View source for Kings Island

{{Short description|Amusement park in Mason, Ohio, US}}
{{Other uses|King's Island (disambiguation)}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox amusement park
| name = Kings Island
| logo = Kings Island Logo.svg
| image = Kings Island International Street.jpg
| caption = Kings Island's original fountains with [[Eiffel Tower (Cedar Fair)|Eiffel Tower]]
| resort = 
| location = [[Mason, Ohio]], U.S.
| coordinates = {{coord|39|20|41.23|N|84|16|06.99|W|region:US_type:landmark|display=title,inline}}
| theme = 
| homepage = {{URL|www.sixflags.com/kingsisland}}
| owner = [[Six Flags]]
| general_manager = Tony Carovillano
| status = Operating
| opening_date = {{Start date|1972|04|29}}
| closing_date = 
| previous_names = Paramount's Kings Island (1993–2006)
| season = April through December
| visitors = 3.488&nbsp;million in 2023<ref>{{cite web | url=https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:us:13691780-8574-4346-89a1-7841afe1c597 | title=Adobe Acrobat }}</ref>
| area = {{convert|364|acre}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCrabb |first1=Rick |title=Kings Island has changed ownership, made major strides in the last 50 years |url=https://www.journal-news.com/what-to-know/kings-island-has-changed-ownership-made-major-strides-in-the-last-50-years/34NEASRAFJEMLOGDWMSO2B2NUI/ |access-date=August 22, 2022 |work=Journal-News |date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822041858/https://www.journal-news.com/what-to-know/kings-island-has-changed-ownership-made-major-strides-in-the-last-50-years/34NEASRAFJEMLOGDWMSO2B2NUI/ |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| rides = 49<ref name="Guest Assistance Guide" />
| coasters = 15  <!--Surf Dog is not a roller coaster despite what the park claims-->
| water_rides = 3
| slogan = "It's Amazing In Here"<ref name="Park advertisement">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc8KKZLnhc0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/rc8KKZLnhc0| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=What's it like inside Kings Island?|publisher=Kings Island|access-date=April 18, 2018|year=2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and "Come On Get Happy"
| footnotes = 
}}

'''Kings Island''' is a {{convert|364|acre|adj=on}} [[amusement park]] {{convert|24|mi|km}} northeast of [[Cincinnati]] in [[Mason, Ohio]], United States. Owned and operated by [[Six Flags]], the park was built by [[Taft Broadcasting]] and opened in 1972. It was part of a larger effort to move and expand [[Coney Island (Cincinnati, Ohio)|Coney Island]], a popular resort destination along the banks of the [[Ohio River]] that was prone to frequent flooding. After more than $300&nbsp;million in capital investments over the years, the park has grown to feature over a hundred attractions including fifteen [[roller coaster]]s and a {{convert|33|acre|adj=on}} water park called [[Soak City (Kings Island)|Soak City]].

Early in its history, Kings Island appeared in popular sitcoms and received widespread recognition for its record-breaking attractions and events. One of the park's most well-known attractions, [[The Racer (Kings Island)|The Racer]], is often credited with reviving worldwide interest in roller coasters during the 1970s. A variety of attractions over the years introduced notable milestones, and [[The Beast (roller coaster)|The Beast]] and [[Banshee (roller coaster)|Banshee]] are two that have set enduring world records. The largest single investment in park history is [[Orion (roller coaster)|Orion]], a $30-million [[giga coaster]] that opened in 2020. The park has also experienced a number of setbacks generating negative publicity, including the early demise of [[The Bat (Kings Island; opened 1981)|The Bat]] and [[Son of Beast]] roller coasters, both of which were problematic rides.

Kings Island is divided into nine themed sections and operates seasonally from early spring through Labor Day in the fall, followed by two additional holiday-themed events known as Halloween Haunt and Winterfest. Kings Island had an estimated 3.18&nbsp;million guests in 2021, ranking third in attendance among seasonal amusement parks in North America behind sister parks [[Canada's Wonderland]] and [[Cedar Point]]. In addition, Kings Island has won Golden Ticket Awards in the annual publication from ''[[Amusement Today]]'', including "Best Kids' Area" in the world for eighteen consecutive years (2001–2018) and "Best New Ride" in 2017 for [[Mystic Timbers]]. In the same publication, The Beast consistently ranks as one of the top ten wooden coasters in the world.
{{toclimit|3}}

==History==
Kings Island was conceived as early as 1964 when [[Coney Island, Cincinnati, Ohio|Coney Island]], a popular amusement park {{convert|10|mi|km}} east of downtown Cincinnati on the banks of the Ohio River, suffered from a major flood that submerged the area in over {{convert|14|ft|m}} of water.<ref name="Riding History Part 1 – CET" /><ref name="Coney Island History" /><ref name="40 years" /> Although occasional flooding was common at the successful park, the flood in 1964 was the fourth highest on record and caused considerable damage.<ref name="Riding History Part 1 – CET" /> Faced with already-limited space for expansion and parking, the event triggered discussions within the organization about relocating the park.<ref name="Riding History Part 1 – CET">{{cite web|url=http://watch.cetconnect.org/video/2365180842/|title=Riding History To The Limits&nbsp;– The Concept|date=August 26, 2009|publisher=CET|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Coney Island History">{{cite web |url=http://coneyislandpark.com/history |title=Coney Island History |publisher=Coney Island |access-date=July 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009055225/http://coneyislandpark.com/history |archive-date=October 9, 2015 }}</ref>

Leading the way was Gary Wachs, son of Coney Island president Ralph Wachs, who with friends and family owned a majority of stock.<ref name="Riding History Part 1 – CET" /> He decided it was time to relocate the park to stay competitive.<ref name="Riding History Part 1 – CET" /><ref name="Coney Island History" /> After years of research and traveling abroad, he presented ideas for a new theme park to the company's board of directors.<ref name="Riding History Part 1 – CET" /> Some board members opposed relocating, including significant stockholder Charles Sawyer.<ref name="Riding History Part 1 – CET" /> It was not taken seriously until 1968 when actor [[Fess Parker]] announced plans to build a theme park in Northern Kentucky&nbsp;– well within Coney Island's primary market that extended as far south as [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]].<ref name="Riding History Part 1 – CET" /><ref name="Coney Island History" /> The announcement highlighted the need for change and gave Wachs' proposal credibility within the organization.<ref name="Riding History Part 1 – CET" />

Gary and Ralph met with Dudley S. Taft, president of [[Taft Broadcasting Company]], to discuss a possible merger.<ref name="Riding History Part 1 – CET" /> Taft Broadcasting was interested in promoting its recently acquired [[Hanna-Barbera]] division,<ref name="Riding History Part 1 – CET" /> and in July 1969, the company purchased Coney Island for $6.5&nbsp;million and {{convert|1600|acre}} in [[Warren County, Ohio]], for $3.2&nbsp;million.<ref name="Coney Island History" /><ref name="KICentral – Development">{{cite web|url=http://kicentral.com/parkhistory/development/|title=Development|publisher=KICentral|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> Kings Island still owned {{convert|773|acre}} of that purchase {{as of|2005|lc=y}}.<ref name="KICentral – Development" /> The site is located between [[I-71]] and the [[Little Miami River]] in what was then a part of [[Deerfield Township, Warren County, Ohio|Deerfield Township]].<ref name="40 years">{{cite magazine|url=http://amusementtoday.com/backissues/at_june_2012_web.pdf|title=Kings Island's 40 years of success started with 1972 opening|last=Seifert|first=Jeffrey|date=June 2012|magazine=Amusement Today|access-date=November 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319030051/https://amusementtoday.com/backissues/at_june_2012_web.pdf |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Following the purchase, Fess Parker's efforts to secure financing fell apart along with his plans to build a competing theme park.<ref name="Riding History Part 1 – CET" />

===Taft Broadcasting and KECO (1970–1992)===
Construction began on June 15, 1970.<ref name="40 years" /><ref name="KICentral – Development"/> Later that year, a public contest was held to name the new park.<ref name="KICentral – Development"/> "Kings Island" emerged the most popular, as the name was a nod to both the local [[Kings Mills, Ohio|Kings Mills]] area as well as the park's predecessor Coney Island.<ref name="40 years" /><ref name="KICentral – Development"/> Most of the rides at Coney Island were relocated, and much of what remained was demolished.<ref name="Coney Island History" /> The popular Sunlite Pool attraction continued to operate, however, and the park was partially restored years later.<ref name="Coney Island History" /><ref name="40 years" /><ref name="KICentral – Development"/>

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.<ref name="40 years" /><ref name="KICentral – Development"/>

[[Image:Kings Island 1972.jpg|thumb|left|upright|View from [[Racer (Kings Island)|The Racer]] in the mid-1970s with {{Anchor|Zodiac}}[[Double wheel|Zodiac]] on the right]]
One of the first signature attractions featured at the park was [[The Racer (Kings Island)|The Racer]], a wooden roller coaster consisting of two trains that race side by side on identical tracks.<ref name="Racer 100 million" /> Designed by legendary designer [[John C. Allen]], who was convinced to come out of retirement, The Racer was the first of its kind in 35 years and played an integral part of the roller coaster renaissance of the 1970s.<ref name="Racer 100 million">{{cite news|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2014/07/28/kings-island-beasts-millionth-rider-diamondback-racer-banshee-coaster-milestones/13259385/|title=Kings Island: Racer coaster tallies its 100 millionth rider|last=Richardson|first=Rachel|date=July 28, 2014|work=The Cincinnati Enquirer|access-date=March 31, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Racer-Helbig">{{cite web|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2017/april/ki-45-the-racer|title=KI 45: THE RACER|last=Helbig|first=Don|date=April 25, 2017|publisher=Kings Island|access-date=March 31, 2018|archive-date=March 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331231314/https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2017/april/ki-45-the-racer|url-status=dead}}</ref> Decades later, it was distinguished as a Roller Coaster Landmark by [[American Coaster Enthusiasts]] (ACE) in recognition for its historical significance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aceonline.org/CoasterAwards/details.aspx?id=50|title=Coaster Landmark Award – The Racer|publisher=American Coaster Enthusiasts|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> 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 [[Hanna–Barbera theme parks|Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera]] originally named [[Woodstock Express (Kings Island)|Scooby Doo]].<ref name="1972 map">{{cite web|url=http://www.themeparkbrochures.net/maps/1972/pki197x_1.html|title=Kings Island – 1972 Map|publisher=Themeparkbrochures.net|access-date=July 22, 2012}}</ref> The most expensive ride to open with the park was [[Enchanted Voyage]], a $2-million [[dark ride]] attraction that featured over a hundred animatronic [[Hanna-Barbera]] characters.<ref name="Enchanted Voyage">{{cite web|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2018/january/remembering-the-enchanted-voyage|title=Remembering the Enchanted Voyage|last=Keeter|first=John|date=January 9, 2018|publisher=Kings Island|access-date=March 31, 2018|archive-date=March 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331235831/https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2018/january/remembering-the-enchanted-voyage|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Kings Island was nationally promoted in two well-known [[situation comedy|sitcoms]]: ''[[The Partridge Family]]'' in 1972 and ''[[The Brady Bunch]]'' in 1973.<ref name="Sitcoms-WVXU.org" /> Each filmed an episode on location at the park, which were later broadcast on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]].<ref name="Sitcoms-WVXU.org">{{cite web|url=http://wvxu.org/post/brady-bunch-kings-island-show-premiered-1973#stream/0|title='Brady Bunch' Kings Island Show Premiered In 1973|last=Kiesewetter|first=John|date=November 23, 2015|access-date=August 4, 2016}}</ref> The Brady Bunch was produced by [[Paramount Television]], a large Taft Broadcasting shareholder.<ref name="KICentral – Brady Bunch">{{cite web |url=http://kicentral.com/parkhistory/brady-bunch-episode-at-kings-island/ |title=Brady Bunch Episode at Kings Island |publisher=KingsIslandCentral.com |access-date=August 1, 2010}}</ref> The park also held several world-record-breaking events. In 1974, 69-year-old [[Karl Wallenda]] set a world record for the longest [[Tightrope walking|tightrope skywalk]] at a distance of {{Convert|1800|ft}}, which was performed {{Convert|60|ft}} off the ground.<ref name="Wallenda 1974 - Enquirer" /> The following year, [[Evel Knievel]] successfully jumped fourteen [[Greyhound Lines|Greyhound]] buses on his [[Harley Davidson]] at Kings Island, clearing a distance of {{convert|133|ft}}.<ref name="Knievel-HC" /><ref name="Knievel-CinMag" /> The jump set a world record that held until 1999.<ref name="Knievel-HC" /><ref name="Knievel-CinMag" /> It was the longest successful jump of his career as well as his last major stunt,<ref name="Knievel-HC" /> and the nationally televised event was broadcast live on ABC, landing 52 percent of the TV audience during that hour with an estimated 55 million viewers.<ref name="Knievel-CinMag" /> Park executives favored the national exposure and additional revenue being generated by record-breaking, newsworthy events that kept the park at the forefront of the industry.<ref name="Beast-KIBlog" /> To keep momentum going, Kings Island spent years researching and designing a mammoth roller coaster, [[The Beast (roller coaster)|The Beast]], which opened in 1979 as the tallest, fastest, and longest wooden roller coaster in the world.<ref name="Beast-KIBlog" /> It was designed and manufactured internally by the park.<ref name="Beast-KIBlog">{{cite web|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2017/october/the-beast-the-original-biggest-baddest-tallest-fastest-wooden-roller-coaster-in-the-world|title=The Beast: The original biggest, baddest, tallest, fastest wooden roller coaster in the world|last=Keeter|first=John|date=October 2, 2017|publisher=Kings Island|access-date=April 8, 2018|archive-date=April 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408104436/https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2017/october/the-beast-the-original-biggest-baddest-tallest-fastest-wooden-roller-coaster-in-the-world|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On the heels of early success came turbulent times beginning in the 1980s. Kings Island partnered with [[Arrow Development]], an amusement ride company well known for its work at [[Disneyland]] and [[Walt Disney World|Disney World]], to develop a unique roller coaster concept.<ref name="The Bat-WDW" /> [[The Bat (Kings Island; opened 1981)|The Bat]] opened to the public in 1981 as the first modern-day, [[suspended roller coaster]] featuring an overhead track with train cars that swung freely from side to side, designed to simulate the feeling of flight.<ref name="The Bat-WDW">{{cite web|url=https://wdwnt.com/2013/06/wdwnt-the-magazine-arrow-dynamics-disneys-coaster-partner/|title=Arrow Dynamics: Disney's Coaster Partner|last=Truskowski|first=Michael|date=June 14, 2013|work=WDW News Today|access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref><ref name="The Bat-KIBlog" /> Although it was well received, it was plagued with design flaws and constant maintenance that resulted in frequent closures over its short, three-year history.<ref name="The Bat-WDW" /><ref name="The Bat-KIBlog" /> To appease frustrated guests, the south track of The Racer began running its trains backward in 1982, which became so popular that the change remained until 2008.<ref name="The Bat-KIBlog" /> The park also pushed forward with its next major addition, [[King Cobra (roller coaster)|King Cobra]], which opened in 1984 as the first of its kind to be designed from inception as a stand-up roller coaster.<ref name="The Bat-KIBlog">{{cite web|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2017/october/the-sporadic-erratic-flight-of-the-bat|title=The Sporadic Erratic Flight of The Bat|last=Keeter|first=John|date=October 30, 2017|publisher=Kings Island|access-date=April 8, 2018|archive-date=June 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627114445/https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2017/october/the-sporadic-erratic-flight-of-the-bat|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Kings Island also went through a series of ownership changes over the next decade. Taft sold its theme park division in 1984 for $167.5&nbsp;million to [[Kings Entertainment Company]] (KECO), a company formed by senior executives and general managers of Taft Attractions Group.<ref name="KECO formation - Bryan Times">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=799&dat=19840412&id=eJdjAAAAIBAJ&pg=5520,939609|title=Amusement Parks Sale Completed|date=April 11, 1984|work=The Bryan Times|access-date=July 10, 2012|location=Bryan, Ohio}}</ref> Three parks – Kings Island, [[Kings Dominion]] and [[Carowinds]] – were involved in the sale.<ref name="KECO formation - Bryan Times" /> Taft invested in KECO to retain one-third interest.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/10/business/taft-sells-parks.html|title=Taft Sells Parks|work=The New York Times|date=April 10, 1984 |agency=Associated Press|access-date=July 10, 2012}}</ref> Three years later in 1987, Kings Island was sold individually to [[American Financial Corporation]], led by [[Carl Lindner, Jr.|Carl Lindner]].<ref name="40 years" /><ref name="1992 Purchase-WashPost" /><ref name="1992 Purchase-UPI" /> The deal included a contract with KECO to continue managing park operations.<ref name="40 years" /><ref name="1992 Purchase-WashPost">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1992/08/01/taking-a-plunge-into-theme-parks/f32a233b-cb46-48c0-8718-c6eb1dc5e29e/|title=Taking a Plunge Into Theme Parks|last=Powers|first=William F.|date=August 1, 1992|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref><ref name="1992 Purchase-UPI">{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/07/31/Paramount-to-buy-4-theme-parks-for-400-million/2902712555200/|title=Paramount to buy 4 theme parks for $400 million|date=July 31, 1992|publisher=United Press International|access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref> KECO, which retained ownership of the other two parks,<ref name="1992 Purchase-WashPost" /> also added [[California's Great America|Great America]] to its portfolio after purchasing it in 1989 from the city of [[Santa Clara, California]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.santaclara.com/story/Great-America/1868111|title=Great America|publisher=City of Santa Clara|access-date=April 8, 2018|archive-date=April 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408022043/http://www.santaclara.com/story/Great-America/1868111|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inparkmagazine.com/greening-great-america/|title=The history of California's Great America and its path to sustainability|last=Kleiman|first=Joe|date=May 30, 2017|work=InPark Magazine|access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref>

