Are you looking forward to a return visit to Kings Island Amusement Park?
I’m sharing updates on the safety procedures and changes that you need to be aware of before you go. These tips will help you make the most of your visit.
I’m a Kings Island Ambassador which means that I share my love for the park and enjoy perks and behind-the-scenes access. This article contains affiliate links.
Kings Island’s Coronavirus Re-Opening Processes
These are definitely unprecedented times, but the safety precautions that Kings Island has in place allow guests to once again return this year.
Kings Island is dedicated to helping guests feel and be safe during a visit with enhanced procedures to help reduce the spread of germs.
As you approach the park entrance, you will be asked to confirm that no one in your party has been exposed to or experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 10 days. If your group does not pass the health assessment, they will ask you to reschedule your visit to a different date.
The amusement park has put stringent health, safety, and hygiene protocols in place to allow a safe opening that aligns with CDC recommendations and has been shaped by information from company and industry health and safety experts.
Kings Island Opening Dates for 2021
- Park Open to Season Passholders: May 8 & 9
- Park Open to Season Passholders and Daily Ticket Holders: Beginning May 15 & 16
- Soak City Opens : Memorial Weekend- May 29
Changes For Entry to Kings Island This Year
- Temperature checks for guests have been discontinued at the front gate.
- The health screen questionnaire will be conducted by associates at the front gate.
- Health screen questionnaires will NOT be conducted through the Kings Island mobile app.
- Guests ages 10 and older who are NOT fully vaccinated ARE REQUIRED to wear face coverings while indoors unless actively eating and drinking.
- Guests who are NOT fully vaccinated ARE recommended but not required to wear face coverings outdoors unless it is not possible to maintain 6’ of social distancing.
- Face coverings are recommended but NOT REQUIRED indoors or outdoors for guests who are fully vaccinated if social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Face coverings are NOT required outdoors UNLESS it is not possible to maintain 6’ of social distancing.
- The Face coverings should completely cover the nose and mouth, and NOT have exhalation valves or vents.
- There will be no limitations to ride capacity for most rides and rides do NOT require a reservation.
Do You Need a Reservation for Kings Island This Year?
If you are only visiting Kings Island and NOT Soak City Water Park, you do NOT need to make a reservation.
Season pass holders and ticket holders DO have to make a reservation to visit Soak City Waterpark this year.
How to Make a Reservation if You Have a Season Pass
Soak City Waterpark Reservations need to be made through the reservation portal online or the Kings Island mobile app.
- When starting the reservation process, please have your Season Pass or voucher number available.
- Select the number of reservations for your group. You may select up to 14 people. Each guest must have a ticket or season pass at the time of reservation.
- On the next screen, you will be able to select an available visit date for your group.
- Following the date selection, please enter your valid Season Pass or voucher number(s).
- Once the barcodes have been validated, you will be able to schedule your reservation(s).
- After you have made the reservation, you will receive a confirmation screen and an email confirmation. These will help you confirm that the transaction was processed.
- The reservation will be attached to your Season Pass and you will only need to present your pass or voucher number to be scanned for entry.
What Types of Masks Can I Wear to Kings Island?
While indoors, guests ages 10 and up are required to wear a face-covering that covers their nose and mouth that doesn’t have exhalation valves or vents.
It comes down to your preference between a traditional face mask or a face gaiter, etc. If you have more than one type you might want to experiment during your visit and bring both options.
What Happens If You Lose a Face Covering on a Ride or at the Park?
Face coverings are available for purchase at the gift shops.
Take a Picture of the Kings Island Park Map When You Arrive
Park maps will not be available this year to help reduce contact. You can take a picture of the map on your phone or use the mobile app instead.
The free Kings Island mobile app will be your best resource to use to make the most out of your park experience.
You can keep an eye on the wait times for rides from the Kings Island app too.
Do Your Part For Social Distancing
There are social distancing markers located throughout the park at Kings Island.
