Frugal Vacationers: Tips for Slashing Costs During a Visit to Kings Island Amusement Park
Savvy Visitor's Guide to Kings Island: Maximizing Fun and Minimizing Costs
Kings Island, a beloved theme park in southwest Ohio, is just a 30-minute drive from Cincinnati. With over 364 acres of fun rides and attractions, the park is one of the largest in the Midwest. It's famous for its massive replica of the Eiffel Tower and the classic wooden roller coaster, the Racer.
For those planning a visit, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience while saving some money.
Purchasing Tickets
Buying tickets online in advance can save you up to 50% off the gate price on select days. This not only avoids the costly $30-$40 parking fee at the gate but also guarantees your entry to the park. If you're planning to visit frequently, investing in the 2026 MVP Season Pass before the early September deadline is the most cost-effective way to enjoy Kings Island and other Six Flags parks. The new MVP Pass costs $115 for new buyers and $99 for renewals, and includes unlimited visits to Kings Island plus over 40 Six Flags parks nationwide with no extra fees, free parking, and access during special events like Halloween Haunt and Winterfest.
Dining
Meals at Kings Island can range from $10-$50 depending on the restaurant chosen and hunger level. However, the premium all-day dining option, priced at $34.99, offers great value. This includes an entree, a side, or a snack every 90 minutes, and a fountain beverage every 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for a single meal in advance, which costs under $20 and includes an entree, a side, and a fountain drink.
Please note that Kings Island has a strict "No Outside Food" rule.
Saving More Inside the Park
Season pass holders get exclusive discounts on bring-a-friend tickets (up to 6 per passholder) that save as much as $65 off gate prices. They can also access food, drink, Fast Lane (line skip), cabana, and photo pass deals to better budget inside spending.
Getting There
Kings Island is easily accessible. Quality Inn in Mason, Ohio offers rooms for under $100 per night and is only 1.5 miles from Kings Island with a free hotel shuttle. For those coming from downtown Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Metro offers a shuttle with a fare of $3 each way on weekdays.
Additional Information
Tickets at the gate cost $90 in 2025. The admission and dining bundle starts at $70. Kings Island opened in the early-'70s with the slogan "C'mon Get Happy!" The park is home to Soak City, the onsite water park, which has 40 different water slides. For families, Great Wolf Lodge offers an indoor waterpark that's open late and themed suites that sleep up to eight people.
Lastly, ticket sales are final and there are no refunds if there's bad weather. So, come rain or shine, Kings Island promises a day filled with fun and excitement!
[1] Kings Island - MVP Pass Information, Retrieved from https://www.kingsisland.com/mvp-pass [2] Kings Island - MVP Pass Sale, Retrieved from https://www.kingsisland.com/mvp-pass-sale [3] Kings Island - MVP Pass Benefits, Retrieved from https://www.kingsisland.com/mvp-pass-benefits [4] Kings Island - Online Ticket Savings, Retrieved from https://www.kingsisland.com/online-ticket-savings [5] Kings Island - Season Pass Benefits, Retrieved from https://www.kingsisland.com/season-pass-benefits
