Kings Island Celebrates Ride Anniversaries With Opening Day Giveaway

The wait is nearly over. Kings Island’s 2024 Opening Day is Saturday, April 20, and this season the park is celebrating landmark ride anniversaries, including four of its roller coasters. 

The Beast –  45th Anniversary

The Beast first opened to the public on April 14, 1979, and was acclaimed as America’s ultimate thrill coaster.  It broke all existing records as the longest and fastest ride in the world. Today, it is still listed in the “Guinness Book of World Records” as the longest wooden roller coaster in the world. More about The Beast.

Invertigo – 25th Anniversary

When Invertigo opened in 1999 it was the Midwest’s only face-to-face inverted roller coaster. Located in Action Zone, more than 13 million riders have traveled forward and backward through three inversions at speeds up to 55 mph while experiencing five times the force of Earth’s gravity. More about Invertigo.

Diamondback – 15th Anniversary

Consistently ranked as one of the top steel coasters in the world, Diamondback celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2024. Since opening, more than 22 million rides have been given on this steel coaster located in the Rivertown area of the park. More about Diamondback.

Banshee – 10th Anniversary

This mythological messenger from the underworld first started wailing in 2014 and has given more than 14 million rides since then. The world’s longest steel inverted coaster reaches speeds up to 68 mph, and its seven stomach-turning inversions make it a can’t-miss coaster for many. More about Banshee.

ANNIVERSARY TRADING CARD PACKS GIVEAWAY

To celebrate this year’s landmark ride anniversaries, Kings Island will give the first 750 riders of The Beast, Invertigo, Diamondback and Banshee a limited edition Ride Anniversary Trading Card pack. These trading cards will include current rides, former rides and key moments in Kings Island history that occurred anywhere from 5 to 55 years ago. While many cards will be similar, there are a couple unique cards in each coaster’s giveaway packs, such as special coaster anniversary cards, so plan your rides carefully.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: What time will Kings Island’s gates open on Saturday, April 20?
Answer: The parking tolls will open at approximately 9:00 a.m. The front gate will open at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Question: Can I run to the coaster to get a good spot in line?
Answer: You cannot.  Please note that unsafe behavior could limit your ability to participate in this giveaway and may be cause for ejection from the park without a refund.

Question:  How many Ride Anniversary Trading Card packs will be given away?
Answer: The first 750 riders of The Beast, Invertigo, Diamondback and Banshee will receive a Ride Anniversary Trading Card pack. There are 3,000 total packs available for giveaway. (Note that each coaster’s Ride Anniversary Trading Card pack has some unique cards not found in the other coasters’ packs).

Question: Banshee opens 30 minutes early for Season Passholders, what time will the giveaway start?
Answer:  The Ride Anniversary Trading Card pack giveaway will begin at 9:30 am for Gold and Prestige Season Passholders riding Banshee during Early Ride Time. Get Your Season Pass Now.

Question: Are Fast Lane ticket/pass holders eligible for the giveaway?
Answer: There is a limit of 1 (one) Ride Anniversary Trading Card pack per ride per guest. Fast Lane Ticket/Pass Holders or other guests could receive up to four packs if they are among the first 750 riders at each of the four coasters.

Question: How can I get a complete set of Ride Anniversary cards?
Answer: Each of the four Ride Anniversary card sets will have unique cards not found in the other sets. If you’d like to have a complete set, a limited number of randomly packaged cards will be available for purchase in select Kings Island shops. Or, simply trade with someone who has the cards you are missing.

Question: My friend is not able to come on Opening Day, but they are a big fan of The Beast (Invertigo, Diamondback, Banshee), how can I get a pack for them?
Answer:  Kings Island will not have extra giveaway packs available. A limited number of randomly packaged cards will be available for purchase in select Kings Island shops.

Question: What happens if a ride can’t open (or is delayed in opening) due to weather or another reason?
Answer: Please proceed to the ride’s entrance for additional information for that ride’s Ride Anniversary Trading Card pack distribution.