Social distancing markers are on the ground for guests to keep their distance from other guests.
In order to help keep everyone safe during their visit to Kings Island, personal responsibility is EVERYTHING!!!
Each guest needs to be mindful of making sure that they are doing their part and intentionally social distancing from other guests during their visit.
You can stay with your group but it’s your personal responsibility to stand in line at the social distancing markers and leave space between yourself and others.
Utilize the Hand Sanitizer Stations
There are hand sanitizer stations located throughout the park both inside and out. Guests are encouraged to use them often throughout their visit to the park.
Are All of the Restaurants in the Park Open at Kings Island?
Yes, the restaurants within the park will all be open for guests.
If you want to reduce your odds of waiting in line, opt to eat at less popular times.
What Are the Additional Safety Precautions for Dining at Kings Island?
- Some tables have been removed for social distancing.
- Distancing is marked on the floor for wait lines.
- All disposable products, including pre-wrapped utensils.
- Plastic barriers between guests and associates.
- Guests aged 10 years and older are required to wear face coverings while indoors unless actively eating and drinking.
- Contactless payments, including credit cards, Apple Pay, and Android Pay are encouraged.
Is Indoor Dining still Available at Kings Island?
Yes, but there are fewer tables to allow for social distancing.
What Restaurants and Menu Options Are On the All-Season Dining Plan This Year?
Chicken Shack
- Hand Breaded Chicken Tenders with Fries
- Smoked Chicken Wings with Fries
- Crispy Chicken Salad with Texas Toast
- Chicken Sandwich with Fries
Chick-Fil-A
- A Chick-fil-A Sandwich with Waffle Fries
- Chick-fil-A Nuggets with Waffle Fries
Coconut Cove Cafe
- Two Slices of Cheese, Veggie or Pepperoni Pizza with Breadsticks
- Entrée Salad with Breadsticks
- Fresh Grilled Cheeseburger with Fries
- 1/4lb All Beef Hot Dog with Fries
Coney Bar-B-Que
- Rotisserie Chicken with One Side
- Tri-Tip with One Side
- Pulled Pork with One Side
- Smoked Sausage with One Side
- Smoked St. Louis Ribs with One Side
Skyline Chili
- Two Cheese Coneys with Fries
- 3-Way
- 4-Way
Skyline Express (Soak City Water Park)
- Two Cheese Coneys with Bag of Chips
Coney Subway
- Six-Inch Sub and Bag of Chips
Festhaus
- Two Slices of Cheese, Veggie or Pepperoni Pizza with Breadsticks
- Chicken Tenders with Fries
- Fresh Grilled Cheesebuger with Fries
- Gluten Free Pizza
Hank’s Mexican Grill
- Burrito
- Burrito Bowl
International Street Skyline Chili
- Two Cheese Coneys with Fries
- 3-Way
- 4-Way
Island Smokehouse
- Hand Breaded Chicken Tenders with One Side
- Fresh Shrimp with One Side
- Smoked Chicken Wings with One Side
- Pulled Pork with One Side
Juke Box Diner
- The American Double Stack Burger with Fries
- Chicken Tenders with Fries
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Fries
- 1/4lb All Beef Split Hot Dog with Fries
LaRosa’s Pizzeria
- Two Slices of Cheese, Veggie or Pepperoni Pizza with Breadsticks
- Entrée Salad with Breadsticks
Miami River Brewhouse
- KI Salad: Spring Mix Salad
- Hail Caesar: Classic Ceasar Salad
- Clucks & Barrels: Chicken Tenders with Tots
- BBLT: Loaded BLT with Tots
- Three Pigs: Pulled Pork Sliders with Tots
- Pub Burger: Cheeseburger with Tots
- Big Dog: 1/4LB Split Hot Dog with Tots
- Impossible Burger: Vegan Burger with Tots
- London Bridge: Fried Cod Sandwich with Tots
Panda Express
- Two Entrées Bowl & Side
Planet Snoopy Grill
- Chicken Tenders with Tater Tots
- Fresh Grilled Cheeseburger with Tater Tots
- 1/4lb All Beef Hot Dog with Tater Tots
- Corndog with Tater Tots
Rivertown Potato Works
- Gluten Free Chicken Tenders with Fresh Cut Fries
- Buffalo Chicken Fries
- Pulled Pork Fries
Subway
- Six Inch Sub and a Bag of Chips
The French Corner
- Croix-Sandwich Served with Pomme Frites
- Chef’s Soup of the Day Served with Baguette
Tom + Chee
- Classic Grilled Cheese and a Bag of Chips
- BBQ Bacon Grilled Cheese and a Bag of Chips
Is the All-Season Dining Plan Worth it?
