General Updates for 2026

[jscll]

Kings Dominion did an unannounced preview of Cirque Imagine today. The performer lineup is exceptionally strong. It featires one of the best holahoop acts I have ever seen. They are going with no recording devices, it is nice to see a show without phone screens in the way.
If the show does well this year, maybe Dorney Park can get a show in their theatre next year.

 

[MasonNewton917]

Haunt Dates: 9/18-11/1

Hours: 6-12 Fridays, 11-12 Saturdays, 11-10 Sundays. Pretty sure these are the same hours as last year.

November bonus weekends will also be returning this year. Every Saturday and Sunday in November plus Black Friday, open 11-7.

 

[mtorange]

If anybody plans to be at the park tomorrow (or was at the park tonight for show previews), please report back with your thoughts on the new shows around the park! I won’t be able to see them for a few weeks, but I do want to know how they compare in terms of entertainment in the past few seasons.

 

[Jazma]

I enjoyed the splash parade, the bands in residence and the entertainment in international street.

Didn’t get anything else yet but I’m here for another 10 days.

 

[Jazma]

Not sure if this is news but the Eiffel Tower elevator was open today. It has been closed the last week I was here.

 

[Jonesta6]

I rode it a few weeks ago, so...

 

[Jazma]

I’m guessing staffing related. I go home tomorrow but have been at the campground for two weeks and done the park every day in that time. I can’t figure rhyme or reason why something is open on Tuesday but closed Wednesday to Friday for example, when crowds seem the same other than weekends and school/camp groups.

 

[S23X]

The Eiffel Tower being open or closed is typically due to the operable condition of both elevators, not on staffing. If either elevator is not able to operate, they will not open the tower, as during a typical ride stop scenario they utilize the opposite elevator to transfer guests and bring them back down safely. Additionally during times of excessive heat, the elevators and the shafts develop issues that make the elevators inoperable. While the elevator interiors do have air conditioning, the shaft is exposed to all outdoor elements including temperature, which creates different issues than a typical building passenger or freight elevator may endure.

 

[Mushroom]

I noticed while visiting the park this evening that they’re now playing pop music in the entrance plaza outside of the front gate, instead of the themed International Street music which they used to play there. Anyone know when that changed? It definitely makes the park feel less grand and majestic when the first thing you hear when you arrive, and the last thing you hear when you leave, is OneRepublic. (Thankfully, the normal International Street music is still playing once you get through the gates.)

It also seems like Old Virginia is back to playing generic country music, unfortunately. Odd, since they brought back the area’s themed playlist a few weeks into the season after initially playing modern country music there.

I’m just a huge nerd for themed atmospheric music in parks and it always disappoints me when they move away from that.

 

[Timchat2]

Kings Island does the same thing. The music outside the gate is all regular pop music despite the orchestral music on International Street itself.

It's always jarring at the end of the night to turn from the colorful vibes and pleasant music of International Street (especially after the nighttime show with its original score) and immediately get hit by the parking lot lights and generic music of the "real world". Really pops the bubble so to speak.