Kings Island

For other uses, see King's Island (disambiguation).
Kings Island
Slogan Thrills Connect
Location Mason, Ohio, United States
Coordinates 39°20′41.23″N 84°16′06.99″W / 39.3447861°N 84.2686083°W / 39.3447861; -84.2686083Coordinates: 39°20′41.23″N 84°16′06.99″W / 39.3447861°N 84.2686083°W / 39.3447861; -84.2686083
Owner Cedar Fair Entertainment Company
General Manager Greg Scheid
Opened April 29, 1972 (1972-04-29)
Previous names Paramount's Kings Island (1993-2006)
Operating season Spring through Fall
Visitors per annum 3.2 million[1]
Area 364 acres (147 ha)
Rides
Total 47[2]
Roller coasters 14
Water rides 3
Website Official website

Kings Island is a 364-acre (147 ha) amusement park located 24 miles (39 km) northeast of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio, United States. It is owned and operated by Cedar Fair. The park first opened in 1972 by the Taft Broadcasting Company in an effort to move and expand Coney Island, a popular resort destination along the banks of the Ohio River that was prone to frequent flooding. After more than $275 million in capital investments, the park features over 80 rides, shows and attractions including 14 roller coasters and a 33-acre (13 ha) water park.

Throughout its history, Kings Island has appeared in popular sitcoms and has received widespread recognition for its record-breaking attractions and events. One of the park's most well-known attractions, The Racer, is often credited with reviving worldwide interest in roller coasters during the 1970s. Others, such as The Beast and Banshee, have set several world records including some of which are still standing. The park has also suffered through times of negative publicity, particularly surrounding the early demise of roller coasters The Bat and Son of Beast.

Kings Island is divided into several themed sections. The seasonal amusement park is open from early spring through Labor Day and reopens for a short time on weekends beginning in September for Halloween-themed events. In 2014, Kings Island was the second-most visited seasonal amusement park in the United States behind Cedar Point with an estimated 3.2 million visitors. It was third overall for seasonal attendance in North America, which was led by Canada's Wonderland. Kings Island has won Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for having the "Best Kids' Area" in the world for fifteen consecutive years (2001–2015).

History

Kings Island's iconic entrance with the Eiffel Tower

Kings Island was conceived as early as 1964 when Coney Island, a popular amusement park 10 miles (16 km) east of downtown Cincinnati on the banks of the Ohio River, suffered from a major flood that submerged the area in over 14 feet (4.3 m) of water. Although occasional flooding was common at the successful park, the flood in 1964 was the fourth highest on record and caused considerable damage. Faced with already-limited space for expansion and parking, the event triggered discussions within the organization about relocating the park.[3][4]

Leading the way was Gary Wachs, son of Coney Island president Ralph Wachs, who with friends and family owned a majority of stock. He decided it was time to relocate the park to stay competitive. After years of research and traveling abroad, he presented ideas for a new theme park to the company's board of directors. Some board members opposed relocating, including significant stockholder Charles Sawyer. It wasn't taken seriously until 1968, when actor Fess Parker announced plans to build a theme park in Northern Kentucky – well within Coney Island's primary market that extended as far south as Louisville. The announcement highlighted the need for change and gave Wachs' proposal credibility within the organization.[3][4]

Gary met with the president of Taft Broadcasting Company, a business interested in promoting its recently acquired Hanna-Barbera division, to discuss a possible merger. After receiving support, Fess Parker's efforts to secure financing fell apart along with his plans to build a competing theme park.[3] In July 1969, Taft Broadcasting Company purchased Coney Island for $6.5 million and soon after purchased 1,600 acres (650 ha) in Warren County, Ohio, for $3.2 million.[5] Kings Island still owns 773 acres (313 ha) of that purchase.[5] The site is located between I-71 and the Little Miami River in what was then a part of Deerfield Township.[6]

Taft Broadcasting and KECO (1970–1992)

Construction began on June 15, 1970. Later that year, a public contest was held to name the new park. "Kings Island" emerged the most popular for its recognition of the Kings Mills area as well as its predecessor Coney Island. Most of the former park's rides were relocated, while the rest were demolished. Coney Island's popular Sunlite Pool attraction remained open, however, and the original park was partially restored in later years.[4][5][6]

View from The Racer in the mid-1970s with the Zodiac (1975–1986) to the right

Less than two years after breaking ground, Kings Island opened its gates to the public on April 29, 1972. It was the first of several preview events. The grand opening was held the following month on May 27, 1972.[6]

Arguably, the most crowd-pleasing attraction featured at the park in its early days was The Racer, a wooden roller coaster consisting of two trains that race side-by-side on identical tracks. Designed by legendary designer John C. Allen, The Racer was an integral part of the roller coaster renaissance of the 1970s. Years later, it would be awarded the Roller Coaster Landmark plaque from American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) for its achievement. Other roller coasters present on opening day in 1972 were the Bavarian Beetle, a small steel coaster brought over from Coney Island, and a new junior wooden coaster in the Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera originally named Scooby-Doo.[7][8]