In my opinion, YES!!!!, the All Season Dining Plan is definitely worth the price, especially if you have teenagers. The food is actually really good on the All-Season Dining Plan and there are a lot of options to choose from.
My favorite restaurants on the All-Season Dining plan are Coney Bar-B-Cue and Miami River Brewhouse.
How Will the All-Season Drink Refill Program Work This Year?
Guests with the All-Season Drink refill program will be given a new paper cup (one-time use only) to fill up for their beverage of choice.
Next, the guest can transfer the drink into their souvenir cup.
If you would like to refill the same disposable paper cup after the 15 minute waiting period, bring it back to a beverage location and an associate can help you.
Will Courtesy Cups of Water Still Be Offered?
Yes, you can still get courtesy cups of water where drinks are available.
Safety Precautions for Shops, Merchandise, Games, and Entertainment at Kings Island
- Social distancing must be maintained at all of the retail and game locations.
- Guests still need to continue wearing their face-covering in these locations.
- Contactless payment is encouraged where possible.
- At this time, there are only outdoor entertainment shows.
Experience Orion, the Seventh Giga Coaster in the World
Riders plunge down an exhilarating 300-foot drop before a high-speed journey over seven more hills at speeds of up to 91 mph. Orion races along 5,321 feet of track as Kings Island’s tallest, fastest and longest steel coaster.
Orion is a very popular ride so be prepared to wait in line. Wear a lot of sunscreen during your visit because there isn’t a lot of shade.
Where is the Best Place to Ride Orion?
It honestly comes down to preference. I’ve ridden on the front, middle and back car of Orion. The front has an awesome unobstructed view. The back car on the right side allows you to feel more of the speed and the drop.
My sunglasses and mask stayed on throughout the ride. My mask only moved slightly while riding in the back row.
Orion is really FAST and really SMOOTH!
Locker Rentals Are Available Near Orion
If you have a bag and want to ride Orion, you will need to purchase a locker rental located near the ride entrance. There are no storage bins available for guests for bags before you ride Orion
How to Keep Your Valuables Secure on Rides
If you don’t want to risk your phone or keys falling out of your pocket during a ride, consider wearing a thin running belt under your shirt.
Running belts are thinner than fanny packs which make them easier to wear on rides without interfering with ride harnesses and straps.
Many rides do not have storage bins for your bags while you ride or you may need to purchase a locker rental. It’s best to try to limit what you bring into the park if you don’t want to be stuck carrying a bag.
New Squishmallow Store at Kings Island This Year
Kings Island has a new store that’s devoted entirely to Squishmallows. The store is located near the front gate on International Street. The Squishmallows are available in an assortment of sizes and price points.
Guests can also purchase select Squishmallows from the Kings Island online store.
New This Year: Kings Island Camp Cedar Luxury Outdoor Resort
The new luxury outdoor resort is located on what was previously 50 acres of vacant land, less than a mile from Kings Island’s front gates.
The hybrid resort and camping destination is projected to welcome more than 200,000 guests annually, including Kings Island visitors, families, and vacationers to a unique, memorable getaway with modern-day cottages and full-service RV sites.
