Theme Parks and Humanity

Theme Parks and Humanity Louisville-based. Tap follow to join us on our journey.

Vlogs, discussion, interviews and POV content, and occasional out of state videos: Theme Parks and Humanity recognizes and highlights the human experience at a variety of amusement parks and venues.

06/17/2026

Flying Fox is back OPEN at Kentucky Kingdom!

We went to Kentucky Kingdom yesterday to get Ellie’s first rides on Flying Fox while discussing first impressions. We rode it in three different rows and discussed our preferences. Ellie usually prefers the front while I prefer the back row. Additional props have been added to the outside area as well as the inside queue. The landscaping around the pathways was also improved a lot. It looks great there now. We look forward to seeing the barn finished and all the pathways open. If you’re going to Kentucky Kingdom to ride Flying Fox, note that we still take a right when entering the park to access this ride.

06/16/2026

I enjoy getting rides on giant, suspenseful drop towers.. I've not ridden one that I didn't consider an extreme thrill ride. In fact, one of the most terrifying ride experiences in my memory is still my first ride on Falcon's Fury.. I had no idea what to expect. πŸ˜‚ And Drop Tower at Kings Island is nearly as thrilling. You drop 264 feet after a slow ascent when the gondola begins spinning, offering a panoramic view of Kings Island and The Great Wolf Lodge. Drop Tower has been standing and mostly operating at Kings Island for 27 years.

06/15/2026

I rode both of these a few weeks ago, and it's clear that Vekoma's suspended family coasters have come a long way since 2001 when Woodstock's Air Rail (or whatever other name you prefer) was built. These older suspended family coasters are often called "hang and bangs" given their profiling and over the shoulder restraints. The ride includes a helix to begin and a few turns after that. In contrast, you can see the transitions on Flying Fox at Kentucky Kingdom.. a few briefs twists into each element, and lapbars are used as the primary restraint. As you move out of its helix and upward, there's additional momentum before the tunnel, making this ride nicely paced.

06/14/2026

I ride Spring Fling on most of our trips to Kentucky Kingdom.. such a great flat ride and it fits the Discovery Meadow vibe so well after its ride vehicles (wooden shoes) were repainted. Did you know this ride originally opened at Kings Island in 1973? You only have to walk a few steps into Tower Gardens to see Flying Dutchman's history engraved on the pathway. I never had the opportunity to see Oktoberfest in its original form, but I could imagine the way it might have looked when this ride was open there. I appreciate the opportunity to ride it at Kentucky Kingdom today

06/12/2026

And new Boulder Canyon ride updates!

I went to Holiday World's Rubber Duck Days event yesterday and saw The World's Largest Rubber Duck before getting rides on The Voyage and Legend. I also checked out their progress on the new ride replacing Raging Rapids in Boulder Canyon.. The concrete and footers might suggest a new water coaster, but I'm not certain. I didn't come prepared for the water park, Splashin' Safari and was too curious how these coasters would run in 99 degree heat.. just as chaotic as you'd imagine. There are photo opps, special foods and events all over the park for Rubber Duck Days.. I definitely recommend checking it out.. Just bring your sunscreen (or use theirs for FREE!) and stay hydrated! I had a lot of fun here and will be back soon to experience Splashin' Safari πŸ€½β€β™€οΈπŸŽ’

The Floral Frenzy at Kentucky Kingdom will end with a 5K run on the 28th. For now, we've enjoyed the vibes that the cano...
06/10/2026

The Floral Frenzy at Kentucky Kingdom will end with a 5K run on the 28th. For now, we've enjoyed the vibes that the canopy, flower walls, arrangements and added landscaping have brought to the park. When combined with Discovery Meadow where a particular floral frenzy can be experienced throughout the year, it all offers a nice escape at our home park πŸ’πŸ΅πŸŒ»πŸŒ·πŸŒΌπŸŒΈ

06/09/2026

On a giant roller coaster like Orion, there are benefits to sitting both in the front and back seats. I personally prefer the back left seat to get the most out of the wave turn and the hills after the horseshoe element. However, in the front, you feel the impact of the wind and the speed of this ride. I'm always left wiping tears out of my eyes when we reach the breaks 🎒 πŸŒ€

It was so nice running into fellow educator-enthusiasts Thrill Seeking Teachers at Kings Island! They are wonderful peop...
06/08/2026

It was so nice running into fellow educator-enthusiasts Thrill Seeking Teachers at Kings Island! They are wonderful people who have been creating amazing content highlighting their trip to Holiwood Nights. Give them a follow to see these videos and all their theme park adventures!

06/07/2026

I've heard a lot this year about what new rides parks should build, including Kings Island. I personally would rather they use any new investment to create more immersive spaces and expand the park's theming on their existing attractions. The opening of Phantom Theater Opening Nightmare this year opens up possibilities throughout the park, and rides like Queen City Stunt Coaster could use minor changes, such as making sure the fire effects and helicopter before the indoor section are both working.

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