In Kings Island's first year of operation, the live-action sequences in The Banana Splits in Hocus Pocus Park, an hour-long semi-animated feature in Hanna-Barbera's ABC Saturday Superstar Movie TV series, were filmed in the park, and featured The Banana Splits characters riding The Racer in their quest to find a girl who had deserted them on their park tour to run after a balloon she wanted.[9] Kings Island was also nationally promoted in two well-known sitcoms on ABC. Each filmed an episode on location at the park: The Partridge Family ("Together, We're Better") in 1972,[10] in which Johnny Bench appeared as a waiter;[11] and The Brady Bunch ("The Cincinnati Kids") in 1973.[12][13] (The Banana Splits briefly appeared in both episodes.) The Brady Bunch was produced by Paramount Studios, a large Taft Broadcasting shareholder.[14]

In later years, Kings Island changed ownership several times. Taft sold its theme park division in 1984 for $167.5 million to Kings Entertainment Company (KECO), a company formed by senior executives and general managers of Taft Attractions Group.[15] Three parks—Kings Island, Kings Dominion and Carowinds—were involved in the sale.[15] Taft invested in KECO to retain one-third interest.[16] Three years later in 1987, American Financial Corporation, led by Carl Lindner, purchased KECO for $150 million.[6][17] The deal included a contract with KECO to continue managing park operations.[6][18] In 1989, KECO acquired the business assets of Great America, an amusement park it was managing operations for.[5]

Paramount's Kings Island (1992–2006)

The Eiffel Tower and the fountains at night

In 1992, Paramount Communications Inc. (formerly Gulf+Western) purchased Kings Island and the rest of KECO's parks for $400 million.[17][19][20] Paramount formed a new division known as Paramount Parks.[19] They bought out the remaining 80% stake in Canada's Wonderland in 1993, raising the number of parks to five.[5][21] That same year, Paramount Parks began incorporating themes from its movies into the park.[5] Viacom entered the picture after acquiring Paramount in 1994, paving the way for the appearance of Nickelodeon themes. First was Nickelodeon Splat City, followed by Nickelodeon Central and eventually Nickelodeon Universe.[22]

In 1997, a year after leaving Deerfield Township, the city of Mason annexed most of Kings Island.[23] A temporary measure allowed for some land to remain in Deerfield in an attempt to appease park officials and reduce the impact on the township.[24] The rest would be annexed in 1999.[25] On June 14, 2005, Viacom announced intentions to split into two companies (Viacom and CBS Corporation) with CBS inheriting Paramount Parks.[26] Seven months later, on January 26, 2006, CBS announced that the theme parks were for sale.[27]

Cedar Fair era (2006–present)

On June 30, 2006, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company purchased Kings Island and the rest of Paramount Parks for approximately $1.24 billion.[28] With this acquisition, Cedar Fair owned all three major amusement parks in Ohio: Kings Island, Cedar Point and Geauga Lake (purchased from Six Flags in 2004).[29] Kings Island kept the Paramount branding through the end of the 2006 season.[5] Thereafter, Face/Off became Invertigo, The Italian Job Stunt Track became Backlot Stunt Coaster, Tomb Raider: The Ride became The Crypt and Top Gun became Flight Deck. Nickelodeon's presence remained in the park through 2009, when Cedar Fair changed the kids' area to a Peanuts theme.[30]

In late 2009, the Mason City Council decided to put a measure on its 2010 ballot that would mandate a 3-percent ticket tax and a 5-percent parking tax at both Kings Island and The Beach waterpark. Council member Tony Bradburn argued that it was necessary for the city to help pay for infrastructure improvements, as well as cover police and fire expenses.[31] This proposed tax hike was the center of debate for several months. Kings Island actively encouraged the public to write, email and call Mason City Council representatives to express opposition.[32] On February 8, 2010, the Mason City Council voted 5–1 against the measure.[33][34]

Areas and attractions

Action Zone

Action Zone opened in 1974 as Lion Country Safari, a 100-acre (40 ha) section of the park featuring a monorail ride that took guests on a safari-style tour through an animal preservation. It was later renamed Wild Animal Safari in 1977.[35][36] In 1983, the area became known as Wild Animal Habitat and included Adventure Village, a new area within the rebranded section.[36] Over the years, it featured rides such as Screamin' Demon, the first steel looping roller coaster to run both forward and backward in the United States (1977–87), and King Cobra, a stand-up looping roller coaster that was the first of its kind in the world (1984–2001).[22][37]

Early in its tenure after purchasing Kings Island, Paramount unveiled Top Gun, a suspended roller coaster from Arrow Dynamics, in 1993.[38] Located next to the habitat attraction, it was titled after a film of the same name and was the first ride to be added to the park with a Paramount theme.[38] The following year, the entire area was renamed Adventure Village coinciding with the removal of the animal habitat and monorail ride.[22] In 1999, a two-year expansion initiative began with the area's renaming to Action Zone and the addition of two new attractions – Drop Zone: Stunt Tower and Face/Off.[6][22] When it debuted, Action Zone resembled a movie stunt set featuring a water tower as the centerpiece. The water tower was originally part of a skit with stunts and special effects that imitated a live movie set with a director and stunt performers.[39]

