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Updates of the week (aka what I saw now and was already out there): Last month’s permit reports were leaked and the permits for Opening Nightmare were filed officially. I’ve seen like job values for these things and I have no clue if like this is normal or like an indicator of “woahhhh this ride is impressive” because Soapbox Racers cost like 10,000,000 to construct. But also, if it does have less of a construction value needed, I’m keeping with my belief that it’s going to open with the park at the start of next season. I also don’t fully know how the permits work, but I think that since they haven’t mentioned any exterior work the castle facade is getting a retheme vs a new outdoor queue or new entrance being constructed (The public permits have been lost to time, but I believe if memory serves my right the castle entry structure they added had to get approved) Also there’s a new (blurry) look at the animatronics for IAPPA. I spoilered it incase you don’t want to see, but this was in the background official Sally Dark Rides post, so I feel like it’s within fair game versus the photos in a photos down tour location. At this point I’m just so interested to see what their voices sound like.

I’d trade out Carnivale for an expanded Food and Wine (with tasting cards) and an Oktoberfest event.

I think the biggest thing I want to see the return of for any of the food related events would be the punch cards. I feel like they give a better value, or at least the sense of a better value vs a 'la carte. It also provides more of an incentive to participate. I know the likelihood of punch cards returning is slim to none, but one can kindly request it from the powers that be. As for any other certain special events, I have some thoughts and feelings but those are discussions to be had off the forums as I know this is not the place to have them.

We NEED what the Dickens back or some other old English style Christmas show. That one was hilarious

The $22.00 picture looks more fun. There is something cool in the distance too according to the pointing and amazement on their faces . Will that help people pick the $22 option?

I have a feeling another show for Winterfest will be added...hopefully a fan favorite.

They were just using it for the most part to park sales and promotional content the past couple years instead of using it for its intent to tell stories. If they’re not going to use it for storytelling, it doesn’t serve a purpose.

