Kings Island History

Sharing and preserving Kings Island's rich history.

with official Kings Island Twitter, @KingsIslandPR

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

Join the Kings Island History Facebook group for more photos and Kings Island memories!
https://t.co/EkttYt9G2Z

[Kings Island Central @KICentral]

On this date in #kingsisland history, (Jan 26th, 2009) the final piece of DB track was mounted into place. Learn the history and see the #KICentral galleries from construction to today here: https://t.co/jnuxk68Utj
@DonHelbig @KIHistory @CPFoodBlog

[Kings Island Central @KICentral]

Son Of Beast opened in 2000 and closed in 2009. A length of 7,032 ft, a height of 218 ft. The first seven years, it was also the only looping wooden roller coaster in the world. Read more and see more pics on #KICentral here: https://t.co/GPuNPxgzZE
#KingsIsland @KIHistory

[Review the World @RtWBrian]

Any King’s Island peeps remember these? @#kingsisland

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

The Coney Mall section of the park is today anchored by WindSeeker, but Zodiac once towered nearby. The double-armed Ferris Wheel was created by Austrian company Waagner-Biro, who also created Eiffel Tower. (📷: jade_41171, 1978)

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

Do you recognize this blur of a ride? Flying Dutchman, oft nicknamed "Flying Shoes", spun Kings Island visitors from 1973 through 1990. Want to ride it again? The attraction is now in operation at Kentucky Kingdom (📷: matthunterross, 1983)

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

The Firestone International Airshow wowed Kings Island visitors through the 1970s. Do you remember watching this unique show? (📷: Roller Coaster Philosophy, 1978)

[Kings Island @KingsIslandPR]

#OTD in 1975, Evel Knievel, the death-defying daredevil, made the most successful motorcycle jump of his legendary career at Kings Island. BLOG: https://t.co/D75HgvWgAk #KingsIsland

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

Today it's Woodstock Express, but from 1980 through 2005 it was The Beastie. At one point, Kings Island's junior wooden roller coaster was referred to as The Beast's "little brother". (📷: Bob Joiner)

[Kings Island Central @KICentral]

On this date in @KingsIslandPR history, Vortex was announced it would be closing. It closed one month later on Oct. 27, 2019. See construction photos, bio, and more on #KICentral here: https://t.co/0aDIb1U3Qs
@KIHistory @DonHelbig #kingsisland

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

King Cobra operated from 1984 through 2001. Much of its land is now occupied by Delirium (2003) and Banshee (2014) (📸: Casabrian, 2001)

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

The Outer Limits: Flight of Fear opened in 1996 and was built by Premier Rides, a US-based company that would manufacture Italian Job: Stunt Track (now known as Backlot Stunt Coaster) 9 years later. (📸: Coasterbob62, 1996)

[Kings Island Central @KICentral]

Vortex was the last coaster to close at #kingsisland. It opened on April 11, 1987 and closed on October 27, 2019. At a cost of $4 million, this ride gave 46,030,684 rides. Learn more about Vortex here: https://t.co/0aDIb1UBG0
#KICentral @KIHistory @DonHelbig @CPFoodBlog

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

Vortex opened in 1987 as the world's tallest continuous circuit roller coaster. This construction photo showcases the ride's last two inversions, part of a twisted element known as a "batwing". (📸: pkiridesmaint / @KICentral)

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

Before opening in 1987, Vortex's lead car was displayed at 1986's Winterfest. A similar display was presented three years earlier for King Cobra. Both roller coasters have since been removed from Kings Island. (📸: Brian Neal / KIExtreme, 1986)

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

@CoasterCarolina @KICentral Same location, but new water feature! Both were manmade, but Swan Lake (the original) had a more natural appearance.

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

Remember Rivertown before Diamondback and The Beast? This 1973 shot showcases Rivertown Pizza (center) and Kenton's Cove Keelboat Canal (top right), both of which opened in 1973. (📸: @KICentral user Sergeant Pepper)

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

@sleepinglion78 @GBNewsdotcom Looks like a show in the beloved Puppet Tree theater!

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

This miniature roller coaster, today known as Great Pumpkin Coaster, has been thrilling some of Kings Island's smallest riders since it opened in 1992. The ride stands a modest 8 feet tall and is 199 feet long. (📸: Joe Barnett / KIExtreme, 1993)

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

@WinnieJ93360511 Fun photo! For what it's worth, this appears to actually be Lesourdsville Lake (aka Americana), not Kings Island

[Kings Island History @KIHistory]

When Invertigo opened in 1999, it was known as FACE/OFF and had a bright yellow and red paint job. It was renamed in 2008 and repainted in 2012. (📸: Casabrian, 2001)