Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare New in 2026

[SonofBaconator]

2 hours ago, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

Adding it to Haunt might have detracted from the family-friendly nature of the new attraction and/or the scary nature of Haunt.

They did use Phantom Theater props and animatronics as displays during Fearfest/Haunt in the past so I don’t think it detracted that much.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

Let me clarify, I think the new design would detract. The old designs looked scarier and were put out when the company was still interested in having a scarier event. The new, more cartoonish and family-friendly designs would be like having a Five Nights at Freddy's house at a horror-focused event. (The park could put the PT characters out, but I'd rather see them out for Tricks & Treats rather than out for Haunt.)

[MaestroJr]

I agree from what we have seen so far the new Phantom Theater has much more of a cartoon looking design than the old PT and therefore probably not a good idea to market it at Haunt considering that it is first a ride for families and you don’t wanna deter them from thinking it’s too scary for children 

[BryanJay]

PTON question of the day: I don’t mean to spread negativity through this, but this is more of a thought experiment: What’s one thing that would immediately “ruin” the ride for you if it was included? From everything I’ve seen, I’m really optimistic that this may even be better than the original, but I also have a fear that one aspect will be included that just completely makes me hate the ride for some reason.

For me, I think something like including like “toilet” or gross out humor really cheapens some rides I’ve seen used that, and I’m really hoping nothing like that shows up in the new ride. Also I don’t think it would ruin it since two of my other favorite dark rides have them, but I dislike water splash effects in non-water attractions (think the Spider-Man or Transformers rides at Universal) and for my personal re-rideability I kinda hope PTON doesn’t have them. 

[Phantom Theater]

3 hours ago, BryanJay said:

PTON question of the day: I don’t mean to spread negativity through this, but this is more of a thought experiment: What’s one thing that would immediately “ruin” the ride for you if it was included? From everything I’ve seen, I’m really optimistic that this may even be better than the original, but I also have a fear that one aspect will be included that just completely makes me hate the ride for some reason.

For me, I think something like including like “toilet” or gross out humor really cheapens some rides I’ve seen used that, and I’m really hoping nothing like that shows up in the new ride. Also I don’t think it would ruin it since two of my other favorite dark rides have them, but I dislike water splash effects in non-water attractions (think the Spider-Man or Transformers rides at Universal) and for my personal re-rideability I kinda hope PTON doesn’t have them. 

Leaning too much into making it cartoony and adding a lot of comedic scenes. From what we've seen so far, the characters are cartoon like. I don't mind that too much, but I loved Phantom Theater for being a haunted house. It feels like they're going with an almost comic book look with bright colors.

[MaestroJr]

Nothing would “ruin” this ride for me as I’m just excited to have the IP back at the park with phantom but Too many cardboard cutouts and screens would make this subpar, i also really hope they use the original PT soundtrack as that’s a certified banger.  

[beastfan11]

Only thing that could really ruin it for me would be lack of regular upkeep. 

[kingsislandfan1972]

2 hours ago, beastfan11 said:

Only thing that could really ruin it for me would be lack of regular upkeep. 

I agree as long as it's better maintained than Boo Blasters had been, I'll be happy. A lot of people have been waiting so long for PT to return... I have faith in KI for this one.

[Orion-XL200]

The only thing that would ruin it for me is the 'thoosies who complain about it from the start. Yeah, there are things we all would love to see and experience, but it's going to be what it is, the park/Six Flags/Sally planned the attraction, none of us did and unless someone donates a lot of $ to add something they may want, it'll be what it is when it opens. Sit down, enjoy the ride for what it is and get back in line (or don't).

[BryanJay]

39 minutes ago, Orion-XL200 said:

The only thing that would ruin it for me is the 'thoosies who complain about it from the start. Yeah, there are things we all would love to see and experience, but it's going to be what it is, the park/Six Flags/Sally planned the attraction, none of us did and unless someone donates a lot of $ to add something they may want, it'll be what it is when it opens. Sit down, enjoy the ride for what it is and get back in line (or don't).