===Paramount's Kings Island (1992–2006)===
In 1992 [[Paramount Communications|Paramount Communications Inc.]] (formerly Gulf+Western) purchased KECO along with Kings Island from American Financial in a deal worth $400&nbsp;million.<ref name="1992 Purchase-WashPost" /><ref name="KECO sale 1992 – Amusement Business">{{cite web|url=http://business.highbeam.com/53/article-1G1-12864545/acquisition-keco-sharpens-paramount-marketing-edge|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110234651/http://business.highbeam.com/53/article-1G1-12864545/acquisition-keco-sharpens-paramount-marketing-edge|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 10, 2015|title=Acquisition of KECO sharpens Paramount's marketing edge|last=Zhito|first=Lisa|date=August 10, 1992|publisher=Amusement Business|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref><ref name="KECO sale 1992 – LA Times">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-23-fi-7444-story.html|title=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.|last=Woodyard|first=Chris|date=August 23, 1992|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> Paramount formed a new division known as [[Paramount Parks]].<ref name="KECO sale 1992 – Amusement Business" /> KECO owned 20% of Canada's Wonderland, and Paramount bought out the remaining 80% stake in 1993, raising the total number of parks to five.<ref name="KICentral – Development" /><ref name="Canada's Wonderland purchase">{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/viacom-may-sell-billion-dollar-baby/article18217012/|title=Viacom may sell billion-dollar baby|last=Bloom|first=Richard|work=The Globe and Mail|publisher=February 25, 2005|access-date=November 11, 2015}}</ref> Later that year, Paramount Parks began incorporating themes from its movies into each park.<ref name="KICentral – Development" /> [[Viacom (1971-2005)|Viacom]] entered the picture after acquiring Paramount in 1994, paving the way for the inclusion of [[Nickelodeon]] themes. [[Nickelodeon Splat City]], an interactive [[splash pad]] area,<ref name="Splat City">{{cite news |title=Slime Time at Kings Dominion May Turn Your World Upside Down |url=https://www.mcall.com/1995/04/16/slime-time-at-kings-dominion-may-turn-your-world-upside-down/ |access-date=May 23, 2023 |work=[[The Morning Call]] |date=April 16, 1995 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230523044635/https://www.mcall.com/1995/04/16/slime-time-at-kings-dominion-may-turn-your-world-upside-down/ |archive-date=May 23, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> was added in 1995, which later evolved into Nickelodeon Central (2001) and eventually Nickelodeon Universe (2006).<ref name="Park timeline 1972-2012">{{cite web |url=http://www.visitkingsisland.com/media-center/timeline |title=Timeline: A History of Kings Island |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=July 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312200056/http://www.visitkingsisland.com/media-center/timeline|archive-date=March 12, 2012}}</ref><ref name="50-year timeline">{{cite web |last1=Helbig |first1=Don |title=A look back at 50 years of fun and memories at Kings Island |url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2022/april/a-look-back-at-50-years-of-fun-and-memories-at-kings-island |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=May 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525134937/https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2022/april/a-look-back-at-50-years-of-fun-and-memories-at-kings-island |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |date=April 11, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Kings Island Eiffel Tower at night.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The Eiffel Tower and the fountains at night]]
In 1997, a year after leaving [[Deerfield Township, Warren County, Ohio|Deerfield Township]], the city of [[Mason, Ohio|Mason]] annexed most of Kings Island.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://homefinder.cincinnati.com/closetohome/cth_deerfieldtwshp_011297.html |title=Close To Home: Deerfield Township |date=January 12, 1997 |work=The Cincinnati Enquirer |access-date=July 15, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126220717/http://homefinder.cincinnati.com/closetohome/cth_deerfieldtwshp_011297.html |archive-date=January 26, 2011 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=McNutt |first=Randy |title=Bite by bite, neighboring cities take land |work=The Cincinnati Enquirer |date=August 31, 1998 |url=http://www.enquirer.com/editions/1998/08/31/loc_lemonclose31.html |access-date=December 28, 2006}}</ref> The rest would be annexed in 1999.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://enquirer.com/editions/1999/09/15/loc_mason_annexes_all_of.html|title=Mason annexes all of Kings Island|last=Aldridge|first=Kevin|date=September 15, 1999|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer|access-date=July 7, 2012}}</ref> In 2005, Viacom split into two companies, [[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] and [[CBS Corporation]], with CBS inheriting Paramount Parks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2005/BUSINESS/06/14/viacom.split/index.html |title=Viacom board opts to split company |date=June 14, 2005 |publisher=CNN |access-date=July 16, 2012}}</ref> CBS made the decision to sell its theme park division in January 2006.<ref name="CBS Sale - Announcement">{{cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2006/01/23/daily43.html|title=CBS to sell Carowinds, other theme parks|date=January 26, 2006|work=Charlotte Business Journal|access-date=April 3, 2018}}</ref><ref name="CBS sale 2 - Fasig" /> CBS CEO [[Leslie Moonves]] stated that despite the health and profitability of Paramount Parks, the business was "one that just doesn't fit our core strategy".<ref name="CBS sale 2 - Fasig">{{cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2006/02/20/story5.html|title=Paramount's Kings Island riding coaster of offers|last=Fasig|first=Lisa Biank|date=February 20, 2006|work=Cincinnati Business Courier|access-date=April 3, 2018}}</ref>

In 2000 [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] revealed that they would build a giant record-breaking, 218-foot, looping [[roller coaster]] by the name [[Son of Beast]]. [[Son of Beast]] was built by [[Roller Coaster Corporation of America|RCCA]] ([[Roller Coaster Corporation of America]]) who was under qualified to build such a large [[roller coaster]]. Halfway through the [[Son of Beast]] [[project]], [[Roller Coaster Corporation of America|RCCA]] was fired and [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] finished the [[Roller coaster|coaster]] themselves. This led to many problems with the structure and many incidents which eventually led to the coaster being closed in the [[Cedar Fair]] era in 2009. The plot of land was replaced with the [[Son of Beast]] ghost themed [[Roller coaster|coaster]], [[Banshee (roller coaster)|Banshee]].

===Cedar Fair era (2006–2024)===
After receiving interest from several potential suitors,<ref name="CBS sale 2 - Fasig" /> CBS announced the sale of Paramount Parks to [[Cedar Fair]] on June 30, 2006, for $1.24&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cedarfair.com/ir/press_releases/index.cfm?current_root=15&mode=story&story_id=77 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060728185503/http://www.cedarfair.com/ir/press_releases/index.cfm?current_root=15&mode=story&story_id=77 |archive-date=July 28, 2006 |title=Cedar Fair, L.P. Completes Acquisition of the Paramount Parks |access-date=December 28, 2006 }}</ref> The acquisition of Kings Island gave Cedar Fair, who had recently acquired [[Geauga Lake]] from [[Six Flags]] in 2004, ownership of all three major amusement parks in [[Ohio]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2004/03/11/145M-sale-of-Six-Flags-solidifies-Ohio-market-Cedar-Point-s-parent-company-to-buy-Cleveland-area-competitor.html|title=$145M sale of Six Flags solidifies Ohio market; Cedar Point's parent company to buy Cleveland-area competitor|last=McKinnon|first=Julie|date=March 11, 2004|work=The Blade|access-date=April 3, 2018}}</ref> Part of the agreement allowed Kings Island to continue using Nickelodeon themes and characters for four years and other Paramount-related branding for ten years, with the option to extend the license on both.<ref name="KICentral – Development"/><ref name="Cedar Fair purchase - The Blade">{{cite news|url=http://www.toledoblade.com/Economy/2006/05/23/Cedar-Point-s-parent-firm-buys-5-additional-parks-for-1-24-billion.html|title=Cedar Point's parent firm buys 5 additional parks for $1.24 billion|last=Chavez|first=Jon|date=May 23, 2006|work=The Blade|access-date=April 3, 2018}}</ref>

Cedar Fair opted for a buyout option within an agreement clause to remove Paramount branding after one season.<ref name="Cedar Fair purchase - The Blade" /> Beginning in 2008, ''Face/Off'' became [[Invertigo (roller coaster)|Invertigo]],<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Invertigo|location=Kings Island|rcdb_number=530|access-date=April 3, 2018}}</ref> ''The Italian Job Stunt Track'' became [[Backlot Stunt Coaster]].<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Backlot Stunt Coaster|location=Kings Island|rcdb_number=2860|access-date=April 3, 2018}}</ref> ''Tomb Raider: The Ride'' became [[The Crypt (Kings Island)|The Crypt]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2008/04/kings-island-news.html|title=Kings Island News|date=April 26, 2008|publisher=NewsPlusNotes|access-date=April 3, 2018}}</ref> and ''Top Gun'' became [[The Bat (Kings Island; opened 1993)|Flight Deck]].<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=The Bat|location=Kings Island|rcdb_number=73|access-date=April 3, 2018}}</ref> Nickelodeon's presence remained until the 2010 season, when Cedar Fair began incorporating its ''[[Peanuts]]'' theme throughout the park, primarily in the children's area.<ref name="no more Nick">{{cite web|url=http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200908/1367/| title=Cedar Fair says goodbye to Nickelodeon| publisher=Theme Park Insider| date=August 29, 2009| access-date=July 9, 2012}}</ref> Nickelodeon Universe was renamed Planet Snoopy to complete the transition.<ref name="50-year timeline" />

In late 2009 the Mason City Council added 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 at Adventure Landing|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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/ticket-tax-proposal-has-both-sides-lining-up-409138.html |title=Ticket tax proposal has both sides lining up |newspaper=Dayton Daily News |date=November 20, 2009 |access-date=September 3, 2010}}</ref> The proposed tax hike was the center of debate for several months, as Kings Island actively encouraged the public to write, email, and call Mason City Council representatives to express opposition.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.journal-news.com/news/hamilton-news/mason-to-consider-ticket-tax-next-week-on-attractions-like-kings-island-527833.html |title=Mason to consider ticket tax |newspaper=JournalNews |date=February 3, 2010 |access-date=September 3, 2010}}</ref> On February 8, 2010, Mason City Council voted 5–1 against the measure.<ref>{{cite news |last=Callahan |first=Denise |url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/kings-island-ticket-tax-rejected-by-mason-city-council-536605.html |title=Kings Island ticket tax rejected by Mason City Council |work=Dayton Daily News |date=March 16, 2010 |access-date=May 18, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wlwt.com/money/22498753/detail.html |title=Council Votes Against Kings Island Tax Hike |publisher=www.wlwt.com |date=February 8, 2010 |access-date=May 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225075300/http://www.wlwt.com/money/22498753/detail.html |archive-date=February 25, 2012 }}</ref>

A new themed area called Adventure Port was added in 2023, replacing part of Oktoberfest and adding two new family rides – Sol Spin and Cargo Loco.<ref name="AdventurePort-CinEnq">{{cite news |title=Welcome to Adventure Port! Kings Island to debut new themed area in 2023 |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2022/10/19/kings-island-adventure-port-sol-spin-cargo-loco-2023/69573981007/ |last1=DeLetter |first1=Emily |access-date=December 14, 2022 |work=[[Cincinnati Enquirer]] |date=October 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214091614/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2022/10/19/kings-island-adventure-port-sol-spin-cargo-loco-2023/69573981007/ |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AdventurePort-KI">{{Cite web |title=New in 2023: Adventure Port |url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/new-in-2023 |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=December 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214093722/https://www.visitkingsisland.com/new-in-2023 |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |date=October 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2024 season, Kings Island expanded Planet Snoopy with the addition of a new themed section called Camp Snoopy.<ref name="CampSnoopy-USAToday" /><ref name="CampSnoopy-KI" />

