Vortex turns 30

posted by Don Helbig on March 31, 2017

One of Kings Island's most popular attractions, the Vortex, celebrates its 30th anniversary season this year.

When the steel coaster debuted April 11, 1987, it set a new world's record by turning riders upside-down a total of six times in two and one-half minutes.

The Vortex was exclusively designed for Kings Island and includes the following succession of breath-taking thrills that had never been incorporated into one steel coaster before: a 148-foot high lift and drop of 138 feet at a 55-degree angle, two vertical loops, one corkscrew, one boomerang turn, and a 360-degree helix turn at the end, all at speeds exceeding 50 mph.

Over 43.5 million guests have experienced the Vortex since its debut, the seventh-most in park history and sixth among active rides.

Don Helbig

As public relations area manager at Kings Island, I oversee the park's news media and social media efforts. My Kings Island career began in 2007 with the marketing team. I grew up visiting Kings Island, which makes it incredibly special to be part of the team to celebrate 45 years of providing world-class fun, thrills and quality family entertainment.

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Kings Island