Kings Island#Notable events

Kings Island was conceived as early as 1964 when 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. Although occasional flooding was common at the successful park, the flood in 1964 was the fourth highest on record and caused considerable damage. Faced with already-limited space for expansion and parking, the event triggered discussions within the organization about relocating the park.{{cite web|url=http://watch.cetconnect.org/video/2365180842/|title=Riding History To The Limits – The Concept|date=August 26, 2009|publisher=CET|access-date=November 9, 2015}}{{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 }}

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

Gary and Ralph met with Dudley S. Taft, president of Taft Broadcasting Company, to discuss a possible merger. Taft Broadcasting was interested in promoting its recently acquired Hanna-Barbera division, and in July 1969, the company purchased Coney Island for $6.5 million and {{convert|1600|acre}} in Warren County, Ohio, for $3.2 million.{{cite web|url=http://kicentral.com/parkhistory/development/|title=Development|publisher=KICentral|access-date=November 10, 2015}} Kings Island still owned {{convert|773|acre}} of that purchase {{as of|2005|lc=y}}. The site is located between I-71 and the Little Miami River in what was then a part of Deerfield Township.{{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}} Following the purchase, Fess Parker's efforts to secure financing fell apart along with his plans to build a competing theme park.

Construction began on June 15, 1970. Later that year, a public contest was held to name the new park. "Kings Island" emerged the most popular, as the name was a nod to both the local Kings Mills area as well as the park's predecessor Coney Island. Most of the rides at Coney Island were relocated, and much of what remained was demolished. The popular Sunlite Pool attraction continued to operate, however, and the park was partially restored years later.

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.

Image:Kings Island 1972.jpg in the mid-1970s with {{Anchor|Zodiac}}Zodiac on the right]]

One of the first signature attractions featured at the park was The Racer, a wooden roller coaster consisting of two trains that race side by side on identical tracks. 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.{{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}}{{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}} Decades later, it was distinguished as a Roller Coaster Landmark by American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) in recognition for its historical significance.{{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}} 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 Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera originally named Scooby Doo.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

Kings Island was nationally promoted in two well-known sitcoms: The Partridge Family in 1972 and The Brady Bunch in 1973. Each filmed an episode on location at the park, which were later broadcast on ABC.{{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}} The Brady Bunch was produced by Paramount Television, a large Taft Broadcasting shareholder.{{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}} The park also held several world-record-breaking events. In 1974, 69-year-old Karl Wallenda set a world record for the longest tightrope skywalk at a distance of {{Convert|1800|ft}}, which was performed {{Convert|60|ft}} off the ground. The following year, Evel Knievel successfully jumped fourteen Greyhound buses on his Harley Davidson at Kings Island, clearing a distance of {{convert|133|ft}}. The jump set a world record that held until 1999. It was the longest successful jump of his career as well as his last major stunt, 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. 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. To keep momentum going, Kings Island spent years researching and designing a mammoth roller coaster, The Beast, which opened in 1979 as the tallest, fastest, and longest wooden roller coaster in the world. It was designed and manufactured internally by the park.{{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}}

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 Disney World, to develop a unique roller coaster concept. 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.{{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}} 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. 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. The park also pushed forward with its next major addition, King Cobra, which opened in 1984 as the first of its kind to be designed from inception as a stand-up roller coaster.{{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}}

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 million to Kings Entertainment Company (KECO), a company formed by senior executives and general managers of Taft Attractions Group.{{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}} Three parks – Kings Island, Kings Dominion and Carowinds – were involved in the sale. Taft invested in KECO to retain one-third interest.{{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}} Three years later in 1987, Kings Island was sold individually to American Financial Corporation, led by Carl Lindner. The deal included a contract with KECO to continue managing park operations.{{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}}{{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}} KECO, which retained ownership of the other two parks, also added Great America to its portfolio after purchasing it in 1989 from the city of Santa Clara, California.{{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}}{{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}}

In 1992 Paramount Communications Inc. (formerly Gulf+Western) purchased KECO along with Kings Island from American Financial in a deal worth $400 million.{{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}}{{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}} Paramount formed a new division known as Paramount Parks. 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.{{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}} Later that year, Paramount Parks began incorporating themes from its movies into each park. 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,{{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}} was added in 1995, which later evolved into Nickelodeon Central (2001) and eventually Nickelodeon Universe (2006).{{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}}{{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}}

File:Kings Island Eiffel Tower at night.jpg

In 1997, a year after leaving Deerfield Township, the city of Mason annexed most of Kings Island.{{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 }} 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.{{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}} The rest would be annexed in 1999.{{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}} In 2005, Viacom split into two companies, Viacom and CBS Corporation, with CBS inheriting Paramount Parks.{{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}} CBS made the decision to sell its theme park division in January 2006.{{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}} 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".{{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}}

In 2000 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 RCCA (Roller Coaster Corporation of America) who was under qualified to build such a large roller coaster. Halfway through the Son of Beast project, RCCA was fired and Paramount finished the 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 coaster, Banshee.