===Six Flags era (2024–present)===

On July 1, 2024, a merger of equals between [[Cedar Fair]] and [[Six Flags]] was completed. This merger created [[Six Flags Entertainment Corporation]] which encompasses all legacy Six flags and legacy Cedar Fair parks, including Kings Island.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2024 |title=Cedar Fair and Six Flags Merger of Equals Successfully Completed, Creating a Leading Amusement Park Operator |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cedar-fair-six-flags-merger-200500080.html |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Cedar Fair L.P. (FUN), Six Flags (SIX) Announce Merger of Equals is Successfully Completed |website=StreetInsider.com |date=July 1, 2024 |url=https://www.streetinsider.com/Corporate+News/Cedar+Fair+L.P.+%28FUN%29%2C+Six+Flags+%28SIX%29+Announce+Merger+of+Equals+is+Successfully+Completed/23421543.html |access-date=July 2, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=A farewell to Cedar Fair: Cedar Fair, Six Flags expected to finalize merger |website=WKRC |date=July 1, 2024 |url=https://www.local12.com/news/nation-world/cedar-point-fair-six-flags-entertainment-corporation-finalize-merger-today-kings-island-cincinnati-ticker-symbol-fun-stock-market-nyse-historic-mergers-top-10-expected-closing-date-section-27a-securities-act-amusement-parks-resort-properties-revenue |access-date=July 2, 2024}}</ref> In 2025, Backlot Stunt Coaster was renamed Queen City Stunt Coaster for the park's 20th anniversary, referencing the nickname for Cincinnati and featuring some minor theming updates.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodman |first=Danielle |date=2025-04-18 |title=Kings Island honors Cincinnati with renamed roller coaster for 2025 season |url=https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/warren-county/mason/kings-island-honors-cincinnati-with-renamed-roller-coaster-for-2025-season |access-date=2025-09-08 |website=WCPO 9 Cincinnati |language=en}}</ref>

==Areas and attractions==
{{Main|List of Kings Island attractions}}

{{See also|List of former Kings Island attractions}}
Kings Island has invested more than $300&nbsp;million in improvements since its grand opening in 1972, including the addition of new rides and attractions.<ref name="300million" /> The park originally opened with sixty attractions which grew to more than a hundred by 2017.<ref name="300million" /> The number of themed areas has also expanded from the original five – Coney Island (now Coney Mall), Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera (now Planet Snoopy), International Street, Oktoberfest, and Rivertown<ref name="1972 map" /> – to nine by 2024, including the latest additions of Area 72, Adventure Port and Camp Snoopy.<ref name="2023 map">{{cite web |title=Kings Island Digital Park Map (2023) |url=https://qr1.be/SX1M |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=May 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230523030215/https://qr1.be/SX1M |archive-date=May 23, 2023 |format=PDF |url-status=live}}</ref> A water park was added in 1989,<ref name="40 years" /> and the number of employees required for park operations has grown from 1,300 to approximately 4,000.<ref name="300million">{{cite web|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2017/april/kings-island-celebrates-45-years-of-world-class-thrills-fun-and-family-entertainment|title=Kings Island celebrates 45 years of world class thrills, fun and family entertainment|last=Helbig|first=Don|date=April 1, 2017|publisher=Kings Island|access-date=April 3, 2018|archive-date=June 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627115029/https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2017/april/kings-island-celebrates-45-years-of-world-class-thrills-fun-and-family-entertainment|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Action Zone===
Action Zone opened in 1974 as Lion Country Safari, a {{Convert|100|acre|adj=on}} section of the park featuring a [[monorail]] ride that took guests on a safari-style tour through an animal preservation. This was part of a network of other safari-style zoos also called [[Lion Country Safari]]. It was later renamed Wild Animal Safari in 1977.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lion Country Safari Renamed |newspaper=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]] |date=March 31, 1977 |page=B-1 |quote=William C. Price, park general manager, said Kings Island terminated its management contract with Lion Country Safari Inc. and has renamed the park's 100-acre preserve Wild Animal Safari.}}</ref><ref name="1977 The Journal News">{{cite news |title=Watch out! The Screamin' Demon is here |work=The Journal News |location=[[Hamilton, Ohio|Hamilton, OH]] |date=April 14, 1977 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/36227420/ |access-date=February 24, 2017 |quote=Wild Animal Safari has been re-themed for 1977 to include the addition of North American animals, bison, elk, and white-tailed deer. }}</ref> In 1983, the area became known as Wild Animal Habitat and included Adventure Village, a new area within the rebranded section.<ref name="KIExtreme History Gallery">{{cite web |url=http://kiextreme.com/historyphotos/index.php?cat=5 | title=Park Guides |publisher=KIExtreme |access-date=February 24, 2017 }}</ref> Over the years, it featured rides such as [[Screamin' Demon]] (1977–1987), the first steel looping roller coaster to run both forward and backward in the United States, and [[King Cobra (roller coaster)|King Cobra]] (1984–2001), a stand-up looping roller coaster that was the first of its kind in the world.<ref name="Park timeline 1972-2012"/><ref name="Timeline – KICentral">{{cite web|url=http://kicentral.com/parkhistory/timeline/|title=Timeline|publisher=KICentral|access-date=August 3, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Thrill ride history&nbsp;— Metromix">{{cite news|url=http://cincinnati.metromix.com/events/article/kings-island-thrill-ride/3047733/content|title=Kings Island thrill ride history|last=Richardson|first=Rachel|date=April 25, 2012|publisher=Metromix|access-date=April 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110104600/http://cincinnati.metromix.com/events/article/kings-island-thrill-ride/3047733/content|archive-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref>

Early in its tenure after purchasing Kings Island, Paramount unveiled [[The Bat (Kings Island; opened 1993)|Top Gun]], a suspended roller coaster from [[Arrow Dynamics]], in 1993.<ref name="Top Gun">{{cite journal|last=Tate|first=Skip|date=April 1993|title=The Shape of Kings To Come|journal=Cincinnati Magazine|volume=26|issue=7|page=82|issn=0746-8210|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fx4DAAAAMBAJ&q=top+gun|access-date=November 20, 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Top Gun" /> The following year, the entire area was renamed Adventure Village coinciding with the removal of the animal habitat and monorail ride.<ref name="Park timeline 1972-2012"/> In 1999, a two-year expansion initiative began with the area's renaming to Action Zone and the addition of two new attractions&nbsp;– [[Drop Tower: Scream Zone|Drop Zone: Stunt Tower]] and [[Invertigo (roller coaster)|Face/Off]].<ref name="40 years" /><ref name="Park timeline 1972-2012" /> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lKyLuJwjWk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/9lKyLuJwjWk| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Kings Island Media Day 1999 |website=YouTube |date=June 4, 2009 |access-date=January 30, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

[[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.<ref name="Son of Beast">{{cite news|last=McClelland|first=Justin|title=Kings Island to tear down Son of Beast|url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/kings-island-removing-roller-coaster/nP5bH/|access-date=May 2, 2013|newspaper=[[Dayton Daily News]]|date=July 27, 2012}}</ref> As a result of a number of structural issues and two accidents, the ride closed permanently in 2009 and was eventually demolished in 2012.<ref name="Son of Beast" /> Other notable rides include [[Delirium (ride)|Delirium]], which opened in 2003 as the largest [[Frisbee (ride)|Giant Frisbee]] ride in the world, and [[Banshee (roller coaster)|Banshee]], the world's longest [[inverted roller coaster]] which opened in 2014 at the former location of Son of Beast.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://enquirer.com/editions/2002/09/27/loc_new_k_i_ride_may.html|title=New K.I. ride may result in 'delirium'|last=McNutt|first=Randy|date=September 27, 2002|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer|access-date=May 2, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Banshee">{{cite magazine|url=http://amusementtoday.com/2014/04/kings-island-unleashes-banshee-worlds-longest-inverted-coaster/|title=Kings Island unleashes Banshee, world's longest inverted coaster|date=April 17, 2014|magazine=[[Amusement Today]]|access-date=November 20, 2015}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! width=85px | Name
! Opened
! width=110px | Manufacturer
! Model
! Description
! style=max-width:4em | Thrill rating{{refn|group=nt|name=Rating|Ratings assigned per Kings Island's own system, where "1" is the least intense and "5" is the most. See the park's guest assistance guide<ref name="Guest Assistance Guide">{{cite web |url=https://qr1.be/W5QK |title=2023 Guest Assistance Guide |publisher=Kings Island |date=2023 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528171851/https://qr1.be/W5QK |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> for more information.}}
|-
| [[Banshee (roller coaster)|Banshee]]
| align=center | 2014
| [[Bolliger & Mabillard]]
| Inverted Coaster
| An [[inverted roller coaster]] that is the longest of its kind in the world. Features seven inversions and is located in the former location of Thunder Alley and [[Son of Beast]].
| align=center | 5
|-
| Congo Falls
| align=center | 1988
| [[Intamin]]
| Shoot-the-Chute
| A [[Shoot-the-Chute]] water ride with a 34' drop that originally opened as Amazon Falls (1988–1998) and was later renamed Congo Falls after the Paramount film ''[[Congo (film)|Congo]]''.<ref name="Park timeline 1972-2012" />
| align=center | 4
|-
| [[Delirium (ride)|Delirium]]
| align=center | 2003
| [[HUSS Park Attractions|HUSS]]
| Giant Frisbee
| A [[Frisbee (ride)|Giant Frisbee]] ride that swings riders at an angle of 120° up to {{Convert|137|ft}} into the air at a maximum speed of {{Convert|76|mph|abbr=on}}.
| align=center | 5
|-
| [[Drop Tower (Cedar Fair)|Drop Tower]]
| align=center | 1999
| [[Intamin]]
| Gyro Drop
| A {{convert|315|ft|m|adj=on}} [[Drop tower (ride)|drop tower]] ride that is the tallest of its kind in the world. Formerly known as Drop Tower: Scream Zone and Drop Zone: Stunt Tower (1999–2007).
| align=center | 4
|-
| [[Invertigo (roller coaster)|Invertigo]]
| align=center | 1999
| [[Vekoma]]
| [[Invertigo (roller coaster)|Invertigo]]
| An inverted [[Boomerang (roller coaster)|Boomerang]] roller coaster. Formerly known as Face/Off (1999–2007).
| align=center | 5
|-
| [[The Bat (Kings Island; opened 1993)|The Bat]]
| align=center | 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) and Flight Deck (2008–2013)<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.amusementtoday.com/the-bat-flies-again-at-kings-island/ | title=The Bat flies again at Kings Island | magazine = Amusement Today | access-date = October 29, 2013}}</ref>
| align=center | 4
|-
| Timberwolf Amphitheatre
| align=center | 1982
| {{NA}}
| {{NA}}
| Concert venue built to replace Stadium of Stars.<ref>{{Cite news|date=June 15, 1982|title=Amphitheater to open at park|work=Palladium-Item|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/248693438/|access-date=June 12, 2020}}</ref>
| {{NA}}
|}

===Adventure Port===
In 2023, Kings Island opened a newly themed area called Adventure Port, which introduced family rides Sol Spin and Cargo Loco.<ref name="AdventurePort-CinEnq" /><ref name="AdventurePort-KI" /> The area was previously a part of the Oktoberfest section and includes a steel coaster called [[Adventure Express]], which opened in 1991.<ref name="Adventure Express: At a glance">{{cite web|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/rides/Thrill-Rides-12-14-11-44/Adventure-Express|title=Adventure Express: At a glance|publisher=Kings Island|access-date=June 1, 2016}}</ref> Adventure Express received some theming enhancements during the transition.<ref name="AdventurePort-CinEnq" /><ref name="AdventurePort-KI" />
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! width="110px" | Name
! Opened
! Manufacturer
! Model
! Description
! style="max-width:4em" |Thrill rating{{refn|group=nt|name=Rating}}
|-
| [[Adventure Express]]
| align="center" | 1991
| [[Arrow Dynamics]]
| Mine train
| A [[mine train roller coaster]] with a wooden frame and supports.
| align="center" | 5
|-
| Cargo Loco
| align="center" | 2023
| [[Zamperla]]
| [[Teacups|Spinning Tea Cup]]
| A [[spinning teacups]] flat ride that features barrels in place of teacups. Replaced SlingShot.<ref name="AdventurePort-Cleveland" /><ref name="AdventurePort-Coaster101" />
| align="center" | 3
|-
| Sol Spin
| align="center" | 2023
| [[Zamperla]]
| [[Zamperla|Endeavour]]
| A spinning ride with open-air, suspended passenger vehicles that tilt vertically and propel riders to a height of {{Convert|60|ft}} at a maximum speed of {{Convert|25|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="AdventurePort-Cleveland">{{Cite web |last=Susan Glaser |first=cleveland com |date=October 19, 2022 |title=Kings Island announces new rides, Adventure Port themed area for 2023 |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/10/kings-island-announces-new-rides-adventure-port-themed-area-for-2023.html |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=cleveland |language=en}}</ref><ref name="AdventurePort-Coaster101">{{Cite web |last=John |date=October 19, 2022 |title=Kings Island Adding New Adventure Port Area in 2023 |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2022/10/19/kings-island-adding-new-adventure-port-area-in-2023/ |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</ref>
| align="center" | 4
|}

==={{anchor|X-Base|Area 72}}Area 72===
Area 72, formerly known as X-Base, is an area themed as a secret aerospace research facility that features two roller coasters.<ref name="Orion Unveiling - InPark" /><ref name="Orion Unveiling - CNN" /><ref name="Reveal-PlainDealer">{{cite news |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |title=Kings Island announces new space-themed coaster Orion, with 300-foot first hill |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2019/08/kings-island-announces-new-space-themed-coaster-orion-with-300-foot-first-hill.html |access-date=July 2, 2020|work=The Plain Dealer |date=August 15, 2019 |quote=Koontz said the coaster represented "the single largest investment in Kings Island history."}}</ref> The area first opened as a small subsection of Coney Mall when [[Flight of Fear]] was introduced in 1996. It expanded in 2007 following the addition of [[Firehawk (roller coaster)|Firehawk]] and was labeled X-Base, a name only designated by a small sign in Coney Mall.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}

Firehawk closed in 2018 and was removed prior to the 2019 season.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Weingartner |first1=Tana |title=Update: This Roller Coaster Is On Its Way Out At Kings Island |date=September 27, 2018 |url=http://www.wvxu.org/post/update-roller-coaster-its-way-out-kings-island#stream/0 |publisher=WVXU |access-date=September 27, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Video: Kings Island's Firehawk roller coaster comes crashing down |url=https://www.wlwt.com/article/video-demolition-day-brings-kings-islands-firehawk-crashing-down/26098307 |publisher=WLWT.com |access-date=February 9, 2019 |date=January 31, 2019}}</ref> The park began leaking clues that implied a new ride would take its place,<ref name="Giga Blueprints">{{cite web |last1=Matarese |first1=John |title=Kings Island files blueprints for new coaster |url=https://www.wcpo.com/money/consumer/dont-waste-your-money/kings-island-files-blueprints-for-new-coaster |website=wcpo.com |publisher=WCPO Cincinnati |access-date=May 10, 2019 |date=May 9, 2019}}</ref> and in August 2019, the park unveiled plans to build [[Orion (roller coaster)|Orion]], the park's first [[giga coaster]], with park guests and press in attendance.<ref name="Orion Unveiling - InPark" /><ref name="Orion Unveiling - CNN" /> The area, which received an updated theme and was added to the official park map for the first time, was renamed Area 72 for the 2020 season.<ref name="Orion Unveiling - InPark">{{cite web |last1=Kleiman |first1=Joe |title=Take a ride to Orion on Kings Islands 2020 giga coaster |url=http://www.inparkmagazine.com/kings-island-orion-announcement/ |website=InPark Magazine |access-date=July 3, 2020 |date=August 22, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Orion Unveiling - CNN">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/16/us/kings-island-orion-roller-coaster-trnd/index.html |title=Ohio theme park unveils Orion, a 'giga coaster' with a 300-foot drop |publisher=CNN |access-date=July 2, 2020 |date=August 16, 2019}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! width=70px | Name
! Opened
! Manufacturer
! Model
! Description
! style=max-width:4em |Thrill rating{{refn|group=nt|name=Rating}}
|-
| [[Flight of Fear]]
| align=center | 1996
| [[Premier Rides]]
| LIM Catapult Coaster
| An indoor [[launched roller coaster]] formerly known as ''Outer Limits: Flight of Fear'' (1996–2000). An identical installation opened at [[Kings Dominion]] on the same day.
| align=center | 5
|-
| [[Orion (roller coaster)|Orion]]
| align=center | 2020
| [[Bolliger & Mabillard]]
| <!--The model name is called "Hyper Coaster"-->Hyper Coaster<!--not "Giga". Giga is a type, not a model. See reference--><ref>{{cite RCDB |coaster_name=Orion |location=Kings Island |rcdb_number=11437 |accessdate=January 22, 2022}}</ref>
| A Hyper Coaster model from B&M that features a {{convert|300|ft|m|adj=mid|drop}}, {{convert|5321|ft}} of track, and a maximum speed of {{convert|91|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}<ref name="Orion Unveiling - InPark" /><ref name="Orion Unveiling - CNN" /> At the time of opening, it was the largest investment in park history and became the seventh [[giga coaster]] in the world.<ref name="Orion Unveiling - InPark" /><ref name="Orion Unveiling - CNN" />
| align=center | 5
|}

