Park opens for 2010 season April 17

I'd rather be riding the Racer on a warm summer day at Kings Island than looking at a picture of this John Allen masterpiece with the tracks covered in snow. But, it won't be long before you'll be able to ride the Racer, Beast, Diamondback and all of the other world-class rides Kings Island has to offer again. Mark your calendar now! Opening Day at Kings Island for the 2010 season is April 17.

New Kings Island Online Store now available

Just in time for the Holidays! The new Kings Island online store is now available at www.kimarketplace.com.

T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, glassware and much more are available at the KI Marketplace, including souvenir items and apparel displaying the awesome Diamondback and Beast roller coaster logos.

The Kings Island online store features the same quality merchandise the park offers in all of its gift shops during the spring, summer and fall operating season.

Find amazing gifts for the Kings Island enthusiast on your Holiday shopping list today at www.kimarketplace.com.

Diamondback slithers way up steel coaster charts

Diamondback gave more than 1.8 million rides in its debut season in 2009, and in the process slithered its way up the steel roller coaster charts in popularity.

In Arthur Levine's "About.com: Theme Parks" review of roller coasters, the tallest, fastest and meanest roller coaster to ever strike Kings Island ranked third in the steel coaster category ahead of perennial favorites.

Click on the link below to see the article titled: "Diamondback in the Smooth: Best Steel Coasters."

http://themeparks.about.com/od/rollercoasterarticles/ss/BestSteelCoasters_7.htm

It's beginning to look a lot like savings!

A 2010 Kings Island Season Pass is the perfect gift idea for everyone on your holiday list this year!

Our immensely popular BUY NOW, PAY LATER sale is back and better than ever! Buy now and get immediate access to a printable gift and your card doesn’t get charged until April 1, 2010. Plus, there are no extra fees or hidden charges!

AS LITTLE AS $84.99 PER PERSON

Buy four or more Regular Season Passes and the price drops to just $84.99 per person. Simply put, a Kings Island Season Pass is the best entertainment value around. With more than 80 world-class rides, shows and attractions, there’s something for everyone in the family.

UPGRADE TO GOLD AND ENJOY EXCLUSIVE VIP PERKS

For just $5 more per pass you’ll be upgraded to Gold Pass status and enjoy a long list of VIP perks like FREE SEASON-LONG PARKING (a $39.99 value!); early rides every public operating day on two of the best roller coasters in the world – The Beast and Diamondback; early entry every day into Boomerang Bay, our splashtacular 15-acre waterpark; free admission to two amazing Halloween events – HALLOWEEN HAUNT and HOWL-O-FEST; special discounts on select food items and merchandise and much more!

BEST KIDS AREA IN THE WORLD IS GETTING EVEN BETTER

Kings Island’s expansive, nine-time, award-winning “Best Kids’ Area in the World” receives a fresh new look with a timeless classic in 2010 with the arrival of PLANET SNOOPY! Kids and parents will absolutely love all the rides and attractions PLANET SNOOPY has to offer, including four roller coasters designed just for the little ones. Plus, there’s daily meet and greet opportunities with the world’s most famous beagle, Snoopy, and the Peanuts Gang!

Hurry, offer ends December 31, 2009! Buy your 2010 Kings Island Season Pass online today at www.visitkingsisland.com.

- Buy Now, Pay Later
- No Payments until April 1, 2010
- Unlimited admission to Kings Island on public operating days in 2010
- As little as $84.99 per person
- Upgrade to Gold and Park Free all Year
- Early rides daily on Diamondback and Beast for Gold Passholders
- Unlimited visits to Boomerang Bay Waterpark
- Free unlimited admission to HALLOWEEN HAUNT and HOWL-O-FEST

Kings Island to hold entertainer auditions for 2010 season November 13-15

Kings Island will hold auditions in search of trained, talented and versatile singers, dancers, atmosphere acts, characters, costumers and technicians for the 2010 entertainment season November 13-15 at Kings Island.

Interested performers should prepare the following:

Singers: Prepare two vocal selections. Country and pop singers should bring sheet music or CD with one up-tempo selection and one ballad. A pianist will be on site for accompaniment. Rock singers should bring sheet music or CD with music that shows off their vocal abilities. Singers may be asked to read a brief monologue and to dance, so they should bring appropriate clothes and shoes for movement. Singers need to bring a current photo and one-page resume.

Dancers: Kings Island is looking for energetic, technically trained dancers experienced in jazz, ballet, hip-hop and acrobatics. Dancers will be taught a combination during the audition. If dancers sing, they should bring music as specified above. Dances should come prepared in comfortable and appropriate clothing and shoes. Dancers need to bring a current photo and a one-page resume.

Atmosphere Acts: Kings Island is looking for individuals to perform as atmosphere entertainers that have an awesome approach to entertainment. Bring a current photo and a one-page resume.

Characters: Kings Island is looking for enthusiastic individuals to portray Peanuts characters. Individuals must be 4’10” to 5”6” for characters. Please bring a current photo and a one-page resume. An interview and movement audition will be conducted.

Technicians: Interviews will be conducted for experienced sound operators, lighting operators, follow spot operators, stage crew and costumer positions. Please bring a one-page resume with references for an on-site interview.

Please note: Auditions will take place in order of arrival within your talent category. You must be 15 years of age to audition and/or interview. Auditions are limited to two minutes. Times are listed for registration only. The audition procedure may take a long time – please prepare to wait. Kings Island strongly encourages participation from all cultural backgrounds.

Audition Schedule:

Friday, November 13
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive
Kings Island, Ohio 45034
5:00pm – 7:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers
7:30pm – Dancers

Saturday, November 14
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive
Kings Island, Ohio 45034
10:00am – 1:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers
2:00pm – Dancers

Sunday, November 15
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive
Kings Island, Ohio 45034
10:00am – 1:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers
2:00pm – Dancers

For more information call Kings Island’s Entertainment Department at (513) 754-5740 or visit http://www.visitkingsisland.com/.

Diamondback gives more than 1.85 million rides in debut season

The new Diamondback roller coaster at Kings Island ended the 2009 season with more than 1.85 million rides given – the most rides given by a new attraction at the park since the Vortex made its debut 22 years ago in 1987 (2.18 million rides given).

