Paramount's Kings IslandParamount's Kings Island is a 364 acre (1.5 km²) amusement park located in the Warren County, Ohio city of Mason, 24 miles northeast of Cincinnati. (The mailing address is Kings Mills.) The park owns close to 775 acres (3.2 km²) of land, but only 364 acres (1.5 km²) are currently developed. Kings Island is owned by CBS Corporation, and is a part of a chain of Paramount Parks that are located throughout the United States and Canada. On January 27, 2006, the website of the Dayton Daily News reported that CBS Corporation would be selling its Paramount Parks division. [1] An arial view of The Racer, Vortex, The Beast, and Flight of Fear coasters at Kings Island.Park HistoryKings Island first opened its gates in 1972 in what was then Deerfield Township, developed by the Taft Broadcasting Company. Taft Broadcasting took the name from the previous landlord, the defunct King Powder Company, which founded the town of Kings Mills for its workers. The site is between I-71 and the Little Miami River. Kings Island served as a replacement for Coney Island, a popular park on the Ohio River about 10 miles (16 km) east of downtown Cincinnati. Coney Island was forced to close due to frequent floods, but has since reopened on a much smaller scale. Many of the rides from Coney Island were moved to the new park; the only attraction left at Coney at the time was Sunlite Pool, the world's largest swimming pool. In 1992 Kings Island was purchased by Paramount Communications, along with 4 other theme parks in America and Canada; the park was renamed Paramount's Kings Island. One of the first events to draw publicity to the park was the filming of an episode of The Brady Bunch at the park in 1973. An episode of The Partridge Family was shot there the previous year, in 1972. While they do not mention the name of the park, they do call it "a new park outside Cincinnati." On July 4, 1976, Kings Island played host to the wedding of Paul Revere of the pop rock band Paul Revere & the Raiders. The centerpiece of Kings Island has always been its 1/3 scale replica of the Eiffel Tower, located just across the International Street fountain from the main entrance gate. Elevators regularly take patrons up to the lookout tower, which provides a chance to see the entire park and, at park closing, offers the best view of the nightly fireworks display (except for the Independence Day fireworks, which are actually shot off from the observation deck). Another star attraction was The Racer, twin wooden roller coasters that race each other side-by-side through much of the ride's footprint. Designed by legendary designer John Allen, The Racer is credited by many people with starting the second golden age of the roller coaster. In 1982, the trains on the right side of the Racer were turned backward, freshening up an old favorite. (Many coaster enthusiasts have nicknamed the backwards train "recaR".) Other coasters present in 1972 were the Bavarian Beetle, a small steel coaster brought over from Coney Island (and removed in 1979); and Scooby-Doo, a wooden coaster (renamed "The Beastie" in 1979; and renamed again as "The Fairly Odd Coaster" for 2006) located in the park's "Happy World of Hanna-Barbera" kids' area. Kings Island has added, and removed, many thrill rides throughout the years. 1977 saw the debut of Screamin' Demon, which launched riders through a loop, then back through in reverse; this ride was sold in 1987. In 1979, the park unveiled The Beast, the tallest, longest, and fastest roller coaster in the world at the time. After more than 25 years, it still holds the title of the world's longest wooden roller coaster at 7,419 ft (2,261 m). In 1981, Kings Island introduced the world's first suspended roller coaster, The Bat; however, it was plagued with maintenance problems and removed four years later. The first stand-up coaster in the United States, King Cobra, opened in 1984, but was dismantled in 2002 when maintenance proved to be too expensive. 1985 saw the debut of White Water Canyon, a popular whitewater rafting ride that soaks its riders. In 1987, the Vortex roller coaster briefly set a new record with six inversions. 