After receiving interest from several potential suitors, CBS announced the sale of Paramount Parks to Cedar Fair on June 30, 2006, for $1.24 billion.{{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 }} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

Cedar Fair opted for a buyout option within an agreement clause to remove Paramount branding after one season. Beginning in 2008, Face/Off became Invertigo,{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Invertigo|location=Kings Island|rcdb_number=530|access-date=April 3, 2018}} The Italian Job Stunt Track became Backlot Stunt Coaster,{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Backlot Stunt Coaster|location=Kings Island|rcdb_number=2860|access-date=April 3, 2018}} Tomb Raider: The Ride became The Crypt{{cite web|url=http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2008/04/kings-island-news.html|title=Kings Island News|date=April 26, 2008|publisher=NewsPlusNotes|access-date=April 3, 2018}} and Top Gun became Flight Deck.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=The Bat|location=Kings Island|rcdb_number=73|access-date=April 3, 2018}} 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.{{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}} Nickelodeon Universe was renamed Planet Snoopy to complete the transition.

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 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} On February 8, 2010, Mason City Council voted 5–1 against the measure.{{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}}{{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 }}

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.{{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}}{{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}} Through the 2024 season, Kings Island expanded Planet Snoopy with the addition of a new themed section called Camp Snoopy.{{update-inline|date=November 2024|reason=updated citation needed}}

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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

{{Main|List of Kings Island attractions}}

{{See also|List of former Kings Island attractions}}

Kings Island has invested more than $300 million in improvements since its grand opening in 1972, including the addition of new rides and attractions. The park originally opened with sixty attractions which grew to more than a hundred by 2017. 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 – to nine by 2024, including the latest additions of Area 72, Adventure Port and Camp Snoopy.{{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}} A water park was added in 1989, and the number of employees required for park operations has grown from 1,300 to approximately 4,000.{{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}}

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.{{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.}}{{cite news |title=Watch out! The Screamin' Demon is here |work=The Journal News |location=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. }} In 1983, the area became known as Wild Animal Habitat and included Adventure Village, a new area within the rebranded section.{{cite web |url=http://kiextreme.com/historyphotos/index.php?cat=5 | title=Park Guides |publisher=KIExtreme |access-date=February 24, 2017 }} 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 (1984–2001), a stand-up looping roller coaster that was the first of its kind in the world.{{cite web|url=http://kicentral.com/parkhistory/timeline/|title=Timeline|publisher=KICentral|access-date=August 3, 2016}}{{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}}

Early in its tenure after purchasing Kings Island, Paramount unveiled Top Gun, a suspended roller coaster from Arrow Dynamics, in 1993.{{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}} 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. The following year, the entire area was renamed Adventure Village coinciding with the removal of the animal habitat and monorail ride. In 1999, a two-year expansion initiative began with the area's renaming to Action Zone and the addition of two new attractions – Drop Zone: Stunt Tower and Face/Off. 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}} As a result of a number of structural issues and two accidents, the ride closed permanently in 2009 and was eventually demolished in 2012. Other notable rides include Delirium, which opened in 2003 as the largest Giant Frisbee ride in the world, and Banshee, the world's longest inverted roller coaster which opened in 2014 at the former location of Son of Beast.{{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}}{{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}}

In 2023, Kings Island opened a newly themed area called Adventure Port, which introduced family rides Sol Spin and Cargo Loco. The area was previously a part of Oktoberfest and includes a mine train roller coaster called Adventure Express, which opened in 1991.{{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}} Adventure Express received theming enhancements during the transition.

