Losantiville Mining Co.

(sorry for the double post) I believe the current exit path was built that way for ADA compliance, though I would love to see the path you drew (which I think is close to the original exit route as well) come back with the rest of that entrance building being used again! A small drink stand and photo stop would fit really well there and allow for the current photo stop to turn into something else. Either way, as long as the ADA route compliance is maintained, I would welcome the change.

I have to agree. Moving the station entrance to where Tropical Twister is currently would allow for the construction of a station building while maintaining the current point where the engine stops. The most that might affect this would be if the park continues to run 3-car train operations. Personally I will mourn the loss of the Boomerang Bay fence paintings right there whenever they are removed, but I think a new station building would make up for it a little. In this scenario, depicted below, guests exiting the KI&MV RR would do so via the current path between First Aid (blue roof on the right) and the locker building (red roof). They would come into Soak City the way guests have done so since its initial construction, entering to a plaza where they can proceed toward most of the rest of the waterpark. Guests entering the KI&MV RR would do so via a new station structure (blue roof on the left) near Pineapple Pipeline. This is smaller than the Rivertown station, but I would think it is better than corralling everybody into an unshaded pen like they currently do. They would then be able to move down the platform to all cars. The former Subway location between the new entrance and exit could be transformed into a connecting pass-through, with a new First Aid entrance being located within it. Guests walking to/from Camp Snoopy would enter near the north (left) side of the new station where there is currently a gate. (this map is still a work in progress, hopefully I can show more off soon)

If the park renovated the entire front entrance, it would make the guest experience of getting into the park a lot better! One massive issue is that the guest flow is atrocious. Everyone processed through the north (left) security lines are funneled between a planter and a fence or said planter and the season pass building. Everyone processed through the south (right) lines is immediately at the turnstiles. There isn't really much room to expand the entrance plaza—so a Canada's Wonderland security line system is out of the question—but there is enough room to create an environment like a smaller Cedar Point or Carowinds entrance plaza. If I were KI management a renovation/reorganization of the entrance would be near the top of my list of "easy" projects. And the parking lot needs a more than just repaving, but that's a topic for another time.

In no particular order, I would like to see things that activate areas of the park that are currently lacking: a new coaster for The Vortex plot as long as it is anything but a B&M, seeing as KI's top 3 steel coasters are from B&M. I thought of a Mack Rides launch coaster concept that I named Coyote. an expanded Camp Snoopy that reaches Snoopy Boutique and the entrance to Woodstock Whirlybirds new restaurants. One quick-service in Rivertown near the underutilized Paradise Island, with PI being kept and rethemed. One sit-down in Coney Mall, similar to Victoria Gardens Pizza at Kings Dominion. There could be additional seating in front near the Games stand if the capacity required it. One refreshment stand just beyond the entrance to The Beast. new permanent stages and a return to non-stunt-shows in the International Showplace. One small stage near the entrance to The Beast. One small stage in Action Zone. new flat rides a spinning ride that can mirror the Grand Carousel (like a tea cup ride), placed near the International Showplace one more flat ride in Area 72, could be Flying Eagles-esque a retheme of Action Zone, possibly with a theme of mythical creatures/cryptids (they could call it Mythical Village). Able to keep Banshee and The Bat, and maybe add a new coaster playing off of the Loveland Frog Man. Delirium's entrance could be moved to Oktoberfest (probably easier than some might think), and it be rethemed as well. more permanent structures for Halloween Haunt mazes. freshly renovated bathrooms across the whole park, more trees and foliage, more seating. General park atmosphere improvements. proper staffing of all locations throughout the regular season. No more passing 2 closed drink stands just to find an open one. a reworking of the parking lot to make the experience of walking across it better.

I think a change to some of the things guests regularly use may come in the near future as well. Things like maps, apps, websites, drink bottles (as seen above), branding on cups/plate covers, etc. could be subject to look different sooner rather than later. We've already seen the restructuring of Six Flags passes to match the Cedar Fair model as a start. For example, why use 3-4 different park guide/map design companies (CF physical map style, CF mobile app map style, SF physical map style, and maybe SF mobile app map style) when everything could be done through 2 (physical & mobile app maps)? Different map styles shown below. Kings Island summer 2024 park map Kings Island 2024 mobile app map preview (maps created by MapLayr) https://attractions.io/learn/cedar-fair-maplayr-partnership Six Flags Over Texas summer 2024 park map

I would be curious to see what Kings Island accomplishes in their additional week off compared to Carowinds — such as does it take longer for KI to switch out decorations and winterize coasters that won't be open? Whatever the case, I'm excited for all the pretty sights around the park!

