Blog

I grew up on the Westside of Cincinnati and like most in the tristate area; Kings Island was a part of my life. Kings Island was that magical getaway from everyday life. It actually still is. My family would make the trip maybe one or two times a year when I was very young, but once I got a little older my grandmother bought me a season pass and I visited more frequently.

If you could ask the Cincinnati Reds any question you wanted, what would it be? Kings Island guests will have their chance Friday when the annual Reds Day event is held at the 364-acre amusement and water park. Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart, outfielder Scott Schebler and third baseman Eugenio Suarez are scheduled to appear and field questions from guests during a question-and-answer show at 11 a.m. in the Festhaus.

Four months after Kings Island opened in 1972, "The Partridge Family" cast came to film their ABC show at the park a full year ahead of "The Brady Bunch." The TV family of pop musicians -- stars Shirley Jones, David Cassidy, Susan Dey, Danny Bonaduce, Suzanne Crough and Brian Forster – were shown enjoying rides like the Racer, Grand Carousel, Antique Cars and Log Flume when not performing in front of the Royal Fountains on International Street.

Like many of the full-time staff at Kings Island, James Moreland applied for a seasonal position never imagining a summer job would lead to a career opportunity at the 364-acre and amusement park. Upon being hired as a seasonal associate 14 years ago, James was placed in the merchandise department. After quickly falling in love with his job, he knew he wanted to stay in resale and had his sights set on becoming a full-time member of the team.

Mid-July through August have historically been the hottest months of the year in the Tristate region. When temperatures climb into the 90's, it can feel hotter than it actually is – dangerously hotter.

Kings Island is well known for its high thrill, over-the-top attractions. Why, the park has been responsible for introducing millions of people to their first-ever coaster ride. But not all thrill seekers can tackle the biggest and baddest coasters first. Chances are, if you rode your first coaster at Kings Island as a child, it was probably on the “Scooby Doo”… I mean, “The Beastie”… I mean, “Fairly Odd Coaster”… Oooops, make that “Woodstock Express.”

Pipeline Paradise offers both straight and curled waves for those who can stay afloat to master the thrills of body board surfing on Pipeline Paradise in Soak City Water Park. The ride is never the same twice. Each guest's ride is a unique experience.

The Family Care Center by Fischer Homes, located on International Street near the Eiffel Tower, is the perfect place for young families looking for a safe, private, and comfortable child care space within the park. With storage areas for personal items, waiting areas for accompanying family members, and everything necessary to assist in the care for little ones on their Best Day Ever, our Family Care Center goes above and beyond to ensure our park parents can make memories with their children all day long.

Thursday (July 6) is shaping up to be a typical day at Kings Island, filled with lots of happy children. Park guests might notice that some of the kids will be in wheelchairs. Some will be hooked up to oxygen, or connected to IVs. But they’ll be having fun and enjoying their day at Kings Island, just like everybody else because that day they are just like everyone else.

If you ask anyone who visited Kings Island from 1972 until 2005, they probably will reminisce about Hanna-Barbera Land and its myriad of colorful cartoon theming and characters. It’s etched in the minds of so many that visited the park.