Flight of Fear overhaul?

[SonofBaconator]

The Bat got some work done to it, as did Adventure Express, and now even Invertigo looks like it’s getting some TLC. That leaves FoF which is the other large 90s coaster. Has this coaster been through any renovations lately? I know it’s difficult to visually tell because it’s enclosed.

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

I actually have this little idea I brainstormed of FOF getting a full makeover with new style premier track, trains, and LSMs as well as theming/lighting upgrades. They could even change an element or 2 if wanted. It would cost the same as a new coaster though, but I think it would be great if done right. FOF really fills a major need at parks in the summer time with an indoor ride so I think once FOF starts to reach the end of its life instead of tearing it down they should completely renovate it. 

[silver2005]

At least smooth out the track on par with how KD's runs.  New trains would honestly be a help, especially with less confining leg restraints.

An indoor lighting package and maybe some music in the spaghetti bowl (not sure how the weight would affect things with on-board audio, so I'll accept speakers in the bowl).  Something snazzy to build up the launch would be cool, too. 

[PKIDelirium]

The track is fine I think, they just need to do better with keeping the trains up because it seems like after they do a proper train overhaul, it's great, but then back to the usual offseason work and it starts getting some rattle and vibration again. They used to do those proper overhauls more often, sometimes just on one train each year and there was a serious difference.

[Orion-XL200]

I'd like to see the trains become a little less restrictive. I definitely can ride, but there has to be a little help getting the bar to the right spot to click the stupid seat belt. 

[YuYuYuuki]

Please keep Jim Cummings' voice on the ride... his voice is hot.

[Orion-XL200]

[TombRaiderFTW]

On 12/28/2025 at 8:49 PM, YuYuYuuki said:

Please keep Jim Cummings' voice on the ride... his voice is hot.

Can I just say: You're my favorite part of this website. I feel like you show up every 2-6 months, tell us how hot you think Jim Cummings's voice is on Flight of Fear, and then disappear without a trace for another 2-6 months.

I first heard his voice in The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, so he will always and forever sound like Tigger to me. It is always a jumpscare to hear someone actively thirsting over Tigger, in the most entertaining way possible.

What a legend. Please never change or leave. I love you.

EDIT: Sorry, I forgot to actually respond to the thread topic, lmao.

Flight of Fear, at least to my millennial sensibilities, is kind of a cornerstone of Kings Island. Like, if I think of 4 rides that define what KI is to the majority of people at this point, I'd say (in descending order) Beast, Racer, Diamondback (or Orion), and FoF. COULD FoF go away someday? Sure, but the ride itself seems popular enough that I feel like there could be value in it getting retracked, a new LSM launch system, and new trains at some point in the next 10-15 years so it can keep doing its thing.

Like, don't get me wrong, I love Adventure Express more than I love some people--but if Adventure Express can earn an ROI with a simple theming update, I feel like FoF absolutely could. Reimagined theming (probably without Jim Cummings, I'm incredibly sorry to say) and a retrack, at minimum, seems like it'd pay for itself with some kind of subtitle on the name to differentiate it from what we've known since 1996 (e.g. "Flight of Fear: Race to the Void") and some advertising.

[beastfan11]

FoF totally deserves a AE style refurb. 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

8 hours ago, TombRaiderFTW said:

Flight of Fear, at least to my millennial sensibilities, is kind of a cornerstone of Kings Island. Like, if I think of 4 rides that define what KI is to the majority of people at this point, I'd say (in descending order) Beast, Racer, Diamondback (or Orion), and FoF. COULD FoF go away someday? Sure, but the ride itself seems popular enough that I feel like there could be value in it getting retracked, a new LSM launch system, and new trains at some point in the next 10-15 years so it can keep doing its thing.

Like, don't get me wrong, I love Adventure Express more than I love some people--but if Adventure Express can earn an ROI with a simple theming update, I feel like FoF absolutely could. Reimagined theming (probably without Jim Cummings, I'm incredibly sorry to say) and a retrack, at minimum, seems like it'd pay for itself with some kind of subtitle on the name to differentiate it from what we've known since 1996 (e.g. "Flight of Fear: Race to the Void") and some advertising.

