originally posted on 8/18/2023
All renderings courtesy of Kings Island. View full-sized image.
Proof that the most highly regarded and successful theme parks appeal equally to all guests, Kings Island (Mason, Ohio) will follow its last coaster addition — 2020’s Bolliger & Mabillard’s towering Orion — with something decidedly smaller and less intimidating. Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers will anchor an expansion of the former Planet Snoopy children’s area with Camp Snoopy for the 2024 season.
In 2024, Planet Snoopy will expand with Camp Snoopy and feature the new Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers Vekoma Family Boomerang coaster.
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A 208m (Rebound) model of Vekoma’s Family Boomerang coaster, of which 19 others operate throughout the world, a single soap box derby-themed, 10-car, 20-passenger train will leave the station building by being hauled backward up a 75-foot-tall hill before dropping into a twisting course at 37 mph and traversing 672 feet of track in both directions.
It will be one of two Vekoma Family Boomerang coasters to debut in the United States next season (of rides announced as of this publication), joining Good Gravy! at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (Santa Claus, Indiana). As other parks have discovered, the model is a great fit for those seeking something children and adults can experience together.
After years of installations throughout the world, Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers will be one of two set to debut in the United States in 2024.
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“For Kings Island, the Family Boomerang coaster is a whole new ride experience for its youngest thrill seekers,” said Director of Communications Chad Showalter on the park’s decision to select it over a plethora of other options.
Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers will join other roller coasters in the enlarged Planet Snoopy, giving the section a count exceeding that of some other amusement parks, and including the E.F. Miler Industries Great Pumpkin Coaster, Vekoma Flying Ace Aerial Chase Family Suspended Coaster and John Allen/Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) Woodstock Express junior wood coaster dating back to the park’s 1972 debut season.
Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers will join other roller coasters in the Planet Snoopy section of the park, including Flying Ace Aerial Chase — another Vekoma product.
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“It will [be the] 20th ride in Planet Snoopy, making Kings Island one of the best places in the world for kids to have a variety of new roller coaster experiences, all in the same place,” added Showalter while commenting on it not being the only upgrade. “Kings Island guests will not only have the opportunity to experience one of the most exciting soap box races of all time while riding Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers, but they’ll also be able to take a break at Beagle Scout Acres, a shaded place where kids can explore, run and climb.”
Camp Snoopy will also include Beagle Scout Acres — a shaded area kids can explore while their parents enjoy much-needed breaks.
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The completed project will affirm parent company Cedar Fair’s ability to maximize its use of the iconic Peanuts brand. Recalls Showalter: “I received a note from a family that visited Kings Island from Pittsburgh. They said their six-year-old son was possibly the biggest Peanuts fan, and they couldn’t believe how Planet Snoopy brought his favorite characters to life. That’s what drives the park’s commitment to providing such a great experience when guests visit Kings Island.”
Camp Snoopy will be the newest example of how Cedar Fair, L.P. brings to life the beloved Peanuts characters and builds upon its long-standing agreement with Peanuts Worldwide.
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Planet Snoopy’s enhancement with Camp Snoopy builds upon 2017’s renewal of the longtime licensing agreement between Cedar Fair, L.P. and Peanuts Worldwide — the agreement showcases the latter’s intellectual property in all 11 of the amusement park operator’s locations throughout North America. It will be the latest in a series of projects breathing new life into older sections of the park, starting with Orion and Area 72 in 2020 and having continued with Adventure Port this season, which added rides and theming while refreshing its resident roller coaster, Adventure Express.
As Kings Island has done in the past, Camp Snoopy will enhance Planet Snoopy and its existing rides with new attractions and upgraded theming.
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“Bringing in new attractions is a great reason to refresh or reimagine the area around it,” said Showalter about 2024’s continuation of the plan. It certainly leaves park guests wondering what may follow once guests join Snoopy at the finish line next season.
— Rob Ascough, ACE News Editor
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