I just watched them take another one.  A retheme would be nice especially if something is going in The Vortex spot in '26.

Weren’t some of these billboards in that area transformed for the Winterfest Shooting Star Drive-in theming with vintage billboard advertisements? Maybe they are just putting back the regular billboards?

15 minutes ago, Winterfestguy said:

Weren’t some of these billboards in that area transformed for the Winterfest Shooting Star Drive-in theming with vintage billboard advertisements? Maybe they are just putting back the regular billboards?

Yes, they were themed to the Drive-In. I bet you they're just changing it back to the tunnel sign for Backlot.

Kings Island Drive by 

 

 

A permit was filed for a sprinkler system replacement in Kings Island Trading Co. for a job value of $14,000.

 

1 hour ago, RedSummit20 said:

 

I thought only Tower Topics could promote their brand on KIC?

5 minutes ago, BeeastFarmer said:

I thought only Tower Topics could promote their brand on KIC?

huh. im not promoting anything just sharing a video. 

 

Looks like the I-Street cam is down.

Now that I think about it, the removal of Xtreme Skyflyer is the largest change to Kings Islands skyline since the removal of Sling Shot in May 2022.

On 3/12/2025 at 11:31 AM, Orion-XL200 said:

Looks like the I-Street cam is down.

The I-street cam has been turned off for a few weeks now. Typically, right after Winterfest they turn it off so we can’t watch the ice rink and decorations being disassembled. However, this year the cam stayed up for most of February to watch the decking of the ice rink taken out exposing the actual fountain as well as the Eiffel Tower light stings being removed. Then they turned the cam off likely for the start of I-Street construction on the new gift shops. Likely won’t come back on line until passholder preview in April as not to spoil the big reveal.

The Kings Island mobile app has been updated to display the 2025 version of the explorable map. Features such as Bluegill Lagoon, Riverbank Slide Out, the Tadpool, and River Racers have all been added, however the latter does not have a marker displayed. Soak City's new entrance plaza is also reflected. The parade route (formerly marked by two parallel white lines) has been replaced by a dotted line. Viking Fury's entrance path has been fixed as well. The two buildings between Graeter's and the First Aid building have been removed from the map, but I haven't seen anything about demolition permits so I'd assume they just got removed from the map since guests can't enter them. Overall it seems that the mistakes found on the original version of this map have been fixed, which is very nice since it will let guests have a more accurate read on the layout of the park. 

 

One very interesting thing about the map as it currently stands is the fact that markers from all events are displayed, including Grand Carnivale, Halloween Haunt, Tricks and Treats, and Winterfest. Xtreme Skyflyer's markers are also still displayed, however the ride itself has been removed from the map. 

5 hours ago, Winterfestguy said:

The I-street cam has been turned off for a few weeks now. Typically, right after Winterfest they turn it off so we can’t watch the ice rink and decorations being disassembled. However, this year the cam stayed up for most of February to watch the decking of the ice rink taken out exposing the actual fountain as well as the Eiffel Tower light stings being removed. Then they turned the cam off likely for the start of I-Street construction on the new gift shops. Likely won’t come back on line until passholder preview in April as not to spoil the big reveal.

Right, it was kind just a random look at the site and boom it's down. I will say I don't think it's due to the I-Street gift shop construction as it was always out of the camera view anyway.

It's official first sign of spring.  Some people say when you see robins, for us it's when woodstock's whirlybirds are bing placed on the tracks.

(Clipped from the KI Webcam)

1 hour ago, robintodd said:

It's official first sign of spring.  Some people say when you see robins, for us it's when woodstock's whirlybirds are bing placed on the tracks.

(Clipped from the KI Webcam)

I saw them cycling a few mornings ago. Opening day is right around the corner.

I looked around for subject for this but could not find one that directly fits.  Please move if there is one.  But here is a nice story about or favorite "Undertaker" as well many other characters performed by none other than Mike Rochester.  Not saying I know this guy but have been impressed by his performances over the years.

https://www.journal-news.com/lifestyles/the-story-of-one-of-kings-islands-busiest-performers/6HCSAM3U65GG3PUT5A24R2MEZE/

Great article! 

https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2025/march/the-beast-receives-new-track-during-offseason?utm_source=park_x&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=the_beast_blog_march_2025&utm_id=25SSP

Surprised!

That second picture is crazy. Is it just me or does it look like a dip was added before the brake shed? Yet, no explanation in the blog post. I’ve been wishing for some excitement in that area ever since the skid brakes were removed. 

14 hours ago, befat said:

That second picture is crazy. Is it just me or does it look like a dip was added before the brake shed? Yet, no explanation in the blog post. I’ve been wishing for some excitement in that area ever since the skid brakes were removed. 

Curious how this affects the rides length, we are going to lose or gain total track length here. Would be funny if Beast broke its record again.

Does this mean The Beast won't be open for opening day? 

1 hour ago, DiamondBeast said:

Does this mean The Beast won't be open for opening day? 

Who knows...

It certainly looks like they’ve added a “swoop” into the turn to the brake shed, based on existing structure above track level that hasn’t been taken out yet.

This means Gravity Group track all the way from the top of the first lift through the midcourse tunnel, in addition to the helix rebuild. Hopefully next year they’ll do the final stretch from the tunnel to the second lift, might be able to back off on the braking too.

3 hours ago, PKIDelirium said:

It certainly looks like they’ve added a “swoop” into the turn to the brake shed, based on existing structure above track level that hasn’t been taken out yet.

This means Gravity Group track all the way from the top of the first lift through the midcourse tunnel, in addition to the helix rebuild. Hopefully next year they’ll do the final stretch from the tunnel to the second lift, might be able to back off on the braking too.

I would be okay if GG removed the long break shed all together and replaced it with a tunnel with bunny hills. Look, I get the nostalgia of Beast. But there’s no reason to keep the long shed as is. 
At one point I hope beast gets Timberliners (with a custom front train)

20 hours ago, Captain Nemo said:

At one point I hope beast gets Timberliners (with a custom front train)

As a die hard Beast fan, I very much consider this blasphemy.

I personally like the brake shed by Orion's turnaround. It's a little time to slow down before the next few minutes of wild riding, and it (the shed covering itself) is a unique feature I haven't seen on many other coasters.

ICYMI, the 1926 Grand Carousel, relocated from Cincinnati's Coney Island for Kings Island's 1972 inaugural season, is getting reroofed. The new metal standing seams for the roof will be an aged copper/ patina color. Here is a Facebook post from the contractor doing the work:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1555h46yz4/

 

I saw that and assumed the trim (I'm guessing that's what it's called) that was red was turning blue...but maybe not. It'll be interesting to see what it looks like when it's done! 

 

--Added--

 

The HR building is getting an exterior lighting upgrade....$400 estimated cost of work. The permit shows lighting units that apparently are going to be purchased from Amazon. I don't know why, but that made me laugh.

Paramount? In my Kings Island? It's more likely than you think.

Jokes aside, I wonder what color everything will be when they're done. The roofing is that nice patina, but the wood trim looks like it will stay the same unless they paint it before Opening Day. 

I'm also curious as to what the new KI Trading Company facade looks like. The plans looked nice and only make me more excited for the next four weeks to go by quickly!

Did anybody notice this is at King's Island