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| Manufacturer | Arrow Dynamics | ||||||||||||||||||
| Product | Custom Looping Coaster | ||||||||||||||||||
| Designer / calculations | Ron Toomer | ||||||||||||||||||
| Type | Steel | ||||||||||||||||||
| Riders per train | 28 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Hourly capacity | 1600 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Propulsion | Chain lift hill | ||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 148 feet | ||||||||||||||||||
| Drop | 138 feet | ||||||||||||||||||
| Top speed | 55 mph | ||||||||||||||||||
| Length | 3800 feet | ||||||||||||||||||
| Inversions | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Drop angle | 55° | ||||||||||||||||||
| Duration | 2:30 | ||||||||||||||||||
Vortex was a steel roller coaster located at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, USA. When it opened on April 11, 1987, it held the record for most inversions on a roller coaster, with six, and held the record for the tallest full-circuit roller coaster.[1] It held this record for one year before being surpassed by Shockwave at Six Flags Great America, which had seven inversions, and was also surpassed by Bandit's height at Yomiuriland in Japan. Vortex replaced the original Bat, an Arrow Dynamics suspended roller coaster, which opened in 1981 closed in 1983 due to maintenance issues, unbanked track, and numerous other issues.
Following the coaster's debut, attendance at Kings Island exceeded 3 million in 1987 for the first time in the park's history. It accommodated more than 46 million guests throughout its lifespan, making Vortex one of the most frequently-ridden attractions in park history. It closed permanently on October 27, 2019.
History
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The Transfer track.
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On May 30, 1986, Kings Island announced that a new roller coaster would be coming to the park in 1987. It would be the park's sixth roller coaster and the first one to invert riders six times.[2] The name Vortex was announced in July of that year.[3]
Vortex began construction in the summer of 1986 on the former location of The Bat. Kings Island invested over $4,000,000 in the ride, which required 750 tons of steel to construct. The queue line and station from The Bat were reused for Vortex.[citation needed] The ride opened to the public on April 11, 1987.[4]
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Vortex helped the park exceed 3 million visitors for the first time in its history. At its inauguration, Vortex briefly set a few records for full-circuit roller coasters. At its inauguration, Vortex briefly set two world records among full-circuit roller coasters. It was the tallest at 148 feet and featured the most inversions with six. Both were surpassed the following year with the debut of Shockwave at Six Flags Great America.
On September 27, 2019, Kings Island announced Vortex would be closing on October 27, 2019. The attraction had reached the end of its service life, according to park officials, and some considered the ride to have aged.[5] Over its lifespan, Vortex gave over 46 million rides making it the sixth most ridden attraction at the park since its opening in 1972.[6] It was subsequently demolished. Vortex's trains and components were sent to Carowinds to be used on Carolina Cyclone.[7]
On September 29, 2020, Kings Island announced that they would be selling pieces of Vortex for $198.70. The pieces would be sold in 1.5-inch slices, capped with metal plates and mounted in a display stand.[8]
Design
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Ride experience
When riders exited the station, they made a right turn and began climbing the 148 feet chain lift hill. At the top, the train made a right turn, dropping 138 feet towards The Beast's first turn. The train rose into a turnaround to the left. After that, riders flipped into two vertical loops. They rose upwards, turned right and hit the block brake. The train slowly dropped into a double corkscrew. After a right turn, the train approached a batwing. Riders went into a helix and hit the final brake run.
Color scheme
Vortex had a navy blue track with orange rails and navy blue supports.
Vortex was repainted at least twice, during the 2001 season and again in April 2009 before opening day.
Trains
3 trains with 7 cars per train. In each car, riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows, for a total of 28 riders per train.
Images
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References
- ↑ "Vortex Fact Sheet".
- ↑ "New coaster for Kings Island". The Cincinnati Enquirer. May 31, 1986. p. 31. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
- ↑ "Park has name for newest baby". The Cincinnati Enquirer.
- ↑ "Kings Island "Vortex"". Arrow Dynamics.
- ↑ "The Rise & Fall of Vortex (Kings Island)". Theme Park Crazy.
- ↑ Kings Island To Retire Vortex After 33 Seasons
- ↑ "40 Facts To Celebrate 40 Years Of Carwoinds' Carolina Cyclone".
- ↑ "Kings Island's Vortex coaster gave its last ride nearly a year ago. Now, you can own part of it".
External links
| The category Vortex (Kings Island) contains additional media. |
- Vortex on the Roller Coaster DataBase.
| Tallest full-circuit roller coaster April 1987 - March 1988 | ||
| Preceded by Giant Coaster Loch Ness Monster |
Tallest full-circuit roller coaster April 1987 - March 1988 |
Succeeded by Bandit |
| Most inversions on a roller coaster (6) April 1987 - June 1988 | ||
| Preceded by Viper |
Most inversions on a roller coaster (6) April 1987 - June 1988 |
Succeeded by ShockWave |