Gary Coleman, 67, of Monfort Heights, Ohio accrued the most rides on Diamondback this season, riding the tallest, fastest and meanest roller coaster to ever strike Kings Island 1,579 times in 90 visits for an average of 17.5 rides per day.

Kings Island 2010 season passes are on sale now at http://www.visitkingsisland.com/. Buy your season pass now and pay later in April, when the park and Diamondback open again.

Be in the spotlight! Kings Island to hold entertainer auditions for 2010 season

Kings Island will hold auditions in search of trained, talented and versatile singers, dancers, atmosphere acts, characters, costumers and technicians for the 2010 entertainment season. Auditions will be held November 3 at Ball State University and November 6-8 and November 13-15 at Kings Island.

Interested performers should prepare the following:

Singers: Prepare two vocal selections. Country and pop singers should bring sheet music or CD with one up-tempo selection and one ballad. A pianist will be on site for accompaniment. Rock singers should bring sheet music or CD with music that shows off their vocal abilities. Singers may be asked to read a brief monologue and to dance, so they should bring appropriate clothes and shoes for movement. Singers need to bring a current photo and one-page resume.

Dancers: Kings Island is looking for energetic, technically trained dancers experienced in jazz, ballet, hip-hop and acrobatics. Dancers will be taught a combination during the audition. If dancers sing, they should bring music as specified above. Dances should come prepared in comfortable and appropriate clothing and shoes. Dancers need to bring a current photo and a one-page resume.

Atmosphere Acts: Kings Island is looking for individuals to perform as atmosphere entertainers that have an awesome approach to entertainment. Bring a current photo and a one-page resume.

Characters: Kings Island is looking for enthusiastic individuals to portray Peanuts characters. Individuals must be 4’10” to 5”6” for characters. Please bring a current photo and a one-page resume. An interview and movement audition will be conducted.

Technicians: Interviews will be conducted for experienced sound operators, lighting operators, follow spot operators, stage crew and costumer positions. Please bring a one-page resume with references for an on-site interview.

Please note: Auditions will take place in order of arrival within your talent category. You must be 15 years of age to audition and/or interview. Auditions are limited to two minutes. Times are listed for registration only. The audition procedure may take a long time – please prepare to wait. Kings Island strongly encourages participation from all cultural backgrounds.

Audition Schedule:

Tuesday, November 3
Ball State University
Carmichael Hall Room 202
5:00pm – 7:00pm – Singers and Atmosphere Acts
7:00pm – Dancers

Friday, November 6
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive
Kings Island, Ohio 45034
5:00pm – 7:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers
7:30pm – Dancers

Saturday, November 7
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive
Kings Island, Ohio 45034
10:00am – 1:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers
2:00pm – Dancers

Sunday, November 8
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive
Kings Island, Ohio 45034
10:00am – 1:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers
2:00pm – Dancers

Friday, November 13
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive
Kings Island, Ohio 45034
5:00pm – 7:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers
7:30pm – Dancers

Saturday, November 14
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive
Kings Island, Ohio 45034
10:00am – 1:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers
2:00pm – Dancers

Sunday, November 15
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive
Kings Island, Ohio 45034
10:00am – 1:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers
2:00pm – Dancers

Kings Island to hold entertainer auditions for 2010 season/Page 3

For more information call Kings Island’s Entertainment Department at (513) 754-5740 or visit http://www.visitkingsisland.com/.

Final weekend of the season

Final weekend of operation for the 2009 season October 30, 31 and November 1. Four Pack ticket deals are available online at www.visitkingsisland.com. Just $79 for Friday night or $99 for all day Saturday or Sunday admission.

All 2009 (and 2010 season passholders that have not used their one free visit this year) can bring a friend Sunday for just $9.99.

Park hours are 7:00pm - 1:00am Friday (Halloween Haunt), 11:00am - 1:00am Saturday (Howl-O-Fest 12:00pm - 5:30pm / Halloween Haunt begins 7:00pm) and 11:00am - 7:00pm Sunday (Howl-O-Fest 12:00pm - 7:00pm).

Haunt experience includes night rides on Diamondback and Beast

Halloween Haunt isn’t just about blood, terror and gore. The most immersive horror experience in the Midwest also features some of the most hair-raising rides on the planet!

Experience exhilarating night rides during Halloween Haunt on the new Diamondback roller coaster, a 230-foot-tall monster that snakes its way around 5,282 feet of track at speeds up to 80 miles per hour!

There’s also the legendary Beast roller coaster, still longest wooded roller coaster in the world at 7,400 feet celebrating 30 years of terror in 2009!

Other thrill rides open until 1:00am during Halloween Haunt include Delirium, Firehawk, Flight of Fear, Racer, Invertigo, Flight Deck, Adventure Express and Delirium.

EXCLUSIVE ONLINE SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase four or more tickets online for any of the remaining four Halloween Haunt nights (October 23, 24, 30 and 31) and save big off the regular gate price! Groups of four can purchase Friday night Halloween Haunt tickets for $79.99 – an average of just $19.75 per ticket – or an all day Saturday ticket (open at 11:00am / Haunt 7:00pm to 1:00am) for $99.99 – an average of just $24.75 per ticket!

Don’t have four in your group? Individual tickets for Halloween Haunt can be purchased online for just $21.99 for Friday nights and $27.99 on Saturdays, or at the front gate with a coupon from Taco Bell. Saturday tickets include all day admission to the park (11:00am to 1:00am).

Admission to Halloween Haunt is included FREE with a 2009 season pass.

Halloween Haunt at Kings Island. All You Fear is Here!

WARNING: Halloween Haunt includes graphic scenes, suggestive themes and intense imagery and is recommended for mature audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

Just two weekends left to visit in 2009

There's just two more weekends left in 2009 to visit Kings Island for Halloween Haunt, Howl-O-Fest, roller coasters and other rides, and Nickelodeon Universe.

10/23 - Halloween Haunt 7pm - 1am

10/24 - Open 11am / Howl-O-Fest Noon - 5:30pm / Haunt 7pm - 1am

10/25 - Open 11am / Howl-O-Fest Noon - 5:30pm / Close 7pm

10/30 - Halloween Haunt 7pm - 1am

10/31 - Open 11am / Howl-O-Fest Noon - 5:30pm / Haunt 7pm - 1am

11/1 - Open 11am / Howl-O-Fest Noon - 5:30pm / Close 7pm

The best ticket deals are online at http://www.visitkingsisland.com/.

