Phantom Theater Replacing Boo Blasters at Kings Island

Kings Island has announced that Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare will be replacing the Boo Blasters on Boo Hill dark ride. The new Phantom Theater is planned to open in April 2026. Boo Blasters on Boo Hill closes forever on September 1, 2025.

Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare concept art (Credit: Kings Island)

The reimagined dark ride will pay homage to the original Phantom Theater dark ride, which operated from April 11, 1992, to July 14, 2002. After the ride’s original run as Phantom Theater, there were two re-themes: Scooby-Doo! and the Haunted Mansion in 2003 and Boo Blasters on Boo Hill in 2010.

“Families who have visited Kings Island will remember how special the original Phantom Theater was, and they’ve always wanted it to return,” said Tony Carovillano, park manager of Kings Island. “While paying homage to the original ride, Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare’s modern and advanced features will help create new memories and stories for all who take their seat inside this amazing experience.”

Kings Island has announced that the updated ride will feature modern technology, enhanced scenic elements, and expanded storytelling. There will be 26 interactive scenes featuring multi-sensory effects, including wind and sound, as well as hidden Easter eggs throughout the experience. The finale will conclude with a grand on-stage musical performance.

According to the ride’s storyline, guests will board enchanted opera boxes on a dark and stormy night and then travel through the haunted Phantom Theater.

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, the theater’s resident organist, 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.

With the help of head usher 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. From animatronic forms of Houdelini and The Great Garbanzo to Hilda Bovine and Lionel Burymore, the Phantom Theater’s beloved crew returns, getting caught in the chaos while guests simultaneously search for the ghost notes. New surprises await guests around every corner, including the introduction of Arpeggio, Maestro’s furry feline friend.

Visit Kings Island’s website for park tickets and the latest news.