Kings Island Review | A Gold Standard for Amusement Parks | Mason, Ohio 

Insight as a former associate - one thing to highly consider: this park has the highest season pass holder attendance and retention in at least the cedar fair legacy chain (unsure compared to six flags). Percentage wise, the amount of pass holder guests on any given day typically vastly outweigh day pass and non home-park platinum guests. The guest attention to the park is of a higher standard than a typical park in the chain. It all dates back to Taft broadcasting. Kings island was a local park, the first park of Taft in their own backyard, and deeply cared about for over 20 years.

Kings Island having a “shade issue” is the understatement of the century.

They definitely deserve all of the praise they get. Their operations are one of the best I’ve seen in an amusement park. The staff is friendly too!

Having been to KI for 25 years I have never had a bad day there, never once. I have had at least one or two bad days at almost every other park I’ve visited in that time. I thought KI was overhyped for a very long time, but the last decade I’ve only seen the park continue to improve. I’m a believer. Every ride is open, downtime is a minimal issue, operations are awesome everywhere, the place is stunningly well maintained, and it just feels good to be there.

Even though I’ve moved away from Ohio for a job opportunity, This park will always be home to me! Even when Covid took away my summer between high school and college, it couldn’t take away Kings Island and my “graduation gift coaster” Orion! Kings Island never gets old!

Kings Island…a masterclass of a park. One of my top 5 theme/amusement parks I’ve ever been to. On my last visit in August, one of my favorite jazz songs (which reminds me of the park) just luckily came on and blasted it in the parking lot lol. Banshee is my favorite coaster there and my favorite of all inverts 🐧

So fortunate to call Kings Island my home park (even though I live in Austin now). I'm lucky enough to have ridden the original Bat (only about two or three times) and Son of Beast (countless times). I rode The Beast when it first opened in 1979, got to enjoy Screamin' Demon, King Cobra, and, of course, Vortex. Kings Island is what I miss most about living in the Cincinnati area. Well, that and Skyline Chili. And going to Reds games. So much to love about Cincinnati.

Kings Island is an amazing park. They just need an elite top 10 worthy coaster. I really hope they consider either a Mack Xtreme spinner or a Mack Stryker coaster as those would be perfect additions and fill that gap

One thing you didn’t mention about the front gate is that that the restaurant kinda blocks your view of international street until you get past it. I really like that it does that tbh. Kinda reminds me of walking into Magic Kingdom. If they ever change the front gate I hope they don’t get rid of that aspect.

I always appreciate your fresh take on my favorite parks and the well researched information in your videos! My History with Kings Island goes back to 1973! It’s always been my favorite amusement park!

There are definitely some dedicated fans at Kings Island - from some breaking record number of rides on coasters, to others taking attendance records to new levels. A local season pass holder just took a break from their 5 years and 16 days of daily perfect attendance. Absolute legend.

My home park for 52 years. Taylor and Sarah thanks, your videos are excellent and I enjoy very much. Looking forward to watching your upcoming adventures in Asia. Have a fun and safe trip 😊

Went on a trip to Ohio to visit CP, and ended up taking a day to go to KI. I was blown away; CP definitely met my expectations but I didn't know what to expect from KI so I was really impressed in terms of operations, quality of rides, and general atmosphere (plus having AWESOME woodies). Its hard to say whether I like KI or CP better but it was one of the best theme park experiences I've had. An extreme spinner or something Vekoma would do great; ideally with a lot of inversions because this park has no shortage of airtime with Diamondback or Mystic Timbers.

I just visited Kings Island last month for my first visit and I was shocked by how much I loved it. Awesome rides, lovely atmosphere, solid food, and I think I even slightly prefer it to Cedar Point. I visited both on the same trip (I had been to Cedar Point before but it was 6 years prior) and after visiting both parks I realized that I genuinely miss Kings Island more. The park is so good and a must visit for sure. Even my friends who I went with were shocked by how good the park was.

Kings Island is my home park and I’m so glad you guys made a review on it! It deserves the love it gets!

I worked there for years on and off and became pretty jaded hearing guest complaints so often. Thanks for giving such a positive perspective! It's refreshing for sure

Been going to KI since I was a kid. I remember waiting an hour plus in line when I was a kid for the Beast, Vortex, King Cobra or Top Gun. They've added so much and have so many attractions that I never wait more than a half hour nowadays, even at the biggest rides. You can basically walk on Adventure Express any time, even on Sunday afternoon. Can't wait for Haunt and Winterfest!

