"No Comment on Litigation" as Judge May Force Parks to Refund Passholders

The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the theme park industry, with properties around the United States and the world shutting their gates to Guests for months.

Related: Man Loses Layers of Skin, Left Hospitalized After Severe Theme Park Injury

The Walt Disney Company, for example, closed all six of its theme parks — Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, Shanghai Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disneyland — in an unprecedented move. Disney was joined by Universal, whose Parks all over the world also faced pandemic-related closures.

Related: Universal Announces Annual Passholders Will Have Their Own Line

Regional theme parks without Disney and Universal’s name recognition were also shut down during the height of the pandemic in 2020, and now some Annual Passholders in Ohio are less than thrilled with how the entire situation played out.

Related: Disney Moves to Strike Lawsuit Filed On Behalf of Annual Passholders

According to a report from Cincinnati’s WCPO 9 ABC affiliate:

Kings Island and its sister parks might have to give out partial refunds for the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season if attorneys win a class action lawsuit against its parent company.

A pandemic-related lawsuit against Cedar Fair will be allowed to move forward, according to a US District Court Judge in Toledo, who refused to throw out the case this week.

Related: Cedar Point announces record-breaking wood-steel hybrid coaster “Steel Vengeance”

This lawsuit, which we’ve previously shared was originally filed on behalf of Guests at Knott’s Berry Farm in California, would impact “tens of thousands” of people who purchased Gold and Platinum passes for the 2020 season.

Now, Cedar Fair’s corporate office is speaking out for the first time, though they are not willing to provide much information regarding the ongoing lawsuit, which can now proceed thanks to the judge’s recent ruling.

WCPO noted that their team reached out to both Kings Island and Cedar Fair, only to be told that the theme park and its parent company are issuing “no comment on litigation.”

More on Kings Island

In addition to the world’s longest wooden roller coaster, The Beast, Kings Island is home to over 100 other rides, shows, and attractions. These include its famous Eiffel Tower replica and coasters like Orion, Diamondback, and The Banshee.

The award-winning Planet Snoopy kids’ area showcases Peanuts characters with over 20 attractions, plus character meet and greets with Charlie Brown, Linus, Peppermint Patty, and more!

Kings Island is also home to Soak City Water Park which allows Guests to enjoy 36 water slides, two wave pools, lagoons, and family-friendly kids’ splash zones.

Do you regularly visit a Cedar Fair-owned amusement park?