Bye bye, Boo Blasters

[kingsislandfan1972]

For those of you speculating the ending with the Crypt meant in that teaser... I'm sorry to break the news to you but...

[kingsislandfan1972]

13 minutes ago, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

Imo I feel like it would've been better to announce it after Boo Blasters closes to allow focus to be on Boo Blasters getting its last rides. What I would've honestly done is let Boo Blasters run until its closing day (labor day) to keep the speculation going and then like a day or so after it closes, drop this video and have the story be "after the boo castle was boarded up, security was notified of some strange activity going on around the castle so they went in and this video happens..." then announce the official replacement like a week later. 

I do agree I thought they would have waited until after Boo Blasters was closed at least but nonetheless I am still very excited!

[BryanJay]

31 minutes ago, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

Imo I feel like it would've been better to announce it after Boo Blasters closes to allow focus to be on Boo Blasters getting its last rides. What I would've honestly done is let Boo Blasters run until its closing day (labor day) to keep the speculation going and then like a day or so after it closes, drop this video and have the story be "after the boo castle was boarded up, security was notified of some strange activity going on around the castle so they went in and this video happens..." then announce the official replacement like a week later. 

Personally as a huge fan of Phantom Theater, I’m so glad that they’re announcing it when they are because

1. We should know if the same ride system and layout is being used, which if it’s not I’d have a chance to say goodbye to that. 2. Permits would’ve been leaked in September for at least Boo Blaster’s demolition, so I’m glad there’s still a sense of mystery where there’s not physical leaks for phantom’s return (thought it’s heavily implied) and also there’s still the mystery of what the crypt building is doing at the end of the video. 
 

Also random thought for the last day of Boo Blasters since it’s on topic: I wonder if anything special will happen that day. https://x.com/kingsislandpr/status/1956008390989066620?s=46 I wouldn’t be totally shocked if they switched out the opening voice to this for the last night/weekend as a tribute for all the hardcore Boo Blasters fans (who I’m sure exist somewhere)

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

What would honestly be cool to do is when the ride is cycled off for the night they allow a small group of people (sign up ahead of time first come first serve) to actually walk the Boo Blasters course with the lights on as a guided tour. 

[disco2000]

What if 8/28 is just another teaser and not an announcement LOL

[johnjniehaus]

38 minutes ago, disco2000 said:

What if 8/28 is just another teaser and not an announcement LOL

If we don't see more teasers dropping like every 2-3 days before next Thursday then yes I think it'll get drug out on us lol. They know they can troll the PT fan base and really boost their social media and fan hype over this one. 

[Cedar Fair Fanboy]

Even though I'm disappointed that we are not getting a Vekoma Madhouse, Getting a Vekoma isn't off the table as well. We could be getting something like this if they're replacing the omnimover style ride. 
https://www.vekoma.com/suspended-dark-ride

[Diamondback_Is_King]

35 minutes ago, Cedar Fair Fanboy said:

Even though I'm disappointed that we are not getting a Vekoma Madhouse, Getting a Vekoma isn't off the table as well. We could be getting something like this if they're replacing the omnimover style ride. 
https://www.vekoma.com/suspended-dark-ride

This would be really cool, especially if they added the shooting aspect to the ride. A worthy replacement IMO. My prediction is that whatever replaces Boo Blasters will have a shooting/interactive part to it. As for the theme of the ride, I do care but I don't at the same time. I don't really care about PT (sorry if I offend anyone!) but I hope KI does some good theming on this thing. Very excited!

 

Call me crazy for what I'm about to say next but just throwing it out there: What if, what if, KI gets two (yes two!) new attractions in 2026? One in Boo Blasters and one in the Crypt building. Now I know it's kind of out there, but what if? I also know that a maze might be coming to the Crypt building (Is it confirmed yet that it will be in here? I can't remember. I know a maze is going in the old Blackout building) Maybe a Vekoma Suspended Dark Ride in Boo Blasters and a Vekoma Madhouse in the Crypt building? We shall see...

[Orion-XL200]

Mason has changed the way their permits are available to the public online. They go by month. July was the last update....so assuming around the first part of September the permits for August will be viewable. 

[DoomPlague]

I've decrypted all the clues. The reason they show the Crypt building is...because the ride will encompass both buildings! It will be connected by underground tunnels made by The Boring Company which is desperate to do something that isn't a completely terrible idea.

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

2 hours ago, disco2000 said:

What if 8/28 is just another teaser and not an announcement LOL

I really hope we get another teaser or 2 between now and then. The "to be continued" has me thinking there could be a part 2 of that teaser video. 

[Diamondback_Is_King]

29 minutes ago, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

I really hope we get another teaser or 2 between now and then. The "to be continued" has me thinking there could be a part 2 of that teaser video. 

