Bye bye, Boo Blasters

[cdubbs727]

Kings Island announced today that Boo Blasters will close on Sept. 1. 

My kids will be bummed -- this was the first ride they both fell in love with a decade ago, and they still love it. I grew up with Smurfs Enchanted Voyage and Phantom Theater, so I'm used to change in that location. No announcement about what's next, although it just talks about future expansion. I'm guessing we'll learn in 2027, maybe. 

I never loved Boo Blasters, but it's been a good ride for kids and (when the blasters work) a fun diversion. Curious to see what takes its place. 

 

[IndyGuy4KI]

I am excited for what is to come of that building!

 

[Imperial79]

Same here, can't wait to see what they choose to do with it! RIP Boo Blasters. 

[DJSkyFoxx]

Kinda leads one to wonder if this is leading up to the "family thrill attraction" or if this is something entirely seperate.

Albeit this being a really old theme for this ride-effectively being a haunted theme since 2003-it will be interesting to see what they plan to do with it. Whatever they do, I hope they can keep some interactive aspects to it as well as.

This is really the first truly transparent bit of movement announced recently, so this is fun.

[cdubbs727]

2 minutes ago, IndyGuy4KI said:

I am excited for what is to come of that building!

 

I'm very curious what they're going to do with it. Honestly, I'll be disappointed if it's another dark ride using the exact same track and layout. Would love to see them use that full building again and make it something unique (a dark ride is great -- just really push the envelope where possible). 

I'd also love to see the return of a boat ride, but I know that's not going to happen. 

[cdubbs727]

Just now, DJSkyFoxx said:

Kinda leads one to wonder if this is leading up to the "family thrill attraction" or if this is something entirely seperate.

Albeit this being a really old theme for this ride-effectively being a haunted theme since 2003-it will be interesting to see what they plan to do with it. Whatever they do, I hope they can keep some interactive aspects to it as well as.

This is really the first truly transparent bit of movement announced recently, so this is fun.

I might be wrong, but hasn't Boo Blasters lasted longer than anything else in that building? Enchanted Voyage, Smurfs, Phantom Theater and Scooby Doo all lasted about 10 years, tops. Boo Blasters has been there for 15 years. Will be really interesting to see what happens -- is there a possibility they might even raze the building altogether and put a different attraction entirely? (In which case, would an announcement be made soon about Great Pumpkin also closing?) 

[DJSkyFoxx]

2 minutes ago, cdubbs727 said:

I might be wrong, but hasn't Boo Blasters lasted longer than anything else in that building? Enchanted Voyage, Smurfs, Phantom Theater and Scooby Doo all lasted about 10 years, tops. Boo Blasters has been there for 15 years. Will be really interesting to see what happens -- is there a possibility they might even raze the building altogether and put a different attraction entirely? (In which case, would an announcement be made soon about Great Pumpkin also closing?) 

I mean, IMO, Boo Blasters was just a generic continuation of SCATHC...so if you look at it that way, 22 years

[beastfan11]

Beyond excited to see what’s next. 

[kikid74]

What is the size of the Boo Blasters building compared to the Battle of Metroplis ride buildings at various legacy Six Flags parks?

[IndyGuy4KI]

2 minutes ago, DJSkyFoxx said:

I mean, IMO, Boo Blasters was just a generic continuation of SCATHC...so if you look at it that way, 22 years

I agree, it sort of was the knock off of the same ride.

[SPONGEBOB_FAN_97]

Do we think it’s Looney Toons or Phantom Theater?

[BryanJay]

All I’m asking… please be phantom theater!!

[cdubbs727]

2 minutes ago, SPONGEBOB_FAN_97 said:

Do we think it’s Looney Toons or Phantom Theater?

I think for 2026 it's "Empty building." 

After that, who knows! Everyone keeps talking about Phantom Theater -- and I'd welcome it. But it's always seemed strange to me that the dark ride in this area (I know, I know, it's technically International Street ... WINK) has no connection to the larger kids' area. So, if Planet Snoopy becomes Looney Tunes World, maybe it becomes a Bugs Bunny attraction. As some have said, this has been a haunted themed attraction for more than 30 years; maybe it's time to switch it up a bit. 

[BryanJay]

I was in a state of shock to properly process the announcement lol, but my prediction is this the new ride opens at some point next year (pending delays) and is not one of the projects delayed. The dark ride system means it’s a ride that all ages can ride regardless of height or physical abilities, and it’s able to operate in bad weather. I think if the new ride wasn’t planned for 2026, they wouldn’t close the ride this early into the season.

[jcoop22]

17 minutes ago, cdubbs727 said:

I think for 2026 it's "Empty building." 

After that, who knows! Everyone keeps talking about Phantom Theater -- and I'd welcome it. But it's always seemed strange to me that the dark ride in this area (I know, I know, it's technically International Street ... WINK) has no connection to the larger kids' area. So, if Planet Snoopy becomes Looney Tunes World, maybe it becomes a Bugs Bunny attraction. As some have said, this has been a haunted themed attraction for more than 30 years; maybe it's time to switch it up a bit. 

There's little reason to close on September 1st and not after Winterfest if the building isn't going to have an attraction at some point next season.

[Browntggrr]

7 minutes ago, cdubbs727 said:

After that, who knows! Everyone keeps talking about Phantom Theater -- and I'd welcome it. But it's always seemed strange to me that the dark ride in this area (I know, I know, it's technically International Street ... WINK) has no connection to the larger kids' area. So, if Planet Snoopy becomes Looney Tunes World, maybe it becomes a Bugs Bunny attraction. As some have said, this has been a haunted themed attraction for more than 30 years; maybe it's time to switch it up a bit. 

