Kings Island
4.6(35K)google
3.6(826)yelp
FamilyThrilling
Overview
Kings Island is a 364-acre (147 ha) amusement park located 24 miles (39 km) northeast of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio, United States. Owned and operated by Six Flags, the park was built by Taft Broadcasting and opened in 1972. It was part of a larger effort to move and expand Coney Island, a popular resort destination along the banks of the Ohio River that was prone to frequent flooding.
Practical Info
Every day10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Suggested Duration6-12 hours
Best TimeStrictly seasonal, operating massive amusement gates from mid-May through late October across 364 acres. Midweek days (Tuesday through Thursday) in June or September are ideal to bypass severe weekend line stagnation. Arrive at the entry plazas at 9:30 AM (30 minutes before opening) to sprint directly to record-breaking giga-coasters like Orion first thing.
Getting ThereSituated northeast of Cincinnati in Mason at 6300 Kings Island Dr. Driving a car is highly recommended: cruise northeast out of the city center along the Interstate 71 N corridor for 25 minutes, and take the direct stadium-style exit 24 for Kings Island Dr. The entertainment resort features a monumental toll surface parking plaza built for high capacity.
Travel Tips
- The amusement park mandates a 100% cashless system. Cash bills are flatly refused at storage lockers and food stalls; ensure Apple Pay or physical cards are ready.
- To circumvent 90-minute delays at 'The Beast' wooden coaster, sprint straight to the rear quadrant at the morning gate drop or acquire premium Fast Lane wristbands online.
- Hypercoasters like Orion enforce total locker mandates. Loose items, keys, and phones are barred from queues; they must be locked in paid timed lockers pre-line.
Reviews
Positive
- A premier amusement park in the nation! Orion and the legendary classic 'The Beast' wooden coaster are pure scream machines—a coaster fan's haven.
- The designated Planet Snoopy kids zone has been voted world's best for years, offering wonderful infrastructure for families with young children.
- A single ticket bundles entry into the massive Soak City water park, letting you switch between thrill coasters and wave pools effortlessly in summer.
- Directional mapping is crisp, the density of restrooms and hydration fountains is high, and efficient cleaning crews keep the entire park immaculate.
Heads up
- Official general parking is outrageously expensive, and all inside concessions and gear carry heavy theme park premiums, resulting in massive spending.
- During summer holiday peaks, wait times for flagship coasters easily exceed two hours; without shell-out cash for Fast Lane passes, you spend all day standing.
- Spanning a massive footprint with vast asphalt paths, it gets intensely hot in summer; shade tree canopies are minimal, risking sunstroke.
- Located in the far suburb of Mason, it is distant from Cincinnati proper; for non-driving tourists, long-distance rideshare costs are punishing.