I hope this bathroom renovation marks the beginning of many more around the park, other parks across the chain have really nice ones. The food stand will be nice to have as well!

As a lover of all things Halloween and Haunt — and as someone who’s been going since I was about 8 — I’ve witnessed the vast range of KI’s Halloween events. I love love love Haunt! That being said, I think it could use some new ideas. Following is a project I’ve put together over the past month. I tried to keep the park full of nighttime activities with inspiration from KI Halloween offerings over the past 24 years. A brief explainer: Fright Zones (3) are areas of the park in which monsters simply roam. Scare Zones (6) are where the true nature of HAUNT can come alive. Here, monsters will actively prowl and scare anyone who crosses their paths. There are (7) Sinister Shows spread throughout the three Fright Zones, two of which are Opening and Closing shows. Lastly, there are (10) Haunted Mazes spread throughout the Scare Zones, split between five Outdoor Mazes and five Indoor Mazes. All of this should be visible on the map (though you may need to zoom in a little). Anything placed between quotation marks currently exists as a Halloween Haunt attraction at Kings Island. While some of these have counterparts at other legacy Cedar Fair parks, I tried not to copy those when creating this project. The base map is composed of screenshots from the Kings Island mobile app. Most of this was written before the awesome start to the 2024 Haunt season, so if you like something from 2024, put in a reply below! Fright Zones (1) “International Street FEAR” “Step right up to see the strange and mysterious creatures that stalk the shadows and lurk around every corner of International Street. Legend says that these doomed souls are condemned to haunt International Street for the rest of eternity.” Located on International Street. (2) “Pumpkin Eater” “The notorious Pumpkin Eater is on the prowl, hidden within the dark confines of the haunted town he once terrorized. Beware the demons who roam the winding serpentine road. They were townsfolk once, just like you.” Located on the path between the park entrance and Adventure Port. (3) Grimm Place Enter a world of dark myths and stories of old! Hear the fables from their authors and try to remind yourself that none of this is real, right? Located in Action Zone. Scare Zones As with up at Cedar Point, this revitalized Halloween Haunt could utilize gantry structures to alert guests when they are entering the Scare Zone area. (4) Port of Chaos A bustling port community once besieged by pirates in search of the fabled King's Gold. Ancient myths tell of wonders galore, but the locals know what creatures lurk beneath the waves. Dead men tell no tales, so BEWARE! Don’t let your eyes deceive you…these violent delights often have violent ends. Located in Adventure Port. (5) Coney Maul The historic Coney Mall has thrilled amusement seekers for more than fifty years, but recently the thrills have turned into frights! Take a stroll down the mall at your own risk! The creatures are only getting hungrier with each passing night. Located in the northern half of Coney Mall between The Racer and Manic Midway. (6) Expedition 72 When the advanced Expedition 72 returned from its trip to space, it brought back some special alien artifacts; however not all items were satisfied with remaining in their crates. Walk around the base and gaze at the artifacts that are still contained…and watch out for those that managed to escape. Located in Area 72 (7) Cemetery Drive Amongst the graves the mourners weep; Above the ground where the undead creep; As above, so below; Around here your fears will grow. Take a stroll through the old Ride Valley Cemetery and gaze upon the tombstones. The eerie feelings will refuse to subside when the undead come out at night! Located on the path between Rivertown, International Street, and Coney Mall. (8) Dread Quarter It's time for some proper Crescent City fun! Watch The Quarter come alive as the sweet sounds of jazz fill the air. Feel free to engage with the vibrant nightlife, they won’t bite you…yet! Located in the southern half of Coney Mall between Manic Midway, JukeBox Diner, and Hotel St. Michelle. Located between the Rivertown LaRosa’s Pizzeria and JukeBox Diner. (9) Ghost Town “The problem started years ago on the grounds of the newly developed Miami Valley Lumber Company. Men and women, 66 in total, entered the lumber company and were never to be seen again… at least not in the way they used to be. Stepping into Rivertown, outsiders find themselves immersed in a small abandoned lumber village that’s haunted by something mysterious. The forest is overrun by supernatural creatures that have riddled their confines with darkness and despair. Are these the lumber yard workers from days past? And, which of them are evil?” Located in Rivertown Haunted Mazes (1) Circles: Field Report The farmers just outside town have been reporting crop circles and missing animals to the local news, and now crowds are gathering in the fields to witness the next event! Rumor has it the aliens have something else in mind… Don’t get lost in the fields or else you might just end up like the unlucky travelers from the aliens last encounter. Information: Located in Area 72, between the Parade Tent and the Area 72 Beer Cart. Theme: Corn crop circles inhabited by victims of aliens. (2) Nightmare on the Docks The S.S. Pescador has returned to its port of call, but where is her crew? Trod warily through the docks and try to discover the clues of what those sailors were searching for on their forbidden voyage. Tales of Spanish sirenas have long haunted these waters, so heed this warning: there are things far more frightening than a drunken buccaneer! Information: Located under the covered patio at Enrique's. Guests enter by the pond, travel through the maze, then exit near Enrique’s exit opposite the VIP Lounge. Theme: Sirens and their victims seek a chance to lure guests to their deaths. (3) Terror Gardens History repeats itself inside the green walls of Tower Gardens. The frights of years ago understand that All You Fear Is Here! Keep moving! Things are not always as they seem. Screams will only further encourage these monsters. Information: Located within Tower Gardens. Enter through the Tower Gardens gate, move through scares of Haunts past, and exit near the Coney Bar-B-Que patio. Theme: Guests are visited by some of Halloween Haunt's favorite spooks. (4) Buried Blood The eerie Rubied Estate is a scary place to be at night. Watch your step as you venture through the house and discover the truth behind the feud that spilled blood on this hallowed ground. Information: Located on a platform built for this maze. Theme: Old family troubles come to light. Guests process through