Son of Beast opened in 2000, the second year of the area's two-year expansion. It was the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world and the first of its kind to feature a vertical loop.[40] As a result of a number of structural issues and two accidents, the ride closed permanently in 2009 and was eventually demolished in 2012.[40] Other notable rides include Delirium, which opened in 2003 as the largest Giant Frisbee ride in the world, and Banshee, the world's longest inverted roller coaster which opened in 2014 at the former location of Son of Beast.[41][42]

Name Opened Manufacturer Model Description Thrill rating[nt 1]
Banshee 2014 Bolliger & Mabillard Inverted Coaster An inverted roller coaster with seven inversions located in the former location of Thunder Alley and Son of Beast. It is the longest of its kind in the world. 5
The Bat 1993 Arrow Dynamics Suspended A suspended roller coaster in which free-swinging cars are suspended below the track. Formerly known as Top Gun (1993–2007); Flight Deck (2007-2013)[43] 5
Congo Falls 1988 Intamin Shoot-the-Chute A Shoot-the-Chute water ride with a 34' drop. The ride opened as Amazon Falls (1988–1999) and was later renamed Congo Falls after the Paramount movie Congo.[22] 4
Delirium 2003 HUSS Giant Frisbee A Giant Frisbee ride that swings riders at an angle of 120° creating a maximum arc of 240°, lifting riders 137 feet (42 m) into the air. Riders reach speeds up to 76 miles per hour (122 km/h). 5
Drop Tower: Scream Zone 1999 Intamin Gyro Drop A rotating drop tower ride which at 315 feet (96 m) is the tallest of its kind in the world (although sister park Kings Dominion has one with a longer drop that does not rotate). Formerly known as Drop Zone: Stunt Tower (1999–2007). 4
Invertigo 1999 Vekoma Invertigo An inverted Boomerang roller coaster. Formerly known as FACE/OFF (1999–2007). 5
Timberwolf Amphitheatre 1982 N/A N/A Concert venue formerly known as Stadium of the Stars
Xtreme Skyflyer 1995 Sky Fun 1 Inc. Dual Swing Pay-per-ride Double Skycoaster with a dive of 153 feet (47 m). 5

Coney Mall

When Kings Island first opened in 1972, a section of the park was dedicated to its predecessor, Coney Island. The area was constructed to resemble the former park's carnival-style layout and featured many of its flat rides which were relocated, including Monster, Scrambler, and Dodgem. One of the flagship attractions during the park's inaugural year, The Racer, was located in this section.[44] In addition to rides, some of Coney Island's famous Ginkgo trees were transplanted, lining the middle of the walkway.[6] Originally called Coney Island, the area was later renamed Old Coney in 1980 and again to its present name Coney Mall in 1986.[45][46][47][48] The area also features game booths, arcades and concession stands reminiscent of state fairs and traveling carnivals from the early twentieth century.[49]

In 1975, Zodiac debuted in the Coney Island mall, which was billed as a "spinning, climbing double ferris wheel".[44][45] Manufactured by Intamin, the three-minute ride featured twelve gondolas on each of the two wheels which were mounted to a long, hydraulic arm.[50] It closed in 1987 and reopened at Wonderland Sydney in 1989.[51] In the 1980s, the area saw the additions of Skylab, Zephyr, and Vortex, a six-inversion looping roller coaster that briefly held a world record for most inversions.[6][52] Following Paramount's acquisition of the park in 1992, Coney Mall was further expanded in 1994 with Days of Thunder, a motion simulator ride in the new Action Theater attraction, and in 1996 with Flight of Fear, the world's first launched roller coaster to feature a linear induction motor (LIM).[6][52]

In 2005, one of the last Paramount-themed attractions to open at the park, The Italian Job: Stunt Track (now known as Backlot Stunt Coaster), was unveiled.[6][53] The roller coaster replaced the antique car ride Lex Taxis.[54] Firehawk, a flying roller coaster previously known as X-Flight at Six Flags Worlds of Adventure, was relocated to Kings Island next to Flight of Fear in 2007.[52] The area housing both roller coasters became known as X-Base, a sub-section within Coney Mall that took on its own theme.[55] The most recent addition was WindSeeker, added in 2011. The 301-foot-tall, three-minute swing ride features 32, two-person carriages that spin around a central tower up to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h).[56]

