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

Don Helbig joined the Kings Island marketing team in 2007 as the park's public relations area manager. He began serving in his current role as area manager, digital marketing last summer.

The sporadic erratic flight of The Bat

Throughout its 45-year history, Kings Island has become known for developing groundbreaking rides, roller coasters and experiences. However one attraction likely holds more mystery and interest than any other roller coaster ever built – at ANY park. It was an attraction so monumental that it still garners exaggerated tales of wild, uncontrolled rides by those few guests that experienced it.

This day in Kings Island history: October 25, 1975

On this day 42 years ago (October 25, 1975), daredevil Evel Knievel made history when he successfully jumped his motorcycle over 14 Greyhound buses at Kings Island. The jump was broadcast live on ABC's Wide World of Sports and garnered the highest ever ratings in the show's history with a 22.3 rating and 52 percent share.

Last chance for thrills and chills

This weekend is the last chance for thrill-seekers and families to visit Kings Island before the gates close for the fall season on Sunday, October 29. Plan a visit and get in your last rides until next season on your favorite attractions like The Beast, Banshee, Diamondback and experience the final weekend of Halloween Haunt and The Great Pumpkin Fest!

Kings Island seeks entertainers

Do you love the stage? Do you enjoy being in the spotlight? If so, then it’s time to loosen up those vocal cords and polish your dancing shoes. Kings Island is looking to start hiring for next summer’s live shows. Kings Island will hold open auditions October 28-29, November 2 and November 9 at the park in search of trained, talented and versatile singers, dancers, musicians, variety artists, characters, character cohorts, technicians and costumers for the 2018 summer and WinterFest seasons.

5 reasons why you must experience Halloween Haunt

There’s quite a lure when it comes to haunted mazes and a spooky atmosphere – especially this time of year. If you are a fan of Halloween, then Halloween Haunt at Kings Island is an event you can’t miss. With 10 haunted mazes, three scare zones, three live shows, hundreds of evil creatures everywhere and 20 rides, the thrills and chills are endless.

The Beast: The original biggest, baddest, tallest, fastest wooden roller coaster in the world

Kings Island’s star attraction has become as synonymous to the city of Cincinnati as the Reds, Bengals and Skyline Chili. It has entertained tens of millions of brave riders. It is known the whole-world-over and is arguably the most successful wooden coaster of all time. When it opened, it was the biggest, baddest, tallest, fastest roller coaster on planet earth. Those that created it could have in no way predicted the legend it would become. Why, the tale of “The Beast’s” origin is just as big as the ride itself.

Halloween Haunt returns to Kings Island for 6 weekends

Roller coasters won’t be the only attractions conjuring up screams this fall at Kings Island. Halloween Haunt comes screaming back to Kings Island this Friday, September 22. Running every Friday and Saturday night through October 28, the 11th annual Halloween Haunt will feature 11 haunted mazes, three outdoor scare zones, three live stage shows and hundreds of assorted clowns, ghouls, vampires, werewolves and zombies lurking in the shadows throughout the park.

Kings Island honored with Golden Ticket Awards for Best New Ride and Best Kids’ Area

Amusement Today’s 20th annual Golden Ticket Awards, honoring the best of the best amusement and theme parks around the world have to offer, took place September 9 at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut, with Kings Island taking home two awards and placing in the top 10 in two other categories.

The Beast's best gal

Throughout the history of Kings Island, there have been many incredible individuals working hard behind the scenes to create its magic. However, one particular person’s light shines so bright that even 20 years after her passing, she is still revered and loved by those whose lives she touched.

Kings Island celebrates end of summer with Dollar Days

The end of summer is just around the corner, but there’s still time to visit Kings Island and take advantage of Dollar Days over Labor Day weekend Saturday (September 2) through Monday (September 4). Several items will be sold for only $1, including LaRosa’s pizza slices, hot dogs, blue ice cream, popcorn, chocolate dipped Oreos and pretzel rods, and fountain soft drinks.

Kings Island