Ok. So to preface, after having experienced CP in the fall for the first time ever last year, my fiancé and I decided then that we would find ourselves there only during the fall season as the cooler air/light crowds ( on non weekend/Hallo days ) are lighter and the overall vibes are just preferred as a whole. I think at this point if we were to find ourselves inside the park in the summer months it would be because A) we lived in the area or B ) Special event such as Sandusky Pride. Otherwise, we prefer a fall visit. We had been planning out our trip for awhile and it so happened to work out that it fell on Halloween weekend. At first I was slightly nervous that the crowds would be overwhelming on Halloween night so we bought our FL+ wristbands just in case. Ended up not being crowded at all actually. So while it felt silly spending the money on the wristbands, they did come in handing for making re-rides easier on TT2 and SC. Everything else was quite literally no more than a 15 minute wait. The longest wait of the night for me was Millie because I wanted the front seat as always. But even then, with them only having the red and blue rain operating, that two-train dispatching was much more fluid than when they have three on the track. While we ended up having dinner and riding other favorites, my main focus will be on TT2 and SC, so here goes. Top Thrill 2. I had a lot of complicated emotions around this one and I think there might be those of you who would agree with that. As a long time fan of the original hydraulic launch, I wasn't really sure how to feel about a swing launch. I had both the feelings of being glad they kept the ride at all, but simultaneously I felt the swing launch would be a cheesy replacement for the in your face original hydraulic launch. I realized when walking up to it and seeing it operate with my own two eyes that I was actually growing more excited to experience it. My fiancé was incredibly nervous as she never got to ride the original and this would be her first time ever going this high and this fast. The station op was chill about my request for the front seat as I wanted to see if it all reminded me of the original as the front seat was my favorite spot. We got on really quickly and I was met with seats that felt comfortable, but honestly it felt strange not being able to place my feet firmly on the floor. I'm not very tall but I'm not super short either, so I was able to sort of place the balls of my feel on the floor, but then I sort of realized it was neat to be able to swing my legs a little. It was dark outside which added to the excitement and I realized as we were lined up for the first launch "wow, its been a long time old friend". I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was keeping an open mind. I wasn't at all scared, but more nervous that I would be disappointed. Boy was I wrong. The first launch was nice since it was just fast enough that it felt exciting, but slow enough that for the first time my brain could process what was actually happening and I could sort of take in the scenery and admire the structure. That changed very quickly when going backwards. Holy WOW. I was absolutely NOT expecting those LSMs to have so much pull and bite to them. That backwards launch....you could really feel the train being pulled with some seriously force in a way I was not expecting. It was amazing. And the view from the front row on the spike was absolutely incredible. That hang time feeling didn't last long before absolutely blasting through the LSMs again and again WOW...I never thought any launch could feel more forceful than the hydraulic launch system that the original Dragster had...but it actually RIPPED through and up the top hat with such a force that I quite literally couldn't help but giggle and smile. It felt similar in some ways and yet so different, but I was actually very pleased with the outcome. Albeit always holding a candle for the original Dragster, I am incredibly happy with this new version and I am really thankful that it not only lives on, but absolutely carries the torch. And watching them dispatch the trains Saturday night was a thing of beauty. Well oiled machine that night. So big kudos to the ones operating it. Also, good job CP with making sure Republica's "Ready To Go" was playing outside of the ride. Really added to the nostalgia for those of us who grew up with the original. I managed to get 2 rides in and was about to get a third, but sadly it broke down and I chose to divert my attention to Siren's Curse. TT2 now sits solidly in my top 5 for sure though because it's truly just so much fun. Now onto the absolute highlight of the trip for me and my fiancé'. I am going to start with the fact that I have ALWAYS been a major fan of Vekoma. Despite their flaws with their earlier designs with shaky-rough tracking coasters, I always believed in their vision. They were always kind of the budget and space friendly coaster manufacture, but I always admired their unique take on coasters while also providing big thrills. They always just came in at a different angle than others and I have always rooted for the underdog. In a world where B&M and Intamin reigned as kings, Vekoma was always in the shadows making their moves and providing thrills where the kings could not fit for one reason or another. But could they survive with their rough reputation? Vekoma has done something incredible in my eyes. Guys they really have absolutely showed up and shown out. When KI got SSBR, I knew even for that being a small family coaster that they found their groove. Even for such a small coaster, it packs a punch and guess what? Its SMOOTH. I knew when CP was getting Siren's Curse I not only wanted to experience it for a new coaster experience, but also to experience a grown-up Vekoma installation and I was absolutely BLOWN away as was my fiancé'. Let me break down why. And pardon me, I am going to Vekoma fanboi hard here so let me have my moment of pride for them. Heck one of my online screen names in high school lovingly showcased my support for them. For one, the trains. My goodness how absolutely insanely comfortable they are. If KI gets a new grown-up Vekoma looper we are in for a real treat because hands down this has to be one of the most comfortable trains I have ever sat in personally. Secondly, the lighting on the trains themselves is gorgeous. I love how the lighting matches the storyline perfectly and the fog/light changing and all the little nuance along the way. Just brilliant. Oh, and the actual metallic shift in the paint is something to behold. All of the details in this thing just took me aback in a way I did not expect. And of course, for those of you who have ridden it, you already know how absolutely great the onboard audio is. It really does add something special to the ride. From start to finish the audio matches the entire ride experience perfectly. I won't spoil any of it for those of you who haven't taken the journey yet, but its just special. Truly. Now the ride experience itself. I was actually more excited to experience SC than TT2. I realize they are two very different kinds of coaster, and albeit loving TT2 now, SC really stole the show for me. This thing is absolutely 110% infinitely re-rideable. Its insanely smooth, glossy transitions and just so much fun. This ride is just absolutely a blast. From the appearance, audio, comfortable trains...goodness I am obsessed you could say. I will also add this. For those who may be scared of being tilted forward and hanging in the restraint, if you ever rode Firehawk or any Vekoma Flying Dutchman and felt fine, the best way I can compare the hangtime is to that of the Flying Dutchman...but actually more comfortable. I can't really explain it any other way, but the audio might also be soothing too while you're tilting and then the hang time isn't very long and it's comfortable. I know most of us here do not fear coasters as a whole, but for anyone second guessing themselves over a tilt coaster, this one is not one to miss. Seriously. This is now our favorite roller coaster. I had high expectations for this ride since reading about it and my expectations were far exceeded. I am so incredibly proud of Vekoma. Also, side note. After riding many of the coasters that day, it was easy to tell that a lot of them were on their final set of wheels for the year and were riding as such. You could easily tell SC was also towards the end of that set of wheels and it STILL rode like silk. I can only imagine what a fresh set of wheels would feel like. There is my long review of the two new coasters and my personal take on them. I am already looking forward to going back next year and taking a few more rides on TT2 but definitely lapping SC as many times as I can. As for the rest of the time we were there, Saturday was spent doing SC for early entry, having lunch, looking around at the stores and then coming back later that night for some shows since it was the last night of Halloweekends. Our main focus wasn't coasters on Saturday as it was Friday night and it was far busier as to be expected. Sunday I literally popped in to grab a couple of surprises and leave, but I got to observe the sheer amount of people coming in for the last day of the season. I was glad I got in early because holy wow....no thank you! To anyone reading this, thanks for taking time to do so.