Get into Halloween Haunt tonight for just $21.99!

Kings Island is open tonight for Halloween Haunt from 7:00pm until 1:00am. Enjoy 13 highly-intense haunted attractions and thrill rides such as Diamondback and the Beast for just $21.99 when you buy your tickets in advance online at www.visitkingsisland.com/haunt.

The park is open Saturday and Sunday for both Halloween Haunt and Howl-O-Fest. Park hours are 11:00am to 1:00am on Saturday and 11:00am until Midnight Sunday. All day admission for Saturday and Sunday, including both Halloween events, is just $27.99 when you buy your tickets in advance online at www.visitkingsisland.com.

ADVISORY: Park not open Thursday for Halloween Haunt due to inclement weather

Due to inclement weather, Kings Island will not be open tonight (Thursday, October 15) for Halloween Haunt. The park will be open Friday (October 16) for Halloween Haunt at 7:00pm.

Sunday best day to experience coolest Halloween Party in town

Family-friendly fun, treats, and surprises await guests this Halloween season at Kings Island. The immensely popular HOWL-O-FEST is the coolest Halloween party in town and will get you into the “spirit.”

This special event is open from Noon until 5:30pm every Saturday and Sunday until November 1. The party includes all kinds of things to do that are fun-scary, not scary-scary. As Kings Island guest, mother of a toddler, first-grader and fourth-grader Shannon Milam told park officials during an October 4 visit, “I was surprised by all there was to see and do. My children loved it. It was definitely worth doing.”

As you are probably aware, HOWL-O-FEST is included FREE with park admission tickets and season pass. This means you and your family can ride all the rides before and after you visit the expansive HOWL-O-FEST area.

Park hours are from 11:00am until 1:00am on Saturdays (Halloween Haunt begins at 7:00pm and is included free with park admission) and from 11:00am until 7:00pm on Sundays (except October 18 when the park is open from 7:00pm until Midnight for Halloween Haunt). The best day to visit Kings Island for HOWL-O-FEST is Sunday when there are less ghouls and goblins in the way.

Enjoy all day admission to Kings Island on Saturdays and Sundays for just $27.99 when you buy your tickets in advance online at howlofest.visitkingsisland.com – a savings of $21.00 off the regular gate price! Saturday and Sunday admission tickets can also be purchased for just $27.99 at the gate with a coupon from Skyline Chili.

For more information on the ultimate kids’ Halloween Party visit howlofest.visitkingsisland.com.

Live shows separate Haunt from other area events

The bloodcurdling horror, mind-bending terror and nightmarish madness of Halloween Haunt features more than 500 ghastly creatures emerging from the darkness, 13 highly-intense and bone-chilling attractions and some of the most hair-raising rides on the planet! The Haunt also boasts two live shows, including the all-new Hot Blooded and the immensely popular Ghouls Gone Wild.

In Hot Blooded, vampires, blood and rock n’ roll explode onto the stage in this seductive after-life revue. This clan is born to be wild and is looking for action. Break on through to the other side and get bitten! The show takes place in the International Showplace Theatre.

Over in the Festhaus, the top ghouls in the business are having a dinner party, and you’re on the menu! Join Frankenstein and his Bride, the Mummy, Vampire, Werewolf and wicked Witch as they inject some fresh blood into classic rock n’ roll hits in this spooktacular music revue. Meet and greet and photo opportunities with the monsters are available after each show!

Tickets for Halloween Haunt are just $21.99 for Thursday and Friday nights and $27.99 for all day, all night Saturdays and Sundays and can be purchased online at haunt.visitkingsisland.com or at the gate with a coupon from Taco Bell. (Front Gate admission price without a coupon is $34.99 for Thursday and Friday nights and $48.99 for Saturdays and Sundays).

Soaking up some suds

The Foam Pit is one of the most popular activities for kids at the family-friendly Howl-O-Fest event at Kings Island. Looks like fun, doesn't it?

Halloween fun abounds at HOWL-O-FEST

Kings Island’s Halloween season is recognized as one of the best in the industry with something for everyone in the family. Halloween Haunt, with its bone-chilling mazes, live (and dead) shows and roamers and creepers leaves teens and adults begging for more. But it’s not all about blood, terror and gore – there’s also the family-friendly HOWL-O-FEST event during the day on Saturdays and Sundays in the fall.

HOWL-O-FEST is included free with park admission or season pass. Purchase discounted admission tickets online or visit a participating Taco Bell location to pick up discount coupons and pay only $27.99!

HOWL-O-FEST takes place between the hours of noon and 5:30pm and the park is open from 11am to 1am every Saturday (Halloween Haunt begins at 7PM) and 11am - 7pm every Sunday through November 1.

UC Bearcats visit Kings Island

Players and coaches from the University of Cincinnati Bearcats men's and women's basketball programs met fans, signed autographs and posed for photographs at an appearance Sunday at Kings Island.

Need a break from city life? Head over to Tractor Town at HOWL-O-FEST

New for 2009 at HOWL-O-FEST is Tractor Town. Kids pedal their way through town on a John Deere tractor. From farmer Scheid's barn, the kids pedal their way through Shaferville Junction, Ms. Molly's Apple Orchard, Crooked K Ranch and Dry Gulch Canyon before ending at Sam's Pumpkin Patch.

HOWL-O-FEST takes place Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 5:30pm at Kings Island and is included free with park admission or season pass.

Day of fun and excitement begins with the Meijer Costume Parade at HOWL-O-FEST

The Meijer Costume Parade starts at Noon each day for the family-friendly HOWL-O-FEST event at Kings Island. The line begins near the Nickelodeon Theatre. Best costumes of the day win great prizes.

Petting Zoo new for 2009 at Howl-O-Fest

There are a number of friendly animals to pet, feed and learn from at Howl-O-Fest at Kings Island. Can you believe some of the animals can even talk and do silly tricks?

Howl-O-Fest takes place Saturdays and Sundays at Kings Island from Noon to 5:30pm through November 1.

Preparation continues for HOWL-O-FEST

Mary Slocum of Hamilton, Ohio paints a scene for the new Tractor Town attraction for HOWL-O-FEST at Kings Island on Tuesday. The family-friendly HOWL-O-FEST event takes place Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 5:30pm, from September 27 through November 1 and is included free with park admission and season pass.