Despite having worked at Cedar Point for 3 summers and meeting my wife while working there...Kings Island has become my favorite park, bar none. It's coaster lineup is super-solid, even without an ELITE at the level of a Steel Vengeance. It has the best layout of any park I've ever been at. I decided to get a KI 2025 Gold Pass with the All-Park Passport, with plans on hitting the park after it opens in late April.

Really second what he said in the video about things being hassle free, I feel like I need to plan too much and stress to have a nice day at so many parks but Kings Island is always a good time

So thankful to have it as my home park. Everyone glazes Cedar Point and it’s awesome but Kings Island is so underrated. Towards the end you said a lot of coaster enthusiasts are born because they grew up going to Kings Island and I am proud to be one.

I literally just went there on Saturday for the first time and it was an absolute blast! I loved that park so much that I’m definitely planning to return within the next month! ❤

11:17 A major gap that Kings Island has had in its line up since the removal of Vortex is an outdoor right-side-up track looping coaster. Every coaster at Kings Island with inversions right now is either inverted or indoors.

Kings island has been my home park since 2010. It has always been apart of my life and a place to go hangout with some friends. This park is truly the most magical place in the United States.

Kings Island is my home park. Talk about being spoiled all my life. My teen years were during their “Topping everyone else” years. Original Bat, Vortex, King Cobra, White Water Canyon (I think it was the longest raft ride when it opened), and more.

Just got back from a trip to Carowinds for the first time, and had a craving for more coasters so I impulsively bought a 2025 KI Gold Pass. I love this park sm and am so happy it’s my home park

9:20 “my personal favorite is the 4 way” 😂😂

I truly feel that Kings Island is all-around the best traditional amusement park in the USA (and, perhaps, the world, although I can't verify that personally). There are some highly themed fully immersive theme parks that can beat it, but pound for pound it's the best coaster+ride park in the whole country. The coaster lineup is rock solid, the layout is easy to navigate, the landscaping is beautiful, the food is good, and the management and staff are some of the best in the industry.

A few things you may find interesting from someone who loves to read about this park: - The reason that the Bat queue is so far back there is because that whole pathway leading up to it also used to be Son of Beast's queue and plaza. You can actually see the old queue line and station ramp right past the tunnel you walk under while going to the Bat. - Action Zone is probably getting rethemed soon and there is talk that the new coaster for that area will reuse Son of Beast's station which is is still standing after all these years. - The park had an episode on the Sci-Fi channel on the show Ghost Hunters and is most likely haunted. - Kings Island (technically their parent company) has only used about 1/3 of the land that they own for the park. Meaning that there is really no reason they need to remove anything to add something new. There is an entire plot from Dinos Alive behind Orion still as well as the area behind Banshee like you said that can easily house many different small attractions or at least one major coaster. Hope you guys enjoy this park like I do! You are correct in saying that their operations and staffing are among the best in the industry.

Kings island is my favorite park I’ve ever been to. They don’t do anything wrong it’s arguably the best ran park in the country and everything there just is so high quality like the rides food ops scenery it’s just something you can’t beat. The only thing id change though is they need that standout coaster and I think an extreme spinner would be absolutely perfect

Ah yes, finally an updated KI review!

Extremely thankful that King's Island is my home park, been going since I can remember as a child. I always am kicking myself for never being able to claim the Son of Beast on my coaster credits because I was an inch too short to ride the year they closed it 😂 but I've made so many great memories and met so many cool people. It's one of my favorite parts of every summer is to make my trip to Mason OH and visit