I really thought after I rode both of those that you and @IBEW_Sparky would really enjoy these 2 coasters and was really hoping to hear your thoughts. You put that TR down perfectly with how I feel about them as well. I will say, I like SC a little bit better over TT2. The onboard audio really tilts it over the edge for me. Pun intended! I am so glad you enjoyed them both.

Rotating the smaller productions could be a nice budget-friendly way to have shows like Four Drummers Drumming, What the Dickens, and Holly Jolly Trolley return.

Here’s a piece I published on TPBD on how Kings Island transforms the Royal Fountain into Snow Flake Lake at WinterFest. https://themeparksbydon.com/kings-island-snow-flake-lake-ice-rink-winterfest/

I've watched a few closing day videos on YT and it was sad to see. That was someone's home park and its always sad when people lose their happy place. Also I'm sure you all saw that ridiculous video of the guest gaining access to Batwing's cat walk I really hope that was worth it to him to get arrested for.

I'd love to see the security posts get a nicer cover in a potential front gate redesign. Something like the Six Flags St. Louis turnstile structure or Carowinds South Gate structure would be really nice to see. Both of them have a little bit of architectural detail and generally look better than the plain prefab structures we currently have.

Apparently it is pick your pricing LOL

Also I appreciate that they now have not only Military discount tickets, but they also include first responders now. And although I am an annual pass holder, as a first responder I am grateful for this!

As we approach the beginning of Winterfest and roll ever closer to the new year, Kings Island has published a couple of 2026 group events to the park's new website. For reference, in 2024 and 2025 the seasonal events calendar was released on March 4th. The current lineup is still missing seasonal festivals like Food & Wine, Halloween Haunt, and Winterfest, but even the PSM days are more than we knew about this time last year. PitP days may also give some insight into the park calendar once more is published. Haunt and Winterfest are listed as benefits of the 2026 passes so it's reasonable to assume they will both return in 2026. So far the 2026 events calendar includes the following group events: Physics, Science, and Math Days — April 24 & May 1, 8, 14, 15, & 22, 2026 Performance in the Park — Any Public Operating Day During the 2026 Season Unless something changes — which there is a chance that it might — we now know that the season will start by Friday, April 24th, 2026. Could we see Grand Carnivale return in 2026? How do you think the park could improve the Food & Wine Festival? When do you think the rest of the 2026 events will be revealed? Next year might be big for new seasonal events as the United States celebrates its Quarter Millennial. A number of parks have already revealed special events, shows, and rides as part of the America 250 campaign. Exciting times await Kings Island in 2026!

The Kings Island website has been updated with a fresh new look. It’s easier to navigate and find exactly what you’re looking for. https://www.sixflags.com/kingsisland

I'd take that. I just think we need another story show when most of the entertainment is music based

Don't forget the Moose, the one that should have told you the park was closed

With the right marketing, promotion and relationships, they could win it.

I don’t think Kings Island Winterfest will ever win the best Christmas event simply because it only operates 20 something days compared to how many days the other events like Dollywood and Busch Gardens operate. More days means more people means more votes.

We also saw Fangs on Friday, wanted to see it because consistanly it is the best show in any park and I always look forward to the Red Garter Saloon Rock show. Wanted to see it Friday to catch it Saturday as well, and we decided not to catch it Saturday because the show was sub-par in our opinion. The sound was not on par with previous years (balance was way off) and just not the same intensity. Don't get me wrong we enjoyed it (KI needs something similar) it's just that we weren't blown away as we have been in previous years. I would suggest hitting the second to last weekend. Seems as though the last Sat/Sun is always crowded. Get there Thurs, it's less crowded and stay however many nights you want. We stay 3 because it acts as an insurance policy in case of bad weather. Maybe we'll run into you next year! Cheers.