An LSM conversion paired with some new trains alone would be very welcome for both versions of FoF. Keep the video (they've already been able to update it without touching the speaking parts and that 90s interface) and add new lighting to the show building and it'd be better then as well. I don't think it would need the subtitle or name change unless a major change was made to the ride experience like adding an outdoor section or replacing an element within the building with a different one. (Even then, I hate when attractions have unnecessary subtitles — just change part of the name like TT2.) An Adventure Express-style upgrade with new less-intrusive trains would help so much.

Maybe adding an outdoor section could also help increase capacity as well! Is it smart or reasonable for a coaster from the late 90s? Probably not as much as I'd like, but it might be fun.

[DJSkyFoxx]

I wouldn't be mad if they did an overhaul. From a nostalgic perspective, I am fond of it in aesthetics and past memories only. But today in 2025 going into 2026, I tend to skip it all together unless I'm with someone who really is set on riding it or there is absolutely no line and I'm bored. In its current state I find it to be rough and boring. If they updated from LIM to LSM that would be a pretty significant upgrade ( and I imagine would be more efficient overall ) and seriously new trains would be a blessing. It's not the actual seats themselves that bother me so much as the rigid unforgiving axels the trains have. This thing tracks like absolute trash compared to newer coasters that have trains with far more articulation that give for a smoother and more natural feeling ride. But the newer style seating/restraints wouldn't be a bad thing either for this coaster along with articulation within the train itself. Some extra boost, comfortable trains and some refurb on the track would liven this thing up a lot and would absolutely make this coaster a must ride for me instead of the "eh, I'll pass" ride it is for me today.  

[johnjniehaus]

I think FoF should get a refurb sometime soon like Adventure Express did. I think that mini area 72 land is nice but obviously FoF is showing its age and it used to be one of the best coasters in the park but it's been slipping slightly over the years because it's rattle is pretty bad now. The KD version is still amazing albeit feels slightly slower to me. I think we all know Invertigo doesn't have a ton of time left although thankfully they do seem like they are trying to baby it along and keep it running. Don't see that ride getting any sort of major refurbishment. We're just lucky they haven't removed it yet

[SonofBaconator]

My personal synopsis:

The ride itself was a pioneer in many respects: it the first LIM launched coaster, arguably the most themed indoor coaster at the time, and it paved the way for larger more well known rides like Rockin Roller Coaster at WDW.

That being said, the ride isn’t at all dated, but I feel like it might be in another 10 years, especially with newer indoor coasters pushing the envelope of what a dark ride can be. 

The changes I would make could be mostly operational and slightly thematic:

1. Add LSMs
2. Replace the trains
3. Enclose the whole extended/overflow que to keep the lines moving and to add some extra theming within.
4. Repaint the track black

Any minor changes would be maybe adding theming in the bowl somehow.

Like I said earlier, while I think the ride is great now, I think it’ll be “dated” in 10 years and these changes might help it out

[CedarPointer]

Rumor has it the ride overhauled itself yesterday.

[KI Guy]

36 minutes ago, CedarPointer said:

Rumor has it the ride overhauled itself yesterday.

I hope it's nothing serious.

 

You all are quite optimistic. Given the climate at Six Flags I can't imagine FoF would survive a major overhaul/rebuild.

[johnjniehaus]

1 hour ago, KI Guy said:

You all are quite optimistic. Given the climate at Six Flags I can't imagine FoF would survive a major overhaul/rebuild.

I'd say you are right but somehow we still have Invertigo even after the six flags cuts...so maybe there's hope

[CedarPointer]

I have to imagine converting to a more modern technology would be cheaper than replacing it, and I don't think the park can survive another high profile ride removal with no replacement. Using the more roomy trains that the Six Flags FoF clones have would be really nice too, but I assume that would require physical changes to the station platforms and maybe catwalks.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

New trains and an overhaul may also come with the addition of a test seat — a feature that I wish more coasters had overall. There is something to be said about just how much cheaper it is to upgrade the ride as it currently stands than it would be to replace it. A track repaint and some new/simple props and lights in the bowl would help to elevate the ride experience. Now, if the park could add a new flat ride and some real restrooms to Area 72 I think they'd have a much better mini-land.