Wonderland is my home park, and for the 2021 season I got a platinum pass for when the border reopens. It did the next year and luckily my pass was valid till the end of summer 2022. The first trip I went on was a trip to Cedar Point and Kings Island. I've been to Cedar Point pretty consistently but the last time I went to Kings Island was in 2011 when I wasn't even 10 yet, so I considered it a redemption trip. We were going to Kings Island first but wanted to stop off at Cedar Point on the way for something to eat and a ride or two, then got to Kings Island before dark. With my fast lane plus I was able to ride 5 things in less than 2 hours, and even got a night ride on The Beast! One thing that struck me was just how friendly, caring and Thoosie the staff were! The next day we had a full day at Kings Island, and I distinctly remember waiting for the back on The Beast and the ride op standing there turned to me and asked "And how is your day going?" I said it was going great! Once I boarded, he gave me a personal "Hey, you enjoy your ride". I've NEVER had this happen at any other park. Even when I was waiting the night prior for The Beast at night, the ride had to close for a bit for the fireworks, but they guaranteed that we will be riding. As soon as the ride closed, they immediately asked if any of us were thirsty or dehydrated, knowing we might be waiting for a bit. On the topic of Food, it's the best food I've had at a park, with the Miami River Brewhouse's Pub Burger being sooooooo gooooooood, with beef so tender and juicy! The Juke Box diner had the best Chicken tenders I've ever eaten! When it comes to rides, Kings Island has a top 5, and when I mean a top 5, I mean that if any of those rides were at any other park, they would be their top coaster. The Beast changed my life, Orion is the strongest B&M Giga, Mystic Timbers is so much fun, Banshee is a lot of fun, and Diamondback is the first coaster I ever rode that's over 200ft, back in 2011! Since That first 2 entries, I've gone to Kings Island probably 15 times, even though I live 5 hours away. I just love the park so much! It's the best park in the world, suck it Cedar Point

Really enjoyed this video! It was my first time at Cedar Point was this year (loved it) , and picked up the all-park pass, so now it's time to find some flights to Cincinnati!

Phantom theater is engraved in my memory from when I was a kid. Looking up in the line and seeing the phantom playing the organ, I’ll never forget it.

This year was my first time and I took my son with me. I grew up with cedar point and Michigan adventure, having gone to a few six flags parks over the years too and even universal/Disney. Kings Island blew me away with its cleanliness, great ride operations, wide ride selection and amazing kids area. The bat instantly became one of my new top 10 rides and mystic timers is my number 2 ride under Maverick at cedar point.

I just got reminded of Vortex from this ): My first big and first looping coaster, what a great ride it was!

@7:55 YES! We've been saying this for years, a spooky theme in this area would be awesome.

Had the pleasure of going there for the first time this past Labor Day! Three train operations on most major coasters, and the customer service rocked. Loved it!

Great video! Very nice review!

I was born and raised in Indianapolis and my first visit to KI was in 1993 when I was 5; and I grew up with it during the Paramount days. Even though that wasn't considered the best time for the park; as a kid it was extremely nostalgic for me. The kids area was Nickelodeon themed. The new coaster for 1993 was "Top Gun" ( The Bat) which was my first large coaster. When they installed Italian Job and Tomb Raider it was just incredible to me. So, I have very fond memories of this anazing park and it always hold a special place in my heart.

Been my home park for over 10 years. As I’ve traveled to many amusement parks around the country, this is hands down one of the best operated parks around! Never gets old

This review is spot on! I’ve been visiting Kings Island since the 1970.’s. Back when Woodstock Express was the Scooby Doo coaster 😁. Definitely one of my favorite parks and looking forward to getting back when they add a new coaster - hopefully in the Vortex plot of land.

I made my first trip this past summer to both Kings Island and Cedar Point. I loved them both but you are definitely right about the 'homey' feeling at KI. I can't wait to go back

I went to King’s Island last year for their Halloween event and loved it. Easily my 2nd favorite amusement park (only behind cedar point). The Beast, Diamond Back, Banshee, Orion, mystic Timbers and Invertigo were my night rides that I really remember. The people were nice, the staff were great. I really loved the mazes they had as well. My favorite rides were Diamond back and the beast.

banshee was my home crew this season and we would talk all the time about how badly action zone needed a revamp. it's the only spot in the park i can comfortably say is lacking in themeing... here's hoping they'll beautify it soon!! also, you didnt hear this from me, but invertigo is definitely next to go.... it was done for nearly a month this summer if that tells you anything

Now we need an updated review of Knott's, my home park

I drove to visit family on the east coast from the west coast this year, one of those families got sick and they told us to delay our visit. I decided to say screw it and drove nearly 2k more miles to both Kings Island and Cedar Point as first-time visits. I may have other parks near me, but I would easily go to KI 4-6 times a year if I could. It was such a great experience.

My home park! Have seen you guys here a couple times! I love it but every time I visit another park I realize that we’re really missing “the big one” if you know what I mean.

My home park and couldn’t love it more. Thanks for this video!

Nice review! I’m at 39 visits this year! Can’t wait to see what replaces Vortex!