According to KI map history, the building that currently houses BBoBH has been "located" both in the kids area & on International Street depending on the year.  

1973-1980= Hanna Barbera

1981= IS

1982= HB

1983- 1985= IS 

1986-1987= HB

It's pointless to go through all the the maps for the list- you get the idea.. 

https://www.themeparkbrochures.net/kings-island-map-and-brochure/#kings-island-map-2001

[beastfan11]

I find the final line of the post copy to be interesting. 
 

“… before its curtain is closed for good.”

[kingsislandfan1972]

I'm excited for whatever is replacing Boo Blasters, if they decide to bring back to Phantom Theater or even Scooby-Doo since Six Flags does have the rights to it or entirely new concept... I'm up for anything as long as its not a screen based attraction. Now the next question is... when will we find out whats replacing Boo Blasters? 

[CoastersRZ]

I too find it odd that they care closing it after September 1st.  Why not keep it open through Haunt and Winterfest when its indoor climate controlled environment can be beneficial on those cold days.  Unless they need to start transforming the ride into its next phase.

Hopefully it doesn`t sit empty next year or for years to come.  Only time will tell.

[disco2000]

1 hour ago, DJSkyFoxx said:

Kinda leads one to wonder if this is leading up to the "family thrill attraction" or if this is something entirely seperate.

Albeit this being a really old theme for this ride-effectively being a haunted theme since 2003-it will be interesting to see what they plan to do with it. Whatever they do, I hope they can keep some interactive aspects to it as well as.

This is really the first truly transparent bit of movement announced recently, so this is fun.

 

This will now be the addition they announced last year.  No way would they say they planned on a new ride but scrapped it lol.

[Colonel_SoB_fan]

Here comes the family thrill attraction

Sent from my SM-S926U using Tapatalk

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

1 hour ago, cdubbs727 said:

I think for 2026 it's "Empty building." 

I don't think they would need to close it before the end of the season if it were going to sit empty next year. I think it makes sense to close it at the beginning of september so they can start gutting it for construction to begin asap if the goal is to have whatever is next open by next spring. 

Ik we're still concerned about 2026 capital still happening based on the conference call, but from what I understand they mentioned parks that received major investements in 2025 (ie AlpenFury at Wonderland) helping carry attendance over to next year so I think parks that received major investments this year (ie Wonderland, Cedar Point, KD, SF Great America) won't see anything new in 26 bc they can keep marketing their new for 2025 coasters. KI on the other hand got a Soak City expansion this year so I think a 2026 new ride/attraction is still on the table. 

[johnjniehaus]

I do agree there is no reason to close this before haunt & winterfest if they just plan to let the building sit. They are planning something in there for 2026. Of course the project could get behind or delayed but I think this closure date does give off the intention of opening whatever comes next in 2026. I personally am team Phantom Theater, however, I think it will most likely be something themed to peanuts or looney tunes since it's more or less in the kids area. (I know it's supposed to be I-Street but the entrance is literally right next to a kiddy swing ride themed to Snoopy). I'm genuinely curious if they will keep the Omni mover ride system or if this will be a complete gut of the existing ride system and theming? 

[cdubbs727]

1 hour ago, jcoop22 said:

There's little reason to close on September 1st and not after Winterfest if the building isn't going to have an attraction at some point next season.

True. I'll be happy if they have something -- I won't be surprised if there are delays. 

[IndyGuy4KI]

1 minute ago, johnjniehaus said:

I'm genuinely curious if they will keep the Omni mover ride system or if this will be a complete gut of the existing ride system and theming? 

If they add newer model cars and abilities, I am leaning towards the latter. The current track may not be able to support it. That is just my guess.

[KI Guy]

9 hours ago, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

I don't think they would need to close it before the end of the season if it were going to sit empty next year.

It definitely will sit vacant next year. 

★1. If they could have used an upcoming attraction to sell additional 2026 passes they would have and would be doing it.

2. The existing ride mechanism is unchanged from the Phantom Theatre (1992). Even if they reuse that again it's doubtful they could have it ready in 8–9 months. This is the park that couldn't open a two-flat ride expansion in time afterall. :-|

 

[IndyGuy4KI]

2 minutes ago, KI Guy said:

★1. If they could have use an upcoming attraction to sell additional 2026 passes they would be doing it.

Didn't they start the MVP sale before any real announcements happened anyway?

[johnjniehaus]

The enquirer said more information would be released concerning plans for the building in the coming weeks

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2025/08/11/kings-island-announces-impeding-closure-boo-blasters-boo-hill/85610698007/

[jcoop22]

9 minutes ago, KI Guy said:

It definitely will sit vacant next year. 

★1. If they could have use an upcoming attraction to sell additional 2026 passes they would be doing it.

2. The existing ride mechanism is unchanged from the Phantom Theatre (1992). Even if they reuse that again it's doubtful they could have it ready in 8–9 months. This is the park that couldn't open a two-flat ride expansion in time afterall. :-|

 

They could easily have it finished within 8 months. If this was the plan from last year's "family-thrill attraction" announcement then Sally Rides (rumored) will have been working on the ride elements for a year already. Also, there could be a closure of the Peanuts meet-and-greet on September 1st if there's the expansion of the ride footprint.

[cdubbs727]

3 minutes ago, johnjniehaus said:

The enquirer said more information would be released concerning plans for the building in the coming weeks

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2025/08/11/kings-island-announces-impeding-closure-boo-blasters-boo-hill/85610698007/

Kings Island: "Yes; in the coming 52 weeks"