There’s an ongoing debate among thrill-seekers and amusement park enthusiasts about which Ohio destination reigns supreme: Cedar Point or Kings Island. As someone who has experienced the heart-pounding excitement of both parks, I’m diving into the Cedar Point vs. Kings Island rivalry to help you decide which park deserves your vacation days.
The Battle of Ohio’s Coaster Giants
Ohio has earned its reputation as a roller coaster paradise, hosting two world-class amusement parks within its borders. Ask any Ohioan which park you should visit, and you’ll likely spark a passionate debate. Cedar Point and Kings Island both offer exceptional experiences, but they each have distinct personalities and strengths that might make one a better fit for your specific preferences.
Which one is better, Kings Island or Cedar Point?
The “better” park comes down to personal preference – whether you prioritize theming and variety or record-setting thrills.
Is Cedar Point bigger than Kings Island?
Cedar Point is bigger than Kings Island in terms of overall acreage and number of rollercoasters.
Why is Cedar Point so popular?
Cedar Point is so popular because it is considered one of the premiere amusement parks in the world, primarily due to its collection of record-breaking rollercoasters and scenic lakefront locations. It has been nicknamed “America’s Roller Coast” because of the number of top-ranked steel rollercoasters like Millennium Force, Maverick, Steel Vengeance, and Top Thrill Dragster.
Are Kings Island and Cedar Point the same company?
Cedar Fair now owns both Kings Island and Cedar Point, has distinct histories, and operates as sister parks under the Cedar Fair umbrella.
Cedar Point vs. Kings Island
Two of the best roller coasters in the world are in Ohio: Cedar Point and King’s Island. Ohio residents tend to favor one or the other. If you visit the state and ask a local which one you should go to, you will probably get a lot of opinions.
Cedar Point: America’s Roller Coast
Perched on a scenic 365-acre peninsula jutting into Lake Erie, Cedar Point has rightfully earned its nickname as “America’s Roller Coast.” Since opening its gates in 1870, this historic park has continually pushed the boundaries of thrill ride innovation.
Cedar Point stands as a record-breaker in multiple categories. It boasts an impressive 17 roller coasters—the most steel coasters in a single park—and holds bragging rights for pioneering the first hyper, giga, strata, and terra coasters. For pure adrenaline junkies, Cedar Point delivers an unmatched collection of extreme rides.
The park’s lakeside setting creates a uniquely beautiful backdrop for your thrill-seeking adventures. Imagine cresting the 310-foot summit of Millennium Force with panoramic views of Lake Erie stretching to the horizon, or feeling the lake breeze as you navigate the twisted track of Steel Vengeance, the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest hybrid roller coaster.
Beyond the coasters, Cedar Point offers impressive water attractions through its attached Cedar Point Shores Waterpark. The seamless integration means you can easily transition from coaster thrills to waterpark chills without leaving the property. For those seeking even more aquatic adventure, the beachfront location provides opportunities for parasailing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and jet skiing on Lake Erie.
Cedar Point Highlights
Cedar Point welcomes approximately 3.51 million visitors annually, drawn by signature attractions like:
- Millennium Force: A legendary giga coaster featuring a 310-foot drop and speeds up to 93 mph
- Steel Vengeance: The record-breaking hybrid coaster that transformed the former Mean Streak into a 205-foot-tall masterpiece
- Maverick: A multi-launch coaster with a 95-degree first drop and high-speed turns
- Top Thrill Dragster: A strata coaster launching riders from 0 to 120 mph in under 4 seconds
The park’s dual entrances—the main gate and a less crowded causeway entrance—help manage crowds during peak season. While Cedar Point excels at delivering extreme thrills, it also maintains a respectable kiddie area for younger visitors, though the park’s identity is firmly rooted in its world-class coaster collection.
Cedar Point Stats
-Located on Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohi0
-365 acres
-Opened in 1870
-71 rides
-17 roller coasters
-Waterpark
– 3.51 visitors annually
Popular Rides:
–Wicked Twister
-Top Thrill Dragster
-Mean Streak
-Maverick
-Steel Vengeance
–Millenium Force
Pros:
Cedar Point is located on a lake, so visitors get an extraordinary view of the rides. The waterpark is attached, and you don’t have to leave to get to it. The kiddie area is relatively large, but overall, the main attractions of this park are the rollercoasters. For guests worried about waiting in line, there are two entrances- the main entrance and another on the causeway that doesn’t tend to be that busy.
