Live Entertainment

[BeeastFarmer]

  On 4/9/2025 at 12:43 AM, CedarPointer said:

Wasn't it just a few years ago that they were bragging about what a big success all the entertainment for the 50th was? 

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That was a different era. 2022 was the best season I have experienced at KI in my life. Everything was done top notch.

Then 23 rolled around and budget cuts were apparent. Maybe it's because 2022 was so good and it felt like it could only get better, the events of '23 and '24 seemed magnified. 

To be fair, '24 did have some redeeming moments, but with all the prognostication of what the merger with Six Flags would bring, and negativity on social media with park happenings, it's just lost the appeal. 

This entertainment lineup just magnifies this. It's pretty much a repeat of last year.  I enjoyed the bubble show, but it's a short run show. The theater being out of commission for that long is a shame. Trailblazers is fun but this will be the fourth year. The only show I'd want to return for four years would be PTE.

[Orion-XL200]

  On 4/8/2025 at 10:35 PM, BoddaH1994 said:

You have no idea how critically close we were to losing the nightly fireworks...

For that reason alone, I'm okay with it.

 

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I had heard rumblings and was afraid that we wouldn't see them when the Live E list was posted. Grateful that they're back....still worried though.

[Orion742]

  On 4/8/2025 at 6:13 PM, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

Tbh while I would love a coaster to eventually go in The Vortex plot. My hunch says they don't plan on filling that plot while the drones are popular as the empty space in the center of the park is a perfect area to launch them without disturbing much. Obviously you don't want them flying over guest pathways. 

The more I think about it, the more I think the 2026 family thrill attraction is going in the Skyflyer area. Think about it, Carowinds still has theirs open and KD has theirs SBNO. If the park didn't have immediate plans for the site, why remove it now? Same with Cedar Point, I feel like 2026 (despite not being on the press release) is the replacement of Snake River Falls and the skycoaster. 

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The more I think about it the more I want a S&S Screamin swing to replace Skyflyer next year. I love Screamin swings and I think it would be a perfect fit for Action Zone. I can just picture it towering over Action Zone with guests staring at it in amazement.

[Timchat2]

  On 4/8/2025 at 11:46 PM, CoasterJack said:

Correct me if I'm wrong, are we the only park in the Six Flags chain to do nightly fireworks outside of holidays and park anniversaries?

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I think so. A few parks like Six Flags Great America will have fireworks on Saturdays only during the summer. Otherwise, Cedar Point might be the other park that comes close with the finale show at Boardwalk Nights, which isn't nearly as much nightly pyro as Kings Island.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

  On 4/8/2025 at 6:03 PM, PKIDelirium said:

With the Skycoaster being removed, they've got a good size spot now to build a dedicated venue for the likes of Trailblazers and restore Showplace...

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I think if the park really wanted to have a good spot for it, Timberwolf amphitheater is right there. It wouldn't be the easiest to accomplish, but would theoretically only require the removal of the stage and seating sections closest to it. After that a new stage could be built closer to the remaining seats. The park might even be able to splurge a little and get a covering for the area like the International Showplace has. If there's no more use for the whole amphitheater, why not reuse some of it and demolish the rest?

 

  On 4/9/2025 at 1:23 AM, Orion742 said:

The more I think about it, the more I think the 2026 family thrill attraction is going in the Skyflyer area. Think about it, Carowinds still has theirs open and KD has theirs SBNO. If the park didn't have immediate plans for the site, why remove it now? Same with Cedar Point, I feel like 2026 (despite not being on the press release) is the replacement of Snake River Falls and the skycoaster. 