A lot of things on the new websites are incorrect/outdated. It would've been nice to have a complete list of correct information with these new websites, but it seems Six Flags' historic [lack of] quality control has been retained by the merged company.

My wife and I were also there Thusday - Sunday. We always go the last weekend, been doing it for 26 years now. Thursday as mostly a wash out. Friday the park attendance was VERY light. Never saw more than a half hour wait for SC all day. Expected it to get busier at night but it never did. I put it up to trick or treating. Kids may love CP, but the love candy more Saturday was completely busy. 90+ minute wait for SC. Only stayed till about Noon on Sunday just to get a last walk around the park. The main thing that stuck with me was the mazes. With the exception of Cornstalkers 2.0 (we didn't go thorough Slaughterhouse) but the other 4 all had changes/updates to them. I found the $10 worth it. Lines were 45-60 minutes so the crowd didn't seem to mind the cost either. The biggest change was they took the shower scene with the bugs out of Eerie Estates and replaced it with spiders and webs??? Didn't go thourgh Cove because the line was outrageous (no maze access required) and also skipped Bayou because it's a hike just to the walk through. All in all great trip but think we'll be doing the second to last weekend from now on. Tomo's inside Breakers was closed for the last weekend (happens from time-to-time) and we both really look forward to that dinner.

Tinker's Jingle Bell Ball at Kings Island has the same description but presumably it will be a different show despite the plot sounding very similar to the original Tinker's.

Also....side note. The amount of love shown for Iron Dragon over the weekend was honestly shocking. The amount of people I heard around me talking about heading over to take a ride on it or the amount of people lined up to ride in general over the weekend was pretty great to see. It isn't the most spectacular coaster by any stretch, but it a good solid intermediate coaster which CP doesn't have as many of compared to other parks. It may not be my favorite, but I have a soft spot for old Arrow Suspended coasters and I have respect for the path it made for the rides we have today. I do hope it sticks around for many years to come as these are slowly becoming extinct.

RIP to Six Flags America. I wonder how soon the chain plans to remove it from their maps and such. IMO it would be a disservice to leave the website up as-is with no indication of the fact that the park is closed (though I wouldn't put it past SF to leave it up as-is). The earliest that anything will happen is tomorrow when people are in their offices. If any rides get relocated then I could see announcements coming in about a month. Most of the fixtures (at least racks and such) will almost definitely be sent to other parks to be reused. The logistics part of me would love to see the plans for what's moving, and how, and when — though realistically those plans would never be released.

Started my own concept art for a Kings Island front gate redesign! This iteration uses the Matt Hunter Ross illustration as a base (really just for heights and widths) with everything else being my own. For this design I wanted to keep the main building while adding a new permanent facade to the front. It solves the issue of a blank roof with giant ads while adding visual character. Two new "blocks" protrude from the facade and bring the entrances to the restrooms and to Guest Services to the front of the building. There would need to be some reconfigurations inside each facility, but I figure the entire ground floor would be renovated in this concept. Two windows are located on the second floor of each block. The two outer entry portals have LED screens above each of them to keep with the Cedar Fair way, while the center portal could either have a third screen or another set of windows. I'd get rid of the screens entirely or move them down to the top of the arches, but this way meant I didn't have to draw more windows. I took some inspiration from the Moonlite Gardens at Coney Island for the original design (seen to the right of the tape). It was difficult to decide which architectural style I should go with for this design. I tested and erased and tested again. At one point I'd thought about whether or not Greek Revival could work or if I'd accidently get too close to copying either Moonlite Gardens (below) or Carowinds' original entrance. Finally, I realized that keeping the mansard roofs and attempting to emulate some form of Haussmann's Victorian Second Empire designs for Paris (as MHR was in his concept art) was probably the safest bet. Hopefully the vision is visible! It's not my best architectural design nor photo quality, but you can see most of it.

I agree that they shouldn’t demolish the entrance building but rather update and refurbish it. Something like this concept I found online would be nice because it keeps the same building and the International Restaurant, but it makes the entrance more grand and appealing and ties it into the international theme of the park. http://matthunterross.com/kings-island

Once again, Dollywood continues to impress. They have really built up their collection over the past 5 years or so! Tennessee Tornado, Thunderhead, now the Mystery Mine. FINALLY, a Eurofighter in the states. I've read nothing but positive reviews from EVERYONE who has ridden one! If their spinning coasters (WoF and Mall of America) are any indication, it'll be a total blast to ride!