Another awesome thing about living in the Buckeye state is the Amusement Parks in Ohio; 2 parks with awarding winning thrill rides and attractions. Even though we lived in Cincy for a couple years, Cedar Point has been our park of choice. But this summer we decided to head back to Cincy and visit Kings Island for some family fun. (Afterall, it’s where my son’s love of amusement parks began!)
Whether it’s your first time or your 50th, if you want to make the most out of your trip to Kings Island; it’s best if you consider a few items before and during your visit.
Tips for a Successful Trip to Kings Island
Consider Your Tickets
Gone are the days where the only place to buy your Kings Island tickets is actually right at the gate. Now there are several other ticket options- that will save you more money too. I think the best option is online ticketing right on the Kings Island site. They often offer special discounts for purchasing online and you can skip the lines to buy tickets (just print them and go right to the gate).
Another option is to buy your tickets at Kroger. Usually these are discounted as well as being able to earn fuel points.
Finally, you can buy the tickets right at the gate. But be prepared for a full ticket price. One way to help save is to ask around in your community for King Island coupons. Sometimes you can find these as rewards for reading programs or via businesses. Even though you may pay more at the ticket window, they might offer you a “bonus” for purchasing at the park. For instance sometimes they offer a free return visit anytime during the season.
Consider the Add Ons
When you buy your Kings Island tickets online (or at the park). There are several “add on” options you can choose from. When buying online, I would definitely buy the parking ticket- it’s a $3 savings from the gate price. Also you can buy a one day or all season souvenir drink bottle. The one day option gives you Free drinks that day and $1 drinks on your next visit. The all season bottle gives Free drinks the whole season. Typically this is one of those options I would say no to- just an added expense. However, if your family doesn’t mind sharing a straw… 😉 It actually pays for itself and more. Once again, buying online gives you a discount.
Consider Their Height
If your kiddos are between 46 and 54 inches tall, I would highly suggest you get them measured before you start the day. There are height requirement stations all around the park. After they are measured, your kiddo will receive a wristband to inform the ride attendants your child’s height and if they are right to ride. This will save you time and honestly some heartache.
And if your kids are under 48 inches tall, Kings Island has one of the best kid areas- Planet Snoopy! There are so many options for “thrill” level. In fact this is where my oldest first fell in love with amusement park rides. Snoopy and his gang are all over the place- bringing smiles to the faces of young and old!
Consider Your Bags
At most parks we’ve been to, there are always bins at the ride where you can throw in your phone, souvenir bottle or backpack. We were surprised that there were two rides that did not have this option (Banshee and Firehawk). On these rides, you can’t even bring these items into the line with you (so my official “bag holder” hubby couldn’t wait with us at all). There are lockers available nearby ($2 for 2 hrs is actually quite reasonable). And let me tell you, for thrill seekers and coaster enthusiasts, these two rides are a must!
Also, Kings Island is really like 2 parks in one. Soak City is a FULL waterpark with 36 slides and 50 water activities (included in admission to KI). So no doubt you will want to change out to swimwear and take the plunge (I highly recommend the new Tropical Plunge, especially the double tube option). But then what do you do with shoes, towels, clothes and phones? Again, you can rent lockers. There are 3 sizes- small, large, jumbo. I did not think that all 5 of our shoes (including a pair of size 15 narrow running shoes) and towels and other stuff would fit in the “large” size. But thanks to an attendant who reassured us- that size was perfect!
And thanks to the K.I. & Miami Valley Railroad, we just left all our swim attire in this locker for the day and took the train back to pick it up (be sure to take note of the Soak City close time so you can get your gear).
Consider the Shows
As I have mentioned before, My family is a roller coaster loving crew (with our trusty bag holding, picture taking hubby there to cheer us on). However, sometimes you need a break from the twists and turns or the weather. If that’s the case, don’t overlook the live entertainment at Kings Island. We were very impressed with the new Origins (a cirque show). Hubs and I have been to several Cirque de Soleil shows- Origins is right on par with the famous shows. We laughed, were amazed, cooled off and got a break- before heading back for our third round of the Banshee!
Have you been to Kings Island with your family? What are your faves? What tips would you add?
Planning a trip to Kings Island this summer? Use these tips and the hashtag #KIbestday or for your “first timers” #KIFristTimer. Tag them too: Kings Island on Twitter, Kings Island on Instagram and Kings Island on Facebook. I have seen many fans postings get shared.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand, and I have been compensated for my participation. All opinions are my own. What an awesome job to get to ride roller coasters with my kids!
I am on a mission to help you save. Join me on this frugal living mission and together we will learn how to save more, so we can do more living and give more too!
