What's your favorite?

I'd have to say Rivertown. It's got a great ride lineup, it looks really nice, and it overall just has a nice feeling to it.

Also, I'm counting smaller areas like Area 72 and Camp Snoopy as their own areas, even though some people might consider them "sub-areas" of other areas.

Based on relaxing, I choose IS. Just enjoying a drink with some Fountain ERT & seeing others have a great day really allows me to forget about everything outside those turnstiles for a while.

Rivertown is by far my favorite area of Kings Island. I'm a big sucker for antique/rustic themes and Rivertown very much does it for me. The area could stand to gain better/more cohesive theming in some places, especially anything that brings back the pre-Diamondback and TR:TR charm. It's great as it is, although there are a few changes that could take it to the next level! 

It'd be really nice to have a small amphitheater or showplace in Rivertown. I've seen a lot of calls for a saloon, but anything that can fit in the area would be great. The old Rivertown Mining Company building that sat where Diamondback's cattle-pen queue is now will always intrigue me. If Kings Island is ever looking for some easy theming and brownie points, enclose the upper queue and build something that looks similar to that old building on the part facing the path. The facade and porch space could be used for extra covered seating space, while the queue area inside would remain largely the same with the addition of queue line benches and theming. 

7 hours ago, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

The old Rivertown Mining Company building that sat where Diamondback's cattle-pen queue is now will always intrigue me. If Kings Island is ever looking for some easy theming and brownie points, enclose the upper queue and build something that looks similar to that old building on the part facing the path. The facade and porch space could be used for extra covered seating space, while the queue area inside would remain largely the same with the addition of queue line benches and theming. 

I've actually had a similar opinion! They could give Diamondback a backstory for Rivertown. 

"Mr. McHales Farm (Named after Ed McHale, Kings Island's GM from 1973 to 1976 and previously park president of Coney Island 1970 -1971) was a thriving tobacco business in Rivertown. One day, however, the old tobacco barn on the hill overlooking his house was taken over by a large Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake, far larger than any he had previously seen."

Guest could walk through the General Store and farm house themed queue, similar to Good Gravy at Holiday World and Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, which would make the coaster feel more immersive and better intigrated into the Rivertown section.

 

Edit; Add on: For me, my favorite area is International Street. The European buildings and the landscaping with the Royal Fountain and Eiffel Tower as a back drop is easily the best park entrance in terms of an entrance statement and beauty.

 

(But please fix the music)

 

IS for me. Nothing beats sitting by the fountains with a cold beverage and a meal/snack, kicking up my feet and taking it all in. As much as I love all the riding and fun, I've learned to appreciate slowing down and just taking in the moment. IS offers the perfect spot for just that.

As a kid and teenager, hands down Rivertown. With The Beast, Kenton's Keelboats and The original Bat and as well so much more tree cover, it was my favorite area. Grown up me, enjoys enjoying a blue raspberry Icee along International Street and relaxing between rides. The spot behind Brewhouse is my other favorite to relax too.

I have to say, as much as I romanticize Old Rivertown in my head I think I do really enjoy current Rivertown as well. My time spent working on Kings Country (my fictional Taft/KECO park) let me think more about what the core themes of each area are. As it exists is better than it was around 2011 when the Google StreetView was taken, and it's been much better since 2022 when the KI&MV RR got its 50th anniversary upgrades!