===Coney Mall===
When Kings Island first opened in 1972, a section of the park was dedicated to its predecessor, [[Coney Island, Cincinnati, Ohio|Coney Island]]. The area was constructed to resemble the former park's carnival-style layout and featured many of its [[flat ride]]s which were relocated, including Monster, Scrambler, and Dodgem. One of the new flagship attractions during the park's inaugural year, The Racer, is located in this section.<ref name="WDRB News">{{cite web|url=http://www.wdrb.com/story/17288119/kings-island-celebrating-40th-anniversary|title=Kings Island celebrating 40th anniversary|date=March 29, 2012|publisher=WDRB News|access-date=November 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401224959/http://www.wdrb.com/story/17288119/kings-island-celebrating-40th-anniversary|archive-date=April 1, 2012 }}</ref> In addition to rides, some of Coney Island's famous Ginkgo trees were transplanted, lining the middle of the walkway.<ref name="40 years"/> Originally called Coney Island, the area was renamed Old Coney in 1980 and Coney Mall in 1986.<ref name="1979 brochure">{{cite web|url=http://www.themeparkbrochures.net/1979/pki1979_3.html |title=Kings Island – 1979 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503161647/http://www.themeparkbrochures.net/1979/pki1979_3.html |archive-date=May 3, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="1980 brochure">{{cite web|url=http://www.themeparkreview.com/parks/photo.php?pageid=1&linkid=4763|title=1980 Park Brochure|publisher=[[Theme Park Review]]|access-date=July 7, 2012}}</ref><ref name="1985 map">{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthunterross/6266690792/in/pool-77567853@N00/|title=Kings Island (1985)|date=January 7, 2007|access-date=July 7, 2012}}</ref><ref name="1986 map">{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthunterross/6871688911/in/pool-77567853@N00/|title=Kings Island (1986)|date=February 13, 2012|access-date=July 7, 2012}}</ref> The area also features game booths, arcades, and concession stands in the style of [[state fair]]s and [[traveling carnival]]s from the early twentieth century.<ref name="Riding History Part 3 – CET">{{cite web|url=http://watch.cetconnect.org/video/2365180933/|title=Riding History To The Limits&nbsp;– International Appeal|date=August 26, 2009|publisher=CET|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref>

Zodiac, described as a "spinning, climbing double ferris wheel",<ref name="1979 brochure" /> debuted in 1975 as one of only two of its kind in the United States.<ref name="WDRB News" /> Brokered by [[Intamin]] and manufactured by Waagner-Biro, the three-minute ride featured twelve gondolas on each of the two wheels, which were mounted to a long, hydraulic arm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://amusementparkives.com/2018/02/08/waagner-biro-double-and-triple-wheels/|title=Waagner-Biro {{!}} Double and Triple Wheels|last=Michelson|first=Harry|date=February 8, 2018|website=The Amusement Parkives|language=en-US|access-date=July 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wonderlandhistory.net/content/the_zodiac|title=The Zodiac – Details|publisher=Wonderland History|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref> It was removed following the 1986 season and relocated to [[Wonderland Sydney]], where it reopened in 1989.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zodiac |url=https://kicentral.com/parkhistory/past-attractions/zodiac/ |publisher=Kings Island Central |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109084906/https://kicentral.com/parkhistory/past-attractions/zodiac/ |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Michelson |first1=Harry |title=Waagner Biro Double and Triple Tree Wheels |url=https://amusementparkives.com/amusement-ride-manufacturers/waagner-biro-double-and-triple-tree-wheels/ |website=The Amusement Parkives |date=February 8, 2018 |access-date=July 28, 2019}}</ref> In the 1980s, flat rides [[Enterprise (ride)|Skylab]] (1986–1997) and [[Swing ride|Zephyr]] were added, along with a looping roller coaster named [[Vortex (Kings Island)|Vortex]] (1987–2019), which was the first in the world to feature six inversions.<ref name="Top 10 Coasters - LA Times">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-xpm-2012-aug-22-la-trb-kings-island-top-10-08201219-story.html|title=Top 10 roller coasters at Ohio's Kings Island|last=MacDonald|first=Brady|date=August 22, 2012|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Vortex-Closing-Helbig">{{cite web |last1=Helbig |first1=Don |title=Kings Island to Retire Vortex After 33 Seasons |url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2019/september/kings-island-to-retire-vortex-after-33-seasons |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=September 27, 2019 |date=September 27, 2019}}</ref>

Following Paramount's acquisition of the park in 1992, Coney Mall was further expanded in 1994 with the addition of Days of Thunder, a [[NASCAR]]-themed [[motion simulator]] ride based on the [[Days of Thunder|1990 film of the same name]].<ref name="WDRB News" /> The ride was housed within [[Action Theater]] located near The Racer's turnaround,<ref name="WDRB News" /> and it was later updated with different shows based on ''[[James Bond]]'', ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants|SpongeBob]]'', and other themes before its closure in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=Action Theater |url=https://kicentral.com/parkhistory/past-attractions/action-theater/ |publisher=Kings Island Central |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109090859/https://kicentral.com/parkhistory/past-attractions/action-theater/ |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> A {{convert|301|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}}, three-minute [[swing ride]] called [[WindSeeker]] was added in 2011, which features two-person swing carriages that rotate around a central tower at a maximum speed of {{Convert|30|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news|last=Self|first=Jamie|title=Carowinds new 'flying machine' sends riders 30 stories up|url=http://www.heraldonline.com/2011/08/25/3317337/carowinds-30-stories-up.html|access-date=November 9, 2015|newspaper=Herald Online|date=August 25, 2011}}</ref> For the 2019 season, an antique car ride called Kings Mills Antique Autos, designed to resemble the retired Les Taxis (1972–2004), returned to Coney Mall as a new attraction.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Motsinger |first1=Carol |title=Kings Island 2019: We got a sneak peek at this season's new attractions. Here's what we found |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2019/04/17/kings-island-2019-season-beast-makeover-and-favorite-returns/3500902002/ |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=[[Cincinnati Enquirer]] |date=April 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211109091638/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2019/04/17/kings-island-2019-season-beast-makeover-and-favorite-returns/3500902002/ |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Belfiglio |first1=Natalie |title=Hidden references in Kings Mills Antique Autos |url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2019/june/hidden-references-in-kings-mills-antique-autos |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810022350/https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2019/june/hidden-references-in-kings-mills-antique-autos |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |date=June 6, 2019}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! width=90px | Name
! Opened
! Manufacturer
! Model
! Description
! style=max-width:4em |Thrill rating{{refn|group=nt|name=Rating}}
|-
| Dodgem
| align=center | 1986
| [[Preston & Barbieri]]
| Majestic Manufacturing (Azzurra)
| Italian-made [[bumper car]]s that seat two people with fully functional headlights, taillights, rear-view mirrors and hazard flashers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2019/june/nothing-beats-the-original|title=Nothing beats the original – Kings Island|website=www.visitkingsisland.com|language=en|access-date=2019-07-28}}</ref> Single car bumper cars with a rectangular floor area previously operated at [[Coney Island, Cincinnati, Ohio|Coney Island]] from 1924 to 1971, and were relocated to Kings Island, but the smaller ride was removed after the 1985 season and replaced with this larger, different shaped version for the 1986 season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/253144439|title=Kings Island Plans to Refurbish Coney|date=February 9, 1986|work=The Star Press|access-date=July 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/101762358|title=Change Is In The Air At Kings Island|last=Findsen|first=Owen|date=January 13, 1986|work=The Cincinnati Enquirer|access-date=July 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/321056044|title=Kings Island offers 3 new rides|date=April 20, 1986|work=The Tribune|access-date=July 28, 2019}}</ref>
| align=center | 4
|-
| Kings Mills Antique Autos
| align=center | 2019
| Gould Manufacturing 
| Antique car ride
| An antique car attraction reminiscent of the former Les Taxis ride. Includes a covered bridge, a pond, a faux gas station, and several billboards that reference past Kings Island attractions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2019/june/hidden-references-in-kings-mills-antique-autos|title=Hidden references in Kings Mills Antique Autos – Kings Island|website=www.visitkingsisland.com|language=en|access-date=2019-07-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/play/rides/kings-mills-antique-autos|title=Family Ride &#124; Kings Mills Antique Autos &#124; Kings Island}}</ref>
| align=center | 2
|-
| Monster
| align=center | 1972
|[[Eyerly Aircraft Company|Eyerly Aircraft Co.]]
| Eyerly Monster
| Traditional [[Octopus (ride)|Octopus]] ride that spins in three different circles at the same time. It quickly raises and lowers riders as the cars spin. Originally operated at [[Coney Island, Cincinnati, Ohio|Coney Island]] (1968–1971).<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 26, 1968|title=Coney Island 'All Set' For Decoration Day Crowds|work=The Cincinnati Enquirer|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/104520729/|access-date=May 3, 2020}}</ref>
| align=center | 3
|-
| [[Backlot Stunt Coaster|Queen City Stunt Coaster]]
| align=center | 2005
| [[Premier Rides]]
| [[Launch track#LIM/LSM|LIM Launch Track]]
| A launched roller coaster originally based on a chase sequence in the 2003 film ''[[The Italian Job (2003 film)|The Italian Job]]''. Riders launch into a parking garage, dodge police cars, and ride past a helicopter. A second launch section sends riders into a winding dark tunnel. Formerly known as ''The Italian Job: Stunt Track'' (2005–2007) and ''Backlot Stunt Coaster'' (2008–2024).
| align=center | 5
|-
| Scrambler
| align=center | 1972
| Eli Bridge Company
| Scrambler&nbsp;– Traditional Deluxe
| Traditional amusement park [[Twist (ride)|Twist]] ride. 3 arms spin riders giving them the sensation of almost hitting the wall. Originally operated at [[Coney Island, Cincinnati, Ohio|Coney Island]] (1969–1971).<ref>{{Cite news|date=April 20, 1969|title='Velvet Palace' Makes Debut At Coney Opening, Saturday|work=The Cincinnati Enquirer|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/100690632/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Scrambler celebrating 50 years of spins and thrills – Kings Island|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2019/june/the-scrambler-celebrating-50-years-of-spins-and-thrills?page=4|website=www.visitkingsisland.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
| align=center | 3
|-
| Shake, Rattle & Roll
| align=center | 1975
| [[HUSS Park Attractions|HUSS]]
| [[Troika (ride)|Troika]]
| A classic spinning ride. Formerly known as ''Troika''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shake, Rattle & Roll: A whirling, twirling adventure |url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/play/rides/shake-rattle-roll |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=July 28, 2019}}</ref>
| align=center | 3
|-
| [[The Racer (Kings Island)|The Racer]]
| align=center | 1972
| [[Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters]]
| Wooden [[racing roller coaster]].
| A twin tracked wooden roller coaster designed by the late John Allen.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rcdb.com/69.htm|title=Racer – Kings Island (Mason, Ohio, United States)|website=rcdb.com|access-date=2019-07-28}}</ref> The trains on the south track were changed to ride backward in 1982, but the original orientation was restored in 2008.
| align=center | 4
|-
| [[WindSeeker]]
| align=center | 2011
| [[Mondial (amusement ride manufacturer)|Mondial]]
| [[Wind Seeker]]
| A flat ride featuring 32, two-person swings that slowly rotate and ascends the {{convert|301|ft|m|adj=on}} tower until reaching the top where speeds increase up to {{Convert|30|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="WindSeeker">{{cite web |url=http://www.visitkingsisland.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/WindSeeker |title=WindSeeker |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=August 21, 2004 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130208233920/http://www.visitkingsisland.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/WindSeeker |archive-date=February 8, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> After several delays, it opened June 21.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kings Island: Opening date for WindSeeker yet to be confirmed |url=http://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20110502/3734/kings-island-opening-date-windseeker-yet-be-confirmed |publisher=Theme Park Tourist |access-date=June 1, 2011}}</ref>
| align=center | 4
|-
| Zephyr
| align=center | 1986
| [[Zierer]]
| Wave Swinger
| A suspended [[swing ride]] that rotates with a wave motion lifting riders up to {{convert|30|ft|m}} in the air.
| align=center | 3
|}

===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.<ref name="Riding History Part 3 – CET" /><ref name="International Street – Blooloop.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.blooloop.com/blog/tag/disneyland/|title=Disneyland Through The Decades|last=Kahaner|first=Tracy|date=September 16, 2015|publisher=Blooloop.com|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> The area's architecture and cultural themes represent Italy, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland.<ref name="Riding History Part 3 – CET" /><ref name="International Street – Blooloop.com" /> To save on the cost of construction, the unused second story of each building was designed on a three-quarters scale, borrowing from a practice used by [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] throughout its theme parks.<ref name="KICentral – Facts">{{cite web|url=http://kicentral.com/parkhistory/historical-facts/|title=Historical Facts|publisher=KICentral|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref>

''Enchanted Voyage'', an [[Old Mill (ride)|Old Mill]] dark ride that ferried guests in unaccompanied boats along water-filled guideways, was also a primary attraction that opened with the park.<ref name="KIBlog-Enchanted Voyage" /> Shaped like a large TV set, the building housed separately-themed areas that made heavy use of [[animatronics|animatronic]] Hanna-Barbera characters.<ref name="KIBlog-Enchanted Voyage" /> The ride was overhauled for the 1984 season when it became ''Smurf's Enchanted Voyage''.<ref name="KIBlog-Enchanted Voyage" /> In 1992, the building was transformed once more into [[Phantom Theater]], replacing the ride's waterways with an [[Omnimover]]-style system of transport.<ref name="Park timeline 1972-2012" /><ref name="Timeline – KICentral" /><ref name="Phantom Design">{{cite web|url=http://themeparkuniversity.com/haunted-attractions/designing-phantom-manor-kings-island-rr-creative-amusement-designs/|title=Designing Phantom Theater for Kings Island With R&R Creative Amusement Designs|last=Young|first=Josh|date=October 21, 2014|publisher=Theme Park University|access-date=August 4, 2016}}</ref> It was themed as a behind-the-scenes tour of a haunted theater.<ref name="Phantom Design" /> The theme and ride vehicles were changed over the years – ''Scooby Doo and the Haunted Castle'' in 2003 and ''[[Boo Blasters on Boo Hill]]'' in 2010 – but the same underlying transportation system was retained each time.<ref name="KIBlog-Enchanted Voyage">{{cite web |last1=Keeter |first1=John |title=Remembering the Enchanted Voyage |url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2018/january/remembering-the-enchanted-voyage |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=July 4, 2020 |date=January 9, 2018 |archive-date=June 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628105912/https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2018/january/remembering-the-enchanted-voyage |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2026, Kings Island will open ''Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare'', a revival of the original Phantom Theater attraction with modern technology and interactive elements not found in the original ride.<ref>{{Cite web |title='So...you wanted to see the theater, did ya?' The curtain is set to rise on Kings Island's all-new Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, coming in 2026 |url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2025/august/phantom-theater-opening-nightmare-coming-in-2026 |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=www.visitkingsisland.com |language=en}}</ref>