All You Fear is Here!

There’s nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. Screams of pure panic pierce the night in the most immersive horror experience in the Midwest – Halloween Haunt at Kings Island!

Halloween Haunt 2009 has been expanded to 16 terrifying nights and will desecrate Kings Island with more blood, terror and gore than ever before! The bloodcurdling horror and mind-bending terror of Halloween Haunt features more than 500 ghastly creatures emerging from the darkness, 13 highly-intense and chilling haunted attractions including the new Slaughter House and Cut Throat Cove mazes and Hot Blooded “live” show, along with some of the most hair-raising rides on the planet such as the new Diamondback roller coaster, a 230-foot tall monster that screams through 5,282 feet of track at speeds up to 80 miles per hour!

Halloween Haunt is not for the faint of heart and will ravage all of your senses. This in-your-face horror experience continues to break new ground and is filled with terrifying chain-link mazes, frightening wooded trails, disturbing clowns in 3D and outrageous “live” shows. No other Halloween event in the region can match the number of scares, blood, terror and gore.

Parents, be advised. Halloween Haunt includes graphic scenes, suggestive themes and intense imagery and is intended for mature audiences; not recommended for children. No one and nothing is off limits!

Gates to the underworld are open from 7:00pm to 1:00am every Friday and Saturday night September 25 through October 31 and select Thursdays (October 8, 15) and Sundays (October 11, 18) from 7:00pm to midnight.

For more information on Halloween Haunt, including attractions, photos, videos and deadly deals on tickets, log onto www.visitkingsisland.com/haunt.

Petting Zoo among new activities at HOWL-O-FEST

Several new activities have been added to HOWL-O-FEST for 2009, including a Petting Zoo. HOWL-O-FEST is the ultimate kids' Halloween Party and takes place at Kings Island on Saturdays and Sundays September 27 through November 1, from Noon to 5:30pm. The immensely popular HOWL-O-FEST event is included free with park admission and season pass.

HOWL-O-FEST the ultimate kids' Halloween Party

By now you’ve heard that Kings Island has been voted the “Best Kids’ Area in the World” for nine consecutive years (2001-2009) by Amusement Today readers. But did you know in the fall Kings Island is also where the ultimate kids’ Halloween Party takes place with the immensely popular family-friendly HOWL-O-FEST?

Little ghouls and goblins absolutely love HOWL-O-FEST. There are all kinds of things for kids to do that are fun-scary, not scary-scary. HOWL-O-FEST activities include a costume parade, a giant indoor maze, a dizzying hay bale maze, mask painting, trick-or-treating, a dance party, talking pumpkins, a talking witch, petting zoo, games, food, fun and so much more!

HOWL-O-FEST takes place Saturdays and Sundays at Kings Island from Noon to 5:30pm from September 27 through November 1 and included free with park admission and season pass.

For more information visit www.howlofest.visitkingsisland.com.

Amusement Today readers award Kings Island with Golden Ticket for Best Kids' Area in the World

For the ninth year in a row, Amusement Today readers awarded Kings Island with the prestigious Golden Ticket Award for Best Kids’ Area in the World.

Eighteen attractions, including four children’s roller coasters, numerous children’s rides, waterplay areas, a haunted interactive dark ride and a family flume complement the expansive kids’ area.

Not resting on its laurels, Kings Island’s kids’ area will receive a fresh new look with a timeless classic in 2010 as it becomes home to the beloved PEANUTS Gang. Planet Snoopy will feature an elaborate collection of PEANUTS-themed rides and attractions for every age, including a live stage show and daily meet and greet opportunities with the PEANUTS characters such as Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy and Linus.

The Diamondback roller coaster was voted as the second-best new amusement park ride for 2009, receiving the most votes among new steel roller coasters. The tallest and fastest roller coaster at Kings Island debuted at No. 7 on the chart of the Top 50 Steel Roller Coasters.

The Beast roller coaster jumped from eighth place to seventh on the list of the Top 50 Wooden Roller Coasters. The legendary ride made its debut 30 years ago in 1979 and still stands today as the world’s longest wooden roller coaster at 7,400 feet.

The Golden Ticket Awards are the result of a survey conducted by Amusement Today, a respected amusement park trade publication. Every year, hundreds of well-traveled theme park enthusiasts are chosen to share their expertise to determine a winner in each category. A list of all the Golden Ticket Award winners can be found at http://www.amusementtoday.com/.

Curtain closes on Flashback: Totally 80's

The final performance of Flashback: Totally 80's in the International Showplace Theatre at Kings Island took place on Labor Day. More than 250,000 guests were entertained by the show's singers and dancers as they paid tribute to leg warmers, mullets, Rubik's Cube and the songs that defined a decade the past two seasons.

"Humble" Bob Shoudt repeats as Skyline Chili Spaghetti Eating Champion

“Humble” Bob Shoudt repeated as champion in the second annual Skyline Chili Spaghetti Eating Championship Monday at Kings Island, out-dueling his rival Joey “Jaws” Chestnut in an epic contest that pushed both gluttonous gladiators to the brink. In a classic Labor Day battle that tested the very depths of their distended stomachs, the Royersford, Pennsylvania native downed a record 13.9 pounds of chili spaghetti to Chestnut’s 12.6 in 10 minutes to retain his crown.

Skyline Chili Spaghetti Eating Championship set for Labor Day

The greatest competitive eaters on the planet will gather at Kings Island on Labor Day to battle in the second annual Skyline Chili Spaghetti Eating Championship. Major League Eaters, an increasingly celebrated breed of American athlete, will test their jaw strength and stomach capacity in a bid for the chili spaghetti eating world record and $5,000 in cash prizes.

Last year in the inaugural Chili Eating championship,“Humble” Bob Shoudt out-dueled his rival Joey “Jaws” Chestnut in an epic eating contest that pushed both gluttonous gladiators to the brink.

In a classic Labor Day battle that tested the very depths of their distended stomachs, Humble Bob downed 13.5 pounds of chili spaghetti to Chestnut’s 13.25 in 10 minutes to be crowned the event’s first champion.

Shoudt will look to hold onto his crown on Labor Day against Chestnut –currently ranked No. 1 in the world – and a field of other top-ranked competitive eaters.

The Skyline Chili Eating Championship will take place at 1:00pm on Labor Day in the International Showplace Theatre and is included free with park admission and season pass.