I agree. Hopefully they do something like that, but they haven't recently. RiverRacers only had the date on it with "Get Ready to Race" and Siren's Curse just had a date on it. Since the first teaser was very vague, I hope other ones reveal more of the theme and/or ride.

[DonHelbig]

2 hours ago, disco2000 said:

What if 8/28 is just another teaser and not an announcement LOL

That would be a CP thing to do.

[I...am SteVe]

Great job, KI. Now I'm gonna lose a ton of sleep thanks to your epic teaser.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

3 hours ago, Diamondback_Is_King said:

Call me crazy for what I'm about to say next but just throwing it out there: What if, what if, KI gets two (yes two!) new attractions in 2026? One in Boo Blasters and one in the Crypt building. Now I know it's kind of out there, but what if? I also know that a maze might be coming to the Crypt building (Is it confirmed yet that it will be in here? I can't remember. I know a maze is going in the old Blackout building) Maybe a Vekoma Suspended Dark Ride in Boo Blasters and a Vekoma Madhouse in the Crypt building? We shall see...

If Kings Island gets two rides in one year, I'd be forced to assume that either we won't see any investment for the next 5+ years OR that Kings Island will be sold off to another park chain even sooner. Six Flags doesn't have the money for any big investments, let alone two sizeable ones in one park. I could very well see Six Flags resorting to selling KI if they don't think anyone would take the bait with a park like Dorney or Kings Dominion.

There's always the insane possibility that whatever was earmarked for 2026 could still be coming in some form with the Boo Blasters replacement funds having been redirected from another park, but I highly doubt it. Keep your standards low if you don't want to be disappointed by what might come. Personally, I think I'll withhold my judgement until it actually gets announced.

[MaestroJr]

My prediction is that it will utilize boo blaster current ride cars and system and just retheme it to Phantom Theater. 

Reason A: Phantom Theater is already an IP well familiar with Kings Island faithful and nostalgia and marketing are a hell of a thing. 

Reason B: it wouldn’t cost very much but would still be a “new ride” 

Reason C: they could utilize a lot of the props they already have and switch out the soundtrack very quickly and easily while also saving a buck. 
 

Six Flags Fiesta Texas did a similar thing with their Scooby Doo haunted castle, they simply rethemed it with new guns and a new story with some old props but mostly new and voilà you’ve got yourself a new ride in Pirates of the Deep Sea, I personally think that merchandise featuring the Maestro would be very popular and not to mention nostalgic. I can’t wait for next weeks announcement and I for one seriously hope for a Phantom Theater ride in some capacity, I fully accept that the original isn’t coming back but a “new” version would be welcome, I will be seriously disappointed if they waste this opportunity with a lame ride not to mention they chose to play Tocata Y Fugue which is well known as the Phantom Theater queue music so they REALLY shouldn’t play with people’s emotions by selecting that if they are gonna go a different route so I hope they choose the Maestro and we can once again visit the Theater! 

[DJSkyFoxx]

15 hours ago, kingsislandfan1972 said:

For those of you speculating the ending with the Crypt meant in that teaser... I'm sorry to break the news to you but...

This actually truly would be a haunted attraction/maze! Trying to navigate through the DG without getting hurt. Testing your physical strength to move carts/totes that are in your way and your mental stamina for patience to try and find help...but the help is sitting outside on a smoke break yelling at their SO over late bills or kids 

Sadly I am not a PT fan. I was very young when I got to experience it and honestly barely remember anything about it. I was probably 4-5 years old at the time and it doesn't hold any real value to me. I realize it is very popular with those of you who got to experience it and remember it vividly and if this is a reboot of it, I'm happy for you. But honestly if it is a reboot, it probably won't exactly entice much excitement from me unless they do something really unique/imaginative with it. Otherwise, it'll just be one of those things that I'll wait to do on a day that isn't terribly busy to experience because the nostalgia for this particular thing isn't for me. 

[cdubbs727]

6 hours ago, MaestroJr said:

My prediction is that it will utilize boo blaster current ride cars and system and just retheme it to Phantom Theater. 

Reason A: Phantom Theater is already an IP well familiar with Kings Island faithful and nostalgia and marketing are a hell of a thing. 

Reason B: it wouldn’t cost very much but would still be a “new ride” 

Reason C: they could utilize a lot of the props they already have and switch out the soundtrack very quickly and easily while also saving a buck. 
 

