Tale of Two Parks: Cedar Point and Kings Island
Tale of Two Parks: Kings Island and Cedar Point
By Giles Kennedy
Family and Travel Columnist
Awaking Sunday June 6th, I had no idea what destination our family had planned for my 50th birthday.
Just so happened my wife and daughter Hannah planned a day at a legendary amusement park that also turned 50 this year.
Kings Island, a Cedar Fair property; opened its doors and gates late spring 1972.
Its bigger brother and parent park, Cedar Point in Sandusky; had their 150th (delayed) anniversary last year.
This article will not only hone on the history of each park; but tips on visiting each amusement park.
Kings Island has been through a lot. But, like its parent company's flagship; Cedar Point....it's a survivor.
What started as a dream destination from a local media family's idea; turned into an equally stored park.
https://www.visitkingsisland.com/
Its history is more profiled on the park's official blog history post.
https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2022/april/a-look-back-at-50-years-of-fun-and-memories-at-kings-island
1972 was its first full season. Although many rides have come and gone; several have remained. The Racer. The Beast. Newer thrills like Diamondback, Delirium, Backlot Stunt Coaster, Orion and more has given many hours of joy to visitors.
Kings Island has faced 3-4 ownership changes, several rides retired and many challenges. But people who are loyal to Kings Island swear it's the funniest place in Southwest Ohio.
Some perks include Soak City admission included with regular admission, additional VIP experiences, Camp Cedar (a new glamping spot not far from the park) and a working relationship with Great Wolf Lodge for combined packages.
Some of the things I noticed about Kings Island staff was that friendly as they are; the want the rides to keep on time. If you stumble to place your items in safe bins or a fuller size guest....it will be become a problem.
Most seats on most rides will fit any guest. On the giga coasters, there are test harnesses. But if you are a robust or fuller figured individual.....You may not be able to secured properly.
Outside of that, I found our experience at Kings Island to be an overall family experience.
There are shows, history nods, other attractions within the park for all guests to enjoy.
Cedar Point, as mentioned; had their 150th anniversary last season. It was to originally be 2020....but the pandemic happened.
Cedar Point, Kings Island and all Cedar Fair properties are now cashless. You can obtain a in park debit card to use throughout the day at customer service.
https://www.cedarpoint.com/
https://www.cedarpoint.com/blog/it-all-starts-today
As with its sister park; Cedar Point has a blog; with history and special notices about events.
The major pluses of Cedar Point are on site properties such as Hotel Breakers, Breakers Express, Castaway Bay, and Lighthouse Point. They just recently updated Sawmill Creek and several other partnerships for off park lodging,
The park itself host many thrill rides like Gemini, Blue Streak, Valravn, Iron Dragon, Corkscrew, Millilumen Force and countless others.
Both parks feature Camp Snoopy, Frontiertowns (KI's is Rivertown), railroads to get you through the property, and various other attractions.
As mentioned at Kings Island, there are some rides that robust body types may not be able to get on. In my past experience; the attendants at Cedar Point are more willing to try hard to get everyone on the ride.
Both parks have waterparks. Alas, Cedar Point Shores (formerly Soak City) is a separate charge.
There are other properties nearby at both parks that offer discounted tickets available for day passes, etc. Please check with those hotel chain rewards programs, AAA, and other options for more details.
Both parks are amazing, Visit them if you can in the near future.