Name Opened Manufacturer Model Description Thrill rating[nt 1]
Action Theater 1994 N/A N/A A 3-D theater. It is used in conjunction with Dinosaurs Alive! Formerly known as The Paramount Action F/X Theater (1998–2008) and Days Of Thunder (1994–1997).
Backlot Stunt Coaster 2005 Premier Rides LIM Terrain Following Coaster A launched roller coaster based on a chase sequence in the 2003 film The Italian Job. Riders launch into a parking garage, dodge police cars, and are attacked by a helicopter which ignites fire all around riders before hitting a second launch section, sending riders into darkness. Formerly known as The Italian Job: Stunt Track (2005–2007). 5
Dodgem 1972
(1986)		 Preston & Barbieri Majestic Manufacturing (Azzurra) Special 2-seater bumper cars from Italy with working headlights, taillights, rear-view mirrors and hazard flashers. Operated at Coney Island (1924–1971). Remodeled 1986. 4
Dinosaurs Alive! 2011 Dinosaurs Unearthed Dinosaurs Alive! This pay-per-entry attraction is the world's largest animatronic dinosaur park,[57] stretching along a 4,000-foot (1,200 m) path featuring more than 60 life-sized dinosaurs. Four have interactive consoles that help show guests how scientists believe the animal moved. The attraction features a replica of an excavation site as well as a paleontological dig site for children.[58]
Monster 1972 Everly Aircraft Co. Everly Monster Traditional Octopus ride that spins in three different circles at the same time. It quickly raises and lowers riders as their cars spin. Operated at Coney Island (1969–1971). 3
Scrambler 1972 Eli Bridge Company Scrambler – Traditional Deluxe Traditional amusement park Twist ride. 3 arms spin riders giving them the sensation of almost hitting the wall. Operated at Coney Island (1969–1971). 3
Shake, Rattle and Roll 1975 HUSS Troika A classic spinning ride. Formerly known as Troika 3
The Racer 1972 Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters Wooden racing roller coaster. The trains on one track were changed to ride backward in 1982, but in 2008, the original behavior was restored. 4
Vortex 1987 Arrow Dynamics Mega Looper A steel custom looping roller coaster that opened as the world record holder for most inversions, with six, but was superseded the following year by Six Flags Great America's Shockwave. 5
WindSeeker 2011 Mondial Wind Seeker A flat ride featuring two-person swings that slowly rotate and ascends the 301-foot (92 m) tower until reaching the top where speeds increase up to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h).[59] After several delays, it opened June 21.[60] 4
Zephyr 1986 Zierer Wave Swinger A suspended swing ride that rotates with a wave motion lifting riders up to 30 feet (9.1 m) in the air. 3

X-Base

This sub-area opened in 2007. Flight of Fear had existed previously, but with the addition of Firehawk, the area took on its own theme, centered around flight and propulsion. Although the area is designated by a sign, it's not listed on the park map and is officially part of Coney Mall.

Name Opened Manufacturer Model Description Thrill rating[nt 1]
Firehawk 2007 Vekoma Flying Dutchman A (1018 m) flying roller coaster. Firehawk is located directly beside Flight of Fear. The ride carries the same theme as it did as "X-Flight," a government flight prototype looking for test subjects codenamed Firehawk. This ride was Kings Island's 14th coaster. Operated at Geauga Lake as X-Flight (2001–2006). 5
Flight of Fear 1996 Premier Rides LIM Catapult Coaster A launched roller coaster prototype. Over-the-shoulder harnesses were removed and replaced with lap bars in 2001. Identical to the same-named coaster that opened at Kings Dominion later that year. Formerly known as Outer Limits: Flight of Fear (1996–2000). 5

International Street

At the heart of the amusement park, visitors are greeted by International Street which lies just beyond the main entrance. As one of the park's original staples when it opened in 1972, International Street was designed by Bruce Bushman, a former Walt Disney Imagineering layout design artist.[49][61] The area's architecture and cultural themes represent Italy, Spain, Germany and Sweden.[49][61] To save on the cost of construction, the second story of each building was designed on a three-quarters scale, borrowing from a practice used by Disney throughout their theme parks.[62]

The area's main attractions include the Royal Fountain, a 600,000-US-gallon pool (2,300 m3) capable of shooting 10,000 US gallons (38 m3) of water into the air each minute,[63] and the signature Eiffel Tower, a one-third scale replica of the original which offers a view of the entire park to its guests. Also located here is Grand Carousel, Kings Island Theater, and a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops.

Name Opened Manufacturer Model Description Thrill rating[nt 1]
Boo Blasters on Boo Hill 1992 Sally Corporation, D. H. Morgan Manufacturing Ghost Blasters A family dark ride experience where riders shoot laser guns at ghosts and ghouls. The building formerly housed Enchanted Voyage (1972–1983) and Smurf's Enchanted Voyage (1984–1991). The former boat ride was transformed into an Omnimover dark ride in 1992 and was named Phantom Theater (1992–2002). In 2003, the ride was re-themed by Sally Corporation and renamed Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Castle (2003–2009). During Hanna-Barbera's 2010 exit, the ride underwent minor changes and became known as Boo Blasters on Boo Hill. 1
Eiffel Tower 1972 Intamin Paris Tower An approximately one-third scale replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris at 314 feet (96 m) and 450 tons. The tower was initially 331.5 feet (101.0 m), but the structure's top antenna was eventually removed. Kings Dominion has a near-exact replica. 2
International Showplace 1972 N/A N/A Entertainment venue
International Street Bandstand 1972 N/A N/A Entertainment venue formerly known as Royal Fountain Bandstand
Kings Island Theater 1976 N/A N/A Entertainment venue formerly known as American Heritage Music Hall and Paramount Theater
Grand Carousel 1972 Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters Carousel #79 The classic Carousel was built in 1926 and is painted with more than 20,000 sheets of 23-karat (96%) gold, 1,000 sheets of sterling silver and 48 hand-carved wooden horses. It features the Wurlitzer Organ #157.[64] Operated at Coney Island (1926–1971). 1

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, relating to the eponymous German festival, opened with the park in 1972. The area resembles a German town with timber-framed German-style architecture. The Festhaus is the central attraction, featuring live shows with several indoor eateries. A full-service bar is located atop a portion of Oktoberfest lake. Rides include one roller coaster, one thrill ride and one family ride.

