Kings Island to add “family thrill” attraction in 2026

[BeeastFarmer]

29 minutes ago, OverlandTaxis30 said:

Personally, I would leave the spot sandwiched between Backlot, Jukebox, and the basketball game untouched. But, that is just me.

Personally, I'd remove the basket ball game and bring back the flyers from Carowinds.  But that is just me.

(No harm towards @OverlandTaxis30 intended).

Even though I don't ride flyers, I have fond memories of watching them. 

[Rivertown Rider]

I would not be surprised to see Killmart get demolished and a new restaurant put there.  That area gets a ton of foot traffic.

[HandsUp]

Just give me a Screaming Swing and something like Big Bear Mtn and I'd honestly be happy. As mentioned, the parks have different goals.

[SmartCat7162]

On 11/15/2024 at 10:32 AM, Tr0y said:

I guess in a sense this now a decoding thread. The fact that a lot of the survey markers found have been in Coney Mall I’m assuming this will be the area that gets this addition.
 
Without having to demo much these spots are were it would likely go?:

I would bet they are not demoing jukebox could we see a ride go over the midway somehow?

[OverlandTaxis30]

3 hours ago, BeeastFarmer said:

Personally, I'd remove the basket ball game and bring back the flyers from Carowinds.  But that is just me.

(No harm towards @OverlandTaxis30 intended).

Even though I don't ride flyers, I have fond memories of watching them. 

I don’t know how that could have been harmful to me, but thanks. I think. 
 

I have no reason to be against having the Eagles back. 

[BeeastFarmer]

4 hours ago, OverlandTaxis30 said:

I don’t know how that could have been harmful to me, but thanks. I think. 
 

I have no reason to be against having the Eagles back. 

Not harm, per se.  I should have phrased as "No shade at @OverlandTaxis30"

[OverlandTaxis30]

43 minutes ago, BeeastFarmer said:

Not harm, per se.  I should have phrased as "No shade at @OverlandTaxis30"

I still don’t get it. But, thanks anyway. 

[Driver8rws]

I think it will either be a(nother) total revamp in the Boo Blasters building, or possibly a new dark ride in the Tomb Raider building. 

[Orion742]

This news is very disappointing for me. I was really hoping that 2026 would be our year for a new thrill coaster. Everything was lining up for it. But yet again we get another family addition. I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks that it’s getting stale. The best case scenario in my opinion would be getting something like Big Bear Mountain. I don’t have a problem with getting a ride like that. In fact Big Bear Mountain is my favorite ride at Dollywood. Correct me if I’m wrong but I think this is the first time in the park’s history that we will have gone at least 7 years without a thrill coaster. Whatever it is I really hope this is the end of the family additions.

[BeeastFarmer]

37 minutes ago, Orion742 said:

This news is very disappointing for me. I was really hoping that 2026 would be our year for a new thrill coaster. Everything was lining up for it. But yet again we get another family addition. I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks that it’s getting stale. The best case scenario in my opinion would be getting something like Big Bear Mountain. I don’t have a problem with getting a ride like that. In fact Big Bear Mountain is my favorite ride at Dollywood. Correct me if I’m wrong but I think this is the first time in the park’s history that we will have gone at least 7 years without a thrill coaster. Whatever it is I really hope this is the end of the family additions.

Kings Island is and always has been a family park. Yes, we have had major, ground breaking rides, but the family demographic is their bread and butter. (I think an original tagline for ads in the early years was something along the lines of "America's Largest Family Entertainment Center")

With the pass base we currently have, they will continue to cater to families as it works for them. If they cut hours, service, extras etc and it erodes the passholder base and they loose attendance numbers and revenue, they would reevaluate things. But with cheap passes, people will renew and buy in droves.  

