IAAPA: Introducing your first look at Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare coming to Kings Island in 2026.

We are excited to welcome you all BACK to the Phantom Theater! 👻🎶

Introducing your first look at Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare coming to Kings Island in 2026. pic.twitter.com/DtNd5LHfnv

— Kings Island (@KingsIslandPR) November 18, 2025

SNEAK PEEK: Inside the void that will soon become the haunting stage for Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare!

SNEAK PEEK: Inside the void that will soon become the haunting stage for Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare! 👻 Demolition is complete, and electrical installation is officially underway.

🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Keep an eye on our social media on 11/18 for a special surprise! pic.twitter.com/uH9l4Xx2Br

— Kings Island (@KingsIslandPR) November 11, 2025

When Joe Leonard Crashed a Flying Saucer into Kings Island

Leonard’s journey to the project began when he was the set designer for the park’s live shows in the days when Kings Productions was still the owner. After the Paramount takeover, Leonard was moved to Charlotte and put on the company’s Design and Entertainment team. When the opportunity came around to design a ride for his home park in 1994, Leonard jumped at the opportunity to make a pitch—although the initial ride had a much different theme.

“Originally the design was slated to be a Star Trek experience,” says Leonard. “I had a whole presentation of that attraction being a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine experience. The idea was Quark [the character who owns the bar] is running something called ‘Quark Adventures,’ so people go out and can see the ship and then take a ride through the wormhole when it was stable. But when the wormhole wasn’t stable, there was no telling what would happen. So right as you were getting launched, alarms start going off and the gates would open, and they’d launch out into space.”

Read the rest at CincinnatiMagaizine

Knott's News: Gotta be honest, Deep Space Nine is my favorite Star Trek series, so this concept sounds amazing to me. What eventually made it is pretty darn cool too. I really just miss the ambition of Paramount Parks.

Six Flags Entertainment and Peanuts Worldwide Extend Licensing Agreement to 2030

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), North America’s largest regional amusement-resort operator, today announced it has extended its licensing agreement with Peanuts Worldwide for another five years. The new agreement extends Six Flags’ position as the exclusive amusement park partner for Peanuts™ in North America. The agreement also includes in-park entertainment and sports, food and beverage, retail operations, and exclusive Peanuts merchandise to December 31, 2030, ensuring that millions of park guests at Knott’s Berry Farm, Carowinds, Cedar Point, Kings Island, Kings Dominion, Dorney Park, Canada’s Wonderland, Great America, Michigan Adventure, Valley Fair, and Worlds of Fun will continue to experience and connect with the iconic Peanuts characters.

Read the rest at BusinessWire

(Kings Island) Behind the scenes with some familiar faces...

Behind the scenes with some familiar faces... 👻#KIPhantomTheaterOpeningNightmare pic.twitter.com/8CCrnazOjN

— Kings Island (@KingsIslandPR) September 3, 2025

The curtain is set to rise on Kings Island's all-new Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, coming in 2026

Along the way, the enchanted opera boxes travel through fully built dimensional scenes, including backstage areas, haunted hallways, dressing rooms and a fiery boiler room as they meet other performers who are ready to take the stage. From animatronic forms of Houdelini and The Great Garbanzo to Hilda Bovine and Lionel Burymore, the Phantom Theater’s beloved crew returns, getting caught in the chaos while guests simultaneously search for the ghost notes. New surprises await guests around every corner, including the introduction of Arpeggio, Maestro’s furry feline friend.

In total, 26 interactive scenes feature added multi-sensory effects like wind and sound, hidden Easter eggs throughout and a grand on-stage musical finale with all cast members. Manufactured by Sally Dark Rides, the leader in indoor family dark ride experiences, Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare is a true nod to the original that made its home at Kings Island from 1992 – 2002. 

 Read the rest at KingsIsland

Knott's News: Seriously guys. This was one of my home parks growing up and I've always wanted this to return. Full sets and animatronics to go with the interactive elements. It's what Knott's Bear-y Tales Return to the Fair should've been, not screens. I'm happy for King's Island.

Six Flags Entertainment CEO to step down

Six Flags Entertainment said that Richard A. Zimmerman, president and CEO and member of the Six Flags Board of Directors will step down as the company’s president and CEO by the end of 2025.

To ensure leadership continuity and a smooth transition, Zimmerman will continue to serve as president and CEO until the Board has appointed a successor.

The Board of Directors has initiated a process to identify the company’s next CEO.

Source SeekingAlpha

Knott's News: I hate to say it but good. Things have been going down hill since Matt left. I'm hoping they seriously consider Jeffery Siebert. I feel he has what it takes to turn the parks around from a quality standpoint - even if not financially at first in the current market.