1989 saw the debut of Water Works, a family water park, and 1991 brought Adventure Express, a mine-train style coaster. The mid-to-late 80's also introduced a Christmas event called Winterfest, which ran from November 25 through December 31. It included visits with Santa Claus, Ice Skating, and a nightly light show. There were many shops and places to eat within the park, and a train ride through the woods was included with admission. This event ended in 1992, but returned for the 2005 holiday season. Top Gun, the last suspended coaster built in the USA, was built in 1993 and avoided the mechanical failures of The Bat. 1994 saw the addition of Action Theater, an indoor simulator ride. In 1996, the park added the world's first roller coaster powered by a linear induction motor (LIM), Outer Limits: Flight of Fear. In 1999, Drop Zone, the world's tallest free-fall tower, and Face/Off, an inverted coaster, were opened. The Son of Beast, billed as the sequel to the Beast, opened in 2000. Currently, it is the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, as well as the only one to successfully incorporate a steel loop into its otherwise wooden structure. In 2002, the park added Tomb Raider, an indoor version of a ride commonly known as a giant top spin. Delirium, a 137 ft (42 m) rotating pendulum ride, opened in 2003. In 2005 the park introduced the Italian Job Stunt Track family coaster. Today, Kings Island has 12 roller coasters and many huge flat rides. But despite all of these thrill rides, Kings Island is much more than a park just for thrill seekers. Kings Island's "WaterWorks" water park was renovated in 2004 to become "Boomerang Bay," a waterpark resort that comes free with admission. Kings Island has also won Amusement Today's award for 'Best Kid's Area in the World' five consecutive times (2001-2005). Its longtime kids' area, Hanna-Barbera Land, was slowly being replaced with the Viacom-synergistic Nickelodeon Central, which debuted in 1995; the entire kids' area will be rethemed as "Nickelodeon Universe" for 2006, with the dark ride "Scooby Doo and the Haunted Castle" remaining as the last vestige of H-B. PKI, like the other parks in the Paramount Family, features a number of attractions - encompassing rides, live shows and restaurants - based on Paramount Pictures films and other CBS and Viacom brands. The park now seems to be making a conscious decision to attract families more than thrill-seekers. Roller Coasters
Past Roller Coasters
Other Thrill Rides
Records and firsts
This page about Kings Island includes information from a Wikipedia article. Additional articles about Kings Island News stories about Kings Island External links for Kings Island Videos for Kings Island Wikis about Kings Island Discussion Groups about Kings Island Blogs about Kings Island Images of Kings Island |
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The park now seems to be making a conscious decision to attract families more than thrill-seekers. Sui's signature wit and original designs draw legions of devotees to her pieces, including clients Patricia Arquette, Christina Ricci, Cher, Naomi Campbell, Sofia Coppola, Courtney Love of Hole and James Iha of Smashing Pumpkins. PKI, like the other parks in the Paramount Family, features a number of attractions - encompassing rides, live shows and restaurants - based on Paramount Pictures films and other CBS and Viacom brands. Her runway shows continue to set trends and inspire designers everywhere. Its longtime kids' area, Hanna-Barbera Land, was slowly being replaced with the Viacom-synergistic Nickelodeon Central, which debuted in 1995; the entire kids' area will be rethemed as "Nickelodeon Universe" for 2006, with the dark ride "Scooby Doo and the Haunted Castle" remaining as the last vestige of H-B. Kings Island's "WaterWorks" water park was renovated in 2004 to become "Boomerang Bay," a waterpark resort that comes free with admission. Since it's succesfull begining, the fragrance line has expanded to include, Sui Love, Sui Dreams, Dolly Girl, and most recently, in association with Victoria's Secret, the fragrance Secret Wish. But despite all of these thrill rides, Kings Island is much more than a park just for thrill seekers. For fall 2000, Sui Dreams, the second Anna Sui fragrance, launched worldwide. Today, Kings Island has 12 roller coasters and many huge flat rides. Wella will sell the fragrances to Albion, which will distribute them inside Japan, while Albion will sell the color cosmetics to Wella for distribution outside Japan. In 2005 the park introduced the Italian Job Stunt Track family coaster. Under some agreement, Wella will produce and market Anna Sui fragrances while Albion introduces the Anna Sui color collection to Japan. Delirium, a 137 ft (42 m) rotating pendulum ride, opened in 2003. In a three-sided arrangement, Wella shares the Anna Sui beauty business with japanese