The Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera

21. Kings Island's Gone to the Dogs

April, 1975

Another season at Kings Island had begun, and there were a lot of new attractions opening that day. But the Banana Splits also had a big announcement to make. They had spent the last three years at the park greeting guests, but they had a new concert tour now, so it was time for them to move onto other venues. With them in the brand new Kings Island van were the rest of the gang, consisting of Yogi Bear, Scooby Doo, Fred Flintstone, Barney Rubble, and the Hair Bear Bunch. They were on their way to pick up their two new members of the team.

"I wonder who these newcomers will be!" Square Bear cried.

"Who knows?" Bubi Bear said. "There's a lot of fellas back at the studio...could be anyone!"

"I'm really excited to meet them!" Hair Bear exclaimed. "I love making new friends!"

"But today is also our last day in Kings Island," Bingo said sadly.

"Huh?" Fred wondered. "What do you mean?"

"We've decided to retire from Kings Island," Drooper added. "We have a new concert schedule that we're going to be playing this year!"

"Yeah, we're even gonna play at a special event with the Brady Bunch just like we did before!" Fleegle beamed.

"But that means we gotta go back on the road," Drooper continued. "We can't be in two places at once."

"I understand," Yogi sighed. "I sure am gonna miss you four."

"We'll miss you guys too," Fleegle replied.

Just then, the van stopped in a little town. "I see him coming!" the driver called. He leaned out the window of the van and waved. "Hey! We're over here!"

"He's coming already?" Barney asked.

"The plane touched down in Cincinnati an hour ago," the driver explained. "But this is where we were assigned to pick them up before we got to Mason."

"Ohhhhh," Barney said with a chuckle.

Running down the street with his suitcase was none other than Hong Kong Phooey!

"Hah-hoo!" he shouted. "And a rinky-dinky-doo to you!"

"Welcome aboard, Mr. Phooey!" the driver greeted. "Hop in!"

The crime-fighting canine hopped into the van, and greeted his friends. "Hey guys!"

"Hong Kong!!" Yogi cried. "Hey, hey, hey, buddy!"

"Alright!" Fred shouted. "Nice to see you!"

"Hey there, pal!" Barney called.

"Rello, Hong Kong!" Scooby greeted.

"Hey, if it isn't Scooby-Doo!" Hong Kong said as he turned to the great dane. "How are ya?"

"Ri always ranted to reet you!"

"Same here, Scooby! You know, I've always wanted to solve a mystery one day!"

"Ri rove mysteries! Hehehe!"

"Well it looks like you two are already getting along swimmingly," Fred remarked with a chuckle.

As the van continued down the road, the gang was chatting away with their brand new friend.

"You know, things are gonna be a lot better with you guys," Hong Kong smiled. "Speaking of which, I heard the Banana Splits were retiring because of their new concert tour."

"Yeah," Bingo replied. "But we can still be found in the Enchanted Voyage ride."

The van then stopped again, this time at a traffic light. The driver looked out the window, and saw another figure, coming right this way!