 

Kings Island fared the 2024 ride purge a lot better than other Six Flags parks. They removed Xtreme Skyflyer (alongside the one at Cedar Point) and have been working to repair Monster and Invertigo. Where other parks were forced to cut events and make mid-season changes to their pass benefits, the most Kings Island really dealt with was the addition of the Haunted Attractions Pass. I've got my own gripes about this company, but I can't really say that Kings Island was worse off in its 2025 season than in 2024.

I don't know how different Six Flags will look under John Reilly, but there have already been some good changes compared to previous years. The websites and mobile app have been updated and consolidated, the 2026 operating calendars have been released, and some parks have even begun to release their 2026 festival lineups.

[KI Guy]

On 12/31/2025 at 9:53 PM, CedarPointer said:

I have to imagine converting to a more modern technology would be cheaper than replacing it, and I don't think the park can survive another high profile ride removal with no replacement.

It would be hard to make the case to spend a sizeable amount of money to save FoF if it came to it. Closing the ride is always cheaper.

I don't know what the condition of the track is, (metal fatigue gets all large steel coasters eventually if not retracked), or the launch system.

Since these execs seem to think predominantly about cost and then marketability with experience third, then it really is in an even worse spot.

FoF is only 2 years younger than Vortex was when it was shut down in 2019. I think the next coaster will launch since KI really doesn't have anything with the thrill of a modern launch and the writing is on the wall for FoF.

 

[johnjniehaus]

It would be wild to me to imagine KI removing FoF before removing Invertigo or The Bat but obviously anything is possible... I do wonder if they removed FoF I'd hope they would replace it with another indoor coaster using the same building. 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

Was the building built around FoF like with Tomb Raider or was the coaster built inside? I'd be curious to see how they would complete a refurbishment and if they could fit any size of crane in there.

[TheCrypt]

Did I miss something? What's the update on Invertigo?

On 1/1/2026 at 6:37 PM, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

Was the building built around FoF like with Tomb Raider or was the coaster built inside? I'd be curious to see how they would complete a refurbishment and if they could fit any size of crane in there.

I once read on here that each of the FOFs were constructed differently to see how much time they could save by their different building methods. If I remember correctly, the KD ride was built after the building and vice versa at KI. This meant that for KD, the crane was actually installed in the building and was--at least at the time of the post--still present long after the ride was constructed. And I'm pretty sure that the race to finish ended up in a wash. Now... whether any of that is even true is another thing. I wish I could find the original post, but it's been so long; it's buried somewhere.

[WoodVengeance]

58 minutes ago, TheCrypt said:

Did I miss something? What's the update on Invertigo?

I think they're referring to the new chain that was spotted on the station platform

[PKIDelirium]

2 hours ago, TheCrypt said:

I once read on here that each of the FOFs were constructed differently to see how much time they could save by their different building methods. If I remember correctly, the KD ride was built after the building and vice versa at KI. This meant that for KD, the crane was actually installed in the building and was--at least at the time of the post--still present long after the ride was constructed. And I'm pretty sure that the race to finish ended up in a wash. Now... whether any of that is even true is another thing. I wish I could find the original post, but it's been so long; it's buried somewhere.

Close, but you’ve got it backwards. KI’s building was built before the ride, KD’s ride was built before the building. The bridge crane is still present in our FOF, not sure if KD installed it, and is used for inspection baskets.

[DJSkyFoxx]

I will say, regardless, it truly is amazing how many of our coasters have stood the test of time when others have been long gone. I may not be a big fan of FoF in how it currently rides, but if they were to do any serious upgrades or refurbishments to it I would be happy and pleased to see them invest in what is sort of a cornerstone ride within the park. And regardless of how negatively most folks feel about Invertigo, I know I am one of a few who still love the ride-especially since I know the best seats for me personally are the outermost seats that don't face anyone. I'm glad it's still here and that they are investing in keeping it around for however much longer. Thankful they have put money into keeping Monster around. Not sure what other things they are going to repair/upgrade but of course The Beast is getting more love. 

