No Legs Larry and Maestro materialize for the first time as Kings Island and Sally Dark Rides unveil new animatronic characters for Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, coming in 2026
Courtesy of Kings Island
"Their quality, craftsmanship and dedication to telling great stories solidify our partnership with Sally Dark Rides as we work together to bring this fan favorite attraction to life," said Tony Carovillano, park manager for Kings Island. "Seeing No Legs Larry and Maestro interact for the first time was really special. Sally Dark Rides' attention to detail and their desire to honor the original ride is second to none. With this reveal at IAAPA, we're another step closer to sharing Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare with our guests."
Courtesy of Kings Island
The comedic and fast-paced family adventure begins with a dark and stormy night, setting the tone for the grand (and ghostly) re-opening of the haunted Phantom Theater. Inside, a long-awaited performance by Maestro is set to begin. During the storm, a lightning strike unleashes the ghost notes – mischievous musical spirits that wreak havoc across the theater – from Maestro's mighty pipe organ.
Courtesy of Kings Island
With the help of No Legs Larry, guests will take the role as a member of his team and ride in "enchanted opera boxes," utilizing special spellbound flashlights to capture and return the ghost notes to the organ so the performance can begin on time. Along the way, the enchanted opera boxes travel through fully built dimensional scenes, including backstage areas, haunted hallways, dressing rooms and a fiery boiler room as they meet other performers who are ready to take the stage.
Courtesy of Kings Island
With the help of No Legs Larry, guests will take the role as a member of his team and ride in "enchanted opera boxes," utilizing special spellbound flashlights to capture and return the ghost notes to the organ so the performance can begin on time. Along the way, the enchanted opera boxes travel through fully built dimensional scenes, including backstage areas, haunted hallways, dressing rooms and a fiery boiler room as they meet other performers who are ready to take the stage.
Courtesy of Kings Island
Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare is scheduled to open in April. Guests looking to follow construction updates, exclusive interviews with the project team and behind-the-scenes first looks can visit Kings Island on:
https://www.facebook.com/visitkingsisland
https://www.instagram.com/kingsislandpr
https://x.com/kingsislandpr
https://www.youtube.com/@KingsIslandPR
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Robert Reed
Assistant Regional Rep
Eastern Great Lakes
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