Kings Island opens its season Saturday, May 15, and things are a little bit closer to normal this year. After COVID-19 restrictions and only 65 open days last summer, a return to the usual is welcome news for KI fans who were pent up during the pandemic and are itching to return to the Beast or brave a ride on Orion.
Masks won’t be required outdoors, for starters. But there are still some coronavirus restrictions in place. Kings Island has new reopening protocols to help reduce the spread of germs and ensure everyone’s safety.
So, before you head out to the park, here’s what you need to know:
No masks outdoors, but still required indoors
The biggest change this year is that Kings Island guests don’t need to wear masks when they are outdoors, which may be a relief on hot afternoons. Face coverings are still required for guests age 10 and older when they are indoors, though. That includes while on indoor rides such as Boo Blasters and Flight of Fear.
There are no limits on ride capacity.
There will be no more temperature checks at the front gate, but there will be health screen questionnaires conducted by staff.
Park officials also recommend parties maintain 6-foot social distancing from others.
Check visitkingsisland.com for the latest updates on requirements and safety protocols before you go because guidelines may be revised.
Reservations needed for Soak City
The Soak City Water Park opens May 29 in time for Memorial Day weekend.
This year, reservations will be required at Soak City for all guests – season passholders and single-day ticket buyers. Reservations can be made at the Kings Island website.
If you have already purchased tickets or season passes, you still need to make reservations for Soak City through the online reservation portal.
2020 season passes still good
Did you buy a season pass last year? You got yourself a good deal. Park officials announced that all 2020 season passes will be honored throughout the 2021 season.
Orion new to you?
There may not be any new attractions this year, but if you didn’t venture out to Kings Island last summer during the global shutdown, you missed the park unveiling Orion in July. Now is your chance to take your first run on the seventh giga coaster on the planet.
Reactions to the coaster and its 300-foot drop were tremendous, and fans voted Orion the “Best New Amusement Park Attraction” in 2020 in the USA Today 10Best Readers Poll, beating out Candymonium at Hersheypark and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland.
Orion is located in the space-themed Area 72 (Kings Island opened in 1972, get it?) along with Flight of Fear. Or just look for the longest line.
Camp Cedar to open in June
It’s a bit early to check out Kings Island’s new Camp Cedar just yet. The year-round outdoor luxury resort and RV campground is scheduled to open June 14. You can book your spot now.
The $27 million resort, located less than a mile from Kings Island, features both cottages and RV campsites, along with Hornbeam Lodge, two pools, a coffee and gelato bar and the Ironwood Grill & Tap restaurant.
History of Kings Island
If you want to know more about how Kings Island was built, why there once was a safari or whatever happened to Son of Beast, check out the new book “Kings Island: A Ride Through Time” by Evan Ponstingle.
The 381-page tome covers every era of the park’s 49-year history, owner by owner, ride by ride, pulled from personal interviews with the officials who built and ran the park. Ponstingle’s love of all things Kings Island is evident on every page.
Something to keep you occupied while you’re in line for Orion.
A version of this story will also appear in a statewide travel section produced by the USA Today Network that will appear in Sunday’s print edition of The Enquirer.
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