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I think it was removed as part of the cuts seen across the chain. Kings Island was one of the only big Legacy Cedar Fair parks that didn't suddenly lose a coaster (Wonderland-Time Warp; Carowinds-Nighthawk, Scream Weaver, Drop Tower; Cedar Point-their skycoaster; Dominion-Anaconda, Berserker, Skyflyer, go karts, and two children's rides). Canada's Wonderland removed theirs for AlpenFury, possibly planned before the merged financial situation was clear to the then-CF execs. If the 2026 attraction goes there I think it will either have been a sudden change or a poorly planned exit for Xtreme Skyflyer. Kings Island didn't lose any events (RIP to KD's Winterfest), the entertainment seems to have stayed its course (thank goodness), and the park is receiving some much needed maintenance across the board (especially with all of the restroom renovations). I think the park made it out far better than expected considering what has been happening throughout this new Six Flags chain.

 

Now for my specific thoughts on the 2025 lineup. I thought this entertainment release timing was somewhat standard for Kings Island, although I can't remember much about it prior to 2023. I'd prefer if they would release it and the events sooner for everyone who has to plan trips before February though. I know everyone was going crazy waiting for the events lineup, but that was released on March 4th — the same day it was released in 2024. Kings Dominion is celebrating their 50th anniversary and the only entertainment I've heard about is their Clown Band, a parade, a Peanuts show, and the Gazillion Bubble Show (which is also in their big theater). Is it cheaper to hire an outside group/production than it is to make one in-house? Is that why we keep seeing bubble and stunt shows? If anyone has some kind of data to share on this, I'd love to know. 

Country Crossroads: Hooray!!! I love this show. I'm really happy that it's back for most of the summer. My only complaint is how packed the Festhaus will probably be on hot days. Funny fact: the description is still the same as last year and calls it "all-new".

Gazillion Bubble Show: I seriously thought "Bubble" was plural, but I guess not. I enjoyed this one when I saw it last year, but it's not something I'd come back for. It doesn't use much of the theater and seems to use a lot of performative happiness. That might just be what it's like when something is made for toddlers and young children; again, this show's not my thing. It would be awesome if another show could come in for the other half of the summer, but I have a feeling that the Tinker's Toy Factory set is behind one of those curtains and nobody wants to move it  : (                                    [put Wake The Dead in there during Haunt, gosh darnit]

HiFi Honey & River City: I'm putting the bands together because they're very similar setups. I really like them, and wish there were more throughout the season. A Bands-in-Residence program would be awesome. 

Hot Rhythm Nights: Seems very nice! I hope it can be better than RetroSpect! was for me. I saw a show with a very similar name at Dorney Park last summer, and if this one lives up to the hype that one had then I'll be a very happy camper.

Kings Island's Nighttime Spectacular: Very very very happy we get to keep our fireworks. I wish the park didn't have to constantly fight to keep them. The name is a little bland for me, but I think that's just because I like to name things even if they don't need one. I hope we get to see many many more years of nighttime fireworks. 

Meet-N-Greet Experience: Not a show, glad it's there for the kiddos, I wish the Peanuts Showplace could be used for a show though. 

Trailblazers X-treme!: Speaking of being a happy camper... I won't sugarcoat this: I don't like the stunt shows. The cast and everyone involved are great! I just don't like them. I think these fall into the "Shows for families with toddlers" and "Hype show" categories. I do wish this could be the last year we see a stunt show in the International Showplace. I think even having something like Hot Summer Nights (but a little bigger) would still bring the crowds into the Showplace, it just hasn't happened because of either contracts or because nobody wants to take the set apart. 

In conclusion, I'm very pleased with this lineup, but hope we can see a little more variety next season. Thank you for coming to my rant : ) 

[Winterfestguy]

Since the vast majority of professional firework displays are made in China (and with increasing China tariffs), I wonder how the overall seasonal cost of the fireworks will fit into the 2025 park budget allotted for show. Or it may be the show goes on with the drones and only with fireworks added on the weekend.

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

  On 4/9/2025 at 3:05 AM, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

I think if the park really wanted to have a good spot for it, Timberwolf amphitheater is right there. It wouldn't be the easiest to accomplish, but would theoretically only require the removal of the stage and seating sections closest to it. After that a new stage could be built closer to the remaining seats. The park might even be able to splurge a little and get a covering for the area like the International Showplace has. If there's no more use for the whole amphitheater, why not reuse some of it and demolish the rest?