Six Flags Fiesta Texas did a similar thing with their Scooby Doo haunted castle, they simply rethemed it with new guns and a new story with some old props but mostly new and voilà you’ve got yourself a new ride in Pirates of the Deep Sea, I personally think that merchandise featuring the Maestro would be very popular and not to mention nostalgic. I can’t wait for next weeks announcement and I for one seriously hope for a Phantom Theater ride in some capacity, I fully accept that the original isn’t coming back but a “new” version would be welcome, I will be seriously disappointed if they waste this opportunity with a lame ride not to mention they chose to play Tocata Y Fugue which is well known as the Phantom Theater queue music so they REALLY shouldn’t play with people’s emotions by selecting that if they are gonna go a different route so I hope they choose the Maestro and we can once again visit the Theater! 

Don and Ryan both seem pretty confident it's a Phantom Theater reboot even before the teaser, and the breadcrumbs have been there for a bit. I think them bringing the Phantom Theater Encore show a few years back was a nice way to gauge interest (it's a shame they didn't make it a permanent addition; it was a fun show...maybe they can bring it back?). I wouldn't be surprised if they've been talking about brining Phantom Theater back for awhile, even before the Six Flags merger; it's in line with what they did a few years back with bringing the Antique Autos back and honoring the park's history. My guess is they've been figuring out the best way to do this. 

As much as I'd love the use of The Crypt building at the end of that video to mean they're finally going to do something with that building (beyond a maze that's used for one month of the year), I do think you're right that it's going to be a retheme of Boo Blasters. There's no reason to close that building in September if they're putting the new attraction elsewhere...unless they plan to raze part/all of the building or do something with it as part of the retheme to Looney Tunes (which I still think is happening). 

Will it use the same omnimover system? I hope not. It's been in use for decades and, honestly, that system feels so cheap and out of date to me. I'd love it if they could gut the building, put a new track in, maybe add some spins (ala Men in Black at Universal). Seems like if they were going to use the same ride system but just dress Boo Blasters up with screens and a few animatronics, they would be able to start after Haunt or Winterfest. Maybe they are going to clear all that out. Who knows!? It's exciting! 

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

8 hours ago, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

If Kings Island gets two rides in one year, I'd be forced to assume that either we won't see any investment for the next 5+ years OR that Kings Island will be sold off to another park chain even sooner. Six Flags doesn't have the money for any big investments, let alone two sizeable ones in one park. I could very well see Six Flags resorting to selling KI if they don't think anyone would take the bait with a park like Dorney or Kings Dominion.

I don't see KI being sold off anytime soon. KI is a major money maker to the chain and has the highest market penetration. I don't think they'd want to let that go. Also I doubt they'd invest too heavily in a park they plan on selling off. 

[CoasterJack]

44 minutes ago, cdubbs727 said:

Don and Ryan both seem pretty confident it's a Phantom Theater reboot even before the teaser, and the breadcrumbs have been there for a bit. I think them bringing the Phantom Theater Encore show a few years back was a nice way to gauge interest (it's a shame they didn't make it a permanent addition; it was a fun show...maybe they can bring it back?). I wouldn't be surprised if they've been talking about brining Phantom Theater back for awhile, even before the Six Flags merger; it's in line with what they did a few years back with bringing the Antique Autos back and honoring the park's history. My guess is they've been figuring out the best way to do this. 

As much as I'd love the use of The Crypt building at the end of that video to mean they're finally going to do something with that building (beyond a maze that's used for one month of the year), I do think you're right that it's going to be a retheme of Boo Blasters. There's no reason to close that building in September if they're putting the new attraction elsewhere...unless they plan to raze part/all of the building or do something with it as part of the retheme to Looney Tunes (which I still think is happening). 

Will it use the same omnimover system? I hope not. It's been in use for decades and, honestly, that system feels so cheap and out of date to me. I'd love it if they could gut the building, put a new track in, maybe add some spins (ala Men in Black at Universal). Seems like if they were going to use the same ride system but just dress Boo Blasters up with screens and a few animatronics, they would be able to start after Haunt or Winterfest. Maybe they are going to clear all that out. Who knows!? It's exciting! 

In my opinion I think the Omnimover system feels much nicer than the carts that smash the doors open on the other boo blasters rides. It gives off old school carnival dark ride, which is fine, but I think the omnimover carts feel more premium, something seen more at a Disney Park. Now would a more dynamic ride vehicle be awesome like what's found on Justice league or Men in Black, but I don't know if that's the right choice for a dark ride like phantom theater (or if SF wants to pony up that kind of money).

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

15 hours ago, Cedar Fair Fanboy said:

Even though I'm disappointed that we are not getting a Vekoma Madhouse, Getting a Vekoma isn't off the table as well. We could be getting something like this if they're replacing the omnimover style ride. 
https://www.vekoma.com/suspended-dark-ride

The more I think about it, the more I think how cool this would be with a phantom theater theme. Imagine this, you pass no legs larry directing you and you ascend upstairs to the balcony and cross the balcony with a view of the theater stage then you travel downwards through the rest of the course. 