Name Opened Manufacturer Model Description Thrill rating[nt 1]
Adventure Express 1991 Arrow Dynamics Mine train A mine train roller coaster. 5
Festhaus 1982 N/A N/A Entertainment venue and food court
SlingShot 2002 Funtime Fixed Foundation Slingshot Pay-per-ride reverse bungee attraction that catapults riders 275 feet (84 m) in the air up to 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) in a steel cage that flips multiple times before returning slowly to the platform. 5
Viking Fury 1982 Intamin Bounty Swinging pirate ship ride. 3

Planet Snoopy

Entrance to Planet Snoopy
Main article: Planet Snoopy

The area initially opened with the park in 1972 as The Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera and was later shortened to Hanna-Barbera Land. The upper part that borders Rivertown saw the addition of a kids' play area, stage and water attraction in 1995 and was renamed Nickelodeon Splat City. In 2001, Kings Mills Log Flume became The Wild Thornberrys River Adventure and Rugrats Runaway Reptar roller coaster was introduced. The expansion of this area into the lower part of Rivertown became known as Nickelodeon Central. At the start of the 2006 season, when Cedar Fair purchased the rights to the park from Paramount, Hanna-Barbera Land was gradually converted and renamed "Nickelodeon Universe".[22] Nickelodeon-themed elements remained in the park until 2010, when Nickelodeon Universe was rethemed and renamed Planet Snoopy based on the comic strip.[30]

Planet Snoopy contains many rides intended for smaller children, including four roller coasters, a skater coaster and a log flume ride. Amusement Today has awarded Kings Island with the Golden Ticket Award for Best Kids' Area in the World for the past fourteen years, 2001–2015.[65][66] Kings Island's Planet Snoopy was also the largest in the Cedar Fair chain, until 2013 when Kings Dominion opened their expanded Planet Snoopy.[67]

Name Opened Manufacturer
(Model)		 Description Thrill rating[nt 1]
Character Carousel 1982 Chance Rides
(36-Foot Carrousel)		 Children's carousel. Formerly known as Hanna Barbera Carousel (1982–2005) and Nick-O-Round (2006–2009). 1
Charlie Brown's Wind Up 1992 Zamperla Chair swing ride for children. Formerly known as Pixie and Dixie's Swingset (1992–2005) and Backyardigan's Swing-Along (2006–2009). 1
Flying Ace Aerial Chase 2001 Vekoma
(Suspended family coaster)		 Steel roller coaster for all ages. Formerly known as Rugrats Runaway Reptar (2001–2009). Its top speed is 26 miles per hour (42 km/h) and lasts for roughly 1 minute and 30 seconds.[68] 4
Joe Cool's Dodgem School 1976 Jurgen Scmidt, Rivervaze, NJ Children's bumper cars. Formerly known as Flintstone's Boulder Bumpers (1976–2005) and Jimmy Neutron's Atom Smasher (2006–2009). 2
Kite Eating Tree 2006 Zamperla
(Jumpin' Star)		 A mini-drop ride that lifts riders 20 feet (6.1 m) into the air that bounces up and down as the ride eventually lowers to the ground. Formerly known as Plankton’s Plunge (2006–2009). 3
Linus' Beetle Bugs 1972 William F. Mangels
(Whip Jr.)		 Classic whip ride. Operated at Coney Island (1967–1971). Formerly known as Screecher, Funky Phantom, Alley Cat 500 (1972-2005) and Swiper's Sweepers (2006–2009). 1
Linus' Launcher 2006 Zamperla
(Kite Flyer)		 Formerly known as Danny Phantom's Phantom Flyers (2006–2007) and Phantom Flyers (2006–2009). 3
PEANUTS 500 1979 Venture Ride Manufacturer Inc. Drivable car ride. Formerly known as Mr. Jinks Jalopies (1979–??), Kiddie Turnpike, Fender Bender 500 (??–2005) and Nick Jr. Drivers (2006–2009). 1
PEANUTS Off-Road Rally 1972 Hampton Amusement Corporation Miniature carousel car ride. Operated at Coney Island (1969–1971). Formerly known as Pee Wee Raceway, Motor Mouse and Go Diego Go!. 1
PEANUTS Playhouse 2006 N/A Entertainment venue formerly known as Nickelodeon Theater (2006–2008) and Putz HQ (2009)
Race For Your Life Charlie Brown 1972 Arrow Development/Hopkins Rides Themed Log Flume ride modeled after the 1977 Peanuts movie. Operated at Coney Island (1968–1971). Closed during the 2000 season, it reopened under a new name and Nickelodeon theme in 2001. Formerly known as Kings Mills Log Flume (1972–1999) and The Wild Thornberrys River Adventure (2001–2009). 4
Sally's Sea Plane 1998 Zamperla
(Crazy Bus)		 Formerly known as Atom Ant's Airways (1998–2005) and Timmy's Airtours (2006–2009). 2
Snoopy vs. Red Baron 1992 Zamperla
(Mini Jet)		 Themed after the comic strip featuring Snoopy Vs. the Red Baron. Formerly known as Dick Dastardly's Biplanes (1992–2005) and Blue's Skidoo (2006–2009). 2
Snoopy's Junction 1982 Mack Rides Guided rail train cars. Formerly known as Quick Draw's Railway (1982–2005) and La Adventura de Azul (2006–2009). 1
Snoopy's Space Buggies 2015 Zamperla
(Jump Around)		 A circular flat ride on which vehicles attached to a central console bounce up and down. Built by Zamperla.
Surf Dog 2006 Zamperla
(Skater Coaster)		 Surfboard themed ride that spins as it glides over a ramp. Formerly known as Avatar: The Last Airbender (2006–2009). 4
The Great Pumpkin Coaster 1992 E&F Miler Industries A junior steel roller coaster that takes riders up a small hill through a series of dips and then circles back around to complete the circuit for a second time. The ride lasts for roughly 52 seconds.[69] The queue area used to be the loading area for the Enchanted Voyage ride. Formerly known as Scooby Zoom (1992–1997), Top Cat's Taxi Jam (1998–2005) and Little Bill's Giggle Coaster (2006–2009). 2
Woodstock Express 1972 Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters A family-targeted wooden roller coaster. The ride lasts for roughly 1 minute and 30 seconds.[70] Formerly known as Scooby Doo (1972–1979), Beastie (1980–2005) and Fairly Odd Coaster (2006–2009). 4
Woodstock Gliders 2015 Larson International
(Flying Scooters)		 A flying eagles ride with eight carriages that each have a paddle, enabling guests to change the movement of their carriage.
Woodstock Whirlybirds 1998 Caripro Amusement Technology Helicopter-themed sky tram. Formerly known as Yogi's Sky Tours (1998–2005) and Lazytown Sportacopters (2006–2009). 1