Area 72, formerly known as X-Base, is an area themed as a secret aerospace research facility that features two roller coasters.{{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.”}} 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 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.{{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}}{{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}} The park began leaking clues that implied a new ride would take its place,{{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}} and in August 2019, the park unveiled plans to build Orion, the park's first giga coaster, with park guests and press in attendance. 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.{{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}}{{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}}

{{See also|Camp Snoopy}}

The portion of the area that borders Rivertown was revamped in 1995 with the addition of a kids' play area, stage and water attraction, and the new sub-section was named Nickelodeon Splat City. In 2001, the log ride Kings Mills Log Flume was updated with a children's theme and renamed The Wild Thornberrys River Adventure. The Rugrats Runaway Reptar family inverted roller coaster was introduced the same year. This expansion into an area that was originally part of Rivertown became known as Nickelodeon Central. Hanna-Barbera Land was gradually converted over the next several years and eventually renamed "Nickelodeon Universe" in 2006.

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 parks.

For the 2024 season, Kings Island expanded Planet Snoopy, adding a new themed section called Camp Snoopy. It features a new family Boomerang roller coaster from Vekoma called Snoopy's Soap Box Racers, as well as additional play areas and activities for families.{{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}}{{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}} Some attractions were also re-themed.{{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=2025-01-17 |website=Kings Island}}{{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=2025-01-17 |website=WKRC |language=en}}

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When Kings Island first opened in 1972, a section of the park was dedicated to its predecessor, Coney Island. The area was constructed to resemble the former park's carnival-style layout and featured many of its flat rides 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.{{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 }} In addition to rides, some of Coney Island's famous Ginkgo trees were transplanted, lining the middle of the walkway. Originally called Coney Island, the area was renamed Old Coney in 1980 and Coney Mall in 1986.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} The area also features game booths, arcades, and concession stands in the style of state fairs and traveling carnivals from the early twentieth century.{{cite web|url=http://watch.cetconnect.org/video/2365180933/|title=Riding History To The Limits – International Appeal|date=August 26, 2009|publisher=CET|access-date=November 9, 2015}}

Zodiac, described as a "spinning, climbing double ferris wheel", debuted in 1975 as one of only two of its kind in the United States. 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.{{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}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wonderlandhistory.net/content/the_zodiac|title=The Zodiac – Details|publisher=Wonderland History|access-date=November 9, 2015}} It was removed following the 1986 season and relocated to Wonderland Sydney, where it reopened in 1989.{{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}}{{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}} In the 1980s, flat rides Skylab (1986–1997) and Zephyr were added, along with a looping roller coaster named Vortex (1987–2019), which was the first in the world to feature six inversions.{{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}}{{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}}

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 1990 film of the same name. The ride was housed within Action Theater located near The Racer's turnaround, and it was later updated with different shows based on James Bond, SpongeBob, and other themes before its closure in 2013.{{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}} 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}}.{{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}} For the 2019 season, an antique car ride called Kings Mill Antique Autos, designed to resemble the retired Les Taxis (1972–2004), returned to Coney Mall as a new attraction.{{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}}{{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}}

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.{{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}} The area's architecture and cultural themes represent Italy, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland. To save on the cost of construction, the second story of each building was designed on a three-quarters scale, borrowing from a practice used by Disney throughout its theme parks.{{cite web|url=http://kicentral.com/parkhistory/historical-facts/|title=Historical Facts|publisher=KICentral|access-date=November 10, 2015}}

Enchanted Voyage, an Old Mill dark ride that ferried guests in unaccompanied boats along water-filled guideways, was also a primary attraction that opened with the park. Shaped like a large TV set, the building housed separately-themed areas that made heavy use of animatronic Hanna-Barbera characters. The ride was overhauled for the 1984 season when it became Smurf's 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.{{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}} It was themed as a behind-the-scenes tour of a haunted theater. The theme and ride vehicles would see additional changes 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.{{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 }}

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,{{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}} and the signature Eiffel Tower, a one-third scale replica of the 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.{{cite web|url=http://carousels.org/USACensus/stdqueries/census-INAC.html|title=National Carousel Association – Census Entry|publisher=Nca-usa.org|access-date=October 14, 2009}} Also located here is Kings Island Theater along with a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops.

Oktoberfest, relating to the eponymous German festival, opened with the park in 1972. 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 called Viking Fury, which opened in 1982.{{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}}

{{See also|Planet Snoopy}}

File:Kings Island Planet Snoopy.jpg

The area initially opened with the park in 1972 as 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 Scooby Doo, which like The Racer was designed by John C. Allen but intended for younger riders.

