2002 - 2006

From 2002 through 2006, Kings Island added major new attractions and underwent notable changes across the park. In 2002, Tomb Raider: The Ride opened in Rivertown as a multi-sensory indoor adventure based on the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and SlingShot opened in Oktoberfest as an up-charge attraction that launched pairs of riders at speeds up to 100 mph, making it the park's fastest ride. In 2003, Delirium, the tallest ride of its kind in the world, began operating on the former King Cobra site after being built and tested in Germany, Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Castle replaced Phantom Theater in Hanna-Barbera Land, and SpongeBob SquarePants 3-D premiered in Coney Mall. In 2004, WaterWorks became Crocodile Dundee's Boomerang Bay, adding the Tasmanian Typhoon family raft ride, Coolangatta Racer racing mat slide, and Jackaroo Landing, while Flying Eagles and Antique Cars were retired for a new family roller coaster. In 2005, Italian Job: Stunt Track opened in Coney Mall with special effects tied to the 2003 film Italian Job, and WinterFest returned after a 13-year hiatus before disappearing again until 2017. In 2006, Nickelodeon Universe replaced the park's two existing children's areas, adding Avatar: The Last Airbender, Phantom Flyers, and Plankton's Plunge, and Cedar Fair purchased Kings Island in the summer, beginning a new chapter in the park's history.

Mason, Ohio · United States