cosmetics maker Albion, who holds the Anna Sui color cosmetics and skin care license. In 2002, the park added Tomb Raider, an indoor version of a ride commonly known as a giant top spin. In October 1997, Anna Sui signed a fragrance licensing deal with Wella AG, Germany to develop a signature fragrance. Currently, it is the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, as well as the only one to successfully incorporate a steel loop into its otherwise wooden structure. In 1999, Sui launched her signature fragrance and cosmetic line. The Son of Beast, billed as the sequel to the Beast, opened in 2000. Anna Sui opened her Los Angeles boutique in 1999 in Sunset Plaza, in West Hollywood. In 1999, Drop Zone, the world's tallest free-fall tower, and Face/Off, an inverted coaster, were opened. Manufactured by Ballin in Venice, Italy, the shoe collection is comprised of both day and evening styles, and include velvet, silk, patent leather, snake and lizard skin, shearling and suede. In 1996, the park added the world's first roller coaster powered by a linear induction motor (LIM), Outer Limits: Flight of Fear. In 1997, Anna Sui Shoes premiered on her runway for fall 1997. 1994 saw the addition of Action Theater, an indoor simulator ride. Isetan Company Limited has attained the main license for the japanese distribution of the women's collection and Mammina, a subsidiary of Isetan, is the distributor to department and specialty stores there. Top Gun, the last suspended coaster built in the USA, was built in 1993 and avoided the mechanical failures of The Bat. The stores mark the continued worldwide expansion of the Anna Sui brand and lifestyle. This event ended in 1992, but returned for the 2005 holiday season. Another Osaka venue opened in 2000. There were many shops and places to eat within the park, and a train ride through the woods was included with admission. The second opened in Osaka in the fall of that same year. It included visits with Santa Claus, Ice Skating, and a nightly light show. The first of three her freestanding boutiques in Asia opened on May, 1997 in Tokyo. The mid-to-late 80's also introduced a Christmas event called Winterfest, which ran from November 25 through December 31. According to relative Grant Sui, "The stores have come to emphasize the epitome of culture in a continually shifting fashion world." There is no doubt that Anna Sui has created a line that will define fashion in today's society and inspire new inovations. 1989 saw the debut of Water Works, a family water park, and 1991 brought Adventure Express, a mine-train style coaster. This shop with purple walls and red floors has been reflecting her now famous taste of pairing flea market furniture and whimsical dolly head mannequins. In 1987, the Vortex roller coaster briefly set a new record with six inversions. It was in 1992 that she took a chance with a personal clothing line and opened her first boutique shop at 113 Greene Street in Soho District, New York. 1985 saw the debut of White Water Canyon, a popular whitewater rafting ride that soaks its riders. After leaving Parsons, she worked for variety of junior sportswear companies. The first stand-up coaster in the United States, King Cobra, opened in 1984, but was dismantled in 2002 when maintenance proved to be too expensive. Her early days as a stylist from Meisel’s shoots include editorial for the Italian Fashion Magazine LEI. In 1981, Kings Island introduced the world's first suspended roller coaster, The Bat; however, it was plagued with maintenance problems and removed four years later. After graduating high school in her local city, Anna Sui moved to New York city to attend Parsons School of Design, where she started to work with close friend Steven Meisel who is today is widely recognized as the world's top fashion photographer. After more than 25 years, it still holds the title of the world's longest wooden roller coaster at 7,419 ft (2,261 m). According to her own anecdote, she started with her dolls and her neighbor’s toy soldiers for her own personal version of Academy Awards, before making and designing some realistic clothes imitating magazine photos. In 1979, the park unveiled The Beast, the tallest, longest, and fastest roller coaster in the world at the time. Kings Island has added, and removed, many thrill rides throughout the years. Designed by legendary designer John Allen, The Racer is credited by many people with starting the second golden age of the roller coaster. Another star attraction was The Racer, twin wooden roