Kings Island has big plans for this season

Mystic Timbers joins the roller coaster family and Winterfest returns

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Kings Island's 16th roller coaster, Mystic Timbers, will debut on Saturday, boasting 330,00 board feet of lumber, 30,000 pounds of nails, 88,000 bolts and washers and 5,500 cubic yards of concrete for the foundation.

Those aren’t the only impressive stats of the the park’s fourth wooden coaster — it’s 3,265 feet long and 109 feet tall. It has a 54-degree angle first drop, speeds up to 53 mph over 16 hills and the ability to handle 1,200 riders per hour.

>>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Kings Island tests new Mystic Timbers roller coaster

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

“Mystic Timbers is a modern-day wooden roller coaster. The ride is non-stop action from the time you leave the lift hill until you return to the station. It fits in well in the Rivertown area of the park. Mystic Timbers is a story-driven attraction, which separates it from our other rides,” said Don Helbig, Public Relations Area Manager for Kings Island. “It’s a ride that’s both fun and thrilling. Everyone has been focused on what’s in the shed, but before you get to the shed is a fantastic ride experience. It’s going to instantly become a favorite for families and thrill-seekers.”

>>>RELATED: 5 things to know about new Kings Island roller coaster Mystic Timbers

>>>WATCH: Kings Island tests new Mystic Timbers roller coaster

Joining Kings Island’s three other well-known wooden roller coasters — The Beast (7,359 feet of track), The Racer (6,830 feet) and Woodstock Express (1,350 feet) — the addition of Mystic Timbers wooden roller coaster track will combine to measure 18,804 feet of total track at the park, the most at any amusement or theme park in the world.

Mystic Timbers is set to open this spring and will become Kings Island’s 16th roller coaster. Built by Pennsylvania-based Great Coasters International and themed to an abandoned lumber company, the 109-foot-tall coaster will traverse 16 airtime hills, a mid-course tunnel and interact with parts of the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad and White Water Canyon attractions. CONTRIBUTED

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The description Kings Island is using to market its new thriller sounds promising:

“The ride … is themed to the area surrounding a lumber company becoming overrun by a mysterious Medusa-like overgrowth of vines as nature moves in and reclaims its land. Mystic Timbers will stand 109 feet at its highest point and riders will weave along 3,265 feet of track at speeds up to 53 mph along steep cliffs, down ravines, over water and through an extreme S-turn, in a densely-wooded area. It will be non-stop action for riders from start to finish.”

Kings Island has some other tricks up its sleeves for 2017, its 45th season.

>>>RELATED: Iconic Kings Island roller coaster turns 30 

This year after a 12-year hiatus, the popular Winterfest will return to the park starting on Nov. 24 to help guests ring in the holidays with great fanfare.

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

International Street will morph into a quaint holiday village surrounding an outdoor ice skating rink on the park’s Royal Fountain — all in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, which will be decorated as a super-sized Christmas tree. The park will have themed entertainment, Santa’s workshop, rides, food and crafts all centered around the warmth of the holiday season.

>>>RELATED: Kings Island returns Winterfest in 2017

Soak City Water Park, which opens on May 27, will have a new smokehouse style restaurant that will be open for business featuring smoked pulled pork, smoked or grilled wings, hand-breaded chicken tenders and shrimp.

The Chicken Shack has become one of the most popular eating spots at Kings Island. GREG LYNCH / STAFF

Credit: Greg Lynch

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Credit: Greg Lynch

In addition, more changing rooms, spray misters, shade structures and deck space, helping to double the number of chaise lounge chairs, will be added.

>>>RELATED: New brewery near Kings Island plans more than beer

KEY DATES TO REMEMBER

Upcoming Kings Island dates to mark on calendars include:

  • April 15: Kings Island opens for the 2017 Season
  • May 12: Kings Island begins daily operations
  • May 27: Kings Island soak city opens for the season
  • June 22-24: Spirit Song featuring the music of Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Skillet, Crowder and many more acts
  • Sept. 22: Kings Island Hauntfest starts
  • Sept. 29: Glow Run 5K


WANT TO GO?

What: Kings Island

Where: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason

More information: 513-754-5700 or visitkingsisland.com

Season Pass: Gold passes are the best bet if you are planning on going to Kings Island a few times this year. They are as low as $129 or six payments of $21.50. Gold passes include free season-long parking, early ride time on select attractions 30 minutes before the park opens every public operating day, early slide time 30 on select attractions 30 minutes before Soak City Waterpark opens every public operating day, bring a friend days, discounts on meals and merchandise, and a series of exclusive events including ride nights.

Single-day tickets: Single day admission tickets can be purchased on the Kings Island website for as low as $44.99 each plus applicable taxes and fees — a considerable savings off the front gate price.

Parking: $15 online, the price goes up at the gate.

Hours of operation: Varies. Check the website for details of the date you plan to visit — https://www.visitkingsisland.com/explore/calendar-and-hours

Dining plans: Kings Island offers an all-day dining plan and a season pass dining plan, which allows diners to choose from one of several entrees and a side at participating locations for two meals. Plans can be purchased in person at the park.

Save money: The best ways to save money are by purchasing tickets in advance online and take advantage of the dining plans and souvenir drink bottle. Download the parks free mobile app to better plan your day and make the most of your time.

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