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I have similar thoughts, but mine is to keep the stage, but split the seating in half. Use the back half towards the midway for park expansion/new ride/s, and have the front half/stage area be for shows/mini concerts (local up and coming artists/bands in residence even). They could even just take out all the bleachers entirely and put in grass turf and make it more festival seating/standing room. 

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

Double post, but looks like Hifi Honey will be performing in Soak City on its opening day in May. Wondering if they're installing a permanent stage back there or a temporary one. I'd like to see live music in Soak City on a more consistent basis mainly on busy weekends like memorial day, 4th of July, etc. 

 

[robintodd]

  On 4/9/2025 at 12:52 PM, Winterfestguy said:

Since the vast majority of professional firework displays are made in China (and with increasing China tariffs), I wonder how the overall seasonal cost of the fireworks will fit into the 2025 park budget allotted for show. Or it may be the show goes on with the drones and only with fireworks added on the weekend.

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From google:
Rozzi Fireworks, a company with deep roots in pyrotechnics, sources its fireworks from a partnership with the Italian fireworks firm Panzera, expanding their product offerings and international presence. 

[BeeastFarmer]

  On 4/9/2025 at 6:19 PM, robintodd said:

From google:
Rozzi Fireworks, a company with deep roots in pyrotechnics, sources its fireworks from a partnership with the Italian fireworks firm Panzera, expanding their product offerings and international presence. 

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Where does Panzera source their fireworks from?

[DeltaFlyer]

  On 4/9/2025 at 6:49 PM, BeeastFarmer said:

Where does Panzera source their fireworks from?

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According to their site, they make them in Carignano, Italy. 

  Quote

Our area of Carignano (TO) extends over 55.000 square meters, with about fifty facilities dedicated to offices, production, analysis laboratories, R&D department and warehouses.

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https://www.panzera.it/en/about/

[Imperial79]

  On 4/9/2025 at 6:06 PM, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

Double post, but looks like Hifi Honey will be performing in Soak City on its opening day in May. Wondering if they're installing a permanent stage back there or a temporary one. I'd like to see live music in Soak City on a more consistent basis mainly on busy weekends like memorial day, 4th of July, etc. 

 

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That would be nice, have they ever done this before? I don’t remember them doing this. 

[brenthodge]

  On 4/8/2025 at 6:03 PM, PKIDelirium said:

With the Skycoaster being removed, they've got a good size spot now to build a dedicated venue for the likes of Trailblazers and restore Showplace...

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AMEN From the congregation!

[brenthodge]

  On 4/9/2025 at 3:05 AM, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

because nobody wants to take the set apart. 

 

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THIS!

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

  On 4/9/2025 at 1:49 PM, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

I have similar thoughts, but mine is to keep the stage, but split the seating in half. Use the back half towards the midway for park expansion/new ride/s, and have the front half/stage area be for shows/mini concerts (local up and coming artists/bands in residence even). They could even just take out all the bleachers entirely and put in grass turf and make it more festival seating/standing room. 

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I believe the issue with keeping the Timberwolf stage where it is would be how far down on the slope it is. The back half of the seating is still on a slope and would require a ton of earth to be moved/stabilized in order for any rides to be put there. It might also be a little too far out of the way, especially when the park could fit two smaller flats or one compact coaster in the Skyflyer plot for a lower price tag. That would probably save some money for future projects. 

 

  On 4/9/2025 at 6:06 PM, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

Double post, but looks like Hifi Honey will be performing in Soak City on its opening day in May. Wondering if they're installing a permanent stage back there or a temporary one. I'd like to see live music in Soak City on a more consistent basis mainly on busy weekends like memorial day, 4th of July, etc. 