CP is a resort destination, which Kings Island originally also intended to be. This never materialized for KI as there is not a resort draw to the area. Therefore, CP put in a concerted effort to draw people into Sandusky to fill up hotels.  The locals won't stay in their hotels, but destination seekers will.  That puts money in CPs coiffurs. They have to keep upping their game to maintain hotel occupancy. Hence they have winter entertainment with the sports and gaming complex and purchased sawmill Creek to use year round to compliment their indoor water resort. The concept that they want to sacrifice other parks only to prop up CP is ludicrous. They want to cater to each market base and capitalize on the benefits of doing so.

[WoodVengeance]

Kings Island's primarily role in the chain right now is to be a cash cow for the local family demographic, who is the demographic most likely to spend the most money at the park. The park knows it can get away with not installing major new additions because the local demographic will renew their season passes regardless as there's not much competition within the immediate area. Kentucky Kingdom and Holiday World are somewhat close by, but if you're a KI local, you're looking anywhere between 1.5 hours and 3 hours to get to those parks and neither of them are nearly to the same scale as Kings Island.

Cedar Point's role will always be to be "the roller coaster capital of the world", building up an elite collection of coasters and rides to attract people from around the world, and that includes Kings Island's local demographic. Cedar Fair/Six Flags wants to keep the elite record-breaking coasters exclusive to Cedar Point so passholders of Kings Island who want to experience that stuff will need to travel north to do so. (and gives them more incentive to buy the all-park passport which is also very important)

I do think there will come a time when Kings Island will add a new thrill coaster to the park. Likewise, I think there will come a time when Cedar Point will add a new family attraction similar to how they just added Wild Mouse. Just because these parks focus on different demographics doesn't mean they will exclusively add attractions to cater to those different demographics. With the families being the main priority for Kings Island right now, it may be some time before we see that thrill coaster come. In addition, don't expect the coaster to be an elite coaster that outdoes something at Cedar Point.

[DonHelbig]

47 minutes ago, WoodVengeance said:

Kings Island's primarily role in the chain right now is to be a cash cow for the local family demographic, who is the demographic most likely to spend the most money at the park. The park knows it can get away with not installing major new additions because the local demographic will renew their season passes regardless as there's not much competition within the immediate area. Kentucky Kingdom and Holiday World are somewhat close by, but if you're a KI local, you're looking anywhere between 1.5 hours and 3 hours to get to those parks and neither of them are nearly to the same scale as Kings Island.

Cedar Point's role will always be to be "the roller coaster capital of the world", building up an elite collection of coasters and rides to attract people from around the world, and that includes Kings Island's local demographic. Cedar Fair/Six Flags wants to keep the elite record-breaking coasters exclusive to Cedar Point so passholders of Kings Island who want to experience that stuff will need to travel north to do so. (and gives them more incentive to buy the all-park passport which is also very important)

I do think there will come a time when Kings Island will add a new thrill coaster to the park. Likewise, I think there will come a time when Cedar Point will add a new family attraction similar to how they just added Wild Mouse. Just because these parks focus on different demographics doesn't mean they will exclusively add attractions to cater to those different demographics. With the families being the main priority for Kings Island right now, it may be some time before we see that thrill coaster come. In addition, don't expect the coaster to be an elite coaster that outdoes something at Cedar Point.

Holiday World may be smaller on scale than Kings Island, but Holiday World has a number of things that are better than Kings Island, including water park. The value I received as a 2024 Holiday World passholder was superior to the value I received as a 2024 Kings Island passholder. I live three hours from Holiday World; 22 minutes from Kings Island. 

[Klabergian Empire]

"Family additions" by themselves are fine. But when the majority of recent additions are "family additions", I agree with @Orion742 it is really getting stale. I personally believe we are now at the point where KI has/has added "family additions" to the point where the park is oversaturated with them. A lot of people I've talked to really would love to see a new high thrill coaster come to KI. The guest demand is there. Not just from coaster enthusiasts, but also from the GP.

[IBEW_Sparky]

2 hours ago, DonHelbig said:

Holiday World may be smaller on scale than Kings Island, but Holiday World has a number of things that are better than Kings Island, including water park. The value I received as a 2024 Holiday World passholder was superior to the value I received as a 2024 Kings Island passholder. I live three hours from Holiday World; 22 minutes from Kings Island. 