Wachs, Walburg inducted into Walk of Fame

Former Kings Island employees Gary Wachs and Rich Walburg were inducted as the newest members of the Kings Island Walk of Fame Saturday morning. Wachs developed the concept and design for Kings Island in the mid 1960’s while serving as the assistant general manager of Cincinnati’s popular Coney Island and served as the park’s first general manager in 1972. Walburg was employed as a seasonal associate at Kings Island from 1983 through 1991, working in various departments including admissions, communications, ecology and food service. The class of 2009 was selected by the Kings Island Walk of Fame Selection Committee, raising the number of inductees to five. Carmen Electra, Dennis Speigel and Janeen Coyle were inducted in the inaugural Walk of Fame class last year.

Kings Island's "Best Kids' Area in the World" to receive fresh new look with a timeless classic

The world’s most popular beagle, Snoopy, will have a new home at Kings Island, beginning with the 2010 season.

Planet Snoopy will be located in Kings Island’s “Best Kids’ Area in the World” section (Amusement Today Golden Ticket award 2001 through 2008) and will boast an elaborate collection of PEANUTS-themed rides and attractions for every age, including more kids’ roller coasters (four) than any other park in the world. Planet Snoopy will also feature a live stage show and daily meet and greet opportunities with the PEANUTS characters such as Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy and Linus.

Starring an unlikely round-headed hero and a unique cast of young characters wiser and wittier than their years, Charles Schulz’s PEANUTS is not just the best-known, most-loved comic strip ever created, but a true global phenomenon. The PEANUTS characters are featured in 2,200 newspapers, in classic television specials and on re-mastered DVD’s, on stage, in hundreds of books and across the Internet. They have inspired every kind of consumer product from t-shirts to toothbrushes.

“PEANUTS are an international icon,” Kings Island’s vice president and general manager Greg Scheid said. “Snoopy and his pals are instantly recognizable among children and adults alike. We look forward to the PEANUTS Gang becoming part of the world-class thrills, fun and family entertainment for our guests.”

Planet Snoopy and the PEANUTS Gang will replace Nickelodeon Universe and Scooby-Doo.

Kings Island cuts prices on 2010 season passes

Kings Island is rewarding its most loyal guests by slashing prices on 2010 season passes with a four-day renewal sale.

A 2010 Kings Island Gold pass will cost $69.99 for guests that renew their 2009 season pass, a savings from last year of $20 for an individual and $80 for a family of four. A guest must visit the park on one of the following dates and show their 2009 season pass to take advantage of the four-day renewal sale: September 7, September 25, September 26 and September 27.

All season passes that are renewed during the four-day period will automatically be upgraded to Gold at no additional charge, providing the guest with free season-long parking – a savings of $39.99 per family – along with a number of VIP benefits such as early rides every day on the Diamondback and Beast roller coasters, early entry into the 15-acre Boomerang Bay waterpark and a reserved parking area.

“Our renewal offer is a way of helping families cut back on expenses without comprising family fun and entertainment,” said Matt Shafer, director of marketing at Kings Island. “When all is said and done, the average family will save more than $100 by taking advantage of this deal.”

Labor Day, September 7 will be the best of the four renewal sale days to visit and lock in this deal for next year, Shafer said.

Kings Island 2010 season passes (Regular, Gold and Platinum) go on sale September 4. There is no increase on any season pass price for next year. A few areas, including Regular adult passes and Platinum four-packs, are priced lower than last year at this time.

Beginning September 4, all 2010 season pass options can be purchased at the park on public operating days and hours through November 1. Season passes can also be purchased by phone toll free at (800) 288-0808 or online at www.visitkingsisland.com.

Kings Island names new Walk of Fame inductees

Former Kings Island employees Gary Wachs and Rich Walburg will be inducted as the newest members into the Kings Island Walk of Fame.

The 2009 Walk of Fame class will be inducted Saturday, September 5 during a 9:45am ceremony on International Street.

Wachs developed the concept and design for Kings Island in the mid 1960’s while serving as the assistant general manager of Cincinnati’s popular Coney Island. He was named the first general manager of Kings Island and is accredited for bringing back roller coasters and other thrill rides into the amusement and theme park industry when the park opened to the public in 1972. Wachs currently is general manager and co-owner of the Garfield Suites Hotel in Cincinnati.

Walburg was employed as a seasonal associate at Kings Island from 1983 through 1991, working in various departments including admissions, communications, ecology and food service. He has spent the past 16 years at 700 WLW radio in Cincinnati where he currently serves as assistant program director and executive producer.

The class of 2009 was selected by the Kings Island Walk of Fame Selection Committee, raising the number of inductees to five. Carmen Electra, Dennis Speigel and Janeen Coyle were inducted in the inaugural Walk of Fame class last year.

Second annual Kings Island Employee Reunion September 5-6

Kings Island wants all of its past employees back at the park. They won’t have to check lap bars on the Racer or Beast, serve blue ice cream, sell cotton candy, operate a game, sweep, clean, park cars, sing or dance.

On Labor Day weekend, Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, Kings Island will host its second annual employee reunion, a two-day event for all of its past employees who worked seasonally or full-time at the 364-acre amusement park. Families of past employees are also invited to attend.

Kings Island has employed more than 150,000 associates since the park opened in 1972. Many of the park’s employees developed friendships with their co-workers that have extended beyond their seasons at the park. Some met their future spouse while working at Kings Island. Others went on to become Miss America (Susan Perkins, 1978), Miss Ohio (Susan Kay Johnson, 1987) or currently enjoy a career as an actor or actress in movies and television shows such as Lisa Akey, Carmen Electra and Gigi Rice.

Special activities for reunion participants include early ride times on Diamondback and Beast roller coasters, a Kings Island scavenger hunt to win prizes, a group photo, behind the scenes tour of the Beast, evening reception in the International Restaurant, and much more!

To attend Kings Island’s employee reunion, past employees must purchase their tickets online at www.visitkingsisland.com/reunion. Tickets are $22.99 for past employees and family members.

Former employees who are Kings Island season pass holders will be able to attend the event for free but are asked to register online at www.visitkingsisland.com/reunion.

