Kings Island’s Phantom Theater Returns With a Haunting New Chapter in 2026
A ghostly encore is preparing to take the stage at Kings Island. Next spring, the park will debut Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, a brand-new dark ride that pays homage to one of the park’s most beloved attractions while raising the curtain on a fresh chapter of storytelling and technology.
Set inside the theater (current Boo Blasters location) where the original Phantom Theater entertained guests from 1992 to 2002, the new ride reintroduces its quirky cast of characters with a modern twist.
From Maestro at his mighty pipe organ to Houdelini, The Great Garbanzo, Hilda Bovine, and Lionel Burymore, fans will once again encounter the mischievous troupe—this time caught in chaos after a lightning strike unleashes runaway “ghost notes” across the theater.
Riders, cast as part of head usher No Legs Larry’s crew, will board enchanted opera boxes and wield interactive spellbound flashlights to capture the ghost notes before Maestro’s long-awaited performance begins. Along the way, guests will explore backstage areas, dressing rooms, haunted hallways, and a fiery boiler room, all while encountering new surprises, including the debut of Arpeggio, Maestro’s feline sidekick.
The newly designed logo captures the spirit of the original attraction, weaving in visual nods that longtime fans of Phantom Theater will instantly recognize.
The attraction spans 26 interactive scenes enhanced with animatronics, multi-sensory effects like wind and sound, and a grand on-stage finale. Manufactured by Sally Dark Rides, Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare combines nostalgia with innovation, offering both a heartfelt tribute and an all-new experience.
“Families who have visited Kings Island will remember how special the original Phantom Theater was, and they’ve always wanted it to return,” said park manager Tony Carovillano. “While paying homage to the original ride, Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare’s modern and advanced features will help create new memories and stories for all who take their seat inside this amazing experience.”
Boo Blasters’ Final Curtain Call
The new attraction will replace Boo Blasters on Boo Hill, which closes after Labor Day. Guests have until Monday, September 1 to experience their final ride before transformation begins on the site.
Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare debuts in April 2026.
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