‘End of an era:’ Kings Island to close long-standing ride

MASON, Ohio (WCMH) – Kings Island has announced it will soon close a long-standing, fan-favorite ride to “make way for future development.”

After over 14 years of operation, Boo Blasters on Boo Hill will embark on its last rides on Sept. 1, before Kings Island shutters the attraction. The amusement park announced the move on social media earlier this week, calling the closure of the monster-themed ride “the end of an era.”

“Since 2010, the young and young-at-heart have created cherished memories working together to blast whimsical ghosts, ghouls and goblins back to the underworld on this classic indoor attraction,” Kings Island wrote.

Boo Blasters on Boo Hill allows riders to travel through a monster-infested castle and shoot at illuminated targets with a laser gun to collect points. The family-friendly ride features a moving car that can seat up to five people, according to Kings Island’s website.

Boo Blasters on Boo Hill is one of several attractions that has been located within the large building in the amusement park’s Planet Snoopy area. When Kings Island opened in 1972, the building housed a boat ride called The Enchanted Voyage, which took guests through the various worlds of Hanna-Barbera cartoons, including those of Scooby Doo and The Flintstones. 

The Enchanted Voyage was converted into The Smurf’s Enchanted Voyage in 1984, then was replaced by Phantom Theater in 1992, marking the first ghost-inspired ride at the location. In 2003, the ride transformed into Scooby Doo and the Haunted Castle, before rebranding as Boo Blasters on Boo Hill in 2010. 

While Kings Island said the closure will create space for new development, it has not yet announced what may take place of the iconic ride.