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Quick note for future readers (this is not directed at anyone in this thread): As of this writing, it is not rumored that ArieForce One is coming to Kings Island--or any other park, for that matter. This idea was originated by Reddit users who heard that a park containing a well-regarded roller coaster is closing, and they got their hopes up that the coaster would be sold to their local park. It has not been announced that AFO will be sold, has been sold, or even will be moved within the Fun Spot chain. For all we know, it's getting torn down with the rest of the Atlanta park. RMC answered the question of "can AFO be moved." They did not drop any hints about it being sold/moved anywhere. No, Kings Island's PR team (or any other park's/chain's PR team) did not tell them to say that. If ArieForce One does not come to Kings Island, I don't want to see anyone express disappointment that "misleading hints were dropped" or "that rumor wasn't true after all." There is a difference between someone wishing for something to happen and rumors (which have a source close to the decision makers.) The way the coaster fan world tends to eagerly blur the lines between the two is crazymaking. Please do not set your expectations high because someone used their imagination.

Mark Pauls has been named Chief Operating Officer of Six Flags⁠, effective July 15, bringing nearly five decades of experience in the attractions industry to the role. His leadership background includes senior operational positions with Herschend Family Entertainment, Palace Entertainment, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, and Busch Gardens, where he built a reputation for improving operational performance while maintaining a strong focus on the guest experience. As Six Flags continues integrating its expanded park portfolio, Pauls’ extensive operations expertise will help shape the company’s next phase of growth.

I worked with Mark at SEA as well. This probably isn’t a surprise considering how long he and John worked together. Mark also didn’t leave SEA under the happiest circumstances either if I recall.

I took some photos while attending Summerfair 2026 as well as the USO Concert & Swing Dance. Sunlite Parking Lot: Sunlite Pool's former location has become a parking lot to make up for the loss of parking as the new Farmer Music Center rises where the West parking lot was once located. Tivoli Fountain & Moonlite Pavilion: This area is relatively unchanged from previous years. The little fountain Pool is still there and Moonlite Pavilion is still being utilized for events. They have even started painting the front of the building. Administration Office: Coney's old administration building is still standing and being utilized by full time Riverbend staff and full time Coney staff who were retained following the park's sale. Moonlite Gardens: The historic dance hall was featured in the latest renderings for the new Music Center, indicating that there are plans for its refurbishment. Inside the building, construction lighting as been set up along the ceiling which is a sign of activity going on inside. On the North wing of the building, crews added what looks to be an air conditioning unit and electrical panels, which should point to long term plans for the space. In addition to this, looking at the park from the street, a temporary ladder had been erected on the North wing in the weeks leading up to Summerfair and the USO Concert, possibly for work on the roof, and the building looks like it has seen a fresh coat of paint (although it may have just been the light from the sun). LaRosa's Pizzeria (RIP) As previously shared, the building which housed LaRosa's Pizzeria during Coney's "modern era," which had been built in 1967 as a souvenir shop between the Skee Ball building and Penny Arcade, was demolished over the winter. It was used for refreshments and restrooms in 2024 and looked to have been undergoing renovations in 2025. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, the building was reduced to rubble with only the back wall and electrical boxes remaining. Picnic Grove Restrooms The restrooms near the picnic grove, located near Moonlite Gardens, were mysteriously torn down. Whether new restrooms are built in this location or not remains to be seen, as they do plan on retaining the park area. From what I have gathered, bad plumbing may have contributed to the buildings demise as well as possibly the LaRosa's building. Famous Fairways/ Cincy Minigolf The minigolf course, which was located across from LaRosas and next to the Dodgem when the park still had rides, is now nothing more than a patch of grass among trees. Only a lone light pole remains. Flood Storeypole & River Gate Has previously shared, the River Gate, built in 1925, will remain and the Coney Island logo on top will continue to mark the site from the Ohio River. The Storeypole which marks the various floods over the years, including the 1937 Flood (79.99 feet; "The Champ"), will also remain. The pole is currently peeling and in dire need of repairs. A new Riverbend and PNC Pavilion version of the famous "Floods Come In All Sizes! They Begin Here" sign has been added. Farmer Music Center: Originally marketed as Riverbend 2.0, the Farmer Music Center is being built on the West side of the property behind Moonlite Gardens where the park's old athletic fields were located and the parking lot where the Nights of Lights display was held. To protect the new venue and its amenities from flood damage, Lake Como was temporarily drained and the lakebed dug out and used as landfill to elevate the structure. When the water fully returns to Lake Como, it will be around 30 feet deep in some areas, whereas previously it was only 3 feet. It was amazing how large it was actually seeing it in person.

Let's hope we start seeing some positive changes across the chain. I have to say the past 2 weeks I have been to SDC, Six New England, Great Adventure, Enchanted's Great Escape and WOF. We really have it good at KI. Now, we can always improve and should, especially the details like the fountain spouts not working, but we are a top tier park in the SIX portfolio.