budget-conscious travelers can cut costs on a vacation to Kings Island amusement park
Affordable Fun Awaits at Kings Island
Located just 30 minutes from Cincinnati, Kings Island stands as one of the Midwest's largest amusement parks, offering a plethora of thrilling rides and attractions over its 364 acres.
For those seeking a budget-friendly day out, Kings Island has several money-saving tips up its sleeve. One of the most significant savings comes from purchasing the MVP or Gold Season Pass before the early September deadline. This pass offers free parking, unlimited visits, and access to over 40 Six Flags parks nationwide for a low annual fee. The MVP All Parks Pass, for instance, costs £115 for new buyers and £99 for renewals, providing unlimited admission, parking, and access to special events like Halloween Haunt and Winterfest.
Another way to save once inside the park is by considering the all-day premium dining pass. This pass lets you dine every 90 minutes at any restaurant and includes drink refills every 15 minutes, helping food costs pay for themselves after just two meals. Alternatively, a fast lane pass can save time, minimizing long waits and getting more value out of your day, although it is a bit pricey.
To maximize your savings, take advantage of any "bring-a-friend-for-free" ticket promotions available with season pass purchases before deadlines. These promotions can help save on additional admission.
Tickets for Kings Island cost £5.50 when it first opened in the early-'70s, while in 2025, a ticket at the gate costs £90. However, advance planning and purchasing tickets online can help save up to 50% off the price at the gate. If you have a group of 15 people or more, you can purchase tickets at the group rate of £43 per person.
Kings Island is known for its iconic attractions, such as the massive replica of the Eiffel Tower and the wooden roller coaster called the Racer. The park first opened with the slogan "C'mon Get Happy!" and has since welcomed popular television programs like "The Brady Bunch" and "The Partridge Family" for filming episodes.
For those looking to extend their stay, Great Wolf Lodge offers themed suites that sleep up to eight people and an indoor waterpark that's open late. There's a walking path from the lodge to Kings Island. Alternatively, Camp Cedar Cincinnati offers a free shuttle to Kings Island for guests and has sites for RVs, rental RVs, and cottages.
However, it's important to note that ticket sales are final, and there are no refunds if there's bad weather. Kings Island also has a strict "No Outside Food" rule. A single meal in advance can be purchased for under £20, which includes an entree, a side, and a fountain drink. Meals at Kings Island can cost anywhere from £10-£50 depending on the restaurant chosen and hunger level.
With its numerous money-saving opportunities and exciting attractions, a visit to Kings Island promises a fun-filled and affordable day out for all.
Solo travelers exploring the Midwest can consider adding Kings Island, a budget-friendly amusement park located near Cincinnati, to their travel itinerary. For an enhanced lifestyle experience, take advantage of the MVP All Parks Pass, which offers unlimited park visits, free parking, and access to over 40 Six Flags parks nationwide for a low annual fee.
