Kings Island was set to open this year with a new roller coaster – Orion – that features a 300-foot drop. However, once the Covid-19 pandemic spread to Ohio, the amusement park has sat empty. As Governor Mike DeWine has begun reopening more businesses and attractions across Ohio, people may soon have the opportunity to ride the Orion and several other attractions Kings Island has to offer. How will Kings Island look? Will all the rides and attractions be open to guests?
Following the reopening of Disney Shanghai in May, the International Theme Park Services anticipates a possible July 1 reopening of American theme parks. However, Kings Island will open to Season Passholders only from July 2 through July 11. Beginning July 12, the park will be open to Season Passholders and Daily Ticketholders.
So, what should visitors expect when visiting Kings Island after the pandemic?
“We are ready to welcome our guests back to Kings Island for some long-overdue fun,” said Mike Koontz, General Manager of Kings Island. “The safety of our guests and associates has always been and will always be our top priority. The park’s new health and safety protocols align with CDC recommendations, and have been shaped by information from company and industry health and safety experts, along with our state and local government officials.”
According to the Kings Island website, new protocols to create a safe and clean environment include:
- A new online reservation system; each guest is required to have a reservation prior to their visit to enable capacity management;
- A requirement to complete a pre-visit health screening declaration 24 hours prior to admission;
- A touchless temperature screening prior to entering the facility for both guests and associates;
- Requirements for all guests, associates, and vendors to wear masks as directed by the protocols
- Social distancing markers throughout the park, including ride queue lines;
- Limited guest/associate contact;
- Enhanced cleaning procedures, including additional deep cleaning and sanitization of restrooms, dining facilities, and other busy areas;
- Additional hand sanitization stations; and
- Capacity management throughout the park.
What we also know is that 2020 season passes will be extended to include the 2021 season. Grand Carnivale – the park’s cultural celebration with a nightly parade – has been rescheduled to 2021. Joining it will be Summer Nights, an evening block party with live music, food, and interactive attractions, which will also likely look different than its 2020 plans.
Possible Covid-19 Requirements
Based on Disney Shanghai’s physical distancing and Covid-19 restrictions, as well as those being followed at American gatherings such as farmers markets, here’s what to expect when Kings Island reopens this summer (any suggestion may be countered by park officials or government rules):
- Park visitors may be restricted to probably about 30 percent capacity. Kings Island has a maximum capacity of approximately 10,000, so 3,000-3,300 visitors would be realistic.
- Social/physical distancing will be required. The six-foot rule will be enforced throughout the park – rides, attractions, and food outlets. There will likely be markers on the ground to ensure the six-foot rule is enforced.
- While the park will do its best to ensure safe/physical distancing, face masks will add an additional layer of protection against spreading the virus.
- Gloves may be required on some rides, especially ones that require hands-on railings.
- Delays between rides to allow park employees time to clean and sanitize.
- Stage shows that usually attract large crowds will probably not take place.
- Food vendors and outlets may be restricted. Dining areas will practice social distancing with tables spread out to ensure the six-foot rule.
The park will initially open to Season Passholders with limited capacity and hours. Kings Island will be sending emails to pass holders, inviting them to begin making reservations. Only pass holders will be able to make reservations for at least the first week; daily ticket reservations will open within the next two weeks. An opening date for Soak City water park is to be determined.
All guests are asked to download Kings Island’s free mobile app to make a reservation and facilitate their park visit. 2020 Season Passes have been extended through 2021.
Although restrictions will be in place for safety purposes, that doesn’t mean the park won’t be a fun place to visit. Aren’t all amusement parks a blast?
Roller Coasters and More
So, back to the Orion. Once the park is open, who is ready to tell the tale of riding a roller coaster of epic proportions? I mean, it is one of only seven giga coasters in the world! Anchoring the renamed Area 72, Orion’s 300-foot drop is the first drop on the ride. Talk about starting off big! The 5,300-foot long ride reaches speeds up to 91 mph. You’ll be holding on for dear life on this ride. Combine this experience with the Flight of Fear indoor roller coaster next door and you’ll have a true Kings Island experience to remember for a lifetime.
But, the fun doesn’t stop there. If roller coasters are your thing, then Kings Island is the place to go. Take a ride on the Banshee, the world’s longest inverted roller coaster. With a 167-foot lift and a 150-foot curved first drop, you’re in for a thrill ride to challenge any thrill ride. Reaching speeds up to 68 mph, the roller coaster covers more than 4,100 feet. Set in a wooded area of Kings Island, Mystic Timbers takes you along for a challenging ride along with a wooden roller coaster. New to the park in 2017, Mystic Timbers travels more than 3,000 feet with 16 airtime moments crossing water and traveling through a tunnel.
While roller coasters may be the main attractions at Kings Island, you’ll want to check out the other rides, such as bumper cars, log rides, and a drop tower. You can even visit the Eiffel Tower in the International area. Kings Island is also home to a fun children’s zone, as well as a water park that includes a splash park, water slides, and Mondo Monsoon, a thrill ride with a four-person raft that ends with a free fall into a water funnel.
Regardless of which ride is your favorite, a trip to Kings Island will be a much-wanted break from spending most of the spring indoors at home. While Covid-19 will create new limits, we’ll adjust, and going to the park will be fun again. As always, prepare wisely and only go places where you are most comfortable going. But, Kings Island and its attractions will be waiting with open arms from a safe distance.
As always, check their website here for the most up-to-date information. You can also find out more about the park as well as get answers to frequently asked questions.
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