Antique car ride to return to Kings Island amusement park

August 26, 2018 at 12:00a.m.

MASON, Ohio

Antique cars are coming back to Kings Island amusement park in Ohio.

Park officials announced recently the cars will return in spring 2019 as part of a new attraction called Kings Mills Antique Autos.

Guests will be able to board replicas of the 1911 Ford Model T and take a ride around a scenic track. The ride will be similar to the original Les Taxis antique car ride. It will be near The Racer roller coaster.

The previous antique cars attraction opened in 1972 and closed in 2004.

Officials say the new ride will last about three minutes. The exact opening date has not been released.

Scenic railroad buys historic Zephyr railcars

PENINSULA

A tourist excursion railroad that operates in partnership with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park has acquired four railcars dating back to the 1940s.

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad says it purchased the four Zephyr railcars for $1.5 million. They include two passenger railcars offering scenic 360-degree views from a dome, a sleeper car and a passenger car.

Railroad officials say the cars exemplify the glamour of cross-country travel from the 1940s to the 1960s when the California Zephyr train provided service. Its fleet of 77 cars were sold to various companies, private owners or scrapped when the Zephyr ended its run.

National Veterans Memorial, Museum to open in October

COLUMBUS

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus is set to open this fall, with retired U.S. Army Gen. Colin Powell to give the keynote address at the dedication ceremony.

The public is invited to attend the Oct. 27 dedication for the $82 million museum and memorial grove. The ceremony, scheduled FOR 2 p.m. that day, will feature veterans whose stories are highlighted in the museum, military leaders and entertainment. The museum will open immediately afterward.

Officials said the site isn’t a war memorial or military museum, but “will take visitors on a narrative journey telling individual stories and shared experiences of veterans throughout history.”

Plans call for an educational online curriculum and an interactive, virtual tour experience.

Disney Parks Moms Panel kicks off search

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.

Calling all vacationers who know a thing or two about the power of magic: The Disney Parks Moms Panel is looking for you. Entering its 12th year, the search for the Disney Parks Moms Panel will be open Sept. 5-12, inviting park-savvy Disney buffs to apply for a coveted spot to serve on the popular online forum.

The Disney Parks Moms Panel is an online resource comprised of everyday parents, grandparents and even adults without kids who share firsthand advice with those planning a Disney vacation, while offering personal guidance on any and all topics surrounding Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club and beyond.

The panel offers recommendations on vacation “musts” and information on a variety of Disney experiences and activities.

To apply, visit www.momspanelsearch.com. The application process includes a series of short-answer questions, a brief video submission and a phone interview over three rounds.

Combined dispatches