WANT TO GO?
What: Kings Island
Where: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason
More information: 513-754-5700 or visitkingsisland.com
Hours of operation: Daily operations begin May 13 through Aug. 21. Hours vary. Check the website for details of the date you plan to visit — www.visitkingsisland.com/hours-directions/kings-island
Save money: The best ways to save money are by purchasing tickets in advance online and take advantage of the Dining Plans and Souvenir Drink Bottle. Download the parks free mobile app to better plan your day and make the most of your time.
Kings Island by the numbers
364: Number of acres in the park
8.6: The length in miles of roller coaster track in the park (45,391 feet)
101,000,000: The number of rides the Racer roller coaster has given since the park opened in 1972
11: The number of rides that remain in operation that opened with the park in 1972 — The Racer, Eiffel Tower, Race for Your Life Charlie Brown, K.I. & Miami Valley Railroad, Scrambler, Dodgem, Monster, Woodstock Express, Linus' Beetle Bugs, Peanuts Off-Road Rally and the Grand Carousel
1,000: Gallons it took to paint the Eiffel Tower
320: The length of the fountain in feet on International Street
45: Food and beverage locations including one full-service, air-conditioned restaurant in Rivertown, the Reds Hall of Fame Grille.
3: Number of bars and locations – Christian Moerlein Bier Garten in Oktoberfest, Reds Hall of Fame Grille in Rivertown, Coconut Cove Bar in Soak City Waterpark
47: Total number of rides including 15 roller coasters
4,200: Number of park employees
2: Number of paid attractions (Slingshot and Skyflyer)
35: Number of games
2: Arcades
5: Rides that celebrate anniversaries this year — The Grand Carousel turns 90; The Zephyr turns 30; Adventure Express turns 25; Flight of Fear turns 20; Flying Ace Aerial Chase turns 15
It’s time to enjoy Kings Island seven days a week.
Kings Island will begin daily operations May 13 through Aug. 21, when it will return to weekend-only operations.
The park will have several special events over the next few months that are worth marking down on your calendars — in addition to two free military weekends to celebrate those who have served our country proudly.
Here’s a taste of several upcoming events that are worth a look:
1. FREE MILITARY WEEKENDS
May 27-30 and July 2-4
Kings Island is offering free admission to active and retired members of the U.S military during the Memorial Day holiday weekend and the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Military who qualify for the free admission ticket include active military, retired military, National Guard, veterans with honorable or medical discharge and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps with government issued ID. A valid military ID must be presented at Kings Island to take advantage of this offer.
Military personnel can also buy admission at a special price of $29.99 for up to six family members.
2. CIRQUE EXPERIENCE
Opening May 28: Let It Rock and Origins – A Cirque Experience
An all-new musical revue featuring tunes by rockers Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and more will be featured on the Festhaus stage this year. “Origins – A Cirque Experience,” showcasing strength, balance and athleticism will open at Kings Island Theater.
3. COASTER CAMPOUT
June 11-12: Coaster Campout
The Coaster Campout offers a rare opportunity to camp for one night in the park.
Tickets for this event are available online at visitkingsisland.com and are $200 per campsite for up to four campers. Additional campers are $50 per person.
Changes cannot be made after purchase, so organize your group prior to purchasing. Campsites can accommodate a tent up to 20-feet by 20-feet in size. Only 500 campsites are available. No coolers or alcohol are allowed.
Check in starts at 8 p.m. June 11 and exclusive night rides on the Racer, Zephyr, Scrambler, Dodgem and Carousel will take place from 10:30 p.m. to midnight. The fee includes an evening snack, breakfast and admission into the park on June 12.
4. ROLLER COASTER DAY
Aug. 16: National Roller Coaster Day
Mark your calendar for National Roller Coaster Day, which celebrates the king of the thrill rides. To celebrate, Kings Island is offering card-carrying members of approved roller coaster clubs behind-the-scenes tours and photo opportunities of some of the park’s most popular roller coasters and exclusive night rides on The Beast. Whether you’re a card carrying member or not, it’s a great day to celebrate with a ride.
5. RUN AND RIDE
Oct. 21 and 23: Run and Ride
Guests can turn the thrill of the ride into the thrill of the run. The second annual Run and Ride series offers three races to choose from: Half-Marathon, 10K and 5K Glow Run. Runandriderace.com for more information.
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