Everyone on this forum's been cool with it, but I dislike all the people who are like "Six Flags cancelled KI's family thrill attraction for 2026 it was going to be a coaster!!! Phantom's a cheap replacement" as if in less than a year they completely cancelled their plans for a coaster, and completely developed a completely original dark ride and built all the effects for it. (Even if I personally would've preferred a family coaster)

[Orion-XL200]

Just now, BryanJay said:

Everyone on this forum's been cool with it, but I dislike all the people who are like "Six Flags cancelled KI's family thrill attraction for 2026 it was going to be a coaster!!! Phantom's a cheap replacement" as if in less than a year they completely cancelled their plans for a coaster, and completely developed a completely original dark ride and built all the effects for it.

For sure! On here it's been great, other forums and Facebook groups/pages haven't been as positive. 'Thoosies drive me nuts in general, but especially when it comes to picking apart new rides (anywhere) complaining that the parks/companies should have done x,y,z instead. Then they're the first ones to cry when those rides eventually get removed/the ones who monopolize the conversations instead of just enjoying them for what they area. 

Maybe, as my age has progressed and life has hit me fairly hard over the past year, I just tend to enjoy things for what they are instead of wishing/hoping for something different. 

[kingsislandfan1972]

The Maestro booth over the years... once it got to Boo Blasters it was just an eyesore. I'm hoping the Maestro returns to his booth in Phantom Theater Opening Nightmare!

[KIghostguy]

https://amusementtoday.com/issues/2025/202511ii/assets/downloads/AT-NOV-II-2025i.pdf

 

The latest issue of Amusement Today has an article about Phantom Theater, with some details that have not yet been released. The ride will feature a new performer, a contortionist named Sir Pretzel, and it features 33 animatronics and 1 static figure.

[Outdoor Man]

I have high hopes for this; I believe the Sally Dark Rides has a great team on it and believe it as one of their "Press Announcements" at the IAAPA Expo next week.  though I have to agree, much of what I've seen is very cartoonish.  I applaud Six management for listening to the "crowd" that has missed this attraction, and SDR grabbing onto it. Though I hope that it doesn't stray so far away from the original concept that it falls flat with the crowd that has clamored for it.  

Sort of reminds me of the Muppet Theater (RIP) storyline at Disney with all of the details going off the rails. 

So, with PTON being a "sequel" I hope that SDR is up to the challenge so some lyrics from a Muppets song don't present a self-fulfilling prophecy...

We're doing a sequel, We're back a popular demand.
C'mon on everybody, strike up the band.
We're doing a sequel, That's what we do in Hollywood.
And everybody knows, The sequel's never quite as good. 

 

[BryanJay]

https://content.yudu.com/web/69r/0Aiy7l/ParkworldOct25/html/index.html?page=52&origin=reader

So one last little find that might get immediately disproven/proven during IAPPA starting tomorrow (which I’m so excited for I can’t sleep). I found another magazine regarding PTON, which mostly goes over the same details that’ve been released elsewhere, but one line stood out to me that I’m alternating over the meaning of.

 

It says fans will recognize “the signature music themes” and I’m split between interpreting it as “the original soundtrack from the ride is returning” or “the ride still has the themes of music like the original did with organ and musician rooms” 

But hopefully a lot of details are announced tomorrow and I’m sorta hoping they play whatever music there, but at the very least we’re seeing some animatronics so I’m very happy. 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

I think this means that we will at least have parts of the original soundtrack in the new ride. It will likely be some of the original with the "newer" scenes getting new musical motifs. I'm hoping they will have some music backing the characters in the display. If the apparent screen proves to be such I could see some more promotional material being shown on it. The worst they can do (in my opinion) would be to say that there are "signature music themes" from the original only to put in recordings of Toccata and Fugue and other pieces like that.

Someone posted a calendar screenshot that said the big presentation was specifically Sally Dark Rides and Six Flags. I've found the page and posted a screenshot below. It runs from about 2:10-2:30 and looks like it might just be them showing off the display. I can't tell if the booth number (#2267) is simply included for convenience and this will be an on-stage conference, or if this will simply be a 20 minute segment where they pull the sheet away from the display. I'm super excited to see what they do!

[BryanJay]

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

They’re perfect. The music. The voices. The posters. The dialog. Thank you Kings Island. This is better than I expected.

[beastfan11]

Clip from Instagram: 
 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRNcdTEgWVt/?igsh=MWw2NWs2bWIyeWo3dw==

Absolutely loving it. 