The area's main attractions include the Royal Fountain, a {{convert|600000|gal|m3|adj=mid|pool}} capable of shooting {{convert|10000|gal|m3}} of water into the air each minute,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visitkingsisland.com/public/news/media/history/trivia.cfm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710071750/http://www.visitkingsisland.com/public/news/media/history/trivia.cfm |archive-date=July 10, 2010 |title= Kings Island, Trivia |access-date=September 14, 2010}}</ref> and the signature [[Eiffel Tower (Cedar Fair)|Eiffel Tower]], a one-third scale replica of the [[Eiffel Tower|original]] which offers a view of the entire park to its guests. Grand Carousel, a classic [[carousel]] built in 1926 and originally located at Coney Island, is another International Street attraction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://carousels.org/USACensus/stdqueries/census-INAC.html|title=National Carousel Association&nbsp;– Census Entry|publisher=Nca-usa.org|access-date=October 14, 2009}}</ref> Also located here is Kings Island Theater along with a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! width=110px | Name
! Opened
! Manufacturer
! Model
! Description
! style=max-width:4em |Thrill rating{{refn|group=nt|name=Rating}}
|-
| Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare
| align=center | 2026
|[[D. H. Morgan Manufacturing|Morgan Manufacturing]], [[Sally Corporation]]
| Dark Ride
|A [[dark ride]] with a haunted attraction theme that uses an [[Omnimover]]-style transport system, which has been used in past iterations of the ride: ''[[Phantom Theater]]'' (1992–2002), ''Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Castle'' (2003–2009) and ''Boo Blasters on Boo Hill'' (2010–2025).<ref>{{cite web |title=A Blast From The Past – Kings Island's Phantom Theater |url=https://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2009/10/blast-from-past-kings-islands.html |website=NewsPlusNotes |access-date=July 28, 2019 |date=October 1, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dafe.org/articles/darkrides/phantomTheater.html|title=Phantom Theater – DAFE|website=www.dafe.org|access-date=2019-07-28}}</ref> The building originally housed an indoor boat ride, ''Enchanted Voyage'' (1972–1983) and ''Smurf's Enchanted Voyage'' (1984–1991), manufactured by [[Arrow Development]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/19702039|title=Ride to haunt park|date=November 18, 1992|work=The Kokomo Tribune|access-date=November 5, 2019}}</ref>
| align=center | 2
|-
| [[Eiffel Tower (Six Flags)|Eiffel Tower]]
| align=center | 1972
| [[Intamin]]
| Paris Tower
| An approximately one-third scale replica of the [[Eiffel Tower#Replicas|Eiffel Tower]] in Paris at {{convert|314|ft|m}} and 450 tons. The tower was initially {{convert|331.5|ft|m}}, but the structure's top antenna was eventually removed. [[Kings Dominion]] has a near-exact replica.
| align="center" | 2
|-
| Grand Carousel
| align=center | 1972
| [[Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters|Philadelphia Toboggan Company]]
| Carousel, PTC No. 79<ref>{{cite web |title=Historic Carousel Rides Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters
|url=https://www.philadelphiatoboggancoastersinc.com/active-rides/historic-carousel-rides/
|website=Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters |access-date=November 16, 2018}}</ref>
| 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#Band organs|Wurlitzer]] No. 157 [[Fairground Organ|band organ]]. Operated at [[Coney Island, Cincinnati, Ohio|Coney Island]] (1926–1971). 
| align=center | 1
|-
| International Showplace
| align=center | 1977
| {{NA}}
| {{NA}}
| Entertainment venue
| {{NA}}
|-
| International Street Bandstand
| align=center | 1972
| {{NA}}
| {{NA}}
| Entertainment venue formerly known as ''Royal Fountain Bandstand''
| {{NA}}
|-
| Kings Island Theater
| align=center | 1976
| {{NA}}
| {{NA}}
| Entertainment venue formerly known as ''American Heritage Music Hall'' and ''Paramount Theater''
| {{NA}}
|-
|Tower Gardens
| align=center |1978
|
|
|A quiet garden space located to the left of the Eiffel Tower. Replaced the original Kings Island Theater. In 2022 the park added the Tower Gardens History Walk, a series of engraved stones detailing the history of Kings Island since its opening in 1972. Formerly known as ''The Paramount Story'' where it was used to promote the history of Paramount movies and showcased various props and characters.
|
|}

===Oktoberfest===
Oktoberfest, relating to the eponymous [[Oktoberfest|German festival]], opened with the park in 1972 and celebrates Cincinnati's German history. The area resembles a German town with timber-framed, German-style architecture. The Festhaus building is its central attraction, featuring live shows with several indoor eateries. Rides within Oktoberfest include a swinging [[Pirate ship (ride)|pirate ship]] ride called Viking Fury, which opened in 1982.<ref name="Adventure Express: At a glance"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/rides/Family-Rides/Viking-Fury|title=Viking Fury: At a glance|publisher=Kings Island|access-date=June 1, 2016}}</ref> Part of Oktoberfest was renovated and split off to become Adventure Port in 2023.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! width="110px" | Name
! Opened
! Manufacturer
! Model
! Description
! style="max-width:4em" |Thrill rating{{refn|group=nt|name=Rating}}
|-
| Festhaus
| align="center" | 1982
| {{NA}}
| {{NA}}
| An Entertainment venue and food court. This building was originally built for Winterfest prior to becoming year-round.
| {{NA}}
|-
| Viking Fury
| align="center" | 1982
| [[Intamin]]
| Super Bounty<ref name=":6">{{cite web |url=http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/intamin_5-3_723.jpg|title=Intamin|access-date=February 27, 2018}}</ref>
| [[Pirate ship (ride)|Swinging pirate ship]] ride.
| align="center" | 3
|}

==={{anchor|Hanna-Barbera Land|Nickelodeon Universe}} Planet Snoopy===
{{See also|Planet Snoopy}}
[[File:Kings Island Planet Snoopy.jpg|thumb|Former Entrance to Planet Snoopy]]
The area initially opened with the park in 1972 as ''[[Hanna-Barbera theme parks|The Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera]]'' and was later shortened to ''Hanna-Barbera Land''. One of the area's flagship attractions was a junior [[wooden roller coaster]] named [[Woodstock Express (Kings Island)|Scooby Doo]], which like The Racer was designed by John C. Allen but intended for younger riders.

The portion of the area that borders Rivertown became a subsection of its own called Nickelodeon Splat City when it was revamped in 1995 with the addition of a stage, water attraction, and a children's play area. In 2001, the [[Log flume (ride)|log ride]] Kings Mills Log Flume was updated with a children's theme and renamed The Wild Thornberrys River Adventure. The Rugrats Runaway Reptar [[inverted roller coaster|family inverted roller coaster]] was introduced the same year. This was an expansion into an area that was originally part of Rivertown, and the Nickelodeon-themed area was renamed [[Nickelodeon Central]]. Hanna-Barbera Land was gradually converted to Nickelodeon themes over the next several years and was eventually renamed "Nickelodeon Universe" in 2006, incorporating Nickelodeon Central.<ref name="Park timeline 1972-2012"/>

Following Cedar Fair's purchase of the park from Paramount in 2006, Nickelodeon-themed elements were eventually removed and replaced with ''[[Peanuts]]'' comic strip themes in 2010 – the children's brand marketed at other Cedar Fair (now Six Flags) parks. Nickelodeon Universe became known as [[Planet Snoopy]].<ref name="no more Nick"/> The area features many rides intended for smaller children, as well as three family-oriented roller coasters and a [[Disk'O|skater coaster]]. ''[[Amusement Today]]'' awarded Kings Island with the [[Golden Ticket Awards|Golden Ticket Award]] for "Best Kids' Area in the World" for eighteen consecutive years (2001–2018).<ref name="2014 GTA">{{cite magazine|url = http://www.goldenticketawards.com/2014-park-ride-winners/|title = 2014 Park & Ride Golden Ticket Winners|date=September 2014|magazine=Amusement Today}}</ref><ref name="2017 GTA">{{cite journal|date=September 2017|title=Lake Compounce and Quassy host 20th Golden Ticket Awards|journal=Golden Ticket Awards|publisher=Amusement Today|volume=21|issue=6.2|url=http://goldenticketawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/AT-GoldenTickets-2017-lr.pdf|access-date=June 18, 2018}}</ref> Kings Island's Planet Snoopy was also the largest in the Cedar Fair chain until 2013, when Kings Dominion doubled the size of its Planet Snoopy section.<ref name="New Planet Snoopy">{{cite news|title=Kings Dominion announces expansion of Planet Snoopy |newspaper=Richmond Times-Dispatch |url=http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2012/sep/12/kings-dominion-announces-major-expansion-childrens-ar-2199274/ |date=September 12, 2012 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102081106/http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2012/sep/12/kings-dominion-announces-major-expansion-childrens-ar-2199274/ |archive-date=January 2, 2013 }}</ref>
{{Clear}}

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! width=145px | Name
! Opened
! Manufacturer
! Model
! Description
! style=max-width:4em |Thrill rating{{refn|group=nt|name=Rating}}
|-
| Character Carousel
| align=center | 1982
| [[Chance Rides]]
| 36-Foot Carrousel
| Children's [[carousel]]. Formerly known as ''Hanna Barbera Carousel'' (1982–2005) and ''Nick-O-Round'' (2006–2009).
| align=center | 1
|-
| Charlie Brown's Wind Up
| align=center | 1992
| [[Zamperla]]
| [[Swing ride|Chair swing ride]]
| Formerly known as ''Flintstone's Flyers'' (1992–1997), ''Pixie and Dixie's Swingset'' (1998–2005), and ''Backyardigans Swing-Along'' (2006–2009).<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/101911023|title=20 new reasons to visit Kings Island|last=Knippenberg|first=Jim|date=April 10, 1992|work=The Cincinnati Enquirer|access-date=July 28, 2019}}</ref>
| align=center | 1
|-
| Joe Cool's Dodgem School
| align=center | 1976
| Jurgen Schmidt, Rivervaze, NJ
| Children's [[bumper cars]]. 
| Formerly known as ''Boulder Bumpers'' (1976–2005) and ''Jimmy Neutron's Atom Smasher'' (2006–2009).
| align=center | 2
|-
| Kite Eating Tree
| align=center | 2006
| [[Zamperla]]
| Jumpin' Star
| A mini-drop ride that lifts riders {{convert|20|ft|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).
| align=center | 3
|-
| Linus' Beetle Bugs
| align=center | 1972
| [[William F. Mangels]]
| Whip Jr.
| Classic [[The Whip (ride)|whip ride]]. Operated at [[Coney Island, Cincinnati, Ohio|Coney Island]] (1967–1971). Formerly known as ''Screecher'', ''Funky Phantom'', ''Alley Cat 500'' and ''Swiper's Sweepers'' (2006–2009).
| align=center | 2
|-
| PEANUTS 500
| align=center | 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).
| align=center | 1
|-
| PEANUTS Off-Road Rally
| align=center | 1972
| Hampton Amusement Corporation
| Miniature [[carousel]] car ride.
| Operated at [[Coney Island, Cincinnati, Ohio|Coney Island]] (1969–1971). Formerly known as ''Pee Wee Raceway'', ''Motor Mouse'', ''Huck's Hotrods'', and ''Go Diego Go!''.
| align=center | 1
|-
| PEANUTS Showplace
| align=center |2018
| {{NA}}
| Live Show Venue
| Located near ''The Great Pumpkin Coaster''
| {{NA}}
|-
| Sally's Sea Plane
| align=center | 1998
| [[Zamperla]]
| Crazy Bus
| Formerly known as ''Atom Ant's Airways'' (1998–2005) and ''Timmy's Airtours'' (2006–2009).
| align=center | 2
|-
| Snoopy vs. Red Baron
| align="center" | 1992
| [[Zamperla]]
| Mini Jet
| Themed after the comic strip featuring [[Snoopy#Traits|Snoopy vs. the Red Baron]]. Formerly known as ''Red Baron's Bi-Planes'' (1992–1997), ''Dick Dastardly's Biplanes'' (1998–2005) and ''Blue's Skidoo'' (2006–2009).<ref name=":0" />
| align="center" | 2
|-
| Snoopy's Junction
| align=center | 1982
| [[Mack Rides]]
| Guided rail train cars.
| Formerly known as ''Scooby Choo'' (1982–1997), ''Quick Draw's Railway'' (1998–2005) and ''La Adventura de Azul'' (2006–2009).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/252649650|title=Decade of Fun|last=Douglas|first=Bruce|date=April 18, 1982|work=The Star Press|access-date=July 28, 2019}}</ref>
| align=center | 1
|-
| Snoopy's Space Buggies 
| align=center | 2015 
| [[Zamperla]]
| Jump Around
| A circular flat ride on which vehicles attached to a central console bounce up and down.
| align=center | 2
|-
| Surf Dog
| align=center | 2006
| [[Zamperla]]
|[[Disk'O|Skater Coaster]]
| Surfboard themed roller coaster like ride that spins as it glides over a ramp. Formerly known as ''Avatar: The Last Airbender'' (2006–2009).
| align=center | 4
|-
| The Great Pumpkin Coaster
| align=center | 1992
| [[E&F Miler Industries]]
| Junior Coaster
| 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Marden|first=Duane|title=Great Pumpkin Coaster|url=http://www.rcdb.com/74.htm|publisher=Roller Coaster Database|access-date=December 12, 2011}}</ref> The queue area used to be the loading area for the Smurf's 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).
| align=center | 2
|-
| [[Woodstock Express (Kings Island)|Woodstock Express]]
| align=center | 1972
| [[Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters]]
| Junior Wooden Coaster
| A family wooden roller coaster, formerly known as ''Scooby Doo'' (1972–1979), ''Beastie'' (1980–2005) and ''Fairly Odd Coaster'' (2006–2009). The coaster featured a small tunnel at the base of its first drop from 1980 through 2005.<ref>{{cite web|last=Marden|first=Duane|title=Woodstock Express|url=http://www.rcdb.com/72.htm|publisher=Roller Coaster Database|access-date=December 12, 2011}}</ref>
| align=center | 4
|-
| Woodstock Whirlybirds
| align=center | 1998
| Caripro Amusement Technology
| Helicopter-themed sky tram. 
| Formerly known as ''Yogi's Sky Tours'' (1998–2005) and ''LazyTown Sportacopters'' (2006–2009).
| align=center | 2
|}

