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 to Kings Island Amusement Park in 2022.
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 Re-Opening Protocols and Tips
Kings Island is dedicated to helping guests feel and be safe during a visit with enhanced procedures to help reduce the spread of germs.
It’s also important to know this information before your visit.
- No reservations required
- Guest are welcome to wear face coverings but NOT required to wear them
- Hand sanitization stations are located throughout the park
- At least one person in your party should have the Kings Island App on their mobile phone (this will make it easier for you to navigate around the park and know ride wait times)
- Guests can be updated in real time on the Kings Island app when they enabling the location service feature on the app
- Health screening will NOT be required for guests at the park
- Guests are encouraged to self access if they have any symptoms and reschedule their visit to the park
- Kings Island is cashless and accepts payments by credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
Celebrate Kings Island’s 50th Anniversary
Kings Island opened in 1972 and this year the park will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with a variety of special experiences and tributes including the following:
- Relive some of your favorite Kings Island moments through original, live shows created just for our Golden Celebration
- A variety of culinary offerings that pay tribute to Kings Island’s rich history and traditions
- Take in the excitement of riding one of the park’s original 1972 opening day attractions
- Enjoy an immersive fireworks spectacular like nothing you’ve ever seen before
- Shop unique and limited edition 50th Anniversary merchandise created to help you remember this once-in-a-lifetime celebration for years to come
Important Kings Island Opening Dates for 2022
- Season Pass holder Preview : Friday April 15, 2022
- Park Opening Weekend : Saturday and Sunday April 16 -17, 2022
- Kings Island’s Birthday Celebration : Friday, April 29, 2022
- Park Open Daily : Starting May 18, 2022
- Soak City Opens : Memorial Weekend- Saturday May 28, 2022
Do You Need a Reservation for Kings Island This Year?
Reservations are NO LONGER REQUIRED for Kings Island AND Soak City Waterpark.
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.
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 Restaurants Are On the All-Season Dining Plan This Year?
- Chicken Shack
- Chick-fil-A
- Coconut Cove Cafe
- Coney Bar-B-Que
- Festhaus
- Hank’s Mexican Grill
- Island Smokehouse
- Juke Box Diner
- LaRosa’s Pizzeria (Both Locations)
- Miami River Brewhouse
- Panda Express
- Planet Snoopy Grill
- Rivertown Potato Works
- Skyline Chili (All Locations)
- Subway (Both Locations)
- The French Corner
- Tom & Chee
What Menu Items Are On the Kings Island All Season Dining Plan This Year?
International Street
Chick-fil-A®
- Chick-fil-A® Sandwich & Waffle Fries
- Chick-fil-A® Nuggets & Waffle Fries
The French Corner
- Chicken Salad Croissant & Pommes Frites
- Ham Croissant & Pommes Frites
- Italian Croissant & Pommes Frites
- Soup of the Day & Baguette
LaRosa’s® Pizzeria
- 2 Slices of Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza & 2 Breadsticks
- Antipasto Salad • Bag of Chips • 2 Breadsticks
Skyline Chili®
- 2 Cheese Coneys & Fries
- 3-Way • 4-Way
Coney Mall
Subway®
- 6-inch Sub & Chips
Coney Bar-B-Que
- 3 Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders & Side
- Burnt Ends & Side
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Pulled Pork Sandwich & Side
- Rotisserie Chicken & Side
- Smoked Sirloin & Side
- Smoked St. Louis Ribs & Side
- Smoked Vegan Sausage & Side
Skyline Chili®
- 2 Cheese Coneys & Fries
- 3-Way
- 4-Way
- Greek Salad
Jukebox Diner
- ¼lb All-Beef Split Hot Dog & Fries
- 3 Chicken Tenders & Fries
- American Double Stack Cheeseburger & Fries
- American Double Stack Hamburger & Fries
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich & Fries
- Patty Melt & Fries
- Vegan Burger & Fries
Rivertown
LaRosa’s® Pizzeria
- 2 Slices of Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza & 2 Breadsticks
Rivertown Potato Works
- 3 Chicken Tenders & Fresh Cut Fries
- Bacon Cheese Fresh Cut Fries
- Buffalo Chicken Fresh Cut Fries
- Pulled Pork Fresh Cut Fries
Miami River Brewhouse
- BBLT & Potato Barrels
- Big Dog & Potato Barrels
- Clucks & Potato Barrels
- Hail Caesar Salad
- KI Salad
- London Bridge & Potato Barrels
- Pub Burger & Potato Barrels
- Three Pigs Pulled Pork Sliders
- Trailblazer Burger & Potato Barrels
Tom + Chee®
- BBQ Bacon Grilled Cheese & Chips
- Classic Grilled Cheese & Chips
Action Zone
Chicken Shack
- 3 Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders & Fries
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich & Fries
- Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich & Fries
- 6 Smoked Chicken Wings & Fries
- Crispy Chicken Salad
Oktoberfest
Festhaus
- 2 Slices of Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza & 2 Breadsticks Gluten-Free pizza available upon request
- 3 Chicken Tenders & Fries
- Antipasto Salad • Cheeseburger & Fries
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Hamburger & Fries
- Vegan Burger & Fries • 2 Breadsticks
Panda Express®
- 2 Entrée Plate & 1 Side
Hank’s Mexican Grill
- 3 Tacos
- Burrito
- Burrito Bowl
- Chips & Salsa
- Churro
Planet Snoopy
Planet Snoopy™ Grill
- ¼lb All-Beef Hot Dog & Potato Barrels
- 3 Chicken Tenders & Potato Barrels
- Cheeseburger & Potato Barrels
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Corn Dog & Potato Barrels
- Hamburger & Potato Barrels
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.
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.
Squishmallow Store at Kings Island
Kings Island has a store that’s devoted entirely to Squishmallows. The store is moving from its previous location on International Street near the Build A Bear Store.
The Squishmallows are available in an assortment of sizes and price points.
Guests can also purchase select Squishmallows from the Kings Island online store.
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 2022 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
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!