A real drive-in movie

Allow yourself to slip into a summer daydream for a moment.
You're taking a brand-new BMW Mini Cooper S for a fun-filled drive when suddenly the chase begins. You're flying at breakneck speeds in a parking garage, down a staircase, in the subway and through a labyrinthine sewer system.
Oh yeah, don't forget about the menacing helicopter and its bothersome gunfire that attempts to ruin your day. Open your eyes and you'll find yourself on The Italian Job: Stunt Track ride at Paramount's Kings Island amusement park, located 30 minutes north of Cincinnati. While actors Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron won't be riding shotgun, you'll still have the adventure of your life.
"You are actually learning as a participant in the ride how to be a stunt car driver," said Maureen Kaiser, spokesperson for Paramount's Kings Island. "And then after you actually get into your BMW Mini Cooper, which has working headlights and taillights, you recreate the entire final chase sequence of 'The Italian Job' movie."
Billed as a family-oriented coaster experience, The Italian Job: Stunt Track adventure is the highly-publicized 2005 addition to Kings Island, which first opened its doors in 1972.
Top attractions
At 364 developed acres of fun and excitement, Kings Island ranks as one of the Buckeye State's biggest summertime destinations, attracting over three million visitors last season. And with the 2004 opening of Boomerang Bay Waterpark Resort, and its 50 water activities, officials are hoping to position Kings Island as a two-day destination.
"There are just so many activities to do," said Kaiser. "Oftentimes, you'll go on vacation and there are some fun things that the kids like to do and the parents go because they are the parents. And then there are some fun things that the parents like to do and the kids need a sitter, but here you can come and really experience a full vacation as a family, riding rides and eating tasty treats and doing a little shopping and going to the water park. It's a really fun family destination."
Among the other mainstay Kings Island attractions are its 13 roller coasters. This includes the world's longest wooden roller coaster The Beast, which takes up 35 acres of woods, as well as other Paramount Pictures-related rides like the upside down "Face/Off," the high-flying "Top Gun" and the stomach-churning "Tomb Raider: the Ride."
Naturally, Kaiser recommends arriving early at the park for a full day's experience. Those looking to avoid the crowds and longer lines should think about a weekday (Tuesday through Thursday) visit.
Once inside, there are two trains of thought. If you're a thrill seeker, turn left off International Street for the Action Zone, which features all of the large roller coasters and attractions. Families with young kids may want to turn right, venturing into Hanna-Barbera Land and Nickelodeon Central, where toddler rides and wholesome experiences await.
Special parade
In addition to a few new restaurants and shows, Kings Island is bringing back its overwhelmingly successful "Nickelodeon Celebration Parade" beginning on July 4 and running through the first week of August. Taking place through the middle of the park, the exciting parade includes nine huge floats, jugglers and appearances by popular Nickelodeon characters.
As for the future, Kaiser said the park is already looking forward to unveiling its 2006 attraction.
"There is always something up our sleeve," Kaiser said. "It's always something cool. We're really focused on continually reinvesting in the park and making it bigger and better."