5 new things at Kings Island in 2019: Eats, rides and more

Several new features are coming to Kings Island this season, including a new restaurant.

Here’s a look at five new things to look forward to when the park opens later this month.

New restaurant and brewhouse

Building on the themed Rivertown area of the park, Miami River Brewhouse will be located across from the park’s newest coaster, Mystic Timbers.

The menu, which was crafted by Kings Island’s Executive Chef, James Major, features taps from local breweries as well as appetizers, salads, gourmet sandwiches and premium burgers.

Miami River Brewhouse will be included in dining plans for the park, which opens April 20.

MORE: New restaurant, brewhouse set to debut next month at Kings Island

One Team Village

Also new in 2019 for those who live more than 25 miles from the 364-acre theme park and want to work there will be a new associate dormitory facility, One Team Village.

Included in the dormitories will be a recreation center with big-screen televisions, community kitchen space, convenience store, digital TV hook-up in each room and free Wi-Fi. There will also be locker space, a basketball court, soccer field, security and secure mail and package pickup.

Besides beds, furniture and locker space, units receives a mini-fridge and microwave oven, in-room air conditioning, free utilities, shuttle transportation to and from the associate entrance and digital TV hookup in each room.

MORE: Kings Island close to finishing new dorm for commuting employees

Kings Mills Antique Autos

Antique cars will be motoring again, with the family ride renamed as Kings Mills Antique Autos. Guests will be able to drive a two-thirds-scale 1911 Ford Model T around a scenic quarter-mile track equipped with a small rail to keep the car on path.

The ride lasts about three minutes and will be comparable to the original Les Taxi antique car ride. The ride will have 18 cars and the route will feature lush landscaping, water features, a covered bridge and more.

MORE: Kings Island’s antique car ride was first driving experience for many kids

Park entrance upgrades

Kings Island’s iconic international-themed entry is getting its first facelift since the park opened more than 45 years ago.

Crews are updating the Royal Fountain, installing more than 130,000 new pavers, improving each building facade and enhancing the landscaping.

Technology upgrades to the fountain will allow for choreographed daytime and nighttime shows featuring water that shoots 50 percent higher into the air, and the ability to individually control each of the fountain’s new 112 nozzles and 176 LED lights. An expanded bandstand stage in front of the Eiffel Tower will allow for bigger celebrations and performances.

MORE: Kings Island will make changes to stage BIGGER shows by the fountain, Eiffel Tower

40 years of The Beast

The park also is repainting The Beast its original “flame-themed” color to celebrate its 40th birthday with red for the front cars, orange for the middle cars and yellow for the back cars. The world’s longest wooden roller coaster has given more than 54 million rides.

Kings Island has yet to disclose what will replace Kings Island’s Firehawk roller coaster, which debuted in 2007 and was demolished earlier this month.

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