Kings Island featured in documentary

A television documentary chronicles the development and evolution of Kings Island.

http://www.cetconnect.org/KingsIsland/

Coaster Kid takes 1,000th ride on Diamondback

A jubilant Andrew Klenk (front seat, left) took his 1,000th ride on Kings Island’s new Diamondback roller coaster on Monday here, accompanied by his father, Tim Klenk. The 13-year-old Lebanon, Ohio native has made 65 trips to Kings Island this season, averaging 15.4 rides per visit on the $22 million steel coaster. He became the second person to complete 1,000 rides on Diamondback in as many days. Yesterday, 67-year-old Gary Coleman of Monfort Heights, Ohio accrued his 1,000th ride.

UC Bearcats visit Kings Island

The defending Big East Conference champion University of Cincinnati football team signed autographs and posed for photographs with park visitors Sunday at Kings Island.

Meet the University of Cincinnati football team Sunday at Kings Island

This Sunday, August 23, University of Cincinnati head football coach Brian Kelly and the defending BIG EAST Conference champions make their annual visit to Kings Island. Coach Kelly and the 2009 team will take part in a program on the International Street Bandstand located in front of the Eiffel Tower at 1:00pm. Following the program, student-athletes will take part in a meet-and-greet and autograph session with park visitors until 3:00pm.

The Bearcats posted a school-record 11 victories in 2008, while recording back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in school history. UC also won the school’s first outright conference championship since 1964, and earned the first berth in a Bowl Championship Series game, playing Virginia Tech in the 75th FedEx Orange Bowl.

UC finished the regular season with its best-ever rankings, earning the No. 12 spot in the Associated Press poll, USA Today Coaches poll, and the BCS standings entering the Orange Bowl. Cincinnati held a postseason ranking of No. 17 in both polls after the bowl game, matching the top ranking in school history and marking the first time the school has ranked in the end-of-season polls in the program’s history.

The meet-and-greet and autograph session is included free with park admission and season pass.

The UC men’s soccer team will visit the park on August 30 and the men and women’s basketball teams on October 4.

Blue Jackets Breakaway coming to Kings Island

The Columbus Blue Jackets are bringing the fun and excitement of the National Hockey League (NHL) to Kings Island with the Blue Jackets Breakaway Street Hockey Tour Saturday, August 22, from noon to 6:00pm.

Blue Jackets Breakaway is a family experience that offers something for sports fans of all ages. The “hockey carnival” includes a border patrol rink for street hockey games, Blue Jackets inflatable, Hockey-to-Go truck and giveaway items including t-shirts, posters and yearbooks. Park visitors will also have the opportunity to register to win prizes such as autographed merchandise and a grand prize package consisting of four Time Warner Cable HD Lounge lower bowl seats (including dinner for four) to the Blue Jackets 2009-2010 Opening Night game October 3 versus the Minnesota Wild and an autographed Rick Nash 2009 NHL Western Conference All-Star jersey.

The Blue Jackets Breakaway Tour stop at Kings Island will also include question and answer shows hosted by Blue Jackets broadcaster Bill Davidge at 1:00pm and 3:00pm in the Kings Island Theater.

Reds take ride on Diamondback

Cincinnati Reds players Paul Janish and Jay Bruce (front row, left to right), Chris Dickerson (third row, left), Nick Masset (fourth row, right) and Adam Rosales (fifth row, left) take a ride on the new Diamondback roller coaster at Kings Island on Monday.

The inaugural Run Kings Island 2009 race took place Sunday morning at Kings Island. More than 1,200 runners from 17 states and Canada participated in the run, which included a 10k, 5k and kids race.

King of the high-wire

Acrobat Nik Wallenda completed a spectacular high-wire walk Saturday at Kings Island, walking a distance of 801 feet, on a cable about the diameter of a nickel suspended 262 feet in the air, from outside the front gate to the Eiffel Tower.

Rockin' out on Diamondback

Musician Tommy Lee (front seat), founding member and drummer of the hard rock band Motley Crue, enjoyed a ride on the new Diamondback roller coaster Thursday at Kings Island.

262 feet in the air. Distance of 801 feet on a cable the diameter of a nickel. Can he do it?

This Saturday on August 15th, the master of gravity-defying thrills, Nik Wallenda, will perform an amazing hire-wire walk stretched 801 feet from outside the Front Gate to the Eiffel Tower at Kings Island…with no safety nets or harness…on a cable about the diameter of a nickel. The walk will take place at a height the 30-year-old Sarasota, Florida native has never dared attempt before, a dizzying 262 feet in the air. That’s higher than even the massive new Diamondback!

Advance tickets are just $32.99, so there’s no reason not to witness this history-making feat! Get your tickets online at www.visitkingsisland.com or at your local Kroger or Meijer store.

WHEN YOU GO
What: Nik Wallenda walks from a height of 262 feet in the air on a cable the diameter of a nickel from outside the Front Gate to the Eiffel Tower (distance of 801 feet).
Where: Kings Island, Exit 24 off Interstate 71.
When: 7pm. Saturday, August 15; park open 10am – 10pm.
Cost: Free with park admission or season pass. Advance tickets just $32.99 online at www.visitkingsisland.com or your local Kroger and Meijer stores.
Best Place to Watch: International Street.
Meet & Greet Opportunity: Meet Nik Wallenda and receive an autograph following his history-making walk at the Eiffel Tower.
Information: 800-288-0808.

World-class entertainment on tap August 15-18 at Kings Island

Clear your schedule and cancel all your appointments, because beginning August 15, Kings Island has a four-day stretch of world-class entertainment you won’t want to miss.

Starting Saturday the 15th, watch in awe as acrobat Nik Wallenda walks a high-wire suspended 262-feet in the air a distance of 801 feet on a cable about the diameter of a nickel, from outside the Front Gate to the Eiffel Tower. After Wallenda’s walk, how about a run?

Sunday the 16th is the first-ever RUN KI…this is your chance to run a full 5k or 10k inside Kings Island! Following the inaugural run, enjoy a full day of more than 80 world-class rides and attractions, including the new Diamondback – the tallest, fastest and meanest roller coaster to ever strike Kings Island!

Monday the 17th is a sure hit during Cincinnati Reds Day…meet favorites including Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips and more! Reds Day includes question and answer shows in the International Showplace Theatre at 1:00pm and 3:00pm.

But if you want to make it a grand slam, come out Tuesday the 18th, as Nat and Alex Wolff wrap up these four amazing days with a rockin’ concert, featuring songs from their hit TV show, the Naked Brothers Band.

