HOW TO GO
What: Kings Island
Where: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason
More information: 513-754-5700 or visitkingsisland.com
Season Pass: An adult gold season pass costs $123 each or $102 for a renewal
Single priced tickets: $42.99 if you purchase tickets in advance online, tickets purchased at the gate will cost you more
Parking: $15-$20
Opens: April 22, Soak City Waterpark opens May 28
Daily operation begins: May 15
Closes: October 30
Hours of operation: Varies. Check the website for details of the date you plan to visit — www.visitkingsisland.com/hours-directions/kings-island
Hundreds of thousands of visitors will pour through the gates for Kings Island's 42nd season.
As with all things, planning ahead is key to saving money while you are there.
Here are 10 ways to get the most bang for your buck this year when you visit.
1) Buy online
Purchasing tickets in advance online at VisitKingsIsland.com and at Kroger stores can mean a significant savings according to Don Helbig, Kings Island’s public relations area manager. There’s also a pay-once, visit-twice ticket option.The best investment by far is in a season pass. It gets you into the amusement park, Soak City Waterpark and also covers parking which is normally $12 per visit.
2) Pack a picnic
There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat at the park, but if you pack a picnic and just buy a treat or two, you could save yourself $40 and up. Just remember that your cooler is not allowed to be brought into the park.
3) Do a meal deal
If you want to eat at the park, adding things like the all-day dining plan ($29.99 per person) and a souvenir drink bottle with free refills the day of your first visit after purchasing the bottle are other great money-saving options.
4) Eat a big breakfast
If you eat a big meal in the morning, it will mean there’s less snacking throughout the day. Dining spots like Skyline and LaRosa’s make for a relatively inexpensive lunch. Others food locations will cost more, so be sure to look at prices before you take a seat.
5) Pack water bottles
Those liquid refreshments can really add up on a hot day. Pack an empty bottle and fill it up once you get into the park. Most of the concession stands will give you water and ice and there are water fountains throughout the park. If you want to add some flavor, bring dry Crystal Light or Kool Aid packets to mix it up.
6) Bring cash
If you stop at the ATM before you go, you can not only save yourself the ATM fee, you can have a set amount of money with you so that you stay on track with whatever money you have budgeted to spend.
7) Stock up at the dollar store
Young kids will go crazy at the shops with novelty toys and candy. If you buy a few fun items at the dollar store for little kids, you can give them the thrill without paying the cash. Glowsticks and light-up toys will be popular items after dark.
8) Weekdays are where it’s at
Weekends will be more crowded. If you want to get your money’s worth and ride as many attractions as possible, try to go early in the day and Monday through Thursday once the park opens for daily operations on May 9. Try and visit before May 20 or after Aug. 20 when school is still in session.
9) Go backward to forward
Kings Island offers fast lane passes that allow riders to bypass lines on more than 20 rides and attractions. But for those who don’t have $45 per person for this upgrade, there are strategies to locating shorter lines. One idea is to head to the back of the park first and work your way forward — especially if you get there early. There’s a good chance the lines will be shorter.
10) Find a shuttle
If you are staying overnight, be sure to find a hotel that offers a shuttle or a parking pass so that you can avoid the parking charge.
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