A Mack Stryker would be amazing

As a Detroit MI guy I have been going to both CP and KI since I was a kid. CP used to be my favorite but hands down KI is now my go to park. CP does have some of my favorite coasters but KI is run so much better and I always have a great time.

I want to watch it but I’m in school lol 😂😂😂

My bucket list trip would be to hit both Kings Island and Holiday World in one swoop as they're only 3 hours away from one another.

We love KI its our home park! We have been over 130 times in the last 3 years! Its our number 2, behind our recent visit to Silver Dollar City! KI is missing that one new age standout ride. Xtreme Spinner would put it over the top!

So lucky to have it as my home park

I was lucky enough to go to Kings Island this summer and it is a great park! Wow, the roller coasters are amazing! I loved The Bat but it was just too short. I grew up going to Valley Fair and was jealous bc of this park’s size and ride choices. I’d make a special trip to Cincinnati just to go here, again. And, maybe I’ll try the chili.

ive been here over 200 times and its still my favorite park

I agree with you on Top gun being too far back and with the Beast being the best night ride. That's me and my dads favorite ride at night and we both wear sunglasses too lol.

I grew up in Columbus but we always went to CP. The last time I went to Kings Island was before Son of Beast opened… is the oldest thing I’ve ever said. Sounds like I definitely need to get back there!

Fantastic review of the best park in the Cedar Fair chain!

One of my most favorite parks ever! An absolute must visit!

One of my favorite hidden gems about the park (although it’s not really hidden) is their Pride Night. It happens on like the first Friday of September each year and it’s considered a “private event” so passes don’t work. The reason I love it so much is because it’s like a $45 ticket for the park being open from 6pm-midnight, and without pass holders, it’s not crowded at all. Basically every coaster is walk-on and you get 3+ hours of night rides. Since it’s at night, it’s almost always a nice chill fall evening, so you don’t have to worry about shade or overheating. As a coaster nerd who lives in the cincy area, it’s become my go-to trip each year.

The Beast is my all-time favorite wooden coaster!!! I have yet to find one that is better....long track...long ride....lots of air time!!

have been there only one time and that was in 2020, got a fast pass for the one day i had and got on every coaster i wanted to, honestly this place is INCREDIBLE from what i remember, mystic timbers is a top tier coaster and orion and diamondback are also amazing

I was lucky to work at KI for 6 or 7 seasons as a supervisor in the stores, warehouse and back offices. One season I was even a supervisor in Sweet Spot making fudge, buckeyes and caramel apples! I know way more about that park than is healthy :s

"The Bat" Used to be "Top Gun" and that long walk was filled with fake airplanes and sweet sets that made it feel like a "high security zone". There are a few pictures online of it like that but I cant find anything that does it justice

Recently moved to Cincinnati. Going for the first time tomorrow!

A new Kings Island review was long overdue for this channel.

I haven't been on FoF in years. I'm delighted to learn they are still using that cheesy 90s queue video.

Great video Taylor! I love and grew up with Kings Island and Cedar Point. Haven’t gone since 2012 when I moved to Orlando. So many parks here to enjoy 😎 It’s too expensive to go there from Florida unfortunately 😢

I live smack dab in the middle of these parks. Kings island is technically closer, but only by about a 10-15 minute difference to cedar point, which I have been to more times than I can count. I love how you described kings island, and I really think living in the area is a huge 1-2 Punch for parks. I’ve only been to kind island once, but I had a blast when I went and Mystic Timbers is absolutely top tier for me. I want to go back so bad but I already have a cedar point gold pass that I keep getting because it beats out kings island barely in my mind. But that’s just my opinion. Great video and u love your work and video filming and editing style. Keep up the amazing work ❤

King’s Island blew me away in my one visit! I went the last weekend that Vortex was open and got Fast Lane. Absolute MUST with this park. I didn’t get to ride Mystic because I got in line twice and it broke down each time, but that’s a great excuse to come back!

I think I’m dying to get back here even more than Cedar Point, because I’ve only been to Kings Island once, and it was in 2021 when things were still getting back to normal after COVID. So I missed out on getting any kind of night rides. So not only is there that, but also I can go back and not have to really stress about getting on everything because I’ve already done it all.

I think the entrance is fine, the actual park is what matters!

