Losantiville Mining Co. Posted August 6 Share Posted August 6 They're somewhat more cost effective and help to solve some very common guest complaints! It's the kind of investment some parks from both chains have needed for years. 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IBEW_Sparky Posted August 6 Share Posted August 6 Yes, and also bring back a Cirque quality show... I know laying out the cash for Cirque performers has to be up there but again, the one the park had was DEFINITELY worth it and a show like Gazillion Bubbles was really fun and again showed skills that I watch and get drawn in. Good live E, and food offerings is what it takes if they want to push the Family park narrative. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterJack Posted August 6 Share Posted August 6 25 minutes ago, IBEW_Sparky said: Id like to place strong emphasis and agreement on some of your last points here. Given an already small number being available for any cap-ex in 2026, it would make me incredibly happy to have the amount earmarked for KI to be put towards those types of improvements.... right now $18 million (purely speculative number used for example) will go MUCH further towards turning a minefield into a parking lot, stocking drink cups and flavoring syrup for Freestyle machines, and allowing sufficient staff to keep 3 train ops and clean restrooms/midways than it will towards any wood or steel constructed ride or attraction. That is the reason this park drew me back and away from the joint up north, like I said good ops, food, and entertainment hold my attention far better than a new shiny $25 mil coaster at a dump. This 100%! I'd rather the park be able to run on all cylinders providing the best with what the park already has in its lineup. Another year of "park improvements" is fine with me if it allows for the park to run its best. Funneling all the money to one ride at the cost of staffing and supplies isn't worth it to me personally. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Losantiville Mining Co. Posted August 6 Share Posted August 6 Adding quality live entertainment is probably one of the easiest ways to improve the attractions & experiences lineup at any park. It doesn't require the construction of a permanent venue (as a ride would) and can be taken down if it doesn't work out. Any area can become a venue as we've seen with the small stages for Carnivale and Tricks and Treats. Six Flags Over Texas is currently renovating their Palace Theater venue, which makes me a little hopeful that someone at Six Flags understands the need for entertainment spaces. Kings Island currently has five main performance venues (KI Theater, Festhaus, Bandstand, International Showplace, and Peanuts Showplace) plus International Street for the nighttime fireworks shows. There are also areas for temporary stages in the Action Zone shade tent, Oktoberfest, the Mercado patio area, the new festival tent next to the Grand Carousel, the Mistletones stage in Coney Mall, the Sounds of the Nativity stage in PS, and the one-time location of Busker Jam in Rivertown. I'd love to see a permanent stage return to Rivertown, maybe back by The Beast. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joshua Posted August 7 Share Posted August 7 23 hours ago, RollerColt said: This merger was great for some people, but I think for most of us consumers it's been a negative. I hope I'm wrong and that down the road things will get better, but as of now I'm pretty apprehensive on the future of our park... Mergers make me anxious. I can't think of very many examples of it working out for the better. The many Warner Bros. mergers can be cited, including the recent Discovery disaster. But even the Fox/Disney merger was only a good thing if you dreamed about Wolverine and Captain America starring in a movie together. For anyone else, it's largely been bad, particularly on Fox's end, as it's now a studio in name only. Avatar: Fire and Ash may have a Fox logo in front of it, but make no mistake, it's a Disney movie. Meanwhile, I can't rent, watch, stream or purchase physically a number of my favorite go-to movies (including Cocoon and Airheadz) unless I'm willing to drop some dough an old DVD from some eBay reseller who's seeing money signs because the title is out of print. The people responsible for corroding the value of these companies, like David Zaslav, never seem to walk away with shame. They only toot their own horn for "disrupting the industry" and go on failing upwards. At this point, we're just watching major entities swallow each other up like it's a big game of corporate Pac-Man while the establishments, entertainment and brands we enjoy rot from the inside out. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RollerColt Posted August 7 Share Posted August 7 25 minutes ago, Joshua said: Mergers make me anxious. I can't think of very man examples of it working out for the better. The many Warner Bros. mergers can be cited, including the recent Discovery disaster. But even the Fox/Disney merger was only a good thing if you dreamed about Wolverine and Captain America starring in a movie together. For anyone else, it's largely been bad, particularly on Fox's end, as it's now a studio in name only. Avatar: Fire and Ash may have a Fox logo in front of it, but make no mistake, it's a Disney movie. Meanwhile, I can't rent, watch, stream or purchase physically a number of my favorite go-to movies (including Cocoon and Airheadz) unless I'm willing to drop some dough an old DVD from some eBay reseller who's seeing money signs because the title is out of print. The people responsible for corroding the value of these companies, like David Zaslav, never seem to walk away with shame. They only toot their own horn for "disrupting the industry" and go on failing upwards. At this point, we're just watching major entities swallow each other up like it's a big game of corporate Pac-Man while the establishments, entertainment and brands rot from the inside out. I agree. I wasn't a fan of this merger when it was first announced and I'm still not convinced it was a good idea. Cedar Fair would've been just fine without Six Flags. And I think our own dear park would've been far better off without being sucked into the corporate conglomerate nightmare. It's basically catching strays from someone else's mistakes and choices... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted August 7 Share Posted August 7 It's hilarious because it only would have benefited the shareholders, and it turns out it's not even benefiting them. Oops! I really would like to see more shows on the scale of Phantom Theater Encore, especially if it means the park's main theater is occupied for more than a month. I think the problem with outside shows like the Cirque shows and Gazillion Bubbles is that they eat up a good chunk of the year's entertainment budget, so while those shows are great, it means we're missing out on, say, a daytime bandstand show or a kids' show. KI is a lot better off with entertainment than, say, KD, but it's also extremely important when the park doesn't have anything else exciting and new to offer its guests. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdubbs727 Posted August 7 Share Posted August 7 On 7/31/2025 at 2:07 PM, SmartCat7162 said: I’ve been thinking, and I don’t know if we will see the 2026 family thrill attraction in 2026. I’m thinking that it has most likely been pushed due to the fact they announced season pass sales. However, no other park has announced anything for 2026 I believe besides great adventure pushing theirs to 2027. But I don’t know I could be wrong and this is all speculation. I'm beginning to wonder if you're right. I feel like the company has to know consumer sentiment has been in the toilet this year, coupled with the disastrous earnings. Announcing a new ride at the same time passes went on sale would be an attempt to say "hey, there's a reason worth showing up next year." But given that it's been quiet, I wouldn't be surprised if either nothing is coming or if it's going to be an addition that is largely underwhelming, so they'll just low-key announce it. That said, I could be wrong. They've announced things later in the season before. Something's going on at the former Tomb Raider location, but whether that's a new ride, updates for Haunt or they're just getting ready to tear the eyesore down, I don't know. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IBEW_Sparky Posted August 7 Share Posted August 7 2 hours ago, CedarPointer said: It's hilarious because it only would have benefited the shareholders, and it turns out it's not even benefiting them. Oops! I really would like to see more shows on the scale of Phantom Theater Encore, especially if it means the park's main theater is occupied for more than a month. I think the problem with outside shows like the Cirque shows and Gazillion Bubbles is that they eat up a good chunk of the year's entertainment budget, so while those shows are great, it means we're missing out on, say, a daytime bandstand show or a kids' show. KI is a lot better off with entertainment than, say, KD, but it's also extremely important when the park doesn't have anything else exciting and new to offer its guests. Ive got a good compromise.... do you remember or did you ever see the stunt show at CP? Id LOVE to see one like that at KI because here is the thing with me and what makes me enjoy Cirque and GB for instance, the stunt show they put on there spent 90% of the time showcasing the skills of the bike and board riders and as a former of each, THAT is what I want to see. I understand your point and you make a good one, especially with my example using 2 outside shows, and if the park can keep one show like that, and one "in house" show of that level Id be in 100% all day, every day along with the bandstand show you mentioned. Im a high energy person as some here may have noticed, and if Im going to spend 30 minutes sitting outside watching a show I need to be locked in with action like Dive at HW or the former stunt show I talked about at CP. And of course for the most part Ive always enjoyed the shows at Festhaus because yes I CAN throttle myself back from Mach 12 and relax sometimes, and its always been nice to be able to cool off for an hour or so and enjoy Kis very good performers in that type of environment. Also, with the exception of the guest segment that makes up about .5% of total guest headcount, being able to have SOMETHING to place marketing emphasis on (new or solid returning shows) is always better than "Hey check out our new addition, GRASS, because thats all thats coming!". 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyGuy4KI Posted August 7 Share Posted August 7 1 hour ago, IBEW_Sparky said: "Hey check out our new addition, GRASS, because thats all thats coming!". I heard this in the voice and expression of IBEW_Sparky and I laughed for a good minute. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IBEW_Sparky Posted August 7 Share Posted August 7 20 minutes ago, IndyGuy4KI said: I heard this in the voice and expression of IBEW_Sparky and I laughed for a good minute. Oh it gets better, Ive already thought of a "new Family thrill attraction" that the thoosies (that .5% I spoke of) would eat up, even as an upcharge. Put ZTRs in The Vortex plot, the plots around the Floral Clock and ET, and around the SOB station and operate them like KMAA...One lap around the plot in a ZTR with The Vortex plot being the biggest upcharge because of the "thrilling terrain" during the ride! Now why cant all of these consultants and others with six figure pieces of paper on their walls come up with that?? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
