Kings Island’s Vortex roller coaster will be featured at 9 tonight on Travel Channel’s “Insane Coaster Wars” program.
Designed specifically for Kings Island, the Vortex began churning tummies in April 1987. Its debut placed the Mason amusement park in the national spotlight, drawing crews from Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America and a Chinese television station.
The $4 million coaster constructed with 750 tons of steel rockets through six inversions, more than any other ride in the world when it opened, at speeds of 55 mph. At the time, it was the most expensive ride since the park opened in 1972.
In its 25 years, the Vortex has given more than 36 million rides, the sixth-most in park history, according to park officials. Its record year was 1987, when more than 2 million riders thrilled to its 3,800 twisted feet of steel.
Consider this: The Vortex flips riders head-over-heels six times per ride; multiplying that by total rides, it comes to more than 216,000,000 upside down flips — easily enough to make you lose your lunch.
Kings Island’s Diamondback roller coaster will be on the same show July 29.
Kings Island is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season.
Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Kings Island |
