at coasters, Knott's should be at #4. But in literally every single other metric it completely stomps Carowinds.
I agree. Also VF and MIA has gotten to be so overrated as of recent. WOF and Dorney are both better rounded than VF and MIA in my opinion. I get Renegade is an amazing ride, but it stands just like Shivering Timber’s does at MIA... good standout but nothing else to really boast about. At least at Dorney and WOF you have two solid and two pretty good supporters after that.