Rivertown

The area known as Rivertown has been in the park since its opening in 1972. The area adopts a western theme as a town with ranch-style buildings, old wooden signs and an old water tower. Swan lake was the centerpiece until Diamondback arrived in 2009. The area was originally going to be titled Frontier Land.[71] It features two roller coasters and two family rides.

Name Opened Manufacturer
(Model)		 Description Thrill rating[nt 1]
Diamondback 2009 Bolliger & Mabillard
(Hyper coaster)		 A steel roller coaster that is 230 feet (70 m) tall and 5,282 feet (1,610 m) long with a top speed of 80 mph (130 km/h). Kings Island's first hypercoaster, Diamondback spans 10 acres (40,000 m2) of terrain and features a unique splashdown water effect ending. 5
Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad 1972 Crown Metal Products Company[72]
(3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge 4-4-0 Steam Train)		 A steam locomotive ride that travels in a 5,585-foot (1,702 m) loop that provides transportation between the main park and Soak City. Before the water park and its station were built, the train ride was a narrated excursion, traversing open fields and wooded areas with multiple props themed to the old west, small buildings and a fort. The trains are scale replicas of the famous 1800s locomotive known as The General. The two trains are named "Kenny Van Meter" (Blue Train, Engine 12) and "Lew Brown" (Green Train, Engine 19), formerly "Tecumseh" and "Simon Kenton" respectively. The Rivertown station is also known as "Losantiville Station". 1
The Beast 1979 Kings Island A wooden roller coaster constructed and designed internally by the Kings Island's Engineering & Construction department[73] which consistently remains a top roller coaster among many industry experts and enthusiasts. When it first opened, it held virtually every major record for roller coasters (tallest, fastest and longest). As of 2014, it still holds the record as the longest wooden roller coaster in the world according to Guinness World Records. The ride takes advantage of the hilly terrain and has two separate chain lifts throughout the course. 5
White Water Canyon 1985 Intamin
(Rapid Ride)		 River rafting ride that takes riders on a winding course through the densely wooded terrain in Kings Island's Rivertown. Riders are placed in circular inner-tube rafts that seat up to six. Whirlpools, hidden geysers and wave makers randomly soak riders along the route. It is one of the longest rides in the park at 5 minutes and 20 seconds. 4

Soak City

Included with park admission, Soak City is a 33-acre (13 ha) water park featuring two wave pools, several children's areas and a variety of water slides.[74] It originally opened in 1989 as WaterWorks and has since been expanded several times. It was renamed and rethemed in 2004 to "Crocodile" Dundee's Boomerang Bay and in 2007, was again renamed to Boomerang Bay. On September 2, 2011, Kings Island announced that a $10 million expansion would take place in the 2011–2012 offseason and that the park would open in 2012 as Soak City.[75] On August 19, 2015, park officials announced that Tropical Plunge, a seven-story water slide complex with six slide experiences, would be added to the water park in 2016.[76]

