MASON, Ohio — As Ohio’s amusement parks prepare to open next month, we’re getting a fresh glimpse at what guests can expect.
Kings Island has announced some additional changes as the Cincinnati-area park outlines new safety precautions amid the coronavirus pandemic -- including a disclaimer that declares guests "voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19."
Here's what you need to know...
RESERVATIONS
To experience Kings Island, all guests must make a reservation to access the park.
Season passholders can only have one active reservation at a time.
The reservation system will be available online.
PARK HOURS
July 2 – 11 is open for season passholders only (passholders may only visit once during this period). The general public can access the park starting July 12, but reservations are still required.
Kings Island also released its park hours for the entire month of July. They will be open from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. for the entire month – with one exception when the park is open until 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.
MASKS
Face coverings are required for all guests, employees and vendors.
There are “RelaxZone” sections established throughout the park where removing face masks will be permitted while maintaining proper distancing.
DISCLAIMER ON COVID-19 EXPOSURE RISK
At the end of Kings Island's "Welcoming You Back" guide, the park declares the following: "By visiting the park, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. Upon arrival, your temperature will be taken. Anyone with a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees will not be permitted into the park. Temperature check does not prevent the spread of COVID-19. Current medical information suggests that individuals without any symptoms may nevertheless be infected with COVID-19 and still transmit the virus to others. For this reason, taking temperatures does not eliminate the need to practice other steps to avoid the spread of the virus such as maintaining social distancing best practices, wearing a face covering, frequent hand washing and disinfecting, following all posted instructions while visiting the park and performing self-assessment for the presence of COVID-19-related symptoms. If you are exhibiting any COVID-19-related symptoms, you should not enter or remain in the park."
PASSHOLDER BENEFIT CHANGES
Early ride time and bring-a-friend discounts have been postponed until further notice.
SMOKING
Smoking is now only permitted within a designated area outside of the park’s main entrance. Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside Kings Island.
OTHER CHANGES
Here are more previously announced safety protocols:
- A completed health screening questionnaire is required for each guest within 24 hours of their visit.
- A touchless temperature check and temperature lower than 100.4 degrees is required for guests and associates to enter the park.
- Social distancing markers will be present throughout the park, including ride queue lines.
- Limited guest/associate contact.
- Enhanced cleaning procedures, including additional deep cleaning and sanitization of restrooms, dining facilities and other busy areas.
- Additional hand sanitizer stations located throughout the park.
- Capacity management in areas throughout the park.
The park also released the following video to offer more insight into the reopening process:
CEDAR POINT
So what about Cedar Point? The Sandusky amusement park will open to season passholders on July 9 with similar safety precautions and reservation requirements. You can read more about Cedar Point's reopening plans HERE.
NOTE: Video at the top of this story features an animated front-seat look at Kings Island's new roller coaster for 2020: Orion.
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