Kings Island Announces New Dark Ride Attraction for 2026
Image: Sally Dark Rides
(eap) The US amusement park Kings Island (located in Mason, Ohio) has announced a new family attraction for the upcoming 2026 season: With “Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare”, a modern reinterpretation of the popular “Phantom Theater” dark ride, which operated in the park from 1992 to 2002, is set to open. The new attraction is being created on the site of the previous dark ride “Boo Blasters on Boo Hill”, which completed its final ride yesterday.
With the new attraction, visitors can expect an interactive ride and show experience that combines characters known from the original attraction such as “Houdelini”, “The Great Garbanzo”, “Hilda Bovine”, and “Lionel Burymore” with new technology, expanded scenic elements, and modern storytelling. The plot begins on a stormy evening when a lightning strike releases “Ghost Notes” – ghostly musical notes – from the theater organist “Maestro’s” organ. Guests take their seats in “enchanted opera boxes” and assist usher “No Legs Larry” with special flashlights in capturing the escaped notes so that the performance can begin.
The ride takes guests through a total of 26 scenes, including backstage areas, enchanted corridors, dressing rooms, and a boiler room. In addition to the animatronic figures of the original cast, the new production holds many more surprises – including the introduction of “Arpeggio”, Maestro’s cat. Multi-sensory effects such as wind and sound as well as a musical stage finale with all characters are intended to immerse guests in the story. The attraction is manufactured by dark ride specialist Sally Dark Rides.
“Families who have visited Kings Island will remember how special the original Phantom Theater was, and they’ve always wanted it to return,” emphasizes Tony Carovillano, park manager of Kings Island. “While paying homage to the original ride, Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare’s modern and advanced features will help create new memories and stories for all who take their seat inside this amazing experience.” ■
