Ohio Bill Would Require Cedar Point, Kings Island, and Other Parks to Publicize Ride Updates

A new bill in Ohio could soon change the way guests plan their days at the state’s largest amusement parks. State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) has introduced the Real-Time Ride Status Notification Act, a measure that would require permanent amusement parks—including Cedar Point and Kings Island, to publicly share real-time ride availability updates.

Under the legislation, parks would be obligated to display ride status updates both inside the park through digital signage and online through their official apps or websites. Any closure or reopening would need to be posted within five minutes, ensuring guests are not left guessing whether their favorite attractions are operating.

Rep. Brennan said the legislation is a matter of fairness and consumer protection. “Families spend hundreds of dollars and travel across the state to visit these parks. They deserve accurate, real-time information so they can plan their day and avoid the frustration of walking across the park to find a ride shut down,” he explained.

Supporters note that while many parks already monitor ride status internally, that information isn’t always shared with the public in a timely or consistent way. Extended closures, such as Kings Island’s Invertigo being down for much of the 2025 season without official notice online, have frustrated guests who would have preferred to know before arriving.

Cedar Point has also faced criticism this year, with several attractions experiencing repeated downtime, including its newest roller coaster, Siren’s Curse, which has been frequently closed since debuting. Advocates of the bill argue that making this information publicly available would give families the chance to make informed decisions before purchasing tickets or planning a trip, rather than discovering ride closures only after entering the park.

The responsibility for enforcement would fall to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which already regulates amusement ride safety through laws such as Tyler’s Law. Noncompliance could result in civil fines for the parks.

Brennan compared the idea to other industries that provide instant updates. “Just like we expect real-time updates from public transportation or airports, parkgoers should be able to know which rides are operating before getting in line—or before leaving home,” he said.

Both Cedar Point and Kings Island already provide limited real-time updates through their mobile apps, particularly for temporary closures and wait times while inside the parks. However, the bill would standardize requirements and ensure all Ohio amusement parks follow the same rules for timely and consistent reporting (even when guests are outside the parks).

If approved, the bill would give parks a one-year transition period to implement or upgrade the necessary technology before enforcement begins.

The legislation is expected to receive a committee assignment in the coming weeks, with lawmakers aiming to have it in place ahead of the 2026 amusement park season.