 

[RollerColt]

16 hours ago, Cedar Fair Fanboy said:

Even though I'm disappointed that we are not getting a Vekoma Madhouse, Getting a Vekoma isn't off the table as well. We could be getting something like this if they're replacing the omnimover style ride. 
https://www.vekoma.com/suspended-dark-ride

That is so cool! I wonder if that's what Disney's Monsters Inc. roller coaster will be using? 

[Diamondback_Is_King]

5 minutes ago, RollerColt said:

That is so cool! I wonder if that's what Disney's Monsters Inc. roller coaster will be using? 

No, I think they are using a different model, more like a roller coaster than a dark ride

[RollerColt]

4 minutes ago, Diamondback_Is_King said:

No, I think they are using a different model, more like a roller coaster than a dark ride

I wonder if the trains will pivot similar to the omnicoaster model of Cosmic Rewind. 

[BeeastFarmer]

4 hours ago, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

I don't see KI being sold off anytime soon. KI is a major money maker to the chain and has the highest market penetration. I don't think they'd want to let that go. Also I doubt they'd invest too heavily in a park they plan on selling off. 

I don't either, but with this leadership, nothing is off the table. If they were looking to shed many of the underperforming parks, a major park like Kings Island could be the crown with minor parks like WOF, St. Louis, etc.  That would fetch a pretty penny.

However, Six Flags would loose a ton of recurring revenue for years down the road.  Since the merger, though, it appears they only are focused on the here and now and will not look at long term impacts .

Of course, I say this as a casual observer.  I don't believe they would jettison one of their stalwart parks.

[IBEW_Sparky]

15 hours ago, DonHelbig said:

That would be a CP thing to do.

But isnt “Mr. Announcement” doing the announcements for KI now?  If so, it tracks.

[BeeastFarmer]

4 hours ago, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

I don't see KI being sold off anytime soon. KI is a major money maker to the chain and has the highest market penetration. I don't think they'd want to let that go. Also I doubt they'd invest too heavily in a park they plan on selling off. 

I don't either, but with this leadership, nothing is off the table. If they were looking to shed many of the underperforming parks, a major park like Kings Island could be the crown with minor parks like WOF, St. Louis, etc.  That would fetch a pretty penny.

However, Six Flags would loose a ton of recurring revenue for years down the road.  Since the merger, though, it appears they only are focused on the here and now and will not look at long term impacts .

Of course, I say this as a casual observer.  I don't believe they would jettison one of their stalwart parks.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

2 hours ago, BeeastFarmer said:

I don't either, but with this leadership, nothing is off the table. If they were looking to shed many of the underperforming parks, a major park like Kings Island could be the crown with minor parks like WOF, St. Louis, etc.  That would fetch a pretty penny.

However, Six Flags would loose a ton of recurring revenue for years down the road.  Since the merger, though, it appears they only are focused on the here and now and will not look at long term impacts .

Of course, I say this as a casual observer.  I don't believe they would jettison one of their stalwart parks.

This is precisely what I meant by my comment. While Six Flags would lose their "most penetrated" (and most reliable), they would likely be keeping Cedar Point. I think if they were to declare bankruptcy someone in their bankruptcy management would force them to sell parks that have another one in their immediate surrounding area. Cedar Point/Kings Island, SFOT/Fiesta Texas, and Magic Mountain/Knotts would probably be the major splits IMO. 

 

As I've said before in other words, I hope the transition from Boo Blasters to whatever comes next will be graceful and revitalizing. Let there be some wooden walls/fencing to block the entrance/exit instead of chain link fences with vinyl wraps. Put up some nice concept art boards along the path/fence instead of a rapidly-printed banner held up by string. There's a lot of easy ways to make the construction site look cheap, but there are also a lot of easy ways to make it look good. The difference is just whether or not Six Flags and Kings Island are willing to put in the time and effort to do it nicely.

[SonofBaconator]

3 hours ago, BeeastFarmer said:

I don't either, but with this leadership, nothing is off the table. If they were looking to shed many of the underperforming parks, a major park like Kings Island could be the crown with minor parks like WOF, St. Louis, etc.  That would fetch a pretty penny.

However, Six Flags would loose a ton of recurring revenue for years down the road.  Since the merger, though, it appears they only are focused on the here and now and will not look at long term impacts .

Of course, I say this as a casual observer.  I don't believe they would jettison one of their stalwart parks.

I feel like CP and KI’s fortunes are tied- if Six Flags keeps CP but sells KI- they’re basically reigniting the competition both parks had with one another prior to the Paramount parks acquisition.

[johnjniehaus]

Hence we see the chain trying to CLOSE parks not sell them to other chains. They don't want any competition in those markets