The best part is, no matter which days you visit, you can always ride the Diamondback and the legendary Beast – celebrating 30 years of terror in 2009! – and save big when you buy your tickets online at www.visitkingsisland.com. So, we’ll see you August 15th through the 18th, for four consecutive days of summer adventure at Kings Island. Where else?

Visit Kings Island for just $32.99 when you purchase your tickets online - that's a savings of $16 off the gate price! Or, visit the park after 5pm and pay only $24.99 with our popular Starlight admission ticket, available online or at the front gate!

GOCC going to Kings Island

The Great Ohio Coaster Club (GOCC) will visit Kings Island August 22 for a day of world-class thrills and chills on the park's more than 80 rides, shows and attractions. The club's Mid-Summer Scream event includes exclusive ride time on the new Diamondback roller coaster, a behind-the-scenes tour of the legendary Beast and picnic.

Wallenda on the air Tuesday

Acrobat Nik Wallenda will be on the following radio stations Tuesday to talk about his high-wire walk this Saturday. Be sure to listen!

7:30am - WLW (700 AM)

8:35am - WEBN (102.7 FM)

8:50am - WGRR (103.5 FM)

6:30pm - WLW (700 AM)

Wallenda will walk a distance of 801 feet on a cable about the diameter of a nickel from outside the front gate to the Eiffel Tower (walking over the Royal Fountains), from a height of 262 feet in the air! No safety nets or harness will be used during the stunt.

The height of 262 feet is the highest the two-time Guinness World Record Book holder has ever gone before in his career. He'll be 32 feet higher than the new massive Diamondback roller coaster!!!

Saturday's walk is scheduled for 7:00pm and is included free with park admission or season pass. You don't want to miss it!

Major League Eating returns to Kings Island on Labor Day

“Humble” Bob Shoudt achieved Skyline Chili spaghetti immortality last year at Kings Island, outdueling his rival Joey “Jaws” Chestnut in a epic eating contest that pushed both gluttonous gladiators to the brink.

In a classic Labor Day battle that tested the very depths of their distended stomachs, the Royersford, Pennsylvania native downed 13.50 pounds of chili spaghetti to Chestnut’s 13.25 in 10 minutes to be crowned champion in the first-ever Skyline Chili Spaghetti Eating Contest.

Shouldt will return to Kings Island to defend his title against a field of competitive eaters that includes Chestnut on Labor Day.

Kings Island keeps memories and excitement of old steam trains alive

Many people today have never been on a train. And still fewer people have been on a real steam train. That’s why Kings Island’s re-creation of the railroad of the late 1800’s appeals to guests of all ages.

Kings Island’s two locomotives have been at the park since it opened in 1972 and are full scale replicas of the famous 1800’s locomotive known as The General, which was the subject of the Great Locomotive Chase of the American Civil War (The General is preserved at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw, Georgia). Although Kings Island’s engines are fired by propane rather than coal, they are in fact real authentic steam engines. The only thing Kings Island’s railroad lacks is the coal smoke and soot. The 400-gallon boilers on each engine make them real steam-spitting locomotives.

Each of the two engines pulls six coaches and when both trains are filled to capacity, 960 guests can be on rail at one time. More than 5,400 guests may ride on the train each hour.

Soon after the trains pull out of the “old” depot on the 36-inch gauge track, they pass over a 65-foot natural ravine on a steel and wood trestle. The track winds around through several fields, stopping at Boomerang Bay. After dropping off and pickup up guests at the 15-acre waterpark, the trains then loop around through woods and back into the depot. A round trip on the train covers 1¼ miles of track.

Today is G.I. Joe Day

Save money on an admission ticket to Kings Island and help support our troops on G.I. Joe Day today at Kings Island.

Bring a donation to the park for care packages that will be sent to U.S. troops overseas and you will save $10.00 off the regular gate admission price. Items needed are twin sheets, flannel or microfiber blankets, white boot socks in men’s and women’s sizes, beef jerky, hand warmers and vitamin single serve drink mixes.

G.I. Joe Day at the park is in conjunction with the upcoming release of the newest blockbuster movie of the summer, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, featuring heart-pounding action between the G.I. Joe Team and the Cobra Organization. The movie is set to release August 7.

Kings Island will be open until Midnight tonight! A Rozzi Fireworks show presented Marathon will take place at 10:00 p.m.

Wallenda to walk on wire 262 feet in the air!

Would you walk on a wire about the diameter of a nickel, suspended 262 feet in the air, a distance of 801 feet with no safety net or harness? Acrobat Nik Wallenda will August 15 at Kings Island!

At 262 feet, the two-time Guinesss World record holder will be higher than the massive new Diamondback roller coaster! This will be the highest Wallenda has ever performed.

Wallenda's history-making walk will take place at 7:00pm and is included free with park admission or season pass.

Reds Day at Kings Island

It’s Reds Day at Kings Island Monday, August 17, as park visitors will have an opportunity to see some of their favorite Cincinnati Reds’ stars, along with the Rally Pack, Mr. Redlegs and Gapper.

This special event continues to be a joint partnership between Kings Island and the Reds and includes Q&A shows in the International Showplace Theatre, prizes and much more!

The shows are included free with park admission, on a first-come, first-served basis. Second baseman Brandon Phillips, outfielder Jay Bruce, infielder/outfielder Jerry Hairston Jr., shortstop Paul Janish and pitchers Micah Owings, Nick Masset and Daniel Ray Herrera are among the players scheduled to appear.

Reds 2009 season ticket holders can buy discount tickets to Reds Day at Kings Island for just $28.99 – that’s $20.00 off the regular front gate admission price! Get your tickets today by calling (800) 288-0808 or online at www.visitkingsisland/redsday.

Nik Wallenda meets with media about August 15 walk

High-wire acrobat Nik Wallenda met with members of the media Friday at Kings Island. On August 15, Wallenda will push the limits of what his great-grandfather, Karl Wallenda, started more than 100 years ago with a spectacular high-wire walk on a cable about the diameter of a nickel suspended 262 feet in the air from the park’s front gate to the Eiffel Tower – a distance of more than 800 feet – with no safety nets or harnesses.

The 30-year-old Sarasota, Florida native will become the third member of the Wallenda family to perform at Kings Island (family patriarch Karl Wallenda was the first 35 years ago in 1974 and Rick Wallenda last year). At 262 feet, his walk will be performed at a height that is three times higher than the previous Wallenda walks at Kings Island.

