Phantom Theater Renovation Plans from Mason City Permits

[CoasterJack]

*SPOILERS* (Please avoid viewing this pdf if you don't want to see each scene listed by name over the layout of the ride, animatronic layouts, other schematics, etc.)

Mason redid their whole portal system using OpenGov Citizen Services, which you can access by creating a personal or citizen account. I already have one from past uses. It's much easier to access their monthly reports which are posted and can be access without an account. I assume these will be listed on the December monthly report which should be available soon once we hit January. 

SPOILER:

It appears there's many different versions of the plans, in which the most recent version was approved after they omitted some HVAC renovations due to budget constraints. It's not like we know the entire ride itself from these documents, but it does list each scene by name and show a general layout of some figures representing what I assume are the animatronics. By looking at the wiring diagrams and equipment lists, you can generally tell where the screens will be located, as well as a few other certain elements.

If mods want to combine this with another thread or keep it separate, that's find by me. I don't think I'm breaking any rules as I think others have posted documents from the city of Mason, but I understand if this isn't allowed.

Project_Barnum_APPROVED_DWGS.pdf

[beastfan11]

Links broken! Ah! Thank you so much for sharing though. Maybe screenshots (with spoiler tags) if you have them? Sorry, I’m being a pain. 

[CoasterJack]

Sorry I didn't notice that, also trying to host family for the holidays at the same time so a bit of a delay.

Man I truly am terribly at uploading files and images to these forums, never can seem to get them to display right. Happy to include images, but the details seem to get lost when I screenshot or save specific portions. Also I'm not 100% sure how to spoiler tag things, so let's try this from a sharable link instead...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HQ1HfZZwKczbdtpIEH67k34eAIrArv4i/view?usp=sharing

[PKIDelirium]

That one works. Unfortunately it confirms they're keeping the "castle bridge" for the entrance instead of reverting to the descending pathway and entering the building at queue level like the original.

[Orion-XL200]

From what I gather, the Pepper's Ghost is not going to return, unless that is "on stage."

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

Thank you for sharing this! Some thoughts before I go in and look: I'm curious as to why they went with the Project Barnum name and if it had anything to do with the Peanuts carnival ride misdirect (if you'd like to think of it that way). It's a bit of a stretch to get from PT:ON to the potential Peanuts dark ride from the survey and then also jump to the circus name, but it's something. One thing I'll definitely be on the lookout for will be how the new scenes appear to be handled and if there will be some screens with everyone's scores on them. Otherwise I'm happy we can at least see something technical from this project. I'm not too worried about seeing the scene names or plans yet. For me the real reveal will come when I actually get to see how everything looks in real life.

Now to go look — I'll put my thoughts in a spoiler below.

Spoiler

Typing as I go:

Very interesting to see that vicinity to nearby restrooms is taken into account on the first page. The pages also immediately have that distinct municipal photocopier/digital scan smudging that I've seen so much of. The corporate Six Flags logo is used while the Kings Island logo appears to be the original from 2007(ish) or the updated one with the final Cedar Fair icon. I can't read enough to see if it says "Cedar Fair Entertainment Company" below it, but it definitely looks to be that way. This just makes me more curious to know if/when any of that information needs to be officially changed with the city for legal reasons. 

Huh, the Cedar Fair icon and wording are removed by sheet E0.0 (page 3) and now have the new Six Flags logo in smaller text below it. 

This second figure on the Peanuts Showplace wall of the balcony is intriguing considering it is not yet labeled. I think this will be Larry with some boxes of flashlights. I'm glad to see Arpeggio and Maestro will be on their balcony as well. The scene names are a little hard to read (good, they're not the point of this particular sheet), but from what I can gather it'll be a nice flow from scene to scene. The figures and sets in these diagrams don't give too much away, and the screen usage seems to be restricted. I'm glad the main theater scene (18 - On Stage!) will be returning in some shape and form, even if it means we'll be closer to the stage than in the original. The shortened queue has me wondering where any overflow might fit in. The "scent" coming out of Larry's new balcony was unexpected as well. 

I'm super excited to see how the new queue hallway (2 - Portrait Hallway) compares to having the busts there. Whatever is there might hold up as a better illusion compared to the busts if guests have to stand there while they wait for the FastLane line to clear out.

