Kings Island, 8/14-8/15/25

[cdubbs727]

Did our annual family trip from Detroit to Kings Island this year, something we've been doing for more than 40 years as a family (I was the first to go, at age 3, in 1982). We always go the final week of operations because Michigan schools aren't back in session yet, and the lines are usually less crowded this final week. Because the tennis tournament drives up hotel prices, we've started renting a large house in Hamilton; the drive's about 30 minutes from the park, but it's a good price and we don't mind the extra drive time. 

I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive about going this year, as the reports about cleanliness and operations haven't been encouraging all summer. But honestly, it felt like a good, normal Kings Island visit. The park was clean, trash wasn't overflowing, and there weren't any operations issues we noticed as out of the norm. It's a bit of a bummer that some of our favorite restaurants -- the French restaurant on International Street, particularly -- weren't open and there were no shows, but that's just the reality of going at the end of the season when staffing is a bit limited. Lines were down, particularly Thursday, when I don't think we waited longer than 15 minutes for anything except for Boo Blasters and the log flume. The Beast was running ridiculously smooth for the most part, aside from what felt like a nasty bump going into the double helix. I was worried about being too big to ride Banshee, but the expanded restraints in rows 4 and 5 were fantastic. 

Food was largely great. The pub burger at Brewhouse was just standard, but the tots were good. We ate at Chicken Shack for our first time and really enjoyed it. The burrito bowl at Enrique's was fantastic. But I think the honey-soy glazed beef and Brussel sprouts I got from Grain and Grill might be my favorite meal I've ever gotten at Kings Island. We did the dining plan, which saved us a good deal of money, and you get a lot of food for that price. We did a final ride on Boo Blasters, several great runs on Mystic Timbers, and what will probably be my last ride on Adventure Express because that one decided to give me unrequested chiropractic work. 

Staff was great. There were many people who said it was their first week -- assuming they were moved over to different locations when staff went back to school -- and aside from a few minor exceptions, they were friendly and on the ball. 

A good trip; I was glad to see my worries from earlier this season were unfounded.