“It’s the newest Giga coaster” said Mike Koontz, Kings Island vice president and general manager, adding it will be the tallest and fastest coaster at the park.
A Giga coaster is defined as one with a height or drop between 300 to 399 feet, according to park officials.
Currently there are only six Giga roller coasters in the world and the Kings Island version of the thrill ride will be only the fourth such coaster in America when it opens next year.
Koontz’ announcement to a crowd of hundreds was met with enthusiasm by coaster fans locally and around the world.
It will move at 91 mph and feature a 300-foot drop, he said.
“Beginning today, coaster enthusiasts from around the world are adding Orion to their list of must-ride coasters in 2020,” said Koontz.
The park made the announcement in honor of National Roller Coaster Day on Aug. 16.
Park officials said Orion will plunge riders down an exhilarating 300-foot drop before sending them on a high-speed journey over seven more hills at speeds of up to 91 mph. Racing along 5,321 feet of track, it will be Kings Island’s tallest, fastest and longest steel coaster.
When Orion opens, the area will be re-named Area 72 themed after a special research area. Orion features the latest prototype vehicle developed by the Project X initiative, he said.
Scientists are in a race against time to develop technology capable of weaving transport vehicles through a coming meteor storm and traveling to a new planet within the Orion constellation, he said of the coaster’s theme.
“For the program to be successful, it needs volunteers to help with testing,” Koontz said.
“I can’t wait to ride Orion. How ‘bout you?” he asked the crowd.
The announcement is the latest of a series of major changes at Kings Island in recent years.
These have included:
• In 2015 Kings Island officials opened two new rides and a major makeover of International Street including the largest Starbucks in the Midwest as part of a multi-million dollar expansion plan.
• In 2016 Kings Island expanded Soak City Waterpark for the 2016 season with a seven-story water slide. The park also added Tropical Plunge - a complex with six water slides.
• In 2018 a part of Kings Island was renamed as Kings Mills Antique Autos, a family ride returned to the park this year. Guests were be able to drive the two-thirds scale of a 1911 Ford Model T around a scenic quarter-mile track equipped with a small rail to keep the car on path.
• In 2019 the park also added a dormitory complex to house workers who live far from Kings Island.
About the Author