A Cincinnati couple went viral on TikTok after being denied entry into Kings Island, resulting in a tearful (and somewhat funny) video.
Dejohnnie Harris, 17, and his girlfriend Ereyana Kincaid, 18, ventured to Kings Island from Lebanon for a full day of fun June 23. However, things quickly turned sour when the couple was denied entry into the amusement park.
Harris said he forgot his ID, and the park’s chaperone policy states guests 16 and older “may be asked to present a valid government-issued photo identification.” If the park cannot verify the guest’s age, they may be denied entry.
“The safety of our guests and associates has always been our top priority at Kings Island. Incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior have increased across our industry and at other major entertainment venues,” the chaperone policy reads.
“We are committed to keeping Kings Island a place where families and friends come together to enjoy a one-of-a-kind park full of fun experiences and immersive entertainment.”
Harris said he didn’t bring his ID because “there’s not really much (he) could do with it” since he’s underage and didn’t think leaving it at home would affect their day.
But the impact of the incident was likely more than he would have ever imagined.
‘I wanted to ride The Beast’
After being denied entry, Kincaid broke down in tears.
“I wanted to ride The Beast. Why didn’t they let me ride The Beast?” Kincaid asked through tears as Harris explained that he needed his ID to get into the park. She also said she wanted to ride The Bat.
Harris’ TikTok was flooded with comments sharing sympathy for Kincaid, with one user commenting, “Kings Island is this serious, I don’t care.”
“You better run home and get that ID!!” another person commented on the video.
Two days after the viral TikTok, Harris posted another video with his girlfriend clapping that read, “Clap if you went viral for crying over Kings Island.”
About a month after Harris’ July 14 TikTok, which now boasts over 6.8 million views and 1.3 million likes, the couple returned to Kings Island and successfully got inside the park.
Harris posted a video of Kincaid Aug. 13 in front of The Bat sign, saying, “POV: Finally made it to The Bat after going viral.”
“MY GIRL MADE ITTT !!” one TikTok user commented.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 6.8M views and many tears later, TikTok viral teens make it into Kings Island
Reporting by Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
