HOW TO GO
What: Kings Island
Where: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason
More information: 513-754-5700 or visitkingsisland.com
Season pass: An adult gold season pass costs $117 each or $99 for a renewal
Single-priced tickets: Tickets are priced as low as $41.99 if you buy in advance online — a savings of $20 per ticket off the front gate price.
Parking: $12
Opens: April 18, Soak City Waterpark opens May 23
Daily operation begins: May 8
Closes: November 1
Hours of operation: Varies. Check the website for details of the date you plan to visit — www.visitkingsisland.com/hours-directions/kings-island. The park will be open until midnight for six operating days this year — July 3, 4, 11, 18, 25 and Aug. 1
Mark your calendar: For Superhero Sunday on April 26. Five of the greatest Superheroes of all time are coming to Kings Island. Guests will have an opportunity to meet Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Spider-Man and the HULK from Noon-4 p.m.
Dining plans: Kings Island offers an all-day dining plan and a season pass dining plan, which allows diners to choose from one of several entrees and a side at participating locations for two meals. Plans can be purchased in person at the park.
Healthy dining options: For guests looking for healthy food options, the Coca Cola Marketplace™ located in Oktoberfest features fresh fruits, salads and refreshments. Gluten-free pizza is available upon request in the Festhaus. Gluten-free chicken tenders, corn dogs, fries and soft serve ice cream are available at Coney Potato Works. The Chicken Shack restaurant in Action Zone will feature fresh-breaded chicken tenders, wings, wraps and salads.
Save money: The best ways to save money are by purchasing tickets in advance online and take advantage of the Dining Plans and Souvenir Drink Bottle. Download the park's free mobile app to better plan your day and make the most of your time.
WiFi: Guests will be able to stay connected this year with free WiFi throughout the park. By tagging photos #KIBestDay, they'll have a chance to win prizes and unique experiences including a VIP party for 50 friends.
Social media sites: Facebook, Twitter (@kingsislandpr), Instagram (@kingsislandpr)
LIVE SHOWS
Kings Island's entertainment lineup will feature four live shows this year, highlighted by the return of Cirque Imagine, which played to standing room only crowds in the Kings Island Theater last year. The show opens May 23 and features an incredible showcase of strength, balance and athleticism.
New shows include Let It Rock in the Festhaus featuring the music of Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and more opening April 18, and Off the Charts opening June 12. Off The Charts features an 8-piece live band and performers singing and dancing to today's hottest hits and yesterday's classics.
Down Home Country returns May 30 and is a song and dance revue celebrating the legends of country music.
Peanuts Party in the Plaza also returns this year. The show features a meet and greet and photo opportunity with the Peanuts characters immediately following the show. This show offers the best opportunity for guests to meet their favorite characters. The show opens May 2.
LIVE SHOWS
Kings Island's entertainment lineup will feature four live shows this year, highlighted by the return of Cirque Imagine, which played to standing room only crowds in the Kings Island Theater last year. The show opens May 23 and features an incredible showcase of strength, balance and athleticism.
New shows include Let It Rock in the Festhaus featuring the music of Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and more opening April 18, and Off the Charts opening June 12. Off The Charts features an 8-piece live band and performers singing and dancing to today's hottest hits and yesterday's classics.
Down Home Country returns May 30 and is a song and dance revue celebrating the legends of country music.
Peanuts Party in the Plaza also returns this year. The show features a meet and greet and photo opportunity with the Peanuts characters immediately following the show. This show offers the best opportunity for guests to meet their favorite characters. The show opens May 2.
Last year, Kings Island added the world's longest inverted steel roller coaster, Banshee, to the park's long list of attractions.
This year, the focus shifts from thrill-seekers to families with two new rides in the Planet Snoopy kids’ area.
NEW ATTRACTIONS
Woodstock Gliders is a classic amusement ride featuring eight two-person planes that glide 28-feet above the ground. As the planes begin to rotate, they fan out over a large area. Each plane has a stationary rear wing and a movable front wing that allows the guest to control the flight and alter their ride experience from mild to wild. The park had a similar ride with the Flying Eagles that ran from 1972 to 2004.
The second new ride is Snoopy's Space Buggies featuring six four-seat vehicles that bounce up and down while rotating in a circle.
“Both are memory invoking rides. Children years from now will remember Snoopy’s Space Buggies as one of the first rides they rode at Kings Island, and they’ll remember riding it with their parents or grandparents,” said Don Helbig, Kings Island’s public relations area manager. “People couldn’t get enough of Banshee last year and can’t wait for April 18 to get here so they can get back on the coaster. The response to the two new family rides in Planet Snoopy and the changes we’ve made on International Street has been strong. We’re seeing a lot of excitement for what we’re doing this year on social media and when we’re out in the community.”
NEW ON INTERNATIONAL STREET
In addition to the new family rides, the park's Starbucks location has been relocated from the end of International Street to the opposite side near the front gate and has expanded in size, making it one of the largest Starbucks stores in the Midwest. The seating capacity of 219 includes a spacious outdoor patio area that offers a great view of the 600,000-gallon Royal Fountain and Eiffel Tower.
“Our guests will notice big changes on International Street. We’ve redone four locations. One will be the largest Starbucks in the Tri-State region at 3,650 square feet. The Sweet Spot is a fudge and candy store where guests can watch candy apples get dipped and fudge being made … The Funnel Cake location has been refurbished and guests can choose their own toppings,” Helbig said. “Groups will notice upgrades to our Picnic Grove and catering facilities. And our guests that enjoy our live entertainment will be thrilled to see a live band back on the stage for a show in the Showplace Theatre. There will also be new special events introduced, including Banshee Brew Festival in June and a Food Truck Festival in July.”
A new yogurt store, Yogurt Plus, will be located on International Street in the former Starbucks location, offering 18 different flavors and an endless combination of toppings including fresh cut fruits, candy, cereal, nuts, granola and syrups.
Other International Street renovations include the Funnel Cake stand, an expanded Coca-Cola Marketplace with a wider selection of healthy food options, Coca-Cola Freestyle Café, and upgrades to the Picnic Grove area with a new entrance, improved landscaping around each of the pavilions and remodeled restroom facilities.
“Being part of the fabric of the community, something people grew up with, separates Kings Island from other parks across the country. Because of our location, we’re easily accessible, within two hours of major cities like Columbus, Louisville, Lexington and Indianapolis and within five hours of Chicago, Pittsburgh and Detroit. We’ve also been able to maintain that balance between thrill-seekers and families, offering something for everyone in the family,” Helbig said. “The park is a way of life for a lot of people. It’s what they grew up with, what they look forward to every summer. There’s nowhere else they can have the kind of fun Kings Island delivers.”
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