Kings Island

If you’re a thrill seeker planning a visit to Kings Island this year, I’ve got 10 suggested thrill rides that I don’t think you should miss. From the world’s longest wooden and steel inverted roller coasters to knocking on the door of the stratosphere as you soar 30 stories above the park, Kings Island is where thrill seekers meet their match.

In no particular order, here’s the list.

1. Mystic Timbers

Mystic Timbers was voted “Best New Ride” in 2017 by the industry trade publication Amusement Today. Riders traverse 16 airtime hills along 3,265 feet of track through wooded terrain and over water at speeds up to 53 mph on the 109-foot-tall wooden roller coaster. Mystic Timbers debuted at No. 11 on the wood coaster chart in Amusement Today’s annual poll.

2. The Beast

Opened in 1979, The Beast is a legend in its own time and is listed in the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records as the longest wooden roller coaster in the world at 7,359 feet. Come feel the excitement as The Beast unleashes its awesome power on the unsuspecting. The 4-minute, 10-second ride sprawls across a densely-wooded, 35-acre site at speeds up to 65 mph. Since its debut, The Beast has consistently ranked among the top 10 wooden roller coasters in Amusement Today’s annual poll.

3. Banshee

Opened in 2014, this attraction is the world’s longest steel inverted roller coaster at 4,124 feet. Themed to a wailing mythological messenger from the underworld with flowing white hair and gleaming eyes, riders scream their way through seven stomach-churning inversions at speeds up to 68 mph. Since its debut, Banshee has consistently ranked among the top 25 steel roller coasters in Amusement Today’s annual poll.

4. Diamondback

Opened in 2009, the tallest and fastest roller coaster at Kings Island stands 230 feet at its highest point with a first drop of 215 feet at a 74-degree angle. Riders slither their way around 5,282 feet of steep drops, twists and turns through 10 acres of terrain at speeds up to 80 mph with a spectacular splashdown ending. Since its debut, Diamondback has consistently ranked among the top 10 steel coasters in Amusement Today’s annual poll.

5. Drop Tower

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be dropped 26 stories from a height of 315 feet at a speed of nearly 70 mph? Drop Tower gives you the chance to find out. You’ll feel your heart drop as you descend towards the ground. It’s a thrill you’ll never forget.

6. Flight of Fear

Riders experience an adrenaline rush unlike no other when they catapult from zero to 54 mph in just four seconds on this heart-pounding adventure in darkness through four inversions. The steel roller coaster was the world’s first with a linear induction motor (LIM) launch system when it opened in 1996.

7. Vortex

Opened in 1987, the Vortex was the first roller coaster in the world to send riders through six inversions. On this steel roller coaster, riders are rocketed through 3,800 feet of track at speeds in excess of 55 mph through two vertical loops, double corkscrew, boomerang turn, and a 360-degree helix.

8. Firehawk

Debuting at Kings Island in 2007, this innovative flying roller coaster takes willing test pilots 115 feet in the air through five inversions at speeds in excess of 50 mph, all while facing the ground, allowing rides to experience the inconceivable feeling of human flight.

9. Delirium

The largest Frisbee ride of its kind in the world when it opened in 2003, riders spiral in a 240-degree arc and rocket up to 137 feet in the air as the park races by on one of the most hair-raising rides in the amusement park firmament.

10. WindSeeker

This “swing ride” takes riders 301 up in the air in open seats as they spin around at 30 mph and swing out at 45-degree angles. If they’re able to open their eyes, they can observe a breath-taking view of the park and surrounding area as they spin around multiple times on the ascend up and then back down the tower.

Kings Island opens for the 2018 season April 14. Buy tickets now at the lowest price of the season online.