Kings Island announces Planet Snoopy expansion, new roller coaster

A new interactive attraction is setting up camp in Kings Island's Planet Snoopy.

Camp Snoopy will be an adventure play space where kids can engage with "Peanuts" characters and enjoy family time in the great outdoors.

The new area will be home to Kings Islands' newest coaster, Snoopy's Soap Box Racers, the first family-friendly boomerang coaster at the park. Riders will shoot down a 70-foot drop when Snoopy waves the checkered flag. As racers approach the finish line in their soapbox coaster cars, the ride will reverse and launch the soapbox racers along the racetrack backward.

In addition to the new coaster, the shaded Beagle Scout Acres will give kids a chance to explore and play among camp equipment and grassy areas. They can pledge as Beagle Scouts and earn merit badges for things like sharing and helping a person in need.

All the classic "Peanuts" characters will guide kids through "camptivities" throughout the day, giving parents a chance to relax.

"We’ve designed this new immersive area to feel like a day at camp where families can spend time with each other in a variety of ways," said Mike Koontz, vice president and general manager of Kings Island.

Planet Snoopy is Kings Island's award-winning kids area, featuring four kid-friendly roller coasters and other "Peanuts"-themed attractions for families.

Construction is set to begin this fall for an opening date in 2024.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Kings Island adding new roller coaster, expanding Planet Snoopy