I’ve been working on a post tying my childhood fascination with haunted houses to the way that OCD has developed and expanded its own house of terrors in my brain over the past couple decades, turning relatively innocuous things like going to potlucks into full blown horrors.
I’m not ready to share all that yet, but I did come across a fun video of the Phantom Theater, a now defunct ride at Kings Island in Cincinnati featuring spooky animatronics that I loved as a kid:
Reading the comments on the YouTube video, I was not alone in my childhood love of this ride. A number of people called for its revival. I especially related to this remark from user brandondavis5680: “If I had a time machine this would be the first place I would go! Sorry R.I.P. to family and friends, this is the first stop”
I spent a lot of time at Kings Island as a kid and teen. For a number of years, I had a season pass and would go regularly with friends. There were many roller coasters I loved and would want to revisit: The Beast, Adventure Express, The Racer. Apparently, these are still at the park, so I could make that happen.
I also remember really enjoying this antique car ride where I felt like I was driving even though a small rail kept the vehicle on the right path. There is something like this at the park now, but I don’t think it’s the same one as when I was younger.
Before it was the Phantom Theater, the ride in that part of the park was a Smurf themed indoor boat ride, and I remember distinctly arguing with my mom as a young kid that I should be allowed to go on it alone. I’m pretty sure she let me.
More than the rides, I think it’s that rush of independence I would love to feel again. Taking the steering wheel of a car even though I didn’t know yet how to drive. Being dropped off at the park with my friends and spending the whole day there riding rides to our hearts content. Alone on a boat listening to the Smurf soundtrack on repeat.
What childhood amusement park ride would you revisit again if you could?
I actually think I would pick that ride too. Spooky (as David says) but not so scary you couldnt handle it. It was really cool. I did not and do not like roller coasters.