Holy electrical diagrams, Batman! I forgot how nice it was to look at these since I haven't been able to do much architecture stuff after college.

I doubt the Pepper's Ghost will return in any physical manner. Between the beams from the flashlights to how it (or rather, the glass) was treated by guests in the original, it would probably be far too much work to maintain. Maybe some ghosts will appear on some of the screens instead  I'm not as put off about the bridge remaining as I'd thought, but I hope the castle is significantly modified so that it looks like a theater entrance.

Overall, this looks really nice! I could already see where some of the props/sets that have already been shown off will go. It's really cool to see stuff like that and assemble it in my mind like a puzzle. The demolition plans alone will help to show that this is not just another reskin of Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Castle / Boo Blasters on Boo Hill.

[Timchat2]

Seeing all the specifics is really driving home how incredible it is that our home park is getting a new dark ride of this scale. Really looking forward to seeing how this all comes together!

[beastfan11]

Spent today much time looking at this tonight and will probably obsess over it more tomorrow. But it looks like the order of these scenes might line up with the “leaked” concept art/storyboards shared previously via that YouTube interview. 

Just gotta say, wow.  Starting to feel more and more real…

[CedarPointer]

Interesting that it apparently uses cameras to detect the flashlights.

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

Looks like Maestro is returning to the balcony in the queue! 

[SonofBaconator]

3 hours ago, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

Looks like Maestro is returning to the balcony in the queue! 

Also someone else on the right as you enter- likely No Legs Larry

[Cedar Fair Fanboy]

1 hour ago, SonofBaconator said:

Also someone else on the right as you enter- likely No Legs Larry

My Guess is Kings Island recreating the Maestro pre show animatronic for the balcony and Larry in the receptionist or ticket desk. Because of it, the queue line indoors is shorten to make room for that desk. And it also looks like the Windows will get a upgrade to include new special effects. 
(Edit: I made the queue line system for opening week to show what I've think it will be like.)

[Phantom Theater]

Looking at the electrical receptables schedule:

- 7 Bat Sconces (in queue I assume)
- Stained Glass illuminated arch sounds cool
- Box office!
- 3 Larry's (one in queue, 2 in ride?)
- Larry confirmed to be on the turntable which is named "Last Minute Dash"
- All original characters named

I was hoping the turntable thing would be removed and the massive staged brought back. I hope what they've done with Larry is done well.

Exciting stuff!! Thanks so much CoasterJack for making this known!
 

[SonofBaconator]

8 hours ago, Cedar Fair Fanboy said:

This shows how much space the enchanted theater wastes that could be used for something else.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

I feel like "wastes" is a strong word in this case. It serves its purpose as an indoor entertainment venue much better than it did when CarnEvil was in there and only being used for a month and a half each year. The theater could use a good renovation to make it more than just a bunch of chairs in front of a stage, but having the shows in there is good for the park. I wonder if they could move the stage further down and have the chairs angled compared to the "back" (exterior) wall. It might help with fitting more seats in there. I'd love to hear some ideas as to what else could go in there besides the theater and indoor meet&greet space?

Something interesting I noticed about these drawings is that some parts of it still have artifacts of a past time. The old stairs just outside of the DB Trading Post are still there despite the fact that they were removed in 2009. The differing line weights for all of the different kinds of pathway concrete/paving is also cool to see.

 

Looking at the queue room again, I'm starting to think more and more that the animatronics and their loops shown at IAAPA will be placed here without many changes from what we saw at IAAPA. I do hope there are some more lines of dialogue added to the loop alongside getting some of that sweet organ music back in the line. It also looks like there are no connections for FunTV monitors in the queue room (other TVs/"monitors" are listed elsewhere). 

[johnjniehaus]

On 12/28/2025 at 6:42 PM, PKIDelirium said:

That one works. Unfortunately it confirms they're keeping the "castle bridge" for the entrance instead of reverting to the descending pathway and entering the building at queue level like the original.