Kings Island: Thrills with Family Appeal
Located about 24 miles from Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio, Kings Island opened in 1972 and has developed a reputation for balancing intense thrills with family-friendly attractions across its 364 acres.
Kings Island may have slightly fewer roller coasters than its northern counterpart—14 compared to Cedar Point’s 17—but it compensates with incredible diversity and some truly iconic rides. The Beast holds the Guinness World Record as the longest wooden roller coaster globally, sprawling across 35 acres of forested terrain. When it opened in 1979, this 7,359-foot wooden marvel revolutionized coaster design and continues to deliver a uniquely thrilling experience over four decades later.
The park consistently earns accolades for ride innovation, with Mystic Timbers being named “Best New Ride” by Amusement Today in 2017. Banshee stands as the world’s longest steel inverted coaster, while Diamondback delivers high-speed thrills with its 80 mph top speed and 215-foot first drop.
What truly distinguishes Kings Island is its exceptional balance. While Cedar Point leans heavily into the extreme thrill category, Kings Island offers a more diverse experience with extensive family attractions, four dedicated children’s roller coasters, and renowned entertainment options. The park’s famous blue ice cream and handmade fudge have achieved cult status among regular visitors.
Kings Island Highlights
Kings Island attracts approximately 3.34 million visitors annually with standout attractions including:
- The Beast: The record-holding wooden coaster that remains a bucket-list experience for coaster enthusiasts
- Banshee: Seven inversions along 4,124 feet of track make this the world’s longest inverted coaster
- Mystic Timbers: A modern wooden coaster that combines speed with a mysterious themed finale
- Diamondback: A 230-foot-tall hypercoaster delivering significant airtime and a splashdown finale
The park’s standalone 33-acre Soak City Waterpark requires a short walk from the main park but is included with admission, representing a significant value. Many visitors dedicate separate days to experiencing the theme park and waterpark due to their substantial offerings.
Kings Island Stats
-Located in Mason, Ohio (about 24 miles from Cincinnati)
-364 acres
-Opened in 1972
-More than 100 rides, shows and attractions
-14 Rollercoasters
-Waterpark
-3.34 visitors annually
Popular Rides:
-Delirium
-Invertigo
-Xtreme Skyflyer
-The Bat
Pros:
Kings Island has a wide variety of ride types. It’s kid-friendly, and there are a lot of rides to choose from. The park is also known for its sweet treats like fudge and taffy. Tickets cost less than Cedar Point, and the waterpark is included in the admission price.
Making Your Choice: Which Park Reigns Supreme?
The age-old question of which park is “better” ultimately depends on your personal preferences and travel priorities. Consider these factors when planning your Ohio amusement park adventure:
Choose Cedar Point if:
- You identify as a serious coaster enthusiast seeking record-breaking thrills
- You appreciate the scenic lakefront setting
- You want seamless integration between dry and water attractions
- You’re drawn to parks with historical significance (Cedar Point is among America’s oldest amusement parks)
Choose Kings Island if:
- You’re traveling with family members of varying ages and thrill tolerances
- You want a balanced mix of intense coasters and family attractions
- You’re budget-conscious (Kings Island typically offers lower ticket prices)
- You consider food an essential part of your park experience
For the ultimate Ohio amusement park experience, consider visiting both parks if your schedule and budget allow. They’re located about 4 hours apart, making a dual-park vacation entirely feasible.
The Innovation Race Continues
Both Cedar Point and Kings Island continue pushing boundaries through ongoing investments in new attractions. Cedar Point’s Valravn claimed the title of world’s tallest, longest, and fastest dive coaster upon opening, while Kings Island’s Orion joined the elite class of giga coasters in 2020.
This friendly competition between sister parks (both now owned by Cedar Fair) benefits visitors as each strives to outdo not just each other but every amusement park worldwide. The result is two world-class destinations that continue setting the standard for roller coaster excellence.
Whether you choose the lakeside thrills of Cedar Point or the balanced experience of Kings Island, Ohio’s premier amusement parks promise unforgettable adventures that will leave you planning your return visit before you’ve even left the parking lot.
Beyond Ohio’s Amusement Parks
If your family travel plans extend beyond roller coasters, consider complementing your Ohio amusement park adventure with other popular destinations like National Parks tours featuring river rafting, Costa Rica adventure tours, or escorted Italy tours. For those drawn to water-based vacations, cruise options with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line offer excellent alternatives for families with children of varying ages.
If you are looking for other family travel ideas, popular destinations include National Parks tours, including river rafting, Costa Rica tours, and escorted Italy tours. Cruise Vacations with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line have a lot of things for families with children of all ages.
