Spring is in the air, Cincinnati. And you know what else will soon fill the air? The sounds of roller coasters and joyful screaming after Kings Island opens its gates this weekend.
Crews are working hard to get the amusement park's grounds in tip-top shape ahead of the 2024 season's opening day on Saturday, April 20. There’s even more excitement in the air as the park also puts the finishing touches on its new themed area, Camp Snoopy, expected to open later this spring.
Camp Snoopy will expand Kings Island’s award-winning kids’ play area with an immersive adventure play space, as well as Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers, Kings Island’s first family boomerang coaster. The park said it just ran its first test of the roller coaster Wednesday afternoon.
The brand-new coaster features soap box cars decorated with beloved Peanuts characters. It’ll race riders both forward and backward on the same track, starting by taking riders up a 70-foot-tall hill to the starting line. As Snoopy waves the checkered flag, riders will be launched forward on the track, full of twists and turns as they race to the finish line. But just when they think they’re at the end, the cars will throw them in reverse.
With the addition of Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers, Kings Island says it will become the Kids Coaster Capital of the world with its five different coaster experiences for youngsters.
Along with the coaster, kids can also become members of the Beagle Scouts at Camp Snoopy. The official headquarters, Beagle Scout Acres, will offer outdoor summer camp fun and activities in a shaded, nature-themed play area. Kids and their families can explore and play on the turfed mounds and grassy areas, complete with camping equipment they can climb over and through. The Peanuts gang will also be there to lead kids through “Camptivities” and young Beagle Scouts can try to earn merit badges by doing things like sharing, working together, trying new things and helping somebody in need.
“Camp Snoopy is just what families visiting Kings Island have been looking for,” Mike Koontz, vice president and general manager of Kings Island, said in a press release last summer. “We’ve designed this new immersive area to feel like a day at camp where families can spend time with each other in a variety of ways, from the thrill of a new coaster to exploring and relaxing in the great outdoors with their favorite Peanuts characters.”
Kings Island will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on opening day. Daily admission starts at $44.99. Parkgoers can also buy a seasonal pass, which allows unlimited park visits and free parking, ranging in price from $110 to $350.
Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason. More info: visitkingsisland.com.
