What's new at Kings Island this year, as park opens April 15th

Kings Island opens Saturday April 15th, with new food options, refurbished rides, and a new themed area...though you will have to wait a few weeks for that.

Fast Lane changes, new restaurant

The first big change for 2023 involves the popular Fast Lane system.

Fast Lane and Fast Lane Plus passes have been consolidated into just one pass that lets you cut the regular line.

The park now lists only Fast Lane passes, from $80 on off peak days to $125 on peak summer weekends.

This should end the confusion over which fast pass covered which rides — the new Fast Lane will cover all rides that use the system.

Guests will also see a new restaurant on International Street this year, the Grain and Grill,a Mediterranean-themed grill and rotisserie next to Starbucks.

Ride upgrades and additions

The highlight of the 2023 season will be the opening ofAdventure Port, a new themed area near the Adventure Express coaster, with two new family rides and a new quick service restaurant, Enrique's.

However, Adventure Port will not be ready for opening day.

The new area will open later in the season, according to park spokesman Chad Showalter.

Photo by: Kings Island

In the meantime, guests will see a freshly repainted Diamondback coaster.

And the vintage wooden coaster The Racer opens with 1,000 feet of additional re-tracking (on top of the track work done last year), which should make the final return to the station smoother than it it has been in years.

The park opens Saturday April 15th at 10 am, though passholders will have a passholder preview day Friday the 14th starting at Noon, so you don't waste your money.

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