Hopefully they at a minimum change the facade 

[SonofBaconator]

14 hours ago, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

I feel like "wastes" is a strong word in this case. It serves its purpose as an indoor entertainment venue much better than it did when CarnEvil was in there and only being used for a month and a half each year. The theater could use a good renovation to make it more than just a bunch of chairs in front of a stage, but having the shows in there is good for the park. I wonder if they could move the stage further down and have the chairs angled compared to the "back" (exterior) wall. It might help with fitting more seats in there. I'd love to hear some ideas as to what else could go in there besides the theater and indoor meet&greet space?

IMO, this would be a great location for a few things:

1. VIP Lounge
2. PT Gift Shop
3. A museum
4. Relocate Great Pumpkin Coaster indoors (silly I know but it could be another indoor attraction that isn’t dictated by the weather and could open up some space outside)

[CoastersRZ]

That space is useful during WinterFest.  Especially since they brought back What the Dickens!  They essentially had two indoor shows there, which helped on nights where it was brutally cold.  

[beastfan11]

With the holiday madness behind us, I finally had the chance to pour over the plans. Put some thoughts/predictions/observations together. Spoilers Ahead!

Spoiler

Queue Line 

Scene 1A -Theater Foyer 

I can’t imagine this will be anything too involved given the size of the space, but one thing I think would be nice is if they found a way to keep the natural light from bleeding into the main queue, especially since it will feature some pretty cool show elements. 

Scene 1B - Main Lobby Queue 

In looking at the plans, it seems Maestro will once again be included in the queue line. In addition, the queue will feature a new character, Archie, as well as No Legs Larry. Interesting to note, the appears to be some kind of scent based effect here. Curious as to what that’s about. 

Scene 2 - Portrait Hallway 

I’m not sure what shape the original rotating busts are in, but maybe we could see those return. I know a few were out for the Encore stage show. 

Scene Breakdown 

Scene 3 - The Grand Rotunda 

Load/unload area. Love the name. Not sure what to expect here, but anything is better than what’s (not) there currently. 

Scene 4 - Posters

This first real scene in the ride. Based on some blurry concept art, I’m going to guess we’ll see Houdelini, Hilda Bovine, and The Great Garbanzo featured here. My theory is that this will be a sort of hybrid between the original queue posters and skim effect from the original ride. The plans do not include any animatronics from what I can see, so I would guess that this is going to be a screen or prop based effect. 

Scene 5 - Usher Instructions

Instead of Maestro antagonistically welcoming us into the theater, we’ll now be met with Larry who will presumably give us a run down on what riders are “supposed” to do. 

Scene 6 - Audience Seating 

Not too sure on this one. The plans do not show any animatronics. Best guess? Some type of flashlight based scene that gives riders an opportunity to help Larry seat guests for the show.

Scene 7 - Checking In 

No clue on this one either. Best guess? Some kind of ticket booth scene based on the drawings in the plans. 

Scene 8 - The Maestro Rehearses 

This scene features Maestro at the organ. This piece of concept has been revealed already. I think based on that, this is where the “lightning strike” will release the ghost notes into the rest of the ride. 

Scene 9 - A Plan of Action

The ride plans show another Larry animatronic here. Narratively, I would guess this is where riders are encouraged by the head usher to capture the ghost notes with their flashlights. 

Scene 10 - Ghost Note Madness

I think this is where riders will be able to start capturing ghost notes. Again, not looking like any figures in this scene, so I’d expect it to be primarily screen or projected based. 

Scene 11 - The Great Garbanzo 

The plans show Garbanzo in his cannon. Can’t make much else out. 

Scene 12 - Houdelini The Magician 

Pretty self explanatory. Plans show an animatronic and what looks like the rabbit we saw on the character sheet previously. 

Scene 13 - Hilda Bovine  

Looks like we’ll be seeing Hilda shattering the mirror once more. 

(The three performer scenes appear to be based on the original rehearsal room scenes)

Scene 14 - Dressing Room Row 

Sounds like an homage to the original attraction. The scene looks to include three animatronic figures. My guess is Willard Warbler, Lionel Burymore, and Sir Pretzel. 

Scene 15 - A Bright Idea 

I’m thinking this is where we will see “Rick The Electrician” in a scene similar to the “No one’s allowed backstage” scene in the original. Hope to see the lights off/on effect again. 

Scene 16 - What Are We Going To Do? 