Survey says ...

Kings Island associate Tiffany Loveless conducts a guest survey in Rivertown. Many thanks to all of our guests who provide us with their feedback.

No ordinary walk in the park

Would you attempt to walk on a cable about the diameter of a nickel suspended 262 feet in the air from the front gate at Kings Island to the Eiffel Tower -- a distance of more than 800 feet -- with no safety nets or harnesses?

Nik Wallenda will attempt that tenuous walk at 7:oopm Saturday, August 15.

“This is going to be the highest walk I’ve ever done,” Wallenda said. “I’ll be taller than the new Diamondback roller coaster.”

Wallenda will be the third member of the Wallenda family to perform at Kings Island. Family patriarch Karl Wallenda was the first to perform there 35 years ago in 1974 and Rick Wallenda performed last year.

Next month’s walk will be performed at a height that is three times higher than the previous Wallenda walks at Kings Island and will be included free with park admission.

The walk at Kings Island is part of the Nik Wallenda Walk Across America Tour, taking place at Cedar Fair parks this summer.

VIDEO: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMgIg5CG_98

Diamondback gives 1,000,000th ride!

Jim McDonel from Buffalo, NY on Monday became the 1,000,000th rider on the new Diamondback roller coaster at Kings Island.

Extreme Skyflyer a breathtaking thrill

People who secretly yearn to jump out of an airplane and plummet to earth but can't quite muster the courage to don a parachute and climb aboard a Cessena can experience the next best thing at Kings Island.

Thrill seekers, meet Xtreme Skyflyer.

Experience the breathtaking thrill of hang gliding and skydiving. You'll be hoisted 153 feet above ground before diving at speeds up to 60 miles per hour while free-falling 17 stories toward the earth, skimming just six feet above the ground.

An additional fee is required for this ride. Minimum height requirement 48 inches.

Kings Island now hiring for 2009 Halloween Haunt Scream Team

Join the circus of sick and twisted monsters at Kings Island! Take part in the bloodcurdling horror, mind-bending terror and nightmarish madness of Halloween Haunt, the most immersive horror experience in the Midwest.

The best positions for this year's Haunt are now open. Seal your fate by attending one of the following in-the-flesh interviews:

Saturdays: Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and September 5
Sundays: Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and September 6

Tell us why you should make the cut with this quick and painless INTEREST FORM! You will be contacted by one of our head hunters right away if we think you have the guts to be part of the 2009 Haunt Scream Team.

Kings Island open until midnight this Saturday!

Diamondback. The Beast. Firehawk. Delirium. White Water Canyon. Drop Tower and Invertigo. The thrills never seem to end at Kings Island. And now you can enjoy these world-class thrills and more until MIDNIGHT this Saturday!

Pick up a flyer on your way into the park on Saturday and save big all day long with special coupon offers on games including Age & Weight, Peach Basket, Goblet, Ring Toss, Rope Ladder, Grand Prix or Turbo Blast. Save 75 percent off hundreds of items at Coney Confections and take advantage of a special sale on the porch of the DB Trading Post, where t-shirts are just $5.

Don’t miss our famous Rozzi’s fireworks show at 10:00pm. After you enjoy this colorful pageant in the sky, cap off a memorable day at the park with night rides on some of the most hair-raising rides on the planet!

Visit Kings Island for just $32.99 when you purchase your tickets online - that's a savings of $16 off the gate price! Or, visit the park after 5pm and pay only $24.99 with our popular Starlight admission ticket, available online or at the front gate!

Diamondback slithers past 900,000 rider mark

Kings Island's new Diamondback roller coaster surpassed the 900,000 mark in rides given for the season Tuesday afternoon. The $22 million steel coaster is expected to top the one million mark early next week.

Darlene Bell takes 500th ride on Diamondback

A jubilant Darlene Bell (front seat, left) takes her 500th ride on Kings Island's Diamondback roller coaster here, accompanied by a rides associate, Bryan Miller. The Dayton, Ohio native has visited Kings Island 28 times this season, averaging 18 rides per day on the park's new $22 million steel coaster.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090711/NEWS01/307110012/Woman+takes+500th+coaster+ride

Day two for Spirit Song at Kings Island

Hawk Nelson poses for a picture with a park guest following

his Spirit Song performance Friday at Kings Island.

Today's lineup for the second day fo the three-day Spirit Song Christian music festival at Kings Island includes Remedy Drive, Bluetree, Kutless, Newsboys and Third Day. Doors open at 3:30pm. Show begins at 4:30pm. Spirit Song tickets, which includes the more than 80 rides, shows and attractions Kings Island has to offer, can be purchased at the park.

Three-day Spirit Song concert series begins today

The three-day Spirit Song Christian music festival begins today at Kings Island. Acts slated to appear today include Sestor, KJ 52, Hawk Nelson, David Crowder, Skillet and Switchfoot.

Tickets for Spirit Song include admission to Kings Island, Boomerang Bay and the performances. All performances take place in the 10,000-seat Timberwolf Amphitheatre, which has threatre-style, outdoor seating. Seating is reserved.

Kids ready for grand adventure at Kings Island

Tuesday is shaping up to be a typical day at Kings Island, filled with lots of happy children.

Park visitors might notice that some of the kids will be in wheelchairs. Some will be hooked up to oxygen, or connected to IVs. But they’ll be having fun and enjoying their day at Kings Island, just like everybody else because that day, they are just like everyone else.

A Kid Again, a non-profit group which is dedicated to providing fun-filled outings and ongoing support to children with life threatening illnesses and their families, will have its annual outing at Kings Island Tuesday. A Kid Again children and their family will enjoy park admission, a picnic, ice cream and the opportunity to meet and have photos taken with some of their favorite cartoon pals. They’ll cap off a memorable day at the park with a spectacular fireworks show over the Eiffel Tower at 10:00pm.

More than 3,600 A Kid Again children and family members from Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton are expected to attend the outing, making it the organization’s largest event of the year.

Earlier this year, Kings Island raised more than $102,000 for A Kid Again through an auction to be among the first official riders on the park’s new Diamondback roller coaster. To date, the Diamondback auction is the largest single fundraiser in the organization’s Cincinnati Chapter’s 14-year history.