Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare New in 2026

[BryanJay]

That must really be disappointing for those who were chosen, I’m sorry if that applies to anyone here. From what I gather from some Facebook comments (assuming multiple people are telling the truth) there’s probably some last minute legal/logistical issue with the way they selected the actors, so they’re switching to a private casting company instead. I say this not to speculate over the events of a private event, but it’s not an issue in terms of the ride’s completion. If it wasn’t finished by now, they likely wouldn’t have sent the media invites.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

I should've clarified: I don't think it's the ride that isn't ready but rather the park or someone higher up involved in the photoshoot. Someone could've gotten sick (the most likely scenario IMO), or the camera crew (whoever that might be) needs time for something, or maybe there's an issue with another thing in the park. I think all of the ride construction and programming is done. 

While we're speculating, when do you think the park might take a ride POV? Will it just be a camera riding alone in the car or do you think they would have someone there capturing ghost notes? Maybe the park will wait a little bit before filming the POV. Who knows (I don't, that's why I'm asking all of you)

 

5 minutes ago, BryanJay said:

That must really be disappointing for those who were chosen, I’m sorry if that applies to anyone here. From what I gather from some Facebook comments (assuming multiple people are telling the truth) there’s probably some last minute legal/logistical issue with the way they selected the actors, so they’re switching to a private casting company instead. I say this not to speculate over the events of a private event, but it’s not an issue in terms of the ride’s completion. If it wasn’t finished by now, they likely wouldn’t have sent the media invites.

That's an issue I could see popping up like this. Selecting participants via a Google Form that shut down 2+ hours before it was advertised to close isn't exactly the best look. There also could have been an issue with either participants not being chosen fairly — though I would think that might only be an issue if those chosen were being paid. I've heard stories about these photoshoots only including people with certain physical aspects. The private casting company will be much better for all of the above since they're probably held to a higher legal standard. Either way, it's upsetting for all of the folks who were selected and got all gussied up for it.

As for media invites, I'll remind everyone that Six Flags had Quantum Accelerator's 2025 media day planned with invites sent before cancelling it. (I don't think that will happen here, just saying that it's happened before.)

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

To those who were origionally chosen, I hope the park does something to make up for it and I mean something well thought out and worth the cancellation not an extra bring a friend ticket or credit off of merch. 

[BryanJay]

1 hour ago, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

While we're speculating, when do you think the park might take a ride POV? Will it just be a camera riding alone in the car or do you think they would have someone there capturing ghost notes? Maybe the park will wait a little bit before filming the POV. Who knows (I don't, that's why I'm asking all of you)

I think the park wouldn’t publicly release a POV until at least the end of the summer, since I feel like there’s a sense of mystery with a dark ride (especially one that you can record on yourself… I hope. I hope they didn’t change that rule from Boo Blasters) versus a coaster that shouldn’t have that many legal recordings of it.

When they do I suspect it’ll be like the most recent Boo Blasters POV they did where it’s mostly for archival purposes, but it would be REALLY awesome if they implemented the source audio into a ride through (I also hope the source audio releases asap because I know I’ll want to listen to the theme song. Whether it’s a Sally Dark Rides post or something they share within any press kit during media day (if so lmk wink wink)

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

IIRC the last Boo Blasters POV had riders shooting at the targets (you could hear them talking and maybe see an arm  ). Theirs and others' POVs interacting with the ride really helped make it not feel so dead, so I hope any PT:ON POV has people interacting with it. Releasing a POV at the end of Summer would make a lot of sense. Let everyone come see it for themselves and then release the video.

 

Another thought: now that the ride cars are grouped in pairs (except for #27 which appears to be alone on the plans) do you think there will be 3 or 6 different flashlight colors? We know there will be at least three colors per vehicle, but depending on how interactions in each scene are planned out I think six colors could be helpful.

[beastfan11]

Merch Drop…

A few pics with some out of focus views of the facade. Looks like the “teeth” are gone from the entrance. Looking good. Get a quick glimpse of the new outdoor queue and merch cart as well. 2 1/2 days… Not that I’m counting. 

@kingsislandfan1972 looks like your hat wishes are coming true.

[BryanJay]

I really like the design the used for the hoodies. I feel like that should've been the initial promo art (unless they sell posters maybe??) Even if it's not for opening weekend, I really hope we get some weird merch stuff. 

[Fishdinner]

I think we will see the “comedy and tragedy” mask of no legs Larry basing off this photo
(He looks happy, right?)

[johnjniehaus]

1 hour ago, beastfan11 said:

Looks like the “teeth” are gone from the entrance

Thank the maker! 

[beastfan11]

24 minutes ago, johnjniehaus said:

Thank the maker! 

Couldn’t agree more with you or love that reference! Ha.

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

Lets take bets on how often the new merch cart will be open this season. I'm going with around 50% and that's being generous lol

[BryanJay]

14 minutes ago, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

Lets take bets on how often the new merch cart will be open this season. I'm going with around 50% and that's being generous lol

Maybe it's just me because I'm obviously biased, but I think it will be open for a majority of the summer. After this season it will be removed or open maybe three weekends.

[CedarPointer]

I'm sure it'll be turned into a bar before too long.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

2 hours ago, beastfan11 said:

It looks like we're also getting a look at the "trade secret" wait time sign (as it was referred to by the City of Mason) 😂 

Aside from that I like this look for the ride. The signs haven't been installed yet, but it looks like the mounting points are still there. Thank goodness the teeth were removed from the entrance. The windows above it look like they could use some decoration, though. It also looks like they replaced the lanterns that used to be on the front of the facade. Those might be the base for the lanterns so maybe they'll come back? I haven't been able to see any lights on the facade from the webcams but I hope it has some fun lighting. 

As for the merch stand I'm a little intrigued by the wording. It looks like it says "MERCH" and "ICE, COLD SODA" with either a fancy "and" or something else in between them. Personally, I think it's an odd choice to include the comma between ice and cold. They also chose to leave "Opening Nightmare" off of the merch stand's sign, so I hope they'll also sell some original PT merchandise in addition to the PT:ON merchandise. Some Phantom Theater Encore merch would also be nice!

[kingsislandfan1972]

7 hours ago, beastfan11 said:

Merch Drop…

A few pics with some out of focus views of the facade. Looks like the “teeth” are gone from the entrance. Looking good. Get a quick glimpse of the new outdoor queue and merch cart as well. 2 1/2 days… Not that I’m counting. 

@kingsislandfan1972 looks like your hat wishes are coming true.

I was hoping for a hat! As we won't be there until the end of May... fingers crossed they don't sell out! 🤞

[Phantom Theater]

Here just to post about my excitement!! I still struggle to grasp the idea that they brought Phantom Theater back. It is something I never thought would happen! I can't think of any theme park ride given a second life like this. I always thought it was dead and gone. I fly up there from Orlando on Friday, at the park on Saturday. Just, wow. I will be buying a lot of the merch!! My mind just wont give it a rest haha

[Outdoor Man]

It's almost time to raise the curtain....