Deciding to go to Kings Island for NYE with Taylor and Adam was a last minute decision. The night before we went to a bar together and discussed the hypothetical of doing it. After realizing we could rather easily do it, we ultimately decided to go to Kings Island for New Years Eve.
After driving back down to Columbus to meet with Taylor and Adam, we made it to the park at 5:30. We learned when we got there that Flight of Fear would not open that day due to a mechanical issue. We decided to start our evening getting dinner, and riding Racer.
Kings Island was moderatly busy, and cold. A few rides that normally would be open (like FoF) weren't closed for various reasons. But that didn't deter us, we were here to ring in the new year.
If you think WinterFest is fun, and if you enjoy being outside at midnight on New Years Eve, you might enjoy the New Years Eve celebration Kings Island puts on. Its the same rides and shows, but on the new year they do a huge firework show to celebrate. I decided to go with Adam and Taylor for NYE, and we all had a wonderful time.
As it got dark out, it began to snow. With snow already on the ground, this would make the night magical. We would go on to ride Racer again, Mystic Timbers, Cargo Loco, Grand Carousel, Soapbox Racers, Space Buggies, and the snow tubing hill. The falling snow turned a simple night ride on Mystic Timbers into a winter forrest adventure.
Walking around the park with the nights also was amazing. I had done WinterFest in the past, but the falling snow really added to the whole experience. I had also never done the snow tubing, and it was very fun.
Walking around the park with the nights also was amazing. I had done WinterFest in the past, but the falling snow really added to the whole experience. I had also never done the snow tubing, and it was very fun.
NYE is the only night Kings Island closes all rides before close. The state requires recertification each year, and NYE is the last day of the year. Kings Island closes the rides at 11pm to be compliant. We accidentally got the last ride of the YEAR on Racer, which was a pretty cool brag.
In the final hour of 2025, we walked around Kings Island to look at the lights. We made our way to International Street, and looked up at the well decorated Eiffel Tower. Before midnight, park associates handed out hats to ring in the new year. When we counted down to midnight, we were treated to a firework show that lasted 20 minutes. It was a spectacular way to ring in the new year.
The drive to my Uncle's house (where I was staying) was long and dark, and I made it at 3am. However, the night was amazing. I fully intend to do NYE again at a park, because it was so much fun.
The drive to my Uncle's house (where I was staying) was long and dark, and I made it at 3am. However, the night was amazing. I fully intend to do NYE again at a park, because it was so much fun.