IF I were to ever buy a other pass, it would be an HW/SS pass for this very reason even as I wish Pat were still there, they do it better and always have.  If HW were to ever add a version of FastLane, even if only valid for the 4 coasters, Id buy in a Heartbeat.

[CoasterJack]

2 hours ago, Klabergian Empire said:

 I personally believe we are now at the point where KI has/has added "family additions" to the point where the park is oversaturated with them

  While I know many people who do want a new large coaster, I also know countless families that have enjoyed the new flat rides, and Soap Box Racer. In fact I feel like not too long ago quite a few members on here were begging for a large new flat ride package. While I agree they shouldn't completely avoid coasters, I do think they help round out the park. I've ran into countless friends in line for the Cargo Barrels, quite a few like the Antique Cars, and Soap Box Racers only adds another thing to our great kids area. As much as the camp snoop refresh was disappointing, it still runs circles around most other areas in the chain outside of maybe Knotts. 

  I do agree that KI deserves better in terms of another large investment, but it's not like they're not spending money on the park. Sometimes I think we forget all the little improvements and renovations. They recently redid jukebox and chicken shack with new kitchen equipment. The lazy river concrete work and Mondo Monsoon pump room wasn't cheap either, or the bathroom renovations, new ice cream stand, new Action Zone drink stand or even the bars (as much as I don't like them, they are infrastructure). From what I've talked about with Mr. Koontz, I think he chooses to spend more of the budget on park infrastructure and improvements, as well as staffing compared to similar counterparts in the chain. And while this might eat into the new attraction budget, and we've had other entertainment slashed, I do trust the park management has good intentions on running the park at the best level they can given their resources.

  Though I do worry how much more corporate will continue to slash at their budget down the road, will we see the drones and fireworks reduced to weekends, less haunt and winterfest changes, less staffing, etc. KI has killer pass revenue, and I wish more would go back into the park

[Eric FL]

I'm ok with Kings Island being a family park, but if your going to be a family park, be a family park, not a park with just family rides. The entertainment lineup was weak this past season, I expect a family park to have quality family rides, food and entertainment. Boo Blasters is in terrible need of a refresh, and I hope is the 2026 family thrill attraction.

[Vortex1987]

If they put a family ride in the Crypt building, I'll most likely never go back. 

[BeeastFarmer]

9 hours ago, Vortex1987 said:

If they put a family ride in the Crypt building, I'll most likely never go back. 

If they are not going to use the building for public activity besides a Haunt, they need to either remove it or  modify it so it's not such an eyesore. 

I'd love a Verbolten style coaster in this area using the building. It definitely would be a family thrill, but appeal to other demographics as well.  

Of course, they could remove it and replace it with Kenton's Cove Keelboat Canal v2.0 on steroids and I'd be great with that as well!

[Orion742]

23 hours ago, WoodVengeance said:

Kings Island's primarily role in the chain right now is to be a cash cow for the local family demographic, who is the demographic most likely to spend the most money at the park. The park knows it can get away with not installing major new additions because the local demographic will renew their season passes regardless as there's not much competition within the immediate area. Kentucky Kingdom and Holiday World are somewhat close by, but if you're a KI local, you're looking anywhere between 1.5 hours and 3 hours to get to those parks and neither of them are nearly to the same scale as Kings Island.

Cedar Point's role will always be to be "the roller coaster capital of the world", building up an elite collection of coasters and rides to attract people from around the world, and that includes Kings Island's local demographic. Cedar Fair/Six Flags wants to keep the elite record-breaking coasters exclusive to Cedar Point so passholders of Kings Island who want to experience that stuff will need to travel north to do so. (and gives them more incentive to buy the all-park passport which is also very important)

I do think there will come a time when Kings Island will add a new thrill coaster to the park. Likewise, I think there will come a time when Cedar Point will add a new family attraction similar to how they just added Wild Mouse. Just because these parks focus on different demographics doesn't mean they will exclusively add attractions to cater to those different demographics. With the families being the main priority for Kings Island right now, it may be some time before we see that thrill coaster come. In addition, don't expect the coaster to be an elite coaster that outdoes something at Cedar Point.

