50th in 2022

In 2022 Kings Island celebrated its 50th Anniversary Season!

For the 50th anniversary, the park received a lot of TLC for some of its rides with a new coat of paint.

• Eiffel Tower (original ride) – Details
• The Racer (original ride)
• Race for Your Life Charlie Brown (original ride)
• Adventure Express
• Backlot Stunt Coaster
• Drop Tower
• Flying Ace Aerial Chase – Details

The Grand Carousel is totally restored along with the the band organ – Details

On April 29th, 2022 Kings Island celebrated its official 50th Anniversary. The first family to enter Kings Island on April 29, 1972 were Taryn Harrison, Tamara Hitson, and Heather Hitson (all sisters.) They performed the ribbon cutting again at a rededication. Followed by a ceremony with guest speakers and birthday cake. Kings Island had  extra entertainment on the International Bandstand, and a grand finale fireworks display. Alton Fitzgerald White a former Kings Island performer and critically acclaimed actor best known for playing King Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway sang the National Anthem.

Speakers at the ceremony:

• Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted
• Kings Island vice president and general manager Mike Koontz
• Cedar Fair Entertainment CEO Richard Zimmerman
• City of Mason Mayor Barbara Spaeth
• Founder of Kings Island Gary Wachs
• President of International Theme Park Services Dennis Speigel

Additional information about April 29th, 2022 can be found on the forums here: https://kicentral.com/forums/index.php?/topic/40501-kings-island-to-celebrate-official-birthday-on-april-29th-2022/

Additional discussions on the 50th anniversary updates can be found on the forums here: https://kicentral.com/forums/index.php?/topic/39084-50th-anniversary-updates/

April 29th, 2022 Birthday Gallery

April 29th, 2022 Birthday Entertainment and Fireworks

April 29th, 2022 Birthday Ceremony with all of the guest speakers.

Throughout the season, Kings Island celebrated its golden anniversary with a special fireworks show: Fun, Fireworks and Fifty. The celebrating didn’t stop there. The season also included a 50 Years of Fun Street Party, a refreshed Tower Gardens with pavers of Kings Island’s history, incorporated memories from its 50 year history into its  shows, and we can’t forget the special food offerings by Chef Major!

Fun, Fireworks and Fifty Fireworks Pictures

50 Years of Fun Street Party Pictures

Club KI & The Royal Coasters Pictures

Tower Gardens

Off The Rails!

 

One highlight for Kings Island fan was the Phantom Theatre Encore show. This show brought the characters from the dark ride Phantom Theatre to life in this comical and exciting musical.

Phantom Theatre Encore Pictures