The Tale of Kings Island’s most heavily themed, totally immersive dark ride adventure
Kyle Kruthoffer
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Tomb Raider: The Ride. For centuries, this wonder has captivated man, and lured him into the ancient tombs. To date, numerous explorers have vanished in search of this mysterious treasure. This week, on the Kings Island Blog, we investigate the retired Tomb Raider: The Ride!
A-ha! Our first clue! The magic of movies combined with the thrills of a lifetime was the main focus back in the new-millennium for then Paramount’s Kings Island. Kenton’s Cove Keelboat Canal, the park’s 1973 hydroflume ride, operated for the last time in 2000, and was in the process of being removed for something big. As guests made their way to Rivertown, the site was fenced up with boards saying phrases like, “AN EXCITING NEW ADVENTURE IS COMING IN 2002”.
Members of the news media and American Coaster Enthusiasts were invited to the International Restaurant for an announcement July 2, 2001. Based on the blockbuster hit Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and the video game series, it was announced that for the 2002 season Kings Island would be getting Tomb Raider: The Ride, a Huss Giant Top Spin, the only one of its kind ever to be built. But at the time of the announcement until opening day, no one knew what kind of ride it would be. The only way to find out was to experience it yourself when it opened.
Billed as a “heavily themed, totally immersive dark ride adventure,” the attraction finally opened to guests April 5, 2002 after much anticipation. More than just a flat ride in a box, the ride featured many special effects such as lighting, smoke, and water. An original soundtrack was composed by Kings Island Hall of Fame member Rob Pottorf, and cast members from the movies such as Angelina Jolie reprised their roles for the voiceovers.
A-ha! We have found it. The mysterious entrance to Tomb Raider: The Ride. Guests were greeted by a Land Rover Defender, similar to the one Lara Croft drove in the blockbuster movie. We gaze upon a cavernous entrance in Rivertown, beckoning us to explore the unknown. As we walk in, we can see that a bamboo structure has been holding up the site temporarily, but could cave in at any moment. Moving quickly, we reach the antechamber. Stone monkey warriors can be seen guarding the tomb, an authentic prop from the film. All of a sudden, gears are turning and a beam of light hits the Triangle of Light, and aligns itself with the engravings and gem. As the fog dissipates, the door has been opened and leads us into another chamber, guarded by a 17-inch Brahma statue, also from the film. Here, we are given a glimpse into Lara Croft’s story and her mission.
When Cedar Fair Entertainment Company purchased Paramount Parks in 2006, Tomb Raider: The Ride became The Crypt for the 2008 season. The Crypt would then give its last rides October 30, 2011.
A-ha! Here it is – the tape we’ve been in search of, with the entire story of Tomb Raider: The Ride, from many, many years ago! Let’s look at it, shall we?