Kings Island Camp Cedar is now taking reservations for the 2021 season with 73 beautifully appointed cottages and 184 full-service RV spaces, and 100 additional cottages planned. Resort guests will be able to take
advantage of outdoor entertainment including recreational and adult-exclusive pools, ponds, walking trails, and unique dining options.
Plus, they will find camping must-haves including bathhouses, laundry facilities, firepits, grills, and picnic tables.
For those visiting Kings Island, there will be a number of exclusive resort perks like Stay and Play packages.
Upscale Amenities at Camp Cedar
• Hornbeam Lodge is home to a signature indoor/outdoor Ironwood Grill & Tap, Coyote Creek Camp Store, and The Dry Bean. The Coffee and Gelato shop is encased in an exposed beam grand lobby with a welcome center, fireplace, and overstuffed furniture.
• Belize Street outdoor cantina will offer a casual, food truck-inspired fare from The Fresh Tortilla and Route 66, ice cream and sweet treats from Urban Cow, and cool beverages at the outdoor bar, Beach Box.
• Expansive outdoor pools include Deerfield Springs, a family activity pool with a waterfall backdrop, and Kingfisher Landing, a separate adult-exclusive pool. Both will offer poolside service and cabana facilities.
To make a reservation or learn more, go to visitcampcedar.com
ENTER TO WIN A KINGS ISLAND PRIZE PACK WORTH $70!
The Kings Island Prize Pack Includes the following:
- Size Large Kings Island T-shirt
- Kings Island Fanny Pack/ Waist Bag
- Spray Mist Fan
- Kings Island Water Bottle
- Magnets
When Should You Visit Kings Island?
That’s an answer you will have to determine for your family.
There are safety procedures in place throughout the park.
With face coverings being recommended for outdoor rides it’s likely that many people will choose not to wear one.
A visit to the park comes down to what you are personally comfortable with and your personal responsibility to comply with the safety protocols in the park.
Kings Island Amusement Park
How to Visit Kings Island with a Special Needs Guest
Everything you need to know when you visit Kings Island with a special needs guest.
Why I Bought the All Season Dining Plan at Kings Island
Learn more about why you should consider the All Season Dining Plan at Kings Island.
How to Make the Most of Your Grand Carnivale Experience at Kings Island
Tips for attending Grand Carnivale at Kings Island.
What You Need to Know About Fall Daytime Events and Haunt at Kings Island
Tips for visiting Kings Island in the fall.
How to Make the Most Out of Your Visit to Kings Island With A WinterFest Bucket List
WinterFest adventures to cross off your bucket list during your visit to Kings Island.
How to Create a Kings Island Themed Adventure at Home
Food Ideas, activities, and printables to help you create the fun of Kings Island during a themed adventure at home.
Steel N' Wood Riders
Awesome blog! We found park maps for 2021 season last weekend for Season Passholders preview. But always love reading your blogs about the park!
We will see you in the station!
Jessica Taylor
Great article. Thanks for all the tips. And love seeing the new squishmallows.
Cindy r
Thsnks! Looks fun
Samantha Wagner
I haven’t been to Kings Island in probably 16 years. I used to live in Mason and my family had season pass every year. Hoping my kids would enjoy going.
Sue Walters
So nice to have you back and to see Kings Island opening for summer fun!
J Ortenzi
The Kings Island linked through the entry is for an artist.
Kings Island @KingsIsland · Artist
My family is looking forward to going to Kings Island this summer, three teenagers are ready to ride and have fun. Thanks.
Paula
It has been 7 years since I visited Kings Island!
Nedra McDaniel
There were fewer people in the park which helped reduce the ride times. The popular rides still had a typical wait time. We use the Kings Island app to help us determine which rides we should ride next based on how long we want to wait.
Cindy Kopf
Curious how many rides you were able to get on and how long the lines were during the pandemic as compared to normal?
