190517 Kings Island Coasterstock Beast Behind the Scenes Tour

Kings Island has announced that the 2021 Coasterstock event will be held the weekend of July 9-10, which is the first time the event has departed from its typical May dates. The event brings together coaster enthusiasts that are members of ACE, Coaster Crew, Coaster Buzz, Great Ohio Coaster Club and Club TPR for two jam packed days of exclusive ride times (ERT), behind-the-scenes tours, meals and memories.

Despite the 2020 Coasterstock event selling out in record time (less than 12 hours), the event had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. So enthusiasts were very excited to see the event returning for the 2021 season. Tickets and event details will be released on the Kings Island website soon.

With Coasterstock changing months in 2021, it got us thinking about some potential changes that could make this the best event in its history.

5 Reasons the 2021 Coasterstock Could Be Best Yet

Soak City Access

Typically when Coasterstock happens in May, the Soak City Water Park is not open. While the official schedule for Soak City has not been released, we do know that the water park opens May 29. Since the Kings Island side of the park is scheduled to be open for daily operation in July, there is also a good chance Soak City may as well.

If this happens, we may get our first chance to see some behind-the-scenes stuff at Soak City and/or some ERT on water slides.

Depending on Soak City hours, some late day ERT could be a welcome change of pace to cool down and relax before a late night ERT schedule in Kings Island.

190712 Kings Island Soak City Island Nights Slides 2 ©MGMAdventures

Earlier ERT

Typically in years past, Coasterstock starts early in the morning to give enthusiasts a chance to enjoy select attractions before day guests visit the park. This meant showing up for ERT around 8:00 am± (and even earlier in years past) ahead of the 10:00 am park opening (and 9:30 am season passholders early access). However, for the 2021 season, Kings Island does not open to regular guests until 11:00 am on the days of Coasterstock.

This means ERT may not start until around 9:00 am, making it a little easier to last for the long haul, when the night ERT kicks off after the park closes at 10:00 pm.

170519 Kings Island Coasterstock Banshee

Blue for You

While there are no guarantees when it comes to weather, one thing that is very likely with Coasterstock being held in July is warmer temperatures than what we are normally accustomed in May. However, that means there is a good chance to enjoy some famous Kings Island blue ice cream multiple times over the two day event. Who can argue that logic?

180701 Kings Island #NationalBlueIceCreamDay Photo Op ©Paul Galati

Explore the Show Universe

Depending on our families travel schedule to other Cedar Fair parks (yeah Platinum pass benefits), we typically make it out to Kings Island for opening weekend, Coasterstock, and then maybe one for visit before Haunt and Winterfest. One of the caveats that always makes us a little sad with that schedule is that we often miss some of the bigger show productions that the park puts on.

For example, we have yet to see the various Cirque productions at Kings Island.

While the show productions and schedules have yet to be released for 2021, this provides an interesting opportunity to not only get to see some of the shows, but maybe even get an exclusive seating.

Yum Factory

Typically in years past, by the time July rolls around, the Kings Island culinary team is busy in the kitchen testing out new limited time menu items. Whether they be exclusive to Coney Bar-B-Que, Hank’s Mexican Grill, Miami River Brewhouse, or even the Wishbone Grill, there is always something new to intrigue inquiring taste buds. In addition, Kings Island is very gracious in typically allowing the limited time menu items to be included on the dining plans.

For those of us that have attended Coasterstock, the biggest benefit guests quickly realize is that the event is a fantastic chance to hang out with like minded friends. We call the event the best family reunion of the year, allowing us to meet up with great friends that we have met over the years going back to the first Coasterstock in 2015. We hope to get the chance to see you in 2021 and join our giant family to enjoy the hospitality of Kings Island in what we think is one of the best events of the year.

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