The best run park I've ever been to. I prefer here over Cedar Point specifically for the operations and crowd management. I consider this my honorary homepark, even though I live 8 1/2 hours drive away. Not much to compete with in Wisconsin tbh.. It's the only park I don't mind going to on a busy Saturday in the summer. I completely agreed with your review, it's the most detailed one I've seen, been wondering when an updated one was coming. I'd only add I enjoy the folk/ banjo versions of pop and rock songs they play back in Rivertown. If only they had that standout attraction/ dark ride....

Chicago Native - this past weekend was my first visit to Kings Island (third CF park - have done KB * VF). This park blew my expectations! This Park was amazing. I am excited what this means for the six flags chains (SFGAm is my home park). Excellent experience. Only bummer was long lines even with fast lane - but i get it, park is popular!

FINALLY THANK YOU

I live in FL and I’ve been to Kings Island twice this year

Hot take: I love the front gate. It hides the park from the outside and is very nostalgic. Could be renovated but I don’t want it completely removed

Its a lot of parks I wanna do before I die an Kings Island is definitely one of them. Being from TX it’s a challenge to get to all the Midwest parks but less excuses more execution. 🤞🏾❤️

Kings Dominion was my home park growing up as well! Anaconda was the first looping roller coaster I ever rode 😂

I agree with everything said in this video . I’ve been going to this park since 75, The improvements that Cedar Fair has done since taking ownership is amazing. . It is definitely one of the best parks out there. If it’s your first time visiting, you absolutely have to Ride The Beast at night….! There’s nothing like it….

My home Park! From the Paramount days to Cedar fair and now Six Flags it always been a great park.

This has been my home park for 10 years. This reigned superior for me up until 2022 when I realized how burnt out on KIs “B+” coasters. Cedar Point and (yes) Hershey park are my current favorites from a rides (I mean intamin) perspective. I also find those two parks to be a lot more photogenic as a photographer.

Orion may not be the best giga but it’s still great the way it is. It’s still debated on whether if it’s a hyper or a giga since it’s only 287ft and has a 300ft drop, which is probably dumb in my opinion because whatever it’s greater either the lift hill or drop, will be respectfully be classified as its type

Banshee still to this day has the best roller coaster announcement event, which is fitting for a B&M invert with one of the coolest looking layouts imo.

They definitely need to put something in the Vortex Plot, and I would like to see them reopen action theater. They also have a big chunk of land where son of beast Was Banshee didn’t use that much

why was the ride op mad at the jewel thief? they wanted their diamondback…

What you said at the end (the staff problem) is international, not just a US-problem. Europa-Park hasn't opened a new hotel since they opened Rulantica/Kronosar (2019) even though they have the will, attendance, money and space to, Heide Park often now opens some of their rides as late as 12 pm (even when they're not open late) instead of 10 am, all because of staff problems. Great overview though!

Love this park, definitely one top notch experiences

19:40 those dudes are spinning fast as hell

Adventure Express would turn into at least a B+ attraction with one more addition: People complain that the end lift has theming building up to... Nothing. So, add a drop track! I think they have a spare one in the shed.

This is what happens when "Park Pride" affects Kings Island, to make it an amazing park, the staffs seems to have a lot of fun here and are super friendly, just like at Holiday World and Kentucky Kingdom, as if Kings Island is their home! I became obsessed with Kings Island now.

0:40 the best picture of Taylor you will ever see😂😂

Grew up going there every summer (have pics of me from 73 or 74 in the park) then worked there for several years singing/dancing in live shows when it was Kings Productions. This park will always feel like a bit of home to me. Cedar Fair has done so much to bring the park back after Paramount almost destroyed it. I’m really hoping the six flags influence doesn’t ruin all of the work they have done.

I'm in Dayton and it is my second favorite park, and I do have a pass. If I was closer to Cedar Point I might get a pass for there, but Kings Island is an excellent park to drop in on and ride a few rides, several times a year.

I'm so happy it's only 30 minutes away from me, I go every Friday!

I grew up going to CP. First visited KI as an adult with kids and it surpasses CP for all the reasons you mentioned. Typically less lines, great rides, more family friendly, on and on. Christmas operations puts it over the top. CP had gone down hill since 2013 in my opinion

I have been going to Kings island since 2010 and I love it. I go a few times a year. They have stuff that needs working on but also stuff they excel at. They are amazing at night. Haunt is good but not like it has been. Winterfest is good just wish more rides are open.