specialk141 Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 Hey everyone! Take this for what you will... visited KI tonight as I do many times each season. While waiting for "The Beast" I noticed construction walls behind the old crypt building. There was also a forklift / flatbed truck. The fences said "excuse our mess" or something of that nature. I couldn't tell exactly what they were unloading but it appeared to be flat black metal beams of some sort on a pallet wrapped in plastic. Couldn't grab my phone quick enough before they were behind the fence. Could be haunt related, could be 2026, could be nothing... could have been there a while... no idea. Just throwing it out there. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdubbs727 Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 8 hours ago, specialk141 said: Hey everyone! Take this for what you will... visited KI tonight as I do many times each season. While waiting for "The Beast" I noticed construction walls behind the old crypt building. There was also a forklift / flatbed truck. The fences said "excuse our mess" or something of that nature. I couldn't tell exactly what they were unloading but it appeared to be flat black metal beams of some sort on a pallet wrapped in plastic. Couldn't grab my phone quick enough before they were behind the fence. Could be haunt related, could be 2026, could be nothing... could have been there a while... no idea. Just throwing it out there. That's the only thing that has me in the least hopeful that anything new is coming next year -- but like you said, it could be anything. But I'm feeling more and more that there's nothing "new" coming and instead the big announcement for 2026 will be the overhaul of Planet Snoopy into Looney Tunes World. They can spin it as a big addition to the park, even though it's just slapping Bugs and Friends on existing attractions. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawaiian Coasters 325 Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 Im like 99% sure the crypt building is for a new Haunt either the conjuring or something else. Im not saying 100% as the park hasn't announced it yet. I think it's very likely what was originally eyed for KI back in November when that press release came out got shifted and something else is planned instead or nothing at all. (think Adventure Port where that wasn't the original plan for 2023 as was decided on later in the 2022 season). 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Losantiville Mining Co. Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 My question would be why would they be putting those walls up in a backstage area this late in the season. If it is for Halloween Haunt, shouldn't those walls have gone up when they started the project months ago? Even if the maze/experience was a late decision I'd think it would have already been in the construction stage before now. Adventure Port was a late decision, Camp Snoopy opened late, and I'm certain River Racers would have opened late if it had been something in the dry park. If there is indeed no 2026 attraction coming to Kings Island then I would still wonder why they put the walls up in a backstage area. I'd like to believe that the fences (specifically with the banners) were put up so that they could block that space off while using the area around it for the Slaughterhouse queue. It could entirely be a case where they just keep the banners on the fences, but having them up now just to take them down in a month feels odd. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
specialk141 Posted August 9 Share Posted August 9 Thats exactly what I was thinking. That wooden fence is usually closed but is very near the entrance for slaughter house. Im *hoping* the fences with the banners are there because this will be an active construction zone during haunt... since its a backstage area and thats the only time guests would be remotely near there! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cedar Fair Fanboy Posted August 9 Share Posted August 9 It doesn't make sense that there's a pardon our mess wall here if they're building a new haunt here. And I think there will be a Madhouse inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old_Bearcat Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 On 8/9/2025 at 9:46 AM, Cedar Fair Fanboy said: It doesn't make sense that there's a pardon our mess wall here if they're building a new haunt here. And I think there will be a Madhouse inside. Spoiler the Conjuring is going into the Crypt Building 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marineman Posted August 12 Share Posted August 12 Well, this should probably tell us all we need to know... https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2025/08/11/kings-island-announces-impeding-closure-boo-blasters-boo-hill/85610698007/ 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiamondbackFan Posted August 12 Share Posted August 12 Ride Entertainment Systems Inc was on the last notice of commencement and they work with Lagotronics Projects. https://ohwarren.fidlar.com/OHWarren/AvaWeb/#/image https://www.lagotronicsprojects.com/en https://rideentertainment.com/lagotronics/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterJack Posted August 12 Share Posted August 12 This company also restores and upgrades existing rides. Adding props, adding new blasters, sets, etc. One of their projects looks to literally be restoring a Ghost Blasters ride similar to Boo Blasters, which I wonder if they did the new system on the Carowinds Boo Blasters. Important to note they also could've just done some small repair work over the off season on the ride 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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