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To the average general public, Diamondback, Orion, The Beast, Banshee, and even Mystic Timbers to an extent are extreme rides. KI doesn't need a major new coaster right now. From 2009 to 2020, KI added a new thrill coaster every 3-5 years to round out the thrill coaster lineup which was sorta lacking under Paramount. Now since I feel the park has a solid thrill coaster lineup, it's time to focus on what actually brings in the crowds around here which is families with kids. Sol Spin was the first thrilling flat ride addition (that isn't a tower ride) since Delirium in 2003. Snoopy's Soapbox Racers was the first new ride in Planet Snoopy since Woodstock Gliders (Franklin's Flyers) and Space Buggies in 2015. RiverRacers is the first water slide addition to Soak City since Tropical Plunge in 2016. If the 2026 attraction is going in the Crypt building which a lot of signs are currently pointing to it, then it'll be another indoor attraction that hopefully is family friendly and can run during Winterfest which is a plus. Also, outside of Haunt that large building has been vacant A LOT longer than The Vortex plot so I'm perfectly fine with that getting filled first.

Please no....tired of the investment into the kids area. We need more expansion/investment into the "adult" park. Best Kids Area Award could be earned as the area is now...you just need to have a team to share the reason why it's the best.

Even Silver Dollar City has more extreme coasters than KI. We definitely need a few "What did I just ride?" coasters.

Agreed. I know KI has devolved into a family park as that fits their demographic they are marketing into these days, but the "family ride" fatigue is real. It's time for something with some teeth for the thrill seekers.

Is this a function of exposure? For good or bad, at some point in life, I've gotten off of Diamondback, Firehawk, FoF, Vortex, Mystic Timbers and Orion with that question. But with familiarity, that goes away. I'm not at the point where this familiarity has bred contempt, but I wonder if some are?

It could also fit into the International Street vibe, loosely, if they had Mr. Scrooge attached, with his quote: "Fetch me the biggest goose in all of London!" Chef Perez could also do a whole WinterFest menu with roasted goose. * Satire of course but I hate those stupid geese!

A log flume in The Vortex plot would be a nice addition.

Not that I am biased, but Bat does deserve more merch. I’m happy it got socks, a mug, a poster, and a pin for its 30th in 2023, but I would gladly buy other Bat merch such as shirts (and yes, I’ve already bought the Homage shirt that features the original Bat!). And of course, Vortex merch will always catch my eye.

I definitely think we need to see more investment into the adult thrill side of things at Kings Island. Yes, the park received major coasters from 2009-2020 in an effort to catch-up from the Paramount years, but I think it's time for the new clock to strike. A new major coaster every 6-7 years is much more sustainable than a new one every 3 years. I'm really hoping that 2027 is the year for Vortex II because that plot is very noticeably empty and I don't think it can be justifiably left empty for much longer. One issue that I can see with filling it is because of its use for the drone show, however I don't think those are worth more than the value of a new coaster (even though they are definitely cheaper to run). The big open plot of land is probably why they fly over there in case one falls out of the sky, otherwise the park could have found another pad to land them on. I love having the fireworks and the drones, but I'd rather have fireworks and a thrilling roller coaster. I think we might see all 4 Boo Blasters attractions replaced at the same time, but it is possible that Kings Island could get a special treatment due to the size of that specific building. Right now it definitely looks like Madame Fatale's is being moved out of The Crypt's building so something can go in there. There is also a rumor that the old Club Blood/Blackout building is receiving some work to re-open as a new Haunt maze: which would make up for the loss of MFCoT if a new ride was being installed in there. My preferred timeline is as follows (subject to rapidly change): 2026 — Family thrill attraction to replace The Crypt / big USA Quarter-Millennial celebration (seen across the Six Flags parks) 2027 — Vortex II: plot filled, riders thrilled 2028 — fun stuff! 2029 — Camp Snoopy Expansion (River Raft Blast replaces Surf Dog / area eats into Camp Snoopy) 2030 — Action Zone retheme

Removing Surf Dog would free up a lot of room, they could add a Snoopy's River Raft Blast like you said and add a Peanuts Pirates ride like Carowinds also has, families really love it there. This would add 2 new rides to Camp Snoopy, and 2 extra rides like Peanuts Off-Road Rally and Snoopy's Junction. A kids area expansion like this would help KI bring back the Best Kids area in the world award.

That would certainly be one good way to bring the water back to Rivertown. I'd be curious to find out how usable that parcel of land is though. I'd much rather see a small expansion go in the open area between The Crypt and the Slaughterhouse building with a super small amphitheater/stage, a small food stand (like Wishbone Grill), and maybe a small classic flat ride put in. If I were to choose something water-related to install in the dry park, I'd like to see Snoopy's River Raft Blast (currently under construction at Carowinds) come to Camp Snoopy. It would fit somewhat well in that "island" plot where Surf Dog's station is, with Surf Dog being sent to a park that needs something. Camp Snoopy is also in its own little corner, so this would probably help to expand the area into something more cohesive.

Tbh I hope if the new super flume for Carowinds in 2026 is a success, I wouldn't mind seeing one come to KI. Put it in the wooded area behind the Crypt building near The Beast and have it pay homage to Kenton's Cove Keelboat Canal.

I'm actually surprised that KI still doesn't have any new water rides in the actual park not including Soak City. But then again WWC & CF seems like enough to do the job.

Uh-oh bad news...

I went to the Lonestar Coasterthon at SFOT a few weeks ago and here is my report on the park and in the event. The event cost about $65 to attend plus travel and hotel obviously but the price of the event was minimal. They provided two meals both days and allowed us to use our ACE badges as fastlane all day both days. The event was very well run and the park employees were extremely kinda and accommodating with the exception of closing New TX Giant during ERT to remove a train because the crowd level was low. During the conference we presented shockwave with the rollercoaster landmark plaque which was something I've been advocating for years. It's a great ride and I hope the park invests some money into it now that it has been deemed to have historical value. I will say it needs a fresh coat of paint and probably some other things done to it. Still runs great but it was definitely making a lot of strange sounds as compared to my visit 3 years ago. I was able to snag the missing coaster credits I needed considering some rides were closed during my visit 3 years ago. I got judge Roy, mini Mine Train, and the children's coaster. It is also worth noting that I got my first ride on the original arrow log flume as well and it was very enjoyable. Overall great event and if anyone has any questions. Let's talk about it more

Today it is... OPEN!!!