We really are lucky that despite all the cuts, our park still gets a lot of love and TLC when others have made cuts. It's a sad state of affairs to have to use this sort of language as I wish all parks invested and cared for their rides as well as KI does, but alas. 

I might also mention I really hope the next ride to get some serious love is Banshee. She really needs a fresh coat of paint. 

[Diamondback_Is_King]

2 hours ago, DJSkyFoxx said:

I might also mention I really hope the next ride to get some serious love is Banshee. She really needs a fresh coat of paint. 

100% agree on this. I would actually like a little different color scheme, similar to what they did when they repainted Diamondback last. The colors remained the same, but the shade was slightly different. I feel like Banshee's blue columns have gotten more purple over the years, and I would definitely like to see more of that dark blue.

But to follow the topic, I think that whatever they do to FoF, they should make it less janky and shaky. I'm ok with a little shake, but not to the point where I'm getting hurt and not feeling good when I get off the ride. Not sure whether that means fixing the track or trains, but something should be done to this ride.

[SonofBaconator]

IMO, a ride overhaul is as good as a new ride.

If in 20 years if the park would ask, would you want us to either give Diamondback the same treatment Universal did with Hulk, or just replace it with something new entirely?- I’d go with the former.

Some rides are meant to fade away because they didn’t have a strong enough legacy or they had a problematic history and there are some that deserve to be preserved. Flight of Fear, I argue, is one that deserves to have be preserved.

[jbeast]

I have not ridden Flight of Fear in many years. Being 6' 4" and size 16 feet, I don't fit in those tiny trains anymore. Got to pace myself and any looping coasters now anyway. Love Banshee, but wow does it hit me hard now. Equilibrium just isn't what it used to be.

I remember well when the coaster first opened and how revolutionary is seemed with the indoor launch. Could not wait to ride it. And laughed at how many people would get up to the station, watch the train take off into the tunnel and then turn around and walk out of line. It was quite intimidating when it was a new thing.

KI was good at that for awhile...bringing new tech to the forefront with a ride. I was in awe when I first heard about The Beast. And thank goodness they are keeping my favorite coaster going strong. And, when the original Bat was built, as a kid I just marveled at the way the trains on that thing snaked under the track. I am incredibly lucky that I was able to get alot of rides on it. Then came King Cobra. A stand-up coaster, seriously...that's what we all thought at that time.

Love Diamondback, Banshee, Mystic and Orion as amazing coasters in my backyard, but KI definitely had a bit different feel in those days it seems.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

On 1/5/2026 at 1:21 PM, jbeast said:

KI was good at that for awhile...bringing new tech to the forefront with a ride. I was in awe when I first heard about The Beast. And thank goodness they are keeping my favorite coaster going strong. And, when the original Bat was built, as a kid I just marveled at the way the trains on that thing snaked under the track. I am incredibly lucky that I was able to get alot of rides on it. Then came King Cobra. A stand-up coaster, seriously...that's what we all thought at that time.

Love Diamondback, Banshee, Mystic and Orion as amazing coasters in my backyard, but KI definitely had a bit different feel in those days it seems.

I have to agree with you on this (although from the perspective of someone much younger). It's much more difficult for parks to design and build anything "new" these days without breaking the bank or being gimmicky. We're still dealing with the results from the Coaster Wars as well, so a lot of enthusiasts still have expectations that can never feasibly be met. I think Kings Island in particular could innovate more by adding advanced theming to their new rides until they are back in a position to install another "first of its kind" or similar.

[KI Guy]

16 hours ago, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

It's much more difficult for parks to design and build anything "new" these days without breaking the bank or being gimmicky.

To an extent, yes, I don't know if difficult is the word because innovative stuff is readily available -- the parks are just so risk averse. It may not be as cost effective on paper in the short term to risk an innovative attraction.

The big parks could buy S&S Axis coasters, RMC T-Rexes, or Mack Xtreme Spinners, they just don't. Instead they put in the reliable but fairly vanilla B&Ms.

The result is that people are pleased but not wowed. "Pleased but not wowed" seems to be the industry trend of the last 15 years or so. By playing it safe the parks actually run the the risk of becoming stale. Innovation was always required in the past rather than optional.