====Camp Snoopy====
{{See also|Camp Snoopy}}
For the 2024 season, Kings Island expanded Planet Snoopy with the addition of a new themed subsection named ''Camp Snoopy''.<ref name="CampSnoopy-USAToday" /><ref name="CampSnoopy-KI" /> The area debuted a new roller coaster, a [[Vekoma]] family Boomerang called Snoopy's Soap Box Racers, as well as children play areas and family-oriented activities.<ref name="CampSnoopy-USAToday">{{cite news |last1=Scheve |first1=Annasofia |title=Snoopy came to play: Kings Island announces Planet Snoopy expansion, new roller coaster |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/theme-parks/2023/08/10/kings-island-new-roller-coaster-planet-snoopy/70566995007/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |work=[[USA Today]] |date=August 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816054945/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/theme-parks/2023/08/10/kings-island-new-roller-coaster-planet-snoopy/70566995007/ |archive-date=August 16, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CampSnoopy-KI">{{cite web |title=Camp Snoopy: New in 2024 |url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/new-in-2024 |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816054922/https://www.visitkingsisland.com/new-in-2024 |archive-date=August 16, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> Camp Snoopy incorporates a section of Planet Snoopy that borders Rivertown, which was formerly known as Nickelodeon Central prior to 2006.<ref name="Park timeline 1972-2012"/> Several existing attractions located in this area were renamed in the process, including Charlie Brown's Rushing River Log Ride (formerly Race For Your Life Charlie Brown), Franklin's Flyers (formerly Woodstock Gliders), and Woodstock's Air Rail (formerly Flying Ace Aerial Chase).<ref name="2024NameChanges-KIBlog">{{Cite web |title=Three Popular Kings Island Rides Will Change Names in 2024 |url=https://visitkingsisland.com/blog/2024/january/three-rides-changing-names-for-2024-season |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Kings Island |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808213929/https://visitkingsisland.com/blog/2024/january/three-rides-changing-names-for-2024-season |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="2024NameChanges-WKRC">{{Cite web |last=WKRC |date=January 25, 2024 |title=These popular Kings Island rides will get a name change for 2024 |url=https://local12.com/news/local/3-popular-kings-island-rides-will-soon-change-names-2024-camp-snoopy-race-for-your-life-charlie-brown-flying-ace-aerial-chase-woodstock-gliders-amp-charlie-browns-rushing-river-log-ride-woodstocks-air-rail-franklins-flyers-greater-cincinnati-mason-excite |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=WKRC |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315155242/https://local12.com/news/local/3-popular-kings-island-rides-will-soon-change-names-2024-camp-snoopy-race-for-your-life-charlie-brown-flying-ace-aerial-chase-woodstock-gliders-amp-charlie-browns-rushing-river-log-ride-woodstocks-air-rail-franklins-flyers-greater-cincinnati-mason-excite |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! width=145px | Name
! Opened
! Manufacturer
! Model
! Description
! style=max-width:4em |Thrill rating{{refn|group=nt|name=Rating}}
|-
| Beagle Scout Acres
| align=center | 2024
| {{NA}}
| {{NA}}
| A covered playground area containing an artificial turf grass floor. Replaced the former ''Snoopy's Barnyard Friends'' petting zoo. 
| {{NA}}
|-
| Charlie Brown's Rushing River Log Ride
| align=center | 1972
| [[Arrow Dynamics|Arrow Development]]/[[Hopkins Rides]]
| [[Log flume (ride)|Log Flume]]
| [[Log flume (ride)|Log flume]] ride with a Peanuts theme that operated at [[Coney Island, Cincinnati, Ohio|Coney Island]] (1968–1971). Formerly known as ''Kings Mills Log Flume'' (1972–1999), ''The Wild Thornberrys River Adventure'' (2001–2009) and ''Race For Your Life Charlie Brown'' (2010–2023).
| align=center | 4
|-
| Franklin's Flyers
| align=center | 2015 
| Larson International
|[[Flying Scooters]]
| A flying scooters ride with eight carriages that each have a paddle, enabling guests to change the movement of the carriage. Formerly known as ''Woodstock Gliders'' (2015–2023).
| align=center | 3
|-
| Linus' Launcher
| align=center | 2006
| [[Zamperla]]
| Kite Flyer
| Formerly known as ''Danny Phantoms Phantom Flyers'' (2006–2009).
| align=center | 3
|-
|Snoopy's Soap Box Racers
| align=center | 2024
|[[Vekoma]]
|Family Boomerang
|A steel Family Boomerang Coaster model.
| align=center | 4
|-
| [[Woodstock's Air Rail]]
| align=center | 2001
| [[Vekoma]]
|[[Suspended family coaster]]
| An [[inverted roller coaster]] with a top speed of {{convert|26|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Formerly known as ''Rugrats Runaway Reptar'' (2001–2009) and ''Flying Ace Aerial Chase'' (2010–2023).<ref name="Woodstock Air Rail-RCDB">{{cite RCDB |coaster_name=Woodstock's Air Rail |rcdb_number=1037 |accessdate=15 September 2025}}</ref>
| align=center | 4
|}

===Rivertown===
Rivertown is an area within the park that features a western theme depicting a town with ranch-style buildings, old wooden signs, and one of the park's most iconic attractions, the [[Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad]]. Originally intended to be named ''Frontier Land'', the area was eventually named Rivertown when it debuted with the park in 1972.<ref name="Riding History Part 2 – CET">{{cite web|url=http://watch.cetconnect.org/video/2365180911/|title=Riding History To The Limits&nbsp;– Breaking Ground|date=August 26, 2009|publisher=CET|access-date=June 20, 2016}}</ref> The area included attractions such as Kings Mill Log Flume and Shawnee Landing, a canoe ride in a part of Rivertown known as Kenton's Cove.<ref name="1972 map" /><ref name="KICentral – Facts" />

Throughout the 1970s, Rivertown saw the addition of several attractions including Kenton's Cove Keelboat Canal in 1973, which was an elevated [[log flume]] ride that operated through the 2000 season, and [[The Beast (roller coaster)|The Beast]] roller coaster in 1979.<ref name="Timeline – KICentral" /> Designed internally by Kings Island, The Beast opened as the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in the world, and in addition to retaining its record length,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rcdb.com/rhr.htm?m=2&t=2|title=Record Holders: Length|publisher=RCDB.com|access-date=August 4, 2016}}</ref> it remains one of the most popular wooden roller coasters in the annual Golden Ticket Awards from ''Amusement Today''.<ref name="The Beast official page">{{cite web|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/rides/Thrill-Rides-12-14-11-44/The-Beast|title=The Beast|publisher=Kings Island|access-date=August 3, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Halter|first=Jon|magazine=Boys' Life|pages=14–16|title=Kings Island|issn=0006-8608|date=June 1979|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gh00rfiDclYC&q=%22the+beast%22+1979+tallest+fastest&pg=PA16 |access-date=August 3, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://goldenticketawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2016-GTA-issue_complete.pdf|title=Cedar Point welcomes 2016 Golden Ticket Awards|date=September 2016|publisher=Amusement Today|access-date=April 20, 2017}}</ref> Other rides added over the years include a [[river rafting ride]] called [[White Water Canyon]], which opened in 1985, and a heavily themed, indoor [[flat ride]] called Tomb Raider: The Ride (later renamed The Crypt), which opened in place of Kenton's Cove Keelboat Canal in 2002.<ref name="Timeline – KICentral" /> The Crypt closed permanently in 2011.

In 2009, the park's first roller coaster from [[Bolliger & Mabillard]], called [[Diamondback (roller coaster)|Diamondback]], opened in Rivertown. The {{convert|230|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} [[hypercoaster]] reaches a top speed of {{convert|80|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} and features a splashdown water effect finale.<ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Diamondback|location=Kings Island|rcdb_number=4253|access-date=August 3, 2016}}</ref> In August 2016, Kings Island revealed plans to build [[Mystic Timbers]] a {{convert|109|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} wooden roller coaster that opened in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2016/07/28/want-know-new-kings-island-ride/87606926/|title=Kings Island reveals new ride: Mystic Timbers|author=Carol Motsinger|work=Cincinnati Enquirer|date=July 29, 2016|access-date=August 3, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Mystic Timbers|location=Kings Island|rcdb_number=14116|access-date=August 3, 2016}}</ref> The new ride added {{convert|3265|ft}} of track bringing the park's wooden coaster total to {{convert|18804|ft}}, making it the most of any amusement park in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://amusementtoday.com/2016/07/new-roller-coaster-coming-to-kings-island/|title=New roller coaster coming to Kings Island|website=amusementtoday.com|date=July 29, 2016 |access-date=2016-08-04}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! width=75px | Name
! Opened
! Manufacturer
! Model
! Description
! style=max-width:4em |Thrill rating{{refn|group=nt|name=Rating}}
|-
| [[Diamondback (roller coaster)|Diamondback]]
| align=center | 2009
| [[Bolliger & Mabillard]]
| Hyper coaster
| A steel [[hypercoaster]] that is {{convert|230|ft}} tall and {{convert|5282|ft}} long with a top speed of {{convert|80|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Diamondback spans {{convert|10|acre|ha}} of terrain and features a splashdown water effect finale.
| align=center | 5
|-
| [[Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad]]
| align=center | 1972
| Crown Metal Products Company<ref>[https://www.visitkingsisland.com/rides/Family-Rides/KI-Miami-Valley-Railroad Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad official website]</ref>
|{{RailGauge|3ft|lk=on}} [[Narrow-gauge railway|narrow-gauge]] 4-4-0 Steam Train
| A [[steam locomotive]] ride that travels in a {{convert|5585|ft|adj=on}} 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 [[American Old West|old west]], small buildings and a fort. The trains are scale replicas of the famous 1800s locomotive known as [[The General (locomotive)|The General]].
| align=center | 1
|-
| [[Mystic Timbers]]
| align=center | 2017
| [[Great Coasters International]]
| Custom
| A wooden  roller coaster that is {{convert|109.2|ft||abbr=}} tall and {{convert|3265|ft}} long with a top speed of {{convert|53|mi/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rcdb.com/14116.htm|title=Mystic Timbers – Kings Island (Mason, Ohio, United States)|website=rcdb.com|access-date=2019-07-28}}</ref> The attraction ends with an indoor segment, heavily marketed with the hashtag #WhatsintheShed, that includes one of three projected monsters and various animated props.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/features/kings-island-reveals-mystic-timbers-coaster-mystery-whats-in-the-shed/95-431307525|title=Kings Island reveals Mystic Timbers coaster mystery: What's in the shed?|website=WKYC|date=April 14, 2017 |access-date=2019-07-28}}</ref>
| align=center | 5
|-
| [[The Beast (roller coaster)|The Beast]]
| align=center | 1979
| Kings Island
| Custom 
| Built and designed by the park, The Beast consistently ranks as one of the top wooden coasters in the world.<ref name="The Beast official page" /> 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.
| align=center | 5
|-
| [[White Water Canyon]]
| align=center | 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.
| align=center | 4
|}

===Soak City===
{{Main|Soak City (Kings Island)}}

Included with park admission, Soak City is a {{convert|33|acre|adj=on}} [[water park]] featuring two [[wave pool]]s, several children's areas and a variety of water slides.<ref name="Helbig">{{cite web|url=http://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog-article/online-fun/Celebrating-40-Years-of-Family-Fun-and-Entertainment|title=Celebrating 40 Years Of Family Fun and Entertainment|last=Helbig|first=Don|date=January 17, 2012|publisher=Kings Island|access-date=July 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814062046/http://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog-article/online-fun/Celebrating-40-Years-of-Family-Fun-and-Entertainment|archive-date=August 14, 2012}}</ref> It originally opened in 1989 as ''WaterWorks'' and has since been expanded several times.<ref name="40 years" /> It was renamed in 2004 to ''Crocodile Dundee's Boomerang Bay'', based on the titular character from the film ''[["Crocodile" Dundee]]'', played by [[Paul Hogan]] who was also hired to promote the revamped water park.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2004/03/08/daily51.html|title='Crocodile Dundee' to promote Kings Island's new water park|date=March 12, 2004|work=Business Courier|access-date=June 15, 2016}}</ref> Following Cedar Fair's acquisition of Kings Island, it was later renamed ''Boomerang Bay'', and all references to the film character were removed. On September 2, 2011, Kings Island announced a $10-million expansion of the water park for the 2012 season, as well as a plan to rename it ''Soak City''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.whiotv.com/news/news/kings-island-to-expand-water-park-in-2012/nDkbH/|title=Kings Island to expand water park in 2012|date=September 2, 2011|publisher=WHIO-TV|access-date=October 22, 2011}}</ref> Tropical Plunge, a seven-story water slide complex, was added for the 2016 season.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= http://amusementtoday.com/2015/08/seven-story-water-slide-complex-coming-to-kings-island-in-2016|title=Seven-story water slide complex coming to Kings Island in 2016|date=August 19, 2015|magazine=Amusement Today|access-date=August 31, 2015}}</ref> In 2025 Kings Island expanded Soak City with the addition of RiverRacers and Splash River Junction,  a dual-racing water coaster and a new children's water play area respectively.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/2024/08/08/kings-island-to-open-riverracers-dual-racing-water-coaster-in-2025-soak-city-salamander-sliders/74716276007/ | title=Kings Island to open Ohio's first dual-racing water coaster in 2025. Here's a look }}</ref>

==Seasonal events==
===Halloween Haunt===
[[File:Halloween Haunt at Kings Island logo.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Halloween Haunt is a [[Halloween]]-themed event at Kings Island that operates on weekends from September through October. It features haunted houses, mazes, live shows, and most of the park's regular season attractions. Special lighting and fog effects are used throughout the park, and actors in costume engage with guests. The event originally debuted as FearFest in 2000, and the name was later changed to Halloween Haunt in 2007.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/409641511|title=Kings Island's FearFest has the Fright Stuff|last=Winternitz|first=Felix|date=September 29, 2000|work=Dayton Daily News|access-date=July 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Halloween Haunt debut">{{cite web|url=http://wetpig.com/cincinnati-amusement-park-kings-island-announces-halloween-haunt-2007/|title=Cincinnati Amusement Park Kings Island Announces Halloween Haunt 2007|date=August 28, 2007|publisher=Wet Pig|access-date=June 15, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Haunt description">{{cite news|url=http://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/nightlife/recreation/2014/09/05/kings-islands-halloween-haunt-returns-sept-19/15139383/|title=Kings Island's Halloween Haunt returns Sept. 19|last=Richardson|first=Rachel|date=September 23, 2014|newspaper=Cincinnati.com|access-date=June 15, 2016}}</ref>