No clue on this one. 

Scene 17 - Last Minute Dash 

This is the reused turnable scene. Looks like it features a figure. I’m going to guess this is Larry being chased by ghost notes before the big opening night performance. 

Scene 18 - On Stage! 

By the name of it, I think it’s safe to assume this our big theater scene. Not looking like anything Pepper’s Ghost related, but the plans show a total of six animatronic figures. I would guess they include: Houdelini, Hilda, Garbanzo, Lionel, Willard, and Sir Pretzel. Sounds like this could be pretty impressive. 

Scene 19 - The Maestro’s Performance 

Looking at the plans, looks like we’ll see Maestro and Archie in animatronic form at the organ, presumably debuting the new piece referenced at IAAPPA. 

Scene 20 - Cast Panic!

Not a clue on this one either. 

Scene 21 - Meanwhile, Backstage…

The plans show two figures, one seemingly upside down. Safe to say our stage hands are caught in the ropes again. 

Scene 22 - Theater Storage

From what I can tell, this is more or less the prop room and will include the gargoyle, the mummy, and the centurion. Just my best guess based on the drawing. 

Scene 23 - The Boiler Room

Seems to be a pretty faithful recreation of the original scene with the builder and two figures.

Scene 24 - Boiler Blast 

Looks like an effect based extension of the boiler room scene. Looks like some kind of explosion/blast. Sounds pretty rad!

Scene 25 - Back Into The Organ 

I think this is where we’ll see the captured ghost notes return into Maestro’s organ, therefore saving the performance! 

Scene 26 - Curtain Call 

Plans for this one remind me of the IAAPPA display. It shows two figures, presumably Maestro and Larry. I could also see this being the “scoreboard” section of the ride where you see how many ghost notes were captured. 
 

Hoping to have some more time to get into the effects listed in the plans, because  I feel like this could give us a better idea of what these scenes could include. Same with the super blurry concept art storyboard that's been posted here a few times. 

Anyway. Time for me to go touch grass. 

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

Could the explosion/blast in scene 24 be what Rick pitched back in 2022 during that Q&A at the park?

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

I believe the inverted busts are being removed and replaced with screens for PT:ON. All of the screens (monitors) and projectors are labeled in the plans, and those boxes are labeled as being used for monitors — likely because the inverted bust illusion might not work as well when guests are standing next to them for more than 30 seconds. There will be a lot of digital elements mixed in with the 33 animatronics.

The Grand Rotunda will hopefully return to this level of grandeur, though I didn't see anything in those electrical plans about the chandeliers or overhead curtains returning. I think anything will be better than how Boo Blasters felt toward the end.

[kingsislandfan1972]

Are they removing the FunTVs from the que? I'd really hope so, honestly it took away the haunted house vibe that Boo Blasters tried to have, I'd be 100% fine with just hearing the Maestro and No Legs Larry talk in the que as well as the eerie music being played. Boo Blasters used to do that in the early 2010s but it was replaced by the FunTVs for some odd reason. I'm hoping its a little darker in the que too. 

[beastfan11]

46 minutes ago, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

Could the explosion/blast in scene 24 be what Rick pitched back in 2022 during that Q&A at the park?

I wish. But it honestly looks like it’s listed specifically as “Boiler Blast” with nothing referring to Garbonzo. 
 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

20 minutes ago, kingsislandfan1972 said:

Are they removing the FunTVs from the que? I'd really hope so, honestly it took away the haunted house vibe that Boo Blasters tried to have, I'd be 100% fine with just hearing the Maestro and No Legs Larry talk in the que as well as the eerie music being played. Boo Blasters used to do that in the early 2010s but it was replaced by the FunTVs for some odd reason. I'm hoping its a little darker in the que too. 

There do not appear to be connections for the FunTV screens listed in the plans so I think it's safe to say they will be removed. I'd really like to see some of the lines from the original return to the ride, especially in the queue room. The dialogue we saw at IAAPA is probably what will all go in there, but a little antagonism sprinkled in here and there might help with any guests who are so far wary of PT:ON because of its "goofy" nature.

The electrician is still named Gus in these plans, though I assume it would be easy enough to sew a new name tag onto any of the animatronics costumes.