Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare New in 2026

[johnjniehaus]

1 hour ago, IndyGuy4KI said:

I disagree. I think it was a historical move for the 50th and then they realized there was still interest in the characters and story. Why not capitalize on what you already created when you know it is popular with guests instead of starting from scratch.

 

Oh I agree on using characters that were already created but how would they truly know if those characters were still relevant or engaging 20 years later if they hadn't done the show? I think it was a great way to honor the history of the park but if that show had bombed do you think we'd be seeing them invest a sizeable amount in a new Phantom Theater ride? I think not. So I agree the motivation behind the show was probably 90% let's pay homage to the history of the park for its 50th anniversary but I do think they always had it in the back of their mind to "test" the audience of how many people remember and still enjoy these characters. 

[IndyGuy4KI]

I can respect the 90/10. Knowing it needed updated, why not let the show steer the decision a bit. A totally different experience would most likely (totally assuming) cost more money than brining back the PT characters. 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

I wonder if we'll see anything else PT related in the park this season. We've talked about potential walk-around characters, but I also think it would be cool to see some special in-park announcements like they had with Phantom Theater Encore come back. Another PTE show is probably not in the cards (as much as I'd like it to be) unless KI is able to beef up their entertainment offerings.

[BryanJay]

I unironically thought there was like a slight change PTE might've had a third season if they hadn't posted a full recording on YouTube this week. I'm not expecting too much, because I think the ride itself return is a major accomplishment. Something very easy to do that I hope they put somewhere is bringing the displays from the Encore lobby somewhere in the park (whether that's in an indoor extended queue/meet and greet space inside Peanuts showplace if crowds necessitate that, or at a merch display). I think a smaller-scale PT show in the peanuts showplace (with Puppets maybe??) would be cool, but I can't realistically see that happening this season. 

 

Also whatever fireworks or drone show they have will probably have a Phantom Theater segment. Maybe a ride overlay or character thing will open for Haunt or Winterfest.

[kingsislandfan1972]

Personally I want to see more merchandise come out of this. Plush toys would be awesome! Fingers crossed that we get some hats as well with the PTON logo to add to my hat collection.