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It'll probably be a temporary stage. I think anything more than that would have required a permit — and would take 2-5 business months to complete XD. Not many water parks have live entertainment so this would be something that could elevate the experience at Soak City!

 

The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced there's actually someone who specifically decided it was better to leave the Tinker's set all put together than to change anything on it so it could be used for a second show. Realistically the Gazillion Bubble Show is on a two-year contract with Kings Island (similar to any other show at the park these days), but I wouldn't be surprised if this trend of bringing in third party productions continues. 

Also, if anyone from KI Entertainment is reading this, I have at least three words for you: Wake. The. Dead. This year is set to be the 25th haunt event at Kings Island and would be the perfect opportunity to upgrade some of the experiences. Wake the Dead has been very popular at Cedar Point and Carowinds, doesn't require a ton of stage space (unless you want it to), and would bring an awesome show to an event that needs it. 

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

Michael Williams the guy from American Idol and The Voice who used to perform at KI and had his own show at KI in 2020 along with rising Cincy area band Telehope played at Busch Gardens Tampa as part of their Food and Wine festival this weekend! If they can perform there, they can obviously perform at KI, but yet the park keeps settling with Hifi Honey and River City for every event entertainment instead of offering more opportunities to other bands. Imo the park should reach out to those 2 artists and have them perform at KI too. They would very likely draw a crowd as both are up and coming especially locally. 

 

EDIT: let me be clear: I don't dislike Hifi Honey or River City. In fact, I really like both. I just wish the park would branch out and add more bands instead of settling with the same 2 bands every year. It just isn't fair to the other local bands that would love the chance to play at KI even if it was just one set on one day. That's why I think a Bands in Residence program would be perfect!

For Michael Williams and Telehope, I think they're big enough where they could use Timberwolf for them. However, I don't think they would fill the place, but I think they're popular enough locally to where they could fill half of it. However, idk if the ROI is there for that so maybe having them perform on the bandstand or on a temporary stage in the grass near International Showplace like during Banshee Brew Fest years ago would work.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

I think they could almost certainly fill out the International Showplace

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

  On 4/15/2025 at 5:24 PM, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

I think they could almost certainly fill out the International Showplace

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The problem is right now the stage there is built specifically for the stunt style shows there. Maybe in future years though as I don't think those stunt shows will last forever. 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

  On 4/9/2025 at 12:58 AM, BeeastFarmer said:

That was a different era. 2022 was the best season I have experienced at KI in my life. Everything was done top notch.

Then 23 rolled around and budget cuts were apparent. Maybe it's because 2022 was so good and it felt like it could only get better, the events of '23 and '24 seemed magnified. 

To be fair, '24 did have some redeeming moments, but with all the prognostication of what the merger with Six Flags would bring, and negativity on social media with park happenings, it's just lost the appeal. 

This entertainment lineup just magnifies this. It's pretty much a repeat of last year.  I enjoyed the bubble show, but it's a short run show. The theater being out of commission for that long is a shame. Trailblazers is fun but this will be the fourth year. The only show I'd want to return for four years would be PTE.

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Just re-read this and had a thought: a better system would be to stagger the start of half of the shows 2yr runs. That would at least change things up from year to year. Maybe we'll see some better variety once we're further out of the post-merger shake up. 

I'd personally welcome an expanded run of Phantom Theater Encore, Country Crossroads, and Hot Blooded. The decades shows (Motown, 70s On Demand, and Totally '80s) always felt like a nice and easy way to entertain everyone too. 

[Oldiesmann]

I'm not a big fan of modern country music - I like the stuff from the 50s and 60s more, though there was some good stuff in the  70s as well. I'd welcome a decades show back in place of a country show, or at least in addition to it. They could also bring back that show they had in Rivertown a few years ago (I forget what it was called but they had a similar show at Carowinds in 2019).

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

I think the small show in Rivertown was called Busker Jam. Those little shows gave the park some more kinetic energy and it would be nice to have them back.