an old house and between the mausoleums and stones to encounter the ghoulish figures of this estate. (5) The Legend of Kenton’s Cove It's time to take a tour of the historic Kenton’s Cove! Water-logged residents welcome you through their former homes and shops, though this ghost town has gained a reputation for more than just stories. Try to make it to the end of the tour and don't lose your head! Information: Located in Rivertown. Line begins at the start of the White Water Canyon queue and continues past a parked train where guests cross the tracks. The maze continues behind the former TR:TR/The Crypt building and exits near the entrance of The Beast. Theme: Zombies and ghosts of Kenton’s Cove haunt their former village. (6) Deep Waters Come take a tour of the mine! The Sycamore Mining Company may have been shut down years ago, but that hasn't stopped them from digging deep into the mountainside. Can you find your way out before the subterranean water rises? Or will you be forced to join the crews forever? Information: Located in the former TR:TR/The Crypt building. Theme: Dangerous mine shafts containing watery death and destruction. (7) Runt of the Mill Sick of being known as the weakest man to ever work in the mill, Tipper Lee found his own way to climb the leadership ladder. Make sure to watch your step as you find your way into the saw barn, because Tipper will stop at nothing to stay at the top. Information: Located in the Slaughterhouse building, near The Beast. Guests move through an old saw barn full of dismembered lumbermen with actors dressed as the fictional Tipper Lee causing harm throughout. Theme: Torture and dismemberment within an old saw mill. (8) Hotel Rougarou: The Cajun Werewolf Locals have long told tales of werewolves prowling near the mystic Hotel Rougarou, but is there any truth within their words? See for yourself and step into a realm where the moon is full every night. They can hear your every move from the dark depths of the surrounding swamps. And whatever you do, do not go into Room 013. Information: Located in the Action Theater. Theme: Cryptid werewolves attack a hotel in the swamp. NOTE: A Rougarou is a werewolf-like cryptid that prowls the swamps of southern Louisiana. I would’ve used another spelling to avoid comparisons to the ride at Cedar Point, however I fear the other spellings would be hard for guests to pronounce. (9) Manic Midway The midways of this historic amusement park used to explode with fun, but everything changed when disasters repeatedly plagued the area. Weave your way between the forgotten thrills and dodge the midway games to survive! Tread carefully, not all screams are echoes from the past! Information: Located in the former Kill Mart building. Theme: Clowns and carnival barkers terrorize a park gone to hell. (10) Callisto’s Reach The Department of Alien Research has reopened after a former biological weapons experiment breached containment and destroyed the facility. Their first task at hand: to analyze a damaged space probe returned from the moon Callisto. When the press gains access to the compound, something is found hiding inside the lab. Will the creatures engage in a peaceful first contact? How far can Callisto’s reach extend? Information: Located in the Alien Abyss (formerly the Red Barn) building, behind Meteor Canteen. Theme: Research lab overrun by alien creatures. Sinister Shows (1) Opening Scaremonies The Undertaker summons his haunting gang of monsters and commands them to have a frightfully good time at 7:00 PM each night. Located on the International Street Bandstand, with effects around International Street. (2) Red Devil’s Regrets Sing and scream your heart out at this sick Halloween party! Join the DJ as he turns up the hits as you dance until you drop! Small-stage DJ show located in Action Zone, in front of Drop Tower. Drop Tower entrance and exit located at the side of the stage. (3) Creatures of the Moonlight Gravedigger Sam invites you to his mausoleum Halloween party where you’ll be lovin’ the nightlife as classic monsters are conjured up to make this the wildest shindig around! Featuring a live band and music from the 70s and 80s, all with a haunting spin! Located on the Festhaus Stage (4) Ravagers of the Black Death Death looms around every corner as the Black Death claims victims for its cursed count. Join the Ravagers while they drum their way through the plague! Located on the International Street Bandstand. (5) Dead Beat Brood Blood runs hot among this vampire brood! Expand your tastes as rock n' roll and chaos reign supreme in this all new after-life offering. Located in the International Showplace. (6) Swinging Wake Band This big brass band is set to play their way into the afterlife amidst the fog of the Dread Quarter! Located near JukeBox Diner. (7) Killer Countdown Time is ticking, so count every hour as if it were your last! The struggle between the living and the underworld rages on, culminating in a finale to die for! "Fire and lasers erupt with a rocking soundtrack as the finale of Kings Island’s Halloween Haunt materializes in front of guests." Located on International Street. Special Experiences (A) Meet + Creep (Kings Island Theater entrance) A monster Meet + Greet located in front of the Kings Island Theater. Similar to those found at Knott’s Scary Farm. (B) HAUNT Store (@ the Emporium) A continuation of the current Halloween Haunt merchandise store at the Emporium. (C) Fright Feast (@ the International Restaurant) A reintroduction of the FearFeast/Fright Feast (‘06-’10 ?) in the International Restaurant. Could include a special souvenir cup. (D) Scream Stop (@ KI Essentials) A continuation of the current Halloween Haunt merchandise store at KI Essentials. Poe’s Garden Take a stroll through the garden where Edgar Allen Poe's stories come to life! An interactive experience lies around every corner. A lantern activation area similar to the one found during the 2024 Haunt season, but smaller due to the added maze. This area would only be accessible through the north entrance of Tower Gardens. (E) Graveyard Eats Enjoy some graveyard-themed foods from this mausoleum! A variety of French Fries, Slider Minis, and Dirt Cakes await you to pay your respects! Limited seating available at this location. Located at the Paradise Island food stand. Temporary signage and decorations to be added. Oktoberfest Fright Delights The chefs have been hard at work cooking up a feast! Join us in the Festhaus for specialties like LaRosa's Pizza, hamburgers, bratwursts, killer brownies, and more! Located in the Festhaus food lines. The Night Trolley The "Night Trolley" completes a loop of International Street FEAR three times each night to release more monsters into the park. The trolley stops at the Main Entrance and in front of the International Street Bandstand. Finally, the map:

Has anyone else noticed the new digital signs that have popped up around the park? They seem to be in places that used to have either a park map display (where the interactive map screens used to be) and where the advertising boards were. Specifically, there is one in the calendar date planter and another on the side of the Eiffel Tower near French Corner with others around the park. Thoughts? Ideas of why the park replaced the physical map boards? I think they're kinda neat because they're new

I enjoyed my time at Haunt tonight! Here's a short spoiler-free review: The new scare zone is well themed and full of actors, the lantern points look great (even though I don't plan to buy one), I was thrilled to see an old "friend" from Haunts past at the game station in Rivertown, and there was an abundance of fog — always a big plus in my book! I wasn't able to go through any mazes tonight, but I'm looking forward to seeing what they're like compared to previous years. Most exciting surprise of my night has to go to the new Tower Gardens overlay. Part of me is wondering if the park is done setting up, but if they are I'm still super excited to come back next week! I also had my 33rd meal at a legacy CF park tonight at Tom & Chee and was super thrilled with the niceness of the associate and the quality of the food! With those praises being sung, I was not terribly happy with some things I experienced. Take this next part with the knowledge that I saw some of the first shows of the first night and that things will (hopefully) change! The music in the shows was far too loud! In fact, I looked up the price for some noise-reducing ear buds right after the second show I saw because I don't know how much more my ears can handle of it. The shows also felt like they were not very coherent and needed more of either a plot or a throughline to connect the songs together. In my mind, that's something that cannot be fixed without rewriting at least part of each show. One show in particular rubbed me the wrong way, but I can't quite figure out why (sorry). All in all, I had a wonderful first night of Haunt and have high hopes for many more!