Paula
Thanks so much!! Great information…
Erika Sellers
Thanks for all the great info. Hoping to take the kids!
Patrick Jones
We used to go there as a family and friends! I remember some of the rides that aren’t there anymore. Have been wanting to go back again for awhile now. My folks live on the OH/WV border so am hoping we can visit again. Would love to win, thank you!
Abby
Thank you so much for such a detailed article. My family and I are looking to go to King’s Island for the first time ever and had some questions since we’ve never been there yet. You covered everything we were wondering about. Very helpful. Thanks for having the awesome giveaway, and thank you for the opportunity!
Matt A
Excellent and very thorough explanation of what is happening at KI. Looking forward to riding Orionfor the first time.
Sandy
Thanks for the thorough information. We love King’s Island and definitely want to take a trip this year before season is over.
Kellie
I would love to.win these tickets and go ride the new roller coaster..Thanks so much for sharing everything with us and giving us an opportunity to win tickets…?
Marlee Adams
Thank you for all of the valuable info. I was a little hesitate on bringing the kids this year but we will definitely have to take a trip before this seasons over. ?
Trisha Ross
We haven’t been able to go in over 2 years. We live 3 hours away and just haven’t had the extra money for our family of 5 (actually 4 now since our oldest moved to Boston). We have a 13 & 15 year old still at home and they are dying to try Orion!! Thanks for the opportunity!
Meghan P,
Thanks for doing such a thorough review!
Megan
Haven’t been to KI this year yet. It’s pricey so we don’t go too often. We try to go once a year but with everything going on, we haven’t bought tickets yet. Winning some would definitely help!
Katie
This was an amazing article thank you!
Jessica
awesome tips! I havent been to KI since my senior year. Lol we won’t say how long. I really need to take my boys, they would love it.
sabrina
Thank you for letting us know about the Orion lockers! I hope we win, we are sick of being stuck at home!
Sheryl Thomas
We visited Kings Island this week like we do every year and they really did make the whole process very easy. We worried it would take away from the fun but it absolutely did not. Even with masks you can still have an incredible time at Kings Island!
Lindsey McBride
My daughter has never been. I think it would be awesome to take her for the first time. She’s definitely a thrill seeker!
Crystal Pickens
Thanks for sharing your experience with going to Kings Island to give others a better idea of how it will be if we decide to go!
jennifer petrosky
Thank you for taking the time to give all this info!
J Ortenzi
Thanks for all the tips, we have 3 teenagers who’d like an adventure day at Kings Uskand.
Beth
Thank you! Very thorough. Would like to see more.
Jillian Strange
MY kids would love to spend day at kings islands . Thank you for the chance
Samantha Eicher
Awesome review!!! Thank you!!!
Jeremy Eyer
Thanks for the info!
Jessie Hall
So insightful! I’m so glad someone covered KI for those of us who were too unsure to test it beforehand!
liz clark
I’ve been following orion since the beginning, I would love to win!
Anna
Thanks for all your great tips!
Zara Edgell
Sooo hoping we get to visit and ride Orion!!!
Ryan Peters
Hopefully we can ho this year! Was really curious how it is being ran this year?
Casey
This is such a helpful overview! I love that they even thought to have the few rest areas that are mask free.
I’d love to go and have some fun checking out the new rides!
Ashley
My son and I have been but my daughters haven’t. I know they would love it as much as me and my son did!
Jennifer welte
My kids have never been! I would love to take them before school starts?.
Andrea
Lots of fun at Kings Island! Thanks for the info!
Jennifer
Would love to get to Kings Island still this summer! Thanks for all of the great information about safety and precautions being taken!
Tania
This information is very helpful. Thank you for compiling such a great list of answers to all the questions I had in my mind and then some.
Nikki Jewell
Great info! Looking forward to getting a visit in this season!
Jennifer Burton
Great information! Thank you!