[Phantom Theater]

6 minutes ago, beastfan11 said:

Clip from Instagram: 
 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRNcdTEgWVt/?igsh=MWw2NWs2bWIyeWo3dw==

Absolutely loving it. 

Awesomeeee. I'm curious how the flashlights will work. I hear the OG soundtrack in the background at a slower pace!!!

[BryanJay]

Also just saying tonight I’ll share anymore thoughts because there’s additional footage of the other characters that I only caught a glimpse of, but they did mention giving out exclusive posters to attendees of the unveiling… so likeeee if any of them happen to see this and wanted to discard of it I’m taking donations. 

[Captain Nemo]

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/172ixz2eAY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Close up of the flashlight/blaster

[kingsislandfan1972]

This was truly amazing! Honestly I would have to say the animatronics look a lot better now then before, this is getting me even more excited than before! 

[Diamondback_Is_King]

Yes I agree with what everyone has said! Looks very cool and am super excited to see all this come together in the spring!

Here's the video on YouTube if you care to watch it there:

 

[johnjniehaus]

Has anyone confirmed who is doing the voice acting for the characters in the new ride? 

[beastfan11]

1 hour ago, johnjniehaus said:

Has anyone confirmed who is doing the voice acting for the characters in the new ride? 

I think another user confirmed that Richard Doyle is back for Maestro at least. 

[kingsislandfan1972]

Alright I have to say this, I love the new Maestro animatronic and it looks a lot more lively and more detailed than the original and I'm loving the realistic movements of the new Maestro animatronic, as much as I love the original Phantom Theater which I grew up riding... I think this is going to be a much better improvement!

[Swiftdrawer]

Maestro looks perfect! A blend of cool, creepy ish, and cute! I love this so much! The presentation, the IAAPA exclusive lines from Maestro and No Legs Larry, the way they revealed them with the curtain and the people dressed as ushers.. Just absolutelu splendid!

[Imperial79]

It was so much fun watching the videos on YouTube people have put up, and the pictures here and on Facebook. Wonderful job! 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

As hesitant as I was for the new style of the ride, it's growing on me. I think the new style will definitely make it more palatable for younger audiences while doing a good job of retaining their images. The largest difference (to me) is the fact that they look less gaunt and more hauntingly lively. (Also, it's almost opening night for the new theater, of course Maestro is going to make sure his hair is done and his face looks good!) Those photos being over 20 years old and using full flash definitely doesn't help the case for them. 

I think the weirdest part of this reveal is the fact that they decided to use the red Kings Island logo with the blue flag on both the top sign and the screen. You'd think they could have used the white logo with the red flag instead. The last time we really saw the red logo used was earlier on in the Cedar Fair era.

On the flip side, I really enjoyed that they used a red curtain-like drape with gold tie backs for the cover and that they chose to put the two "curtain pullers" in full costume instead of just having them wear slacks and a polo. I also noticed that they did the same for the reveal of the Tormenta car. If this is the length that the company is willing to go then I think this might be a sign as to how much theming we might continue to see in the future. The flashlights look like they might be a little weird to use. I'm wondering if that is the same model found on other rides that use the flashlight system and how it has worked out for those attractions. It might have a learning curve for Kings Island guests who are so used to using the Ghost Blaster guns.

3 hours ago, beastfan11 said:

I think another user confirmed that Richard Doyle is back for Maestro at least. 

This version of Maestro definitely sounds a lot like Richard Doyle. If it somehow isn't his voice then major props to whoever it is. No Legs Larry kind of sounds like one of the actors who portrayed him in Phantom Theater Encore. 

I was watching through the 50th Anniversary Archives POV earlier and noticed some parts of the original ride that each felt like they were missing something. The hallway of doors definitely felt empty from when you saw Houdelini, Garbonzo, and Bosco until the electric panel scene. I think the interactive elements would help to fill those "empty" spots in the ride that might've harmed the pacing in the original.

We also have a new name I think we should call the Phantom Theater soundtrack: "Terror Toccata".

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

Double posting to share this video Orlando Experience took at IAAPA. You can see the screen on the left side as well as a less crowded view of the display at the end of the video.