A gravy-themed ride? See what’s new this summer at theme parks in and around Kentucky
.jpg "Fireworks light up the sky over Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay in this file photo. Here’s what is new at three area amusement parks this summer, plus admission prices.")
It’s summer, and for Kentucky amusement park fans, there’s a lot of fresh experiences and excitement as parks in and around the state offer new events, deals and attractions in hopes of winning your business.
Here’s a run-down of what’s happening at some of the most popular amusement parks around Kentucky this year, including Kentucky Kingdom, Kings Island and Holiday World.
We’ve also included pricing for day tickets and season passes so you make the best decision about where to spend your summer and which park offers the best value.
Kentucky Kingdom (Louisville)
Spanning more than 67 acres with 70-plus attractions, Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay is the state’s largest amusement park. This year, the park is extending its season by 24 days with its new Christmas event.
For the Fourth of July, Kentucky Kingdom is re-imagining its celebrations with a new Red, White and Bluegrass Bash along with the return of Summer Blast, according to a park news release. Both events will light up the night sky with fireworks every weekend in July.
Ticket prices vary depending on what day you visit the park, but tickets for one-day admission range between the following:
Adult: $35.99 to $56.99
Child: $30.99 to $51.99
Senior: $30.99 to $51.99
Dining plans, which include one entree and two snacks per plan, cost about $30.
Kentucky Kingdom season passes come in three different tiers, ranging between about $90 to upward of $200. For those prices, season passholders get unlimited visits, free parking, free or discounted tickets for friends and food discounts, depending on the package selected.
There are also special offer days, featuring discounts for first responders and other deals, throughout the summer.
The park’s address is 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209.
Kings Island (Cincinnati, Ohio)
True, this park is about 30 minutes outside of Cincinnati, but we’re including it because of the special discount for visitors from Lexington.
According to the park’s website, the 2024 Lexington Bundle includes admission, parking and a drink wristband for fountain beverages every 15 minutes.
This deal is available to anyone age 3 or older for $49.99. Admission for children age 2 and younger is free. For an all-day dining plan, you get an entree and side as often as every 90 minutes.
Season passes start at $115 and come with a mix of benefits, including unlimited visits, free general parking and other perks.
You’ll find Kings Island at 6300 Kings Island Drive in Mason, Ohio.
Holiday World (Santa Claus, Ind.)
Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari, located about 30 minutes outside of Owensboro, is a popular destination for parkgoers in Western Kentucky.
This year, the park themed around holidays has a new ride centered on, yes, gravy.
The $10 million Good Gravy roller coaster opened to the public this spring. The gravy boat ride starts by winding up riders, taking them upward and backward before sling-shooting them like a pendulum across the park, including through a giant cranberry. Riders then shoot backward again as the ride ends back where it began.
Ticket prices at Holiday World fluctuate based on the day, but typically range between $59.99 and $64.99 for single-day admission. The park encourages purchasing tickets online and in advance, rather than at the gate where you’ll pay a higher price, around $75 for park admission.
All tickets to Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari include admission, including to all shows and attractions that day, unlimited soft drinks, parking, sunscreen and the parks’ Wi-Fi. Children ages 3 and younger get in free.
Season passes to Holiday World start at $200 and come with a mix of benefits, including admission all season, discounted locker rental prices, discounts on food and beverages and other deals. They also come with discounted ticket prices to bring a friend.
You can visit Holiday World at 452 E Christmas Blvd., Santa Claus, IN 47579.
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