2 minutes ago, kingsislandfan1972 said:

Hmmm... any predictions? 

By the looks of it, I’d guess it’s a surprise, ground up RMC Son of Beast revival. 

Outside of BBoBH today. Nothing crazy, but still cool to see. Crazy this is even happening. 
 

The line will certainly be twice as long thanks to Paramount massacring the capacity by removing every other ride vehicle. All of that for Phantom to make a comeback. Ha.

Glad this Coney classic still has life in it! Only ride at the park I’ve never been on. I’m not crazy on spinning, but wanna take my kid on it when’s she’s tall enough. Might’ve been easier to just ditch this one given the state of the chain currently. We’re lucky. Brand new revival of a classic dark ride next year and continued dedication to keeping things running. Can’t complain when other parks are experiencing some intense merger growing pains. 

3 hours ago, kingsislandfan1972 said:

I don't know how "legal" it is but there is word that the Dippin' Dots guy has some inside info...

But is it on the meal plan?

I’ve been thinking about some of the old props that we still see from time to time. Garbonzo’s canon, the sarcophagus, and the organ were used in the stage show. The furnace is used in Slsughterhouse. I wonder if any will return?

4 hours ago, kingsislandfan1972 said:

I wonder if they scrape the paint off and then paint over it or they just paint over it? 

I think they’re decals that can be peeled off. Not sure, though. 

37 minutes ago, Cedar Fair Fanboy said:

I told you.

How’s that Madhouse in the Crypt building shaping up for ‘26?

Looks like the gang is here to stay. 
 

 

(Vince Guaraldi’s work outside of the Peanuts is worth getting into if you dig jazz.)

On 9/6/2025 at 7:50 PM, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

The last Boocifer never really worked at Kings Island like it does in the other Boo Blasters IMO. The others have targets all around him so you could blast and defeat him, but he just made the movements at KI.

I believe when the ride (re)opened, our Boocifer animatronic had some kind of smoke effect too. 

This is utterly surreal to see. Fantastic. 

1 hour ago, Captain Nemo said:

Half the original buggies were removed after Phantom Theater closed. Those sat outside in the graveyard for the longest time. Not sure when they all disappeared but they are long gone. 

I definitely remember them being around. Maybe behind Delirium? Might’ve been the old antique cars. 

I’d guess they were used for parts since ‘03? Might be why they’ve seemingly vanished?

16 minutes ago, flightoffear1996 said:

Any idea if the will add some cars back to help with capacity?  I am guessing not.

Do the extra ride vehicles still? I know two were put in front of the KI Theater for the encore show. 

Crazy! My wife and I made it on in about a half hour (80 min posted wait). Good to see this one getting a proper send off. Been on the PT train since the ride closed in ‘02 and was at the opening for Scooby, but I won’t lie. Little sad to see this one go, but am thrilled for what’s coming. 

2 hours ago, BryanJay said:

For those who were wondering like myself, I got confirmation that Rick Bastrup (one of the original creators of the original Phantom Theater) is working with Sally Dark Rides on Opening Nightmare, so I’m even more confident this ride will live up to the original.

As if this couldn’t get better. Thank you for sharing! 

2 hours ago, BryanJay said:

 

They literally just announced shirts with that logo lol

Oh, my 5/3 card is gonna hear about this. 

May I suggest the “Phantom Cone” for 2026. 

4 minutes ago, SonofBaconator said:

it does say that they will be using animatronics so that will appeal to a lot of of the original fans as well as those who get excited over animation-there aren’t really a lot of animatronics in the Midwest for people to experience anymore and that’s more than likely because of the times, but still it’s nice to see that they are being re-implemented- albeit on a smaller scale.

Something I would like to see return is some of the practical effects like the following busts- the ones that they brought back and put in the lobby of Phantom theater: encore- the effect literally requires no effort since it’s all visual manipulation.

 

Just what could happen with that queue area alone… 

This can be really special. 

It’s funny, I literally found this site and started posting here because of desire to see this ride return. And here it is. Wow. 

https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2025/august/phantom-theater-opening-nightmare-coming-in-2026

“Along the way, the enchanted opera boxes travel through fully built dimensional scenes, including backstage areas, haunted hallways, dressing rooms and a fiery boiler room as they meet other performers who are ready to take the stage. From animatronic forms of Houdelini and The Great Garbanzo to Hilda Bovine and Lionel Burymore, the Phantom Theater’s beloved crew returns, getting caught in the chaos while guests simultaneously search for the ghost notes. New surprises await guests around every corner, including the introduction of Arpeggio, Maestro’s furry feline friend.“

 

Here we go…

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN5rm8RAaGi/?igsh=aHYzbHF0ejFidDUz

17 minutes ago, Diamondback_Is_King said:

I'm still gonna check every 30 minutes regardless 

Very excited!

Been up since 6 checking. Ha. 

26 minutes ago, flightoffear1996 said:

Anyone know what time this is happening?

According to the parks Instagram story with a countdown, a bit after 10:00 AM. 

I’m going to take a wild guess and say Haunt lantern display, 

1 hour ago, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

I'm hoping that Six Flags understands the chance they have right now to make or break how guests will view Kings Island for the next few years. Build a quality dark ride that respects the original while providing a new experience and guests will flock to it and buy more passes. Put a cheap, uninspired, and entirely screen-based Phantom Theater overlay over Boo Blasters and guests will further understand that Six Flags is a cheap corporation that doesn't deserve their money. People will still come and ride, but another disappointment like this might be enough to tip the scale for more passholders to not renew in the next sale/next year's sale.

I wonder how much “say” (current) Six Flags had with this project. Regardless of what is announced, I’d imagine the project was more or less decided on pre-merger, right? Contracts signed, etc. Maybe this is more of a last Cedar Fair addition instead of a first Six Flags addition.  Could be totally wrong. 

Regardless, the hype is real. Saw about eight of the tie die PT shirt (excluding mine, ha) being worn around the park yesterday. Even saw an entire family with matching shirts. Lot of fun. Lot of buzz. Lot of room for disappointment. But to your point, I really hope they can deliver. I know they can, but I don’t know if they will.