===Winterfest===
Winterfest is an annual Christmas-themed holiday festival that operates from mid-November through late December, featuring ice skating on the Royal Fountain as well as the special lighting throughout the park. Some rides and attractions are in operation, and International Street is transformed into a winter village filled with Christmas carolers, homemade crafts, and holiday-themed refreshments and snacks. The event debuted in 1982 and returned annually through 1992, followed by a brief return in 2005. Under Cedar Fair's ownership, the park listened to guest feedback and brought Winterfest back in 2017. They planned several years in advance to increase the scale of the event, which showcases over 5 million color-changing lights and dozens of live performances each night.<ref name="Winterfest-Glaser">{{cite web |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |title=Kings Island gets in the holiday spirit with return of high-wattage WinterFest (photos) |url=https://www.cleveland.com/travel/2017/11/kings_island_gets_in_the_holid.html |website=Cleveland.com |access-date=January 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108042833/https://www.cleveland.com/travel/2017/11/kings_island_gets_in_the_holid.html |archive-date=January 8, 2022 |date=November 29, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Winterfest-Varias">{{cite news |last1=Varias |first1=Chris |title=WinterFest returns at Kings Island bigger than ever |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2017/11/21/winterfest-returns-kings-island-bigger-than-ever/874850001/ |access-date=January 8, 2022 |work=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]] |date=November 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220108042621/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2017/11/21/winterfest-returns-kings-island-bigger-than-ever/874850001/ |archive-date=January 8, 2022}}</ref>

==Fast Lane==
{{See also|List of Fast Lane attractions#Kings Island}}
[[Fast Lane (Cedar Fair)|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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.toledoblade.com/Economy/2011/08/06/Cedar-Fair-trying-out-1st-in-line-access-fees-2.html|title=Cedar Fair trying out 1st-in-line access fees|last=Chavez|first=Jon|work=The Blade|publisher=August 6, 2011|access-date=October 29, 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/things-to-do/fast-lane-32615_32702 |title=Fast Lane |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=June 1, 2015}}</ref> For a period of time through the 2024 season, Kings Island offered Fright Lane passes – for Halloween Haunt attractions only – that operated similarly to Fast Lane. In 2025, this was renamed the "Haunted Attractions Express Pass".{{citation needed|date=September 2025}}

==Significant facts==
===Notable changes and additions===
* 1977: [[Screamin' Demon (Kings Island)|Screamin' Demon]] debuts as one of the first forward- and backward-looping roller coasters in the United States.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Scheinin |first1=Lisa |year=2007 | title=100 Moments in Roller Coaster History: The First Launched Coasters&nbsp;— 1977 |journal=RollerCoaster! Magazine |volume=28 | issue=2 |pages=20–21 |issn=0896-7261}}</ref><ref name="Screamin' Demon">{{cite web|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog-article/online-fun/Kings-Island-Photo-of-the-Day-2-1-13-17|title=Kings Island Photo of the Day|date=February 1, 2013|publisher=Kings Island|access-date=April 15, 2013}}</ref>
* 1979: Kings Island unveils [[The Beast (roller coaster)|The Beast]]; the world's tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freethemepark.com/kings-island-tickets.php |title=The Wonderful King's Island Theme Park |publisher=FreeThemePark.com |access-date=April 17, 2010}}</ref>
* 1981: [[The Bat (Kings Island; opened 1981)|The Bat]] opens as the first modern-day [[suspended roller coaster]] in the world.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Baldwin |first1=Tim |year=2006 |title=In Suspense, the Contemporary Suspended Coaster Celebrates a 25th Anniversary |journal=RollerCoaster! Magazine |volume=27 |issue=4 |pages=15–19 |issn=0896-7261}}</ref> Plagued with mechanical problems and downtime, The Bat was removed in August 1983.
* 1982: An annual Christmas event called Winterfest debuts, which operates from late-November through December.<ref name="Winterfest-Glaser" />
* 1984: [[King Cobra (roller coaster)|King Cobra]] opens as the first roller coaster designed from inception as a stand-up coaster.
* 1987: [[Vortex (Kings Island)|Vortex]] is added to the park's coaster lineup, briefly holding a world record for its six inversions.
* 1989: [[Soak City (Kings Island)|WaterWorks]] debuts as a family water park included with the price of admission, featuring a wave pool, water slides, and other attractions.
* 1999: The Adventure Village area begins the first of a two-year expansion, renamed Paramount Action Zone and rethemed as a movie studio backlot. Two new rides – [[Invertigo (Kings Island)|FACE/OFF]] and [[Drop Tower: Scream Zone|Drop Zone: Stunt Tower]] – open in the new area, with the latter setting a record for the world's tallest gyro drop.
* 2000: In the second year of expansion, [[Son of Beast]] opens in Action Zone as the world's tallest, fastest, and only-looping wooden roller coaster. Billed as a sequel to Kings Island's [[The Beast (roller coaster)|The Beast]], it was also the park's first [[hypercoaster]]. A Halloween-themed evening event called FearFest, later renamed [[Kings Island#Halloween Haunt|Halloween Haunt]], debuts in October and begins operating annually at the park every fall season.
* 2002: [[The Crypt (Kings Island)|Tomb Raider: The Ride]] opens as the first Giant Top Spin from [[HUSS Park Attractions]], which operated indoor and featured special effects themed to the film it was based on. King Cobra is dismantled after downtime and maintenance proved cost prohibitive.
* 2007: [[Firehawk (roller coaster)|Firehawk]], a [[flying roller coaster]] relocated from [[Geauga Lake]], opens in the X-Base area adjacent to Flight of Fear.
* 2009: The first roller coaster from [[Bolliger & Mabillard]] at Kings Island, [[Diamondback (roller coaster)|Diamondback]], opens to the public.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kidiamondback.com |title=Diamondback &#124; Fast And Full Of Venom &#124; Kings Island |publisher=Kidiamondback.com |access-date=November 14, 2008 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081108230050/http://www.kidiamondback.com/ |archive-date=November 8, 2008}}</ref> [[Son of Beast]] abruptly closes in June and remained closed indefinitely.<ref name="Coaster Critic">{{cite web|url=https://coastercritic.com/2012/07/kings-island-to-remove-son-of-beast/|title=KINGS ISLAND TO REMOVE SON OF BEAST|date=July 28, 2012 |publisher=Coaster Critic |access-date=April 24, 2020}}</ref>
* 2010: [[Planet Snoopy]] replaces Nickelodeon Universe. All [[Nickelodeon]] and Hanna-Barbera theming is removed, marking the first time in park history without an attraction themed to [[Scooby-Doo (character)|Scooby-Doo]]. 
* 2011: A tower swing ride named [[WindSeeker]] opens at the end of the Coney Mall. [[Fast Lane (Cedar Fair)|Fast Lane]] is introduced for the first time, and [[Dinosaurs Alive! (attraction)|Dinosaurs Alive!]] opens.<ref name="dinosaurs">{{cite web|url=http://masonbuzz.com/2011/03/18/kings-island-to-open-worlds-largest-dinosaur-park/ |title=Kings Island to open world's largest dinosaur park |publisher=Mason Buzz |date=March 18, 2011 |access-date=October 17, 2011}}</ref>
* 2012: Boomerang Bay is renamed [[Soak City (Kings Island)|Soak City]], which receives a moderate makeover.<ref name="Soak City">{{cite web |url=http://www.visitkingsisland.com/things-to-do/soak-city-waterpark |title=Soak City |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=September 4, 2011}}</ref> Son of Beast is demolished.<ref name="Coaster Critic"/>
* 2014: The longest [[inverted roller coaster]] in the world, [[Banshee (roller coaster)|Banshee]], opens on the former location of both Son of Beast and Thunder Alley.<ref name="Banshee announcement">{{cite web|url=http://attractionsmagazine.com/out-of-the-loop-banshee-roller-coaster-announced-at-kings-island-for-2014/|title=Out Of The Loop: Banshee roller coaster announced at Kings Island for 2014|last=Guinigundo|first=Andy|date=August 19, 2013|work=Orlando Attractions Magazine|access-date=March 2, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Banshee-2">{{cite news|url=http://www.whiotv.com/news/entertainment/kings-island-to-offer-new-coaster-for-2014/nZJnP/|title=Kings Island to offer new coaster for 2014|last=Tan|first=Lot|date=August 8, 2013|work=[[WHIO-TV]]|publisher=[[Cox Media Group]]|access-date=August 9, 2013}}</ref>
* 2017: A new wooden coaster from [[Great Coasters International]] called [[Mystic Timbers]] makes its debut. Winterfest also returns after a twelve-year hiatus.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wcpo.com/entertainment/local-a-e/kings-island-to-bring-back-holiday-themed-winterfest|title=Winterfest to return to Kings Island|date=August 18, 2016}}</ref>
* 2020: [[Orion (roller coaster)|Orion]] is added as the park's first [[giga coaster]], featuring a {{Convert|300|ft|m|adj=on}} drop.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-01 |title=Kings Island's Orion first ride: Thrills, chills and, oh, what a drop |url=https://www.wcpo.com/money/consumer/dont-waste-your-money/kings-islands-orion-first-ride-thrills-chills-and-oh-what-a-drop |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=WCPO 9 Cincinnati |language=en}}</ref>
* 2024: Camp Snoopy expansion in Planet Snoopy, which includes the addition of Snoopy's Soap Box Racers.<ref name="CampSnoopy-USAToday" />
{|style="margin: 0 auto;"
| [[File:PKI-Son of Beast.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Son of Beast (2000–2009) in its original configuration with the vertical loop.]]
| [[File:Racer (Kings Island) 01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|A 2007 aerial view of [[The Racer (Kings Island)|The Racer]] (1972), [[Firehawk (roller coaster)|Firehawk]] (2007–2018) and [[Flight of Fear]] (1996).]]
| [[File:Diamondback.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Diamondback (2009), in its original color scheme.]]
|}

===Notable events===
*1972: Hanna-Barbera produced an animated made-for-television film called ''[[The Banana Splits in Hocus Pocus Park]]'', which mixed in live-action sequences filmed at Kings Island, and it aired on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] in 1972.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rice |first1=Briana |title=Banana Splits has a new movie, and surprise! It's a horror film |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2019/08/21/banana-splits-movie-horror/2072315001/ |access-date=November 7, 2021 |work=[[Cincinnati Enquirer]] |date=August 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Banana Splits in Hocus Pocus Park (1972) |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-banana-splits-in-hocus-pocus-park-v289650 |publisher=AllMovie |access-date=November 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107144116/https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-banana-splits-in-hocus-pocus-park-v289650 |archive-date=November 7, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*1972: ABC sitcom ''[[The Partridge Family]]'' filmed at the park in the episode "I Left My Heart in Cincinnati", which aired on January 26, 1973.<ref name="Sitcoms-WVXU.org" />
*1973: ABC sitcom ''[[The Brady Bunch]]'' filmed at the park in the episode "The Cincinnati Kids", which aired on November 23, 1973.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0531129/|title=IMDb&nbsp;– "The Brady Bunch" The Cincinnati Kids (TV Episode 1973)|publisher=IMDb.com|access-date=January 30, 2012}}</ref>
*1974: Sixty-nine-year-old [[Karl Wallenda]] broke a world [[Tightrope walking|skywalk]] distance record of {{Convert|1800|ft}}.<ref name="Wallenda 1974 - Enquirer">{{cite news|url=http://www.enquirer.com/editions/1997/07/19/loc_wallendas.html|title=Wallendas fight to survive: Family troupe finds less work|last=McNutt|first=Randy|date=July 19, 1997|work=The Cincinnati Enquirer|access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2008/07/05/wallenda.html|title=Wallenda attempts high-wire walk over Kings Island|date=July 5, 2008|newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=January 30, 2012|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423001710/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2008/07/05/wallenda.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*October 25, 1975: A nationally televised event featured [[Evel Knievel]] successfully jumping fourteen [[Greyhound Lines|Greyhound]] buses at Kings Island, clearing a record-breaking distance of {{convert|133|ft}} which stood until 1999.<ref name="Knievel-HC">{{cite web|url=http://www.history.co.uk/shows/barryd-treasure/articles/evel-knievels-5-greatests-stunts|title=Evel Knievel's 5 greatests stunts|last=Reppion|first=John|publisher=History|access-date=September 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408225316/http://www.history.co.uk/shows/barryd-treasure/articles/evel-knievels-5-greatests-stunts|archive-date=April 8, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Knievel-CinMag">{{cite magazine|last=Spencer|first=Jean|date=December 1975|title=Our Man With Evel|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GesCAAAAMBAJ&q=evel+knievel+%22kings+island%22&pg=PA10 |magazine=Cincinnati Magazine|access-date=September 6, 2016}}</ref>
*June 9, 1991: Three people are killed in two unrelated incidents at the park. The day is known as "Black Sunday" in park lore.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2023/06/09/today-history-kings-island-deadly-day/70297857007/|title=Today in history: Deadly day at Kings Island with 3 deaths, 1 hospitalization|date=June 9, 2023|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer|access-date=December 28, 2024}}</ref>
*May 24, 2008: [[Robbie Knievel]], son of Evel, successfully jumped over 24 [[Coke Zero]] trucks in the Kings Island Parking Lot. This was expected to be the last of Robbie's big jumps.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.knieveltour.com/past_jump_galleries/paramount_kings_2008/kings_island_photos/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803014602/http://www.knieveltour.com/past_jump_galleries/paramount_kings_2008/kings_island_photos/index.html |archive-date=August 3, 2008 |title=Photos from Robbie's King's Island Jump|access-date=July 30, 2008 }}</ref>
*July 4, 2008: High wire artist Rick Wallenda broke the world skywalk distance record of {{Convert|1800|ft}} held by his grandfather, [[Karl Wallenda]], by walking {{convert|2000|ft}} on a {{convert|75|ft|m|adj=mid|-high wire}} from Kings Island's Eiffel Tower to the park's entrance and back.<ref name="Rick Wallenda">{{cite web|url=http://www.wallendaenterprises.com/skywal.html|title=Skywalks&nbsp;– Exceeding the Limits of Tradition|publisher=Wallenda Enterprises Inc.|access-date=June 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618141937/http://wallendaenterprises.com/skywal.html|archive-date=June 18, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/p/content/gen/sharedoh/photos_galleries/entertainment/events/070408wallendawalk.html|title=Wire walker at Kings Island|last=Auckerman|first=Pat|access-date=June 17, 2012}}</ref>
*August 31, 2008: [[Barry Williams (actor)|Barry Williams]], [[Susan Olsen]] and [[Mike Lookinland]] returned to Kings Island for ''A Very Brady Reunion'', a four-show special of song, dance and Brady Bunch stories.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090406131534/http://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/event_detail.cfm?event_id=510&ec_id=15 Kings Island website&nbsp;– A Very Brady Reunion]</ref>
*August 15, 2009: [[Nik Wallenda]] completed a skywalk on a wire suspended {{Convert|262|ft}} above the ground that extended {{Convert|800|ft}}. Although it did not break any world records, it was the highest skywalk Nik had completed to date and was three times higher than the skywalk Rick Wallenda performed a year earlier.<ref name="Nik Wallenda">{{cite news|url=http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/middletown-news/high-wire-acrobat-to-take-thrills-to-new-heights-at-kings-island-214622.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129004450/http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/middletown-news/high-wire-acrobat-to-take-thrills-to-new-heights-at-kings-island-214622.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 29, 2013|title=High-wire acrobat to take thrills to new heights at Kings Island|date=July 21, 2009|newspaper=Middletown Journal|access-date=June 17, 2012}}</ref>
*May 19, 2013: Former [[Brady Bunch]] stars [[Barry Williams (actor)|Barry Williams]], [[Susan Olsen]] and [[Christopher Knight (actor)|Christopher Knight]] returned to the park to "entertain park guests during four shows of singing, dancing and Brady Bunch anecdotes".<ref name="Brady Bunch 40th Anniversary">{{cite news|url=http://cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2013/04/17/brady-bunch-stars-returing-to-kings-island/ |title=Brady Bunch stars returning to Kings Island! |last=Kiesewetter |first=John |date=April 17, 2013 |work=The Enquirer |access-date=April 18, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419155645/http://cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2013/04/17/brady-bunch-stars-returing-to-kings-island/ |archive-date=April 19, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="John Faherty">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/05/19/brady-bunch-reunion-ohio/2325397/|title='Brady Bunch' reunion brings memories to Kings Island|date=May 20, 2013|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=June 23, 2013}}</ref>
*2022: Kings Island celebrated its 50th Anniversary season.