Halloween Haunt (Seasonal)

Halloween Haunt, formerly known as Fear Fest from 2000–2007, is a Halloween-themed event at Kings Island that runs on weekends from late September until the last weekend of October. It features haunted houses, mazes, live shows, and most of the park's regular season attractions. It has been a yearly event at Kings Island since its debut in 2000. The following section contains the lineup of attractions for 2014.[77]

Fast Lane

Fast Lane, introduced at Kings Island in July 2011, is a secondary queue system that offers shorter wait times on the park's most popular rides.[78] In addition to the standard admission charge, visitors can bypass the standard wait line by purchasing a wrist band that grants access to the Fast Lane queue. A limited number of wrist bands are sold each day. The two options available for purchase are Fast Lane and Fast Lane Plus, the latter of which adds several additional rides to the list.[79]

Significant facts

Notable additions

Son of Beast with loop
Overview of The Racer, plus Firehawk and Flight of Fear
Diamondback's lift hill

Notable events

Notable people

The following is a list of former employees at Kings Island that later became well known in another industry:[97][98][99][100]

Other

Dogstreet Cemetery

Dogstreet cemetery is located at the north end of the Kings Island parking lot and is maintained by Deerfield Township. The historic cemetery dates back to 1803. The Warren County Genealogical Society documented nearly 70 grave sites in the cemetery, though as of 2005, only 52 headstones remained.[101]

On January 11, 2012, the amusement park and cemetery were featured on season 8, episode 1 of Ghost Hunters entitled Roller Ghoster. The show investigated claims of haunted occurrences inside the park and around the cemetery, particularly of a ghost reportedly known as "Missouri Jane."[102] Warren County Genealogical Society records document a grave for a Missouri Jane Galeenor, who died in 1846 at age five.[103]

Kings Island resort

As part of the Kings Island resort, in 1972 Taft Broadcasting Company built a golf course, hotel and campground.

Kings Island greenhouse

The park has its own greenhouse just off of Columbia Road. It can be seen from the top of The Bat's lift hill. It produces the flowers and topiary for the park. Some of their notable work is the "Living Liberty Bell" topiary and working "Flower Clock" near the Eiffel Tower.[112]

Awards and recognition

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ratings assigned per Kings Island's own system, where "1" is least intensity and "5" is most. See their rider height guide[2] for more information.

