Imperial79

The new construction is in front of the rope ladder game to the right, right behind the Coke-Cola building that was added a few years ago. Google Earth shows there used to be lockers there before. Added a circle for it.

Looks like some new buildings have been added in Oktoberfest area of the park, located on the bottom right. The second pic is some work is being done on the shed part of Mystic Timbers. Pictures from the KI webcam site, link: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/explore/live-video

That is great to hear about them planting new Linden tree's at the ET, I didn't know! Do you or anyone here, know how long it will take for them to grow?

I voted International Street. If they could bring back the bushes along the fountain, and tree's under the tower and the other things that's been said here, it would be even better. It's nice having the music back. I think if Coney Mall brought back its sign, and added some of the classic rides that used to be at the park, it would be a contender.

I think when they do announce for 2018, people will be skeptical at first, but I think it will work out, and this will help with the food lines, and help guests get back to enjoying the parks rides and atmosphere. There is a webcam that takes pictures every minute or so of International Street, it's on a weather stations site I believe. Went to it a few times to see the lights during WinterFest. It's pretty easy to find, just do a search.

I think we'll find out when it gets sooner to opening day, when they post something *new* on the ki website. Don didn't seem like he wanted to speculate on when, or even 'if' there was going to be an announcement, when he was asked about it during the live video cast last year.

So now could be the best chance we have, at getting our Flyers back? I'm all for it, come on back home to KI!

I haven't been to Cedar Point in over 15 years, what is their main draw now, if its not Millennium Force Is it Top Thrill Dragster? Valravn?

The first official news of what's new for 2018 has just been posted! Looks like its official for Diamondback! https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2018/january/Diamondback-roller-coaster-trains-get-new-seats

Also: 2017 - LED lighting package added to Dodgem!

I never been on them but I'd have to say The Flying Eagles as well, I walked pass them in 2001, but didn't realize how great a ride it was till years later, and they was taken out. Would have been nice if they was brought back home to KI, and North Carolina was given the new Scooters... The ride that I have been on that I miss the most is the Antique Cars/Les Taxis, never thought they'd ever remove that classic ride. Second would be the Smurf ride, it was a great dark family boat ride!

Its not like they aren't updating things, for 2016 they built a whole new parking entrance. Repainted The Vortex sign for its 30th anniversary, added new theming and a new sign for The Beast, and added a new themed roller coaster Mystic Timbers in 2017, and didn't they repaint The Racer entrance sign a few years ago? And this isn't everything, they have worked on this season. The park is a lot bigger today then compared to the 1970's and 1980's.

Hope this off year they are doing this. The food improvement part could be coming for 2018, with a new restaurant in Coney Mall, that hasn't been announced yet. I'm guessing it'll be an announcement of it on their website, sometime before the Spring opening day.

^Agreed, that stuff does need work. Lights near the Grand Carousel also need fixed.

I'm wondering, what parts of the park that you consider are being neglected?

Add some garland and ornaments to the first level of the Eiffel Tower, kind of like how they did with Haunt this year. And if they could, have one side of The Racer running.

Here's a pic from KIEntertainment on Instagram, showing Kings Island WinterFest 2017 from the Eiffel Tower. Looks great!

Update for new hours for WinterFest again. Starting Dec 26th - 30th the hours are for the whole week 4 pm - 10 pm. Link at https://www.visitkingsisland.com/explore/calendar-and-hours

Just voted, keep voting and bring Mystic Timbers back to the #1 spot!

Anyone going today? It's been awhile for new pics of the area, if someone can take some.

^^^I thought it had some inaccuracies, good to know!

Bump! After doing a search for the "Fort Washington House" (couldn't find any), I didn't know that the ghost of Missouri Jane also haunts the International Restaurant, and employee's hear banging of pots and pans!! Has anyone while working or visiting the park ever had anything strange happen to them? Nothing has ever happened to me while there. https://www.wattpad.com/125436737-missouri-jane-the-ghost-of-kings-island-missouri Here's a YouTube video of the haunted Kings Island stories, from WellHeyProductions!

I think from what people have said, WinterFest is just right the way it is, I'd love The Racer to be open though, that would be icing on the cake!. I wonder if they'll add more lights next year? California's Great America now boasts 7 million lights, if Kings Island added 2 million more it would be an even bigger light show! Does anyone know if CGA started out with 5 million and added 2 million for this year?

Kings Island just updated their WinterFest calendar and has changed the hours!!! New hours for Saturdays only, the park now opens at 4 PM instead of 5 PM.. Info at https://www.visitkingsisland.com/explore/calendar-and-hours

Makes me so happy to hear all the good responses to Kings Island's WinterFest! Who would have thought it would be compared to a Disney park, and Dollywood's event? I am excited for the future of the park, to see what they have in store for everyone!