Kings Island Coaster, The Beast, Will Break Its Own Record in 2022

Press Release from Kings Island

MASON, OH – Kings Island’s world-famous roller coaster, The Beast, will break its own World Record in 2022. The coaster, which opened in 1979 as the World’s Longest Wooden Roller Coaster, has held that distinction ever since. When it opens for the season in May it will beat its own record by two feet, from 7,359 ft. to 7,361 ft. due to offseason retracking and reprofiling work, that also includes a steeper first drop.

“When you look at roller coaster records, they’re being beat all the time,” said Kings Island Vice President and General Manager Mike Koontz. “But there’s one record that no park in the world has been able to beat for more than 40 years, until now, and that’s the record for the longest wooden roller coaster.”

It’s no wonder that guests from all over the world travel to Kings Island to ride The Beast. Its record-breaking features include a 7,361-foot-long track (1.4 miles) and ride time of four minutes, 10 seconds; vertical drops of 137 feet (now at a 53-degree angle) and 141 feet (at an 18-degree angle); a 125-foot-long underground tunnel at the bottom of the 137-foot drop; eight banked turns, some to 45 degrees; a massive, 540-degree helix tunnel near the end and speeds up to 64.77 miles per hour.

Continue reading

Kennywood Moves Opening Day Up to April 16, Showcases Park Improvements

Press Release from Kennywood

WEST MIFFLIN [MARCH 16, 2022] – Opening Day at Kennywood just got a week closer: Pittsburgh’s Premier Destination for Thrills & Entertainment announced Wednesday that it will open in exactly one month, on Saturday, April 16, for an exclusive Passholder preview. The park will be open for the public starting Easter Sunday, April 17. 

Kennywood’s 2022 season starts a multi-year celebration of the fun that first began in 1898. Park representatives revealed the new Opening Day on Wednesday morning during a construction tour, along with information about a new season-opening event, Swing into Spring, and other exciting elements of the party to celebrate 125 years. 

“From the moment Guests arrive in our parking areas, they will be greeted by a completely refreshed experience,” says Kennywood & Sandcastle General Manager Mark Pauls. “Inside the park, Guests will find major enhancements, all designed with their enjoyment and improved service top of mind. Just as it will take multiple visits to enjoy all the new events we have planned, Guests will need several visits this year to take note of all the upgrades made since the end of last season.”

Continue reading

Six Flags Great Adventure Announces Guest Enhancements Including New Rides, Food, Events and Animal Encounters for 2022

Press Release from Six Flags Great Adventure

JACKSON, N.J. ─ March 2, 2022 ─ In 2022, the Six Flags Great Adventure property will celebrate the largest array of improvements in the parks’ nearly 50-year history, featuring robust enhancements to the guest experience including new dining, rides, events and animal experiences.

Six Flags’ investment will feature beautification and modernization efforts throughout the world-class theme park and Wild Safari. Details include increased capacity and streamlined operations in rides, food service, and admissions; new theming and reintroduction of several popular rides for daredevils and junior thrill seekers; aesthetic and comfort enhancements in both parks; the debut of popular food brands and new dining options; a major summer event and more guest amenities. 

Continue reading