Although, why would the park survey on multiple thrill coasters if they’re only interested in adding family additions. The park is listening to what guests want and I think eventually the demand will be there for another thrill coaster. We’ll just have to wait and see.

[WoodVengeance]

13 hours ago, Vortex1987 said:

If they put a family ride in the Crypt building, I'll most likely never go back. 

I mean, an indoor family attraction can be a great addition if something like Fire in the Hole is anything to go by. It would be a better use for that building than what it's currently being used for.

[Vortex1987]

If the building gets modified they should send me the eye off the triangle of light door if they demo that part. I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Lol. 

[MysticTimberwolf]

I found a really interesting looking family thrill ride model that I think could fit inside the Crypt building pretty well.

Here's a video of the ride experience as well. I think even if this doesn't go in the old Crypt building, it would be a good family thrill ride that doesn't seem to be at any other park in North America.

 

[Coastercrush]

Intamin just dropped a new family lsm coaster model

[DanC]

Intamin just announced a new family LSM coaster concept. The video looks very similar to the "family thrill coaster" survey option that was going around earlier this year. 

 

https://x.com/coasterchitchat/status/1858578612313522344 

[Orion742]

On 11/18/2024 at 1:46 PM, DanC said:

Intamin just announced a new family LSM coaster concept. The video looks very similar to the "family thrill coaster" survey option that was going around earlier this year. 

 

https://x.com/coasterchitchat/status/1858578612313522344 

Actually that ended up being the Zamperla family coaster they announced this morning. 
Speaking of the Intamin family coaster they announced yesterday, I think it looks fantastic. Now I know our 2026 addition is likely not a new coaster but if it was and we got this type of ride, I would be very happy.

[DanC]

Interesting, I didn't see the Zamperla announcement, and it does match the survey photos exactly. Thank you for pointing that out! I guess a family coaster from either company is possible. I would be happy with a good lsm family coaster, I just hope it doesnt go into The Vortex plot. 

[KIBeast]

On 11/14/2024 at 2:41 PM, BryanJay said:

I unfortunately have a habit of only responding to what vaguely reminds me of this, but I will be happy if “Family Thrill attraction” could be referring to a dark ride/themed indoor Crypt replacement or a Phantom Theater reboot, especially considering the terminology “coaster” isn’t used. If this is a small flat ride on the line of Sol Spin, or that Peanuts shooter ride from the surveys, I will be disappointed. 

I am also in the camp of a family thrill attraction going in to the Boo Blasters on Boo Hill building. I'm pretty sure it's been far longer for something new there as opposed to the old Vortex plot of land. It's entirely possible that 2027, we will receive a coaster in that area.

[DJSkyFoxx]

Definitely in the camp of not having said family thrill ride in The Vortex plot. That plot should be reserved for something of the same/better caliber coaster. Not saying that a family thrill coaster couldn't be worthy in it's own right, but I think you all know what I mean. Something big, thrilling and something that honors the legacy of Vortex ( and even the original Bat ) should go in that plot. 

I did see the Intamin family coaster and I find it cool/interesting that the model can include inversions. I will say that I hope it isn't another shuttle type ride like the CGI rendering showed since we already have two. And that is IF we were to receive one of these. Obviously we have no idea what kind of family thrill attraction we are getting since there are many many possibilities and since the announcement was very vague. 

[IndyGuy4KI]

Since Vortex was a 48" coaster, can we assume it was a "Family Thrill"? I guess I am saying we could get a very similar ride to Vortex and be considered a family thrill coaster even at the 48" mark.

[BeeastFarmer]

As said above, I hope that whatever family thrill attraction or future coaster it is does not have a shuttle element to it. It seems that those are becoming oversaturated in the industry, and everytime I ride one, my mind goes to "I'm on a stupid boomerBANG". ( Yes I know that there is a difference, but that is just how my brain works)