Kings Island is reviving a classic with a modern twist. The amusement park announced Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, a reimagined version of the beloved Phantom Theater ride from more than two decades ago. The new experience blends laughs and scares in a fast-paced, family-friendly format as guests travel through a dark and stormy night inside the Phantom Theater.
Fans will join Maestro, the theater’s resident organist, as musical spirits come to life and cause mischief throughout the venue. Guests will guide their way with special spellbound flashlights to help usher No Legs Larry capture the roaming ghosts. The interactive journey unfolds across 26 scenes, exploring backstage areas, haunted hallways, dressing rooms and a fiery boiler room, with animatronics and returning characters adding to the spectacle.
The ride pays homage to the original Phantom Theater, which operated from 1992 to 2002, while incorporating modern features designed to create fresh memories for today’s guests. Tony Carovillano, park manager at Kings Island, said the update preserves the magic of the original while giving it new life for families to enjoy.
Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare will fill the space left by Boo Blast, which the park announced it would close earlier this month. Boo Blast will be available to experience through Sept. 1, after which Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare is aiming for an April 2026 opening.
Key details at a glance:
– Reimagined ride replacing Boo Blast, with a target opening in April 2026
– Boo Blast closes Sept. 1
– 26 interactive scenes featuring ghosts, animatronics and returning Phantom Theater characters
– Interactive elements include spellbound flashlights and the character No Legs Larry
– A nod to the original Phantom Theater (1992–2002) with updated features for contemporary guests
This announcement blends nostalgia with fresh, family-friendly thrills, offering long-time fans and new visitors alike a chance to revisit a familiar favorite in a new light. If you’re planning a Kings Island trip, you’ll want to keep an eye on the opening timeline and plan for Boo Blast downtime through early September before stepping into Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare in 2026.