===Notable people===
The following is a list of former employees at Kings Island that later became well known in another industry:<ref name="reunion2010">{{cite news|url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/kings-island-employees-to-reunite-890373.html|title=Kings Island employees to reunite|last=Schwartzberg|first=Eric|date=August 31, 2010|newspaper=Dayton Daily News|access-date=December 14, 2011}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100710001307/http://www.visitkingsisland.com/public/news/media/story_ideas.cfm Catch a Rising Star]</ref><ref name="reunion">{{cite web|url=https://kingsislandinsider.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html|title=Second annual Kings Island Employee Reunion|last=Helbig|first=Don|date=August 28, 2009|publisher=Kings Island Insider|access-date=November 12, 2011}}</ref>
* [[Curtis Cregan]] (actor) – worked as a live shows performer and emcee for the Nickelodeon show at Kings Island
* [[Carmen Electra]] (singer) – started her professional career in 1990 as a dancer at Kings Island in the show "It's Magic"
* [[Woody Harrelson]] (actor) – wood carver at Kings Island during high school
* [[Justin Jeffre]] (singer) – part of quartet that performed throughout the park
* [[Lewis Johnson (commentator)|Lewis Johnson]] (reporter) – former rides supervisor on the Beast and Racer roller coasters at Kings Island (1981–87)<ref name="2010 Inductees">{{cite news|url=https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/local/kings-island-employees-reunite/BJzKlLieqVmOimkPKXdTnJ/|title=Kings Island employees to reunite|last=Schwartzberg|first=Eric|date=August 31, 2010|work=Springfield News-Sun|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905035808/http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/kings-island-employees-to-reunite-890373.html|archive-date=September 5, 2010}}</ref>
* [[Nick Lachey]] (singer) – part of quartet that performed throughout the park
* [[Dan Patrick (sportscaster)|Dan Patrick]] (TV/radio sports host) – worked on park's golf course grounds crew
* [[Susan Perkins]] (1978 [[Miss America]]) – worked at the park as a live shows performer
* [[Gigi Rice]] (actress)
* [[Doug Jones (actor)|Doug Jones]] (actor)

==Other notable facilities==
===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|lc=y}}, only 52 headstones remained.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.co.warren.oh.us/genealogy/cem/Dogstreet.htm |title=Dogstreet Cemetery |publisher=Warren County Genealogical Society |access-date=January 23, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070814133841/http://www.co.warren.oh.us/genealogy/cem/Dogstreet.htm |archive-date=August 14, 2007 }}</ref>

On January 11, 2012, the amusement park and cemetery were featured on season 8, episode 1 of [[Ghost Hunters (TV series)|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."<ref name="Roller Ghoster">{{cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/ghosthunters/episodes/season/8/episode/801/roller_ghoster|title=Roller Ghoster|publisher=Ghost Hunters&nbsp;— Syfy|access-date=January 23, 2012}}</ref> Warren County Genealogical Society records document a grave for a Missouri Jane Galeenor, who died in 1846 at age five.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ohwarren/Cemetery/Dogstreet/dogstreet.htm#MissouriGaleenor|title=Dogstreet Cemetery&nbsp;— Missouri Jane Galeenor|publisher=Warren County Genealogical Society|access-date=July 10, 2012}}</ref>

===Kings Island resort===
As part of the Kings Island resort, in 1972 Taft Broadcasting Company built a golf course, hotel and campground.
* '''The Golf Center at Kings Island''' -''' '''Designed by [[Jack Nicklaus]] with [[Desmond Muirhead]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nicklaus.com/design/kingsislandgrizzly/ |title=Golf Center at Kings Island&nbsp;— Grizzly&nbsp;— Mason, OH, USA&nbsp;— Nicklaus Golf Course Design |publisher=Nicklaus.com |access-date=2013-04-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldgolf.com/golf-architects/desmond-muirhead.html |title=Desmond Muirhead&nbsp;— golf course architect&nbsp;— golf courses built, articles, related information |publisher=Worldgolf.com |date=August 1, 2012 |access-date=2013-04-08}}</ref> the 18-hole "Grizzly" and the 9-hole "Bruin" golf courses are located just across Interstate 71. The "Grizzly" was used for [[Professional Golfers' Association of America|PGA]] and [[LPGA]] tournaments throughout the years. The Kings Island golf courses were formerly known as the ''Jack Nicklaus Golf Center'', ''Jack Nicklaus Sports Center''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/18/sports/lpga-championship-seems-set-to-leave-ohio.html |title=L.P.G.A. Championship Seems Set to Leave Ohio&nbsp;— New York Times |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=May 18, 1989 |access-date=2013-04-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-20-sp-3560-story.html |title=Golf Roundup : Debbie Massey's 67 Leads LPGA Championship by One Shot&nbsp;— Los Angeles Times |publisher=Articles.latimes.com |date=May 20, 1988 |access-date=2013-04-08}}</ref> and ''The Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Golf Courses''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thegolfcenter.com/|title=The Golf Center at Kings Island|publisher=The Golf Center|access-date=June 29, 2012}}</ref>
* '''Kings Island Inn''' – Designed to depict a small alpine village, the 300-room inn, also known as ''Kings Island Resort & Conference Center''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingsislandresort.com/ |title=Hotel Rooms-Conference Center-Kings Island Hotels-Cincinnati-Ohio |publisher=Kingsislandresort.com |access-date=2013-04-08}}</ref> was located on Kings Island Drive across the street from the park. It featured a restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis court, sand volleyball, half-court basketball and a conference center. The inn was also featured in the Partridge Family's episode "I Left My Heart in Cincinnati" and the Brady Bunch episode "The Cincinnati Kids". The inn and conference center closed in 2014.<ref name="The End of Suburban Cincinnati's Alpine Chalets">{{cite web | url=https://queencitydiscovery.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-end-of-suburban-cincinnatis-alpine.html | title=The End of Suburban Cincinnati's Alpine Chalets | publisher=queencitydiscovery | date=November 4, 2014 | access-date=March 8, 2015 | author=Salerno, Ronny}}</ref>
* '''Kings Island Campground''' was a {{Convert|45|acre|ha|adj=on}} campground that opened with the park in 1972. It featured rental cabins, RV pull-through sites with hookups, tent sites, shower house, general store, playground, and swimming pool. In the 1990s, it was sold to a private operator, and it closed permanently in 2004.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/03/24/biz_pki24.html|title=Kings Island campground may become new resort|last=Solvig|first=Erica|date=March 24, 2004|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer|access-date=January 25, 2012}}</ref> A large portion of the land was sold to [[Great Wolf Resorts]] to develop a Great Wolf Lodge in partnership with Kings Island.<ref name="Great Wolf - Blade">{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Mike |title=Ohio opens 2 new indoor water parks |url=https://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2006/12/24/Ohio-opens-2-new-indoor-water-parks.html |access-date=April 10, 2019 |work=The Blade |date=December 24, 2006}}</ref>

===Camp Cedar===
Camp Cedar is a {{Convert|52|acre|ha|adj=on}} outdoor camping resort located less than a mile away from the park, initially opening in 2021 with 73 cottages and 164 RV spaces.<ref name="CampCedar-JournalNews">{{Cite web |last1=Budd |first1=Lawrence |last2=Susco |first2=Daniel |title=Kings Island to manage nearby $27M camping resort |url=https://www.journal-news.com/news/kings-island-to-manage-nearby-27m-camping-resort/GEWKUSSY7RCCLGTRUTITWGAEBM/ |access-date=December 8, 2020 |website=Journal-News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725181157/https://www.journal-news.com/news/kings-island-to-manage-nearby-27m-camping-resort/GEWKUSSY7RCCLGTRUTITWGAEBM/ |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CampCedar-KIBlog">{{cite web |last1=Helbig |first1=Don |title=Kings Island Camp Cedar To Open Spring 2021 |url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2020/december/kings-island-camp-cedar-to-open-spring-2021 |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=January 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113175233/https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2020/december/kings-island-camp-cedar-to-open-spring-2021 |archive-date=January 13, 2021 |date=December 8, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Rentals at Camp Cedar include "pay and play" ticket options that provide guests access to Kings Island.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rice |first=Briana |title='This is a destination': First look at Kings Island's new $27 million luxury campsite Camp Cedar |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/04/15/look-inside-kings-islands-new-27-million-luxury-campsite-camp-cedar/7238385002/ |access-date=2023-09-07 |website=The Enquirer |language=en-US}}</ref> The resort was formerly known as Kings Island Camp Cedar until 2023 when Cedar Fair ended its partnership.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wlwt.com/article/parent-company-announces-kings-island-and-camp-cedar-to-part-ways/43067059# |title=Parent company announces Kings Island, Camp Cedar to part ways |last=Johnson |first=Karin|date=February 24, 2023 |location=Cincinnati |publisher=WLWT5 |access-date=March 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319232631/https://www.wlwt.com/article/parent-company-announces-kings-island-and-camp-cedar-to-part-ways/43067059 |archive-date=March 19, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LE2UGVM_4k |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/1LE2UGVM_4k| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Landscaping an attraction at Kings Island|date=April 26, 2011|publisher=Kings Island|access-date=January 25, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

{{Update|part=next 2 sections|date=November 2024}}

==Awards and recognition==
{{Table alignment}}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable col6center" style="width: 75%;"
|-
! scope="col" | Award
! style="width:9%;" | Year(s)
! scope="col" | Poll/Survey
! scope="col" | Publication
! scope="col" | Recipient
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Refh}}
|-
| Best Kids' Area
| data-sort-value="2001" | 2001–2018
| [[Golden Ticket Award]]
| ''[[Amusement Today]]''
| Kings Island
|<ref name="2017 GTA" />
|-
| Best Concert Venue
| 2006
| [[Golden Ticket Award]]
| ''[[Amusement Today]]''
| Timberwolf Amphitheater
| 
|-
| Best New Attraction
| 2009
| NAPHA Members Survey
| [[NAPHA]]
| [[Diamondback (Kings Island)|Diamondback]]
|<ref name="NAPHA 2009">{{cite news |title=NAPHA's 2009 Survey Results |year=2009 |url=http://napha.org/nnn/LATESTINFO/Surveys/tabid/60/Default.aspx |access-date=July 9, 2012 |publisher=[[NAPHA]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416070056/https://napha.org/nnn/LATESTINFO/Surveys/tabid/60/Default.aspx |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Best New Ride
| 2017
| [[Golden Ticket Award]]
| ''[[Amusement Today]]''
| [[Mystic Timbers]]
| 
|-
| Renaissance Award
| 2019
| [[Golden Ticket Award]]
| ''[[Amusement Today]]''
| Kings Island
| 
|-
| Best New Amusement Park Attraction
| 2020
| 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
| ''[[USA Today]]''
| [[Orion (roller coaster)|Orion]]
| 
|-
| Publisher's Pick: Park of the Year
| 2022
| [[Golden Ticket Award]]
| ''[[Amusement Today]]''
| Kings Island
|<ref name="2022 Park of the Year">{{cite magazine |date=September 2022 |title=Celebrating 50 years, Kings Island honored as Park of the Year |magazine=[[Amusement Today]] |edition=digital |volume=26 |issue=6.2, ''Golden Ticket Awards 2022'' |page=8 |url=https://amusementtoday.com/issues/2022/GTA2022/|access-date=May 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127004201/https://amusementtoday.com/issues/2022/GTA2022/ |archive-date=January 27, 2023}}</ref>
|}

===Attendance===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:650px"
|-
! style="width:13%;" | Year
! style="width:27%;" | Attendance
! style="width:25%;" | Seasonal park rank (North America)
! style="width:25%;" | Overall rank (North America)
! style="width:10%;" | Ref
|-
! 2017
|style="text-align:center" | 3.469&nbsp;million
|style="text-align:center" | 3rd
|style="text-align:center" | 15th
|style="text-align:center" | <ref name="2017 attendance">{{cite web |title=TEA/AECOM 2017 Theme Index and Museum Index: The Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2017-Theme-Museum-Index.pdf |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]] |access-date=August 16, 2021 |year=2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330055151/https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2017-Theme-Museum-Index.pdf |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! 2018
|style="text-align:center" | 3.486&nbsp;million
|style="text-align:center" | 3rd
|style="text-align:center" | 17th
|style="text-align:center" | <ref name="2018 attendance">{{cite web |title=TEA/AECOM 2018 Theme Index and Museum Index: The Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Theme-Index-2018-5-1.pdf |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]] |access-date=August 16, 2021 |year=2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706152259/https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Theme-Index-2018-5-1.pdf |archive-date=July 6, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! 2019
|style="text-align:center" | 3.521&nbsp;million
|style="text-align:center" | 3rd
|style="text-align:center" | 16th
|style="text-align:center" | <ref name="2019 attendance">{{cite web |title=TEA/AECOM 2019 Theme Index and Museum Index: The Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2019.pdf |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]] |access-date=August 16, 2021 |year=2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705230538/https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2019.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! 2020
|style="text-align:center" | 1.626&nbsp;million{{efn|name=fn1|Attendance impacted by [[COVID-19 pandemic]]}}
|style="text-align:center" | 2nd{{efn|name=fn2|Rankings impacted by [[COVID-19 pandemic]]}}
|style="text-align:center" | 10th{{efn|name=fn2}}
|style="text-align:center" | <ref name="2020 attendance">{{cite web |title=TEA/AECOM 2020 Theme Index and Museum Index: The Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2020.pdf |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]] |access-date=December 14, 2022 |year=2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128044628/https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2020.pdf |archive-date=November 28, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! 2021
|style="text-align:center" | 3.181&nbsp;million
|style="text-align:center" | 3rd
|style="text-align:center" | 17th
|style="text-align:center" | <ref name="2021 attendance">{{cite web |title=TEA/AECOM 2021 Theme Index and Museum Index: The Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2021.pdf |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]] |access-date=December 14, 2022 |year=2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102131912/https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2021.pdf |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Trains|Ohio}}
*[[Incidents at Six Flags parks#Kings Island|Incidents at Kings Island]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=nt}}
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|3}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{RCDB|4540}}

{{Six Flags}}
{{Kings Island}}
{{Paramount Parks}}

[[Category:Kings Island| ]]
[[Category:1972 establishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in Ohio]]
[[Category:Six Flags amusement parks]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Warren County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Warren County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Amusement parks opened in 1972]]
[[Category:Mason, Ohio]]