References

  1. ↑ "TEA/AECOM 2014 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report" (PDF). Themed Entertainment Association. 2015. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Rider Height Guide" (PDF). Kings Island.
  3. 1 2 3 "Riding History To The Limits – The Concept". CET. August 26, 2009. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 "Coney Island History". Coney Island. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Development". KICentral. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Seifert, Jeffrey (June 2012). "Kings Island’s 40 years of success started with 1972 opening" (PDF). Amusement Today. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
  7. ↑ "Coaster Landmark Award – The Racer". American Coaster Enthusiasts. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Kings Island - 1972 Map". Themeparkbrochures.net. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
  9. ↑ The Banana Splits in Hocus Pocus Park 1972 (Audio Latino), YouTube
  10. ↑ "Together, We're Better (MB stereo remix), The Partridge Family, YouTube
  11. ↑ Johnny Bench on Kings Island episode of The Partridge Family, YouTube
  12. ↑ Brady Bunch at Kings Island - Run Through the Park, YouTube
  13. ↑ Brady Bunch at Kings Island 1973 pop-up video, YouTube
  14. ↑ "Brady Bunch Episode at Kings Island". KingsIslandCentral.com. Retrieved August 1, 2010.
  15. 1 2 "Amusement Parks Sale Completed". The Bryan Times (Bryan, Ohio). April 11, 1984. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  16. ↑ "Taft Sells Parks". The New York Times. Associated Press. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  17. 1 2 Elgazzar, Kareem. "Carl Lindner, 92; impact went beyond Cincinnati". Deseret News. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  18. ↑ Paramount Communications. "Paramount communications will enter theme park business by acquiring kings entertainment and kings island park". PR Newswire. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  19. 1 2 Zhito, Lisa (August 10, 1992). "Acquisition of KECO sharpens Paramount's marketing edge". Amusement Business. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  20. ↑ Woodyard, Chris (August 23, 1992). "More Studios Open Theme Park Attractions That Tie Into Their Movies : Entertainment: MCA, Paramount, Walt Disney and Time Warner now control 13 of the top 20 most popular parks in the U.S. and Canada.". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  21. ↑ Bloom, Richard. "Viacom may sell billion-dollar baby". The Globe and Mail (February 25, 2005). Retrieved November 11, 2015.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Timeline: A History of Kings Island". Kings Island. Archived from the original on March 12, 2012. Retrieved July 11, 2012.
  23. ↑ "Close To Home: Deerfield Township". The Cincinnati Enquirer. January 12, 1997. Retrieved 15 July 2012.
  24. ↑ McNutt, Randy (August 31, 1998). "Bite by bite, neighboring cities take land". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved December 28, 2006.
  25. ↑ Aldridge, Kevin (September 15, 1999). "Mason annexes all of Kings Island". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved July 7, 2012.
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  30. 1 2 "Cedar Fair says goodbye to Nickelodeon". Theme Park Insider. August 29, 2009. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
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  32. ↑ "Mason to consider ticket tax". JournalNews. February 3, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  33. ↑ Callahan, Denise (March 16, 2010). "Kings Island ticket tax rejected by Mason City Council". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
  34. ↑ "Council Votes Against Kings Island Tax Hike". www.wlwt.com. February 8, 2010. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
  35. ↑ "Watch out! The Screamin' Demon is here". The Journal News (Hamilton, Ohio). April 14, 1977. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  36. ↑ Richardson, Rachel (April 25, 2012). "Kings Island thrill ride history". Metromix. Archived from the original on January 10, 2013. Retrieved April 26, 2013.
  37. 1 2 Tate, Skip (April 1993). "The Shape of Kings To Come". Cincinnati Magazine (Emmis Communications) 26 (7): 82. ISSN 0746-8210. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
  38. ↑ "Kings Island Media Day 1999". June 4, 2009. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
  39. 1 2 McClelland, Justin (July 27, 2012). "Kings Island to tear down Son of Beast". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved May 2, 2013.
  40. ↑ McNutt, Randy (September 27, 2002). "New K.I. ride may result in 'delirium'". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved May 2, 2013.
  41. ↑ "Kings Island unleashes Banshee, world’s longest inverted coaster". Amusement Today. April 17, 2014. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
  42. ↑ "The Bat flies again at Kings Island". Amusement Today. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
  43. 1 2 "Kings Island celebrating 40th anniversary". WDRB News. March 29, 2012. Archived from the original on April 2, 2012. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  44. 1 2 "Kings Island – 1979 Brochure". Retrieved July 7, 2012.
  45. ↑ "1980 Park Brochure". Theme Park Review. Retrieved July 7, 2012.
  46. ↑ "Kings Island (1985)". Retrieved July 7, 2012.
  47. ↑ "Kings Island (1986)". Retrieved July 7, 2012.
  48. 1 2 3 "Riding History To The Limits – International Appeal". CET. August 26, 2009. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  49. ↑ "The Zodiac - Details". Wonderland History. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  50. ↑ "The Zodiac at Kings Island". Wonderland History. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  51. 1 2 3 MacDonald, Brady (August 22, 2012). "Top 10 roller coasters at Ohio's Kings Island". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  52. ↑ ""MINI" Roars On Italian Job Ride - But Where is Charlze?". The Auto Channel. May 19, 2005. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  53. ↑ Solvig, Erica (August 13, 2004). "Engines rev, tires peel". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  54. ↑ "Firehawk at Coaster-Net". Coaster-Net. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  55. ↑ Self, Jamie (August 25, 2011). "Carowinds new 'flying machine' sends riders 30 stories up". Herald Online. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  56. 1 2 "Kings Island to open world’s largest dinosaur park". Mason Buzz. March 18, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
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  60. 1 2 Kahaner, Tracy (September 16, 2015). "Disneyland Through The Decades". Blooloop.com. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
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  64. 1 2 "2013 Park & Ride Winners". Amusement Today. Retrieved December 5, 2013.
  65. ↑ "2014 Park & Ride Golden Ticket Winners". Golden Ticket Awards.
  66. ↑ "Kings Dominion announces expansion of Planet Snoopy". Richmond Times-Dispatch. September 12, 2012. Retrieved September 12, 2012.
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  90. ↑ "Skywalks – Exceeding the Limits of Tradition". Wallenda Enterprises Inc. Retrieved June 17, 2012.
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  93. ↑ "High-wire acrobat to take thrills to new heights at Kings Island". Middletown Journal. July 21, 2009. Retrieved June 17, 2012.
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  95. ↑ "'Brady Bunch' reunion brings memories to Kings Island". USA Today. May 20, 2013. Retrieved June 23, 2013.
  96. ↑ Schwartzberg, Eric (August 31, 2010). "Kings Island employees to reunite". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  97. ↑ Catch a Rising Star
  98. ↑ Helbig, Don (28 August 2009). "Second annual Kings Island Employee Reunion". Kings Island Insider. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  99. ↑ http://www.danpatrick.com/2011/06/21/dan-patricks-early-career-ups-and-downs/
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  101. ↑ "Roller Ghoster". Ghost Hunters — Syfy. Retrieved January 23, 2012.
  102. ↑ "Dogstreet Cemetery — Missouri Jane Galeenor". Warren County Genealogical Society. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
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  104. ↑ "Desmond Muirhead — golf course architect — golf courses built, articles, related information". Worldgolf.com. 2012-08-01. Retrieved 2013-04-08.
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  106. ↑ "Golf Roundup : Debbie Massey's 67 Leads LPGA Championship by One Shot — Los Angeles Times". Articles.latimes.com. 1988-05-20. Retrieved 2013-04-08.
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