BoddaH1994

You are 100% correct. While KK's event certainly affects things, the Zoo, Newport Aquarium, etc now have very popular Christmas events. You know what they don't have? Rides like Kings Island. That's the ace they'll have have up their sleeve when faced with competition.

Don't say anything in front of Snoopy's Soapbox Racers and Backlot. Parenthood is tough.

Theme Parks By Don blog on this: https://themeparksbydon.com/could-this-be-kings-islands-next-family-thrill-attraction/ Tower Topics on the subject:

I suppose that's kind of like when you pick on that kid in high school, then they come back to school 50lbs heavier, all muscle. Got into CrossFit over the summer. But let's be honest, that park is in capable hands with deep pockets now. If they didn't pay attention before, they should now. Kings Island's offerings have been complacent at best for half of a decade. A good percentage of their market is in KY and IN. Those people may look for alternatives if Kings Island doesn't make any waves in the near future.

Kentucky Kingdom announced on a live feed that Herschend, the parent company, had committed to $25 million in capital over the next two years. That likely eclipses the total investment that Kings Island has had since 2021. Silver Passes on sale now.

To be fair, that's probably the agency's mistake.

Hopefully it’s maintenance and not removal.

I’m still holding out hope that it’s something like a Big Bear Mountain. My fear is that it’s another B+ “cheap but cheerful” experience like we’ve seen every year since 2019ish (yes, that includes Orion).

If you were hoping for something physically big for 2026…. well, I’ve got news for you. https://investors.sixflags.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2024/Six-Flags-to-Invest-More-Than-1-Billion-Over-the-Next-Two-Years-to-Enhance-Guest-Experience/default.aspx

Demolition paperwork filed for several rides, including Green Lantern: …and finally, the park is no longer blatantly denying the Kingda Ka rumors:

To the locals of SFGadv, I’d bet it is.

I understand that they use the IR for corporate events, and it’s a bit disappointing that the dates are limited so much, but as long as they stick to those dates then it’s fine. One year they had a dozen or so dates listed and my group all arranged to do it one evening, only to show and find out that the date had been removed. I’m guessing NYE details will be released later.

You haven't lived until you have eaten a buffet in the IR during Winterfest.

Me too; however, I think the minimum is somewhere in the 40s, which wouldn't work. Perhaps the time it was true, but it matters where it matters. With Six Flags having certain expectations, if they lose even 1% or 2% to people from Louisville who decide to just go to KK instead then that may wreck their entire season. As with Holiday World, it really only matters to certain markets. It won't be a meaningful amount of people who will go from Cincinnati to Louisville or Cincinnati to Santa Claus; however, people in Louisville, Evansville, Indy, etc may. These are slightly outside markets but are still a must-win. Much like how Universal measures success with if they can chip away one extra day from your week at Disney, if these parks can stick the landing for a small percentage these geographies, they can win big. These numbers add up and that's how Kings Island is affected.

“It couldn’t possibly run during those temperatures!” ”It wouldn’t be ready for spring if they opened it for Winterfest.” Then KY Kingdom announced their event. KI ran out of excuses. As with all things, it comes down to how little they can spend without people ceasing to show up. Clearly they feel that risk. If you think KY kingdom doesn’t matter to Kings Island, it certainly does. Their success will force Kings Island to do slightly more than the bare minimum.