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. The area features many rides intended for smaller children, as well as three family-oriented roller coasters and a skater coaster. Amusement Today awarded Kings Island with the Golden Ticket Award for "Best Kids' Area in the World" for eighteen consecutive years (2001–2018).{{cite magazine|url = http://www.goldenticketawards.com/2014-park-ride-winners/|title = 2014 Park & Ride Golden Ticket Winners|date=September 2014|magazine=Amusement Today}}{{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}} Kings Island's Planet Snoopy was also the largest in the Cedar Fair(now Six Flags) chain until 2013, when Kings Dominion doubled the size of its Planet Snoopy section.{{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 }}

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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.{{cite web|url=http://watch.cetconnect.org/video/2365180911/|title=Riding History To The Limits – Breaking Ground|date=August 26, 2009|publisher=CET|access-date=June 20, 2016}} 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.

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 in 1979. 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,{{cite web|url=http://rcdb.com/rhr.htm?m=2&t=2|title=Record Holders: Length|publisher=RCDB.com|access-date=August 4, 2016}} it remains one of the most popular wooden roller coasters in the annual Golden Ticket Awards from Amusement Today.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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. The Crypt closed permanently in 2011.

In 2009, the park's first roller coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard, called 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.{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Diamondback|location=Kings Island|rcdb_number=4253|access-date=August 3, 2016}} 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.{{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}}{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Mystic Timbers|location=Kings Island|rcdb_number=14116|access-date=August 3, 2016}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://amusementtoday.com/2016/07/new-roller-coaster-coming-to-kings-island/|title=New roller coaster coming to Kings Island « Amusement Today|website=amusementtoday.com|date=July 29, 2016 |access-date=2016-08-04}}

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

Included with park admission, Soak City is a {{convert|33|acre|adj=on}} water park featuring two wave pools, several children's areas and a variety of water slides.{{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}} It originally opened in 1989 as WaterWorks and has since been expanded several times. 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} Tropical Plunge, a seven-story water slide complex, was added for the 2016 season.{{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}} Kings Island announces an expansion for the 2025 season with the addition of RiverRacers, a dual-racing water coaster.{{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 }}

File:Halloween Haunt at Kings Island logo.jpg

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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}}

{{See also|List of Fast Lane attractions#Kings Island}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} Kings Island offers Fright Lane passes that operate the same way as Fast Lane, but they are for Halloween Haunt attractions only.

• 1977: Screamin' Demon debuts as one of the first forward- and backward-looping roller coasters in the United States.{{cite journal |last1=Scheinin |first1=Lisa |year=2007 | title=100 Moments in Roller Coaster History: The First Launched Coasters — 1977 |journal=RollerCoaster! Magazine |volume=28 | issue=2 |pages=20–21 |issn=0896-7261}}{{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}}
• 1979: Kings Island unveils The Beast; the world's tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster.{{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}}
• 1981: The Bat opens as the first modern-day suspended roller coaster in the world.{{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}} 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.
• 1984: King Cobra opens as the first roller coaster designed from inception as a stand-up coaster.
• 1987: Vortex is added to the park's coaster lineup, briefly holding a world record for its six inversions.
• 1989: 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 – FACE/OFF and 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, it was also the park's first hypercoaster. A Halloween-themed evening event called FearFest, later renamed Halloween Haunt, debuts in October and begins operating annually at the park every fall season.
• 2002: 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, 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, opens to the public.{{cite web|url=http://www.kidiamondback.com |title=Diamondback | Fast And Full Of Venom | 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}} Son of Beast abruptly closes in June and remains closed indefinitely.{{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}}
• 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.
• 2011: A tower swing ride named WindSeeker opens at the end of the Coney Mall. Fast Lane is introduced for the first time, and Dinosaurs Alive! opens.{{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}}
• 2012: Boomerang Bay is renamed Soak City, which receives a moderate makeover.{{cite web |url=http://www.visitkingsisland.com/things-to-do/soak-city-waterpark |title=Soak City |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=September 4, 2011}} Son of Beast is demolished.
• 2014: The longest inverted roller coaster in the world, Banshee, opens on the former location of both Son of Beast and Thunder Alley.{{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}}{{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}}
• 2017: A new wooden coaster from Great Coasters International called Mystic Timbers makes its debut. Winterfest also returns after a twelve-year hiatus.{{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}}
• 2020: Orion is added as the park's first giga coaster, featuring a {{Convert|300|ft|m|adj=on}} drop.{{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}}
• 2023: Adventure Port is added as the park's newest area replacing a portion of Oktoberfest.{{Cite web |last=WKRC |date=2023-06-10 |title=New themed area 'Adventure Port' has opened at Kings Island |url=https://dayton247now.com/news/local/new-themed-area-adventure-port-has-opened-at-kings-island |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=WKEF |language=en}}
• 2024: Camp Snoopy is added in addition to Planet Snoopy. Snoopy's Soap Box Racers and other activities open. Some rides are also re-themed.{{Cite web |last=Scheve |first=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=2025-01-21 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}

• 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 ABC in 1972.{{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}}{{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}}
• 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.
• 1973: ABC sitcom The Brady Bunch filmed at the park in the episode "The Cincinnati Kids", which aired on November 23, 1973.{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0531129/|title=IMDb – "The Brady Bunch" The Cincinnati Kids (TV Episode 1973)|publisher=IMDb.com|access-date=January 30, 2012}}
• 1974: Sixty-nine-year-old Karl Wallenda broke a world skywalk distance record of {{Convert|1800|ft}}.{{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}}{{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}}
• October 25, 1975: A nationally televised event featured Evel Knievel successfully jumping fourteen Greyhound buses at Kings Island, clearing a record-breaking distance of {{convert|133|ft}} which stood until 1999.{{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}}{{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}}
• June 9, 1991: Three people are killed in two unrelated incidents at the park. The day is known as "Black Sunday" in park lore.{{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}}
• 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.{{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 }}
• 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.wallendaenterprises.com/skywal.html|title=Skywalks – 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}}{{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}}
• August 31, 2008: 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.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090406131534/http://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/event_detail.cfm?event_id=510&ec_id=15 Kings Island website – A Very Brady Reunion]
• 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.{{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}}
• May 19, 2013: Former Brady Bunch stars Barry Williams, Susan Olsen and Christopher Knight returned to the park to "entertain park guests during four shows of singing, dancing and Brady Bunch anecdotes".{{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 }}{{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}}

The following is a list of former employees at Kings Island that later became well known in another industry:{{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}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20100710001307/http://www.visitkingsisland.com/public/news/media/story_ideas.cfm Catch a Rising Star]{{cite web|url=http://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}}

• 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 (reporter) – former rides supervisor on the Beast and Racer roller coasters at Kings Island (1981–87){{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}}
• Nick Lachey (singer) – part of quartet that performed throughout the park
• 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)

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.{{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 }}

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

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,{{cite web|url=http://www.nicklaus.com/design/kingsislandgrizzly/ |title=Golf Center at Kings Island — Grizzly — Mason, OH, USA — Nicklaus Golf Course Design |publisher=Nicklaus.com |access-date=2013-04-08}}{{cite web|url=http://www.worldgolf.com/golf-architects/desmond-muirhead.html |title=Desmond Muirhead — golf course architect — golf courses built, articles, related information |publisher=Worldgolf.com |date=August 1, 2012 |access-date=2013-04-08}} the 18-hole "Grizzly" and the 9-hole "Bruin" golf courses are located just across Interstate 71. The "Grizzly" was used for 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{{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 — New York Times |work=The New York Times |date=May 18, 1989 |access-date=2013-04-08}}{{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 — Los Angeles Times |publisher=Articles.latimes.com |date=May 20, 1988 |access-date=2013-04-08}} and The Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Golf Courses.{{cite web|url=http://www.thegolfcenter.com/|title=The Golf Center at Kings Island|publisher=The Golf Center|access-date=June 29, 2012}}
• Kings Island Inn – Designed to depict a small alpine village, the 300-room inn, also known as Kings Island Resort & Conference Center{{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}} 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.{{cite web | url=http://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}}
• 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.{{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}} A large portion of the land was sold to Great Wolf Resorts to develop a Great Wolf Lodge in partnership with Kings Island.{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}} Rentals at Camp Cedar include "pay and play" ticket options that provide guests access to Kings Island.{{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}} The resort was formerly known as Kings Island Camp Cedar until 2023 when Cedar Fair ended its partnership.{{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}}

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.{{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}}

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{{Portal|Trains|Ohio}}

• Incidents at Kings Island

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• {{Official website|http://www.visitkingsisland.com/}}
• {{RCDB|4540}}

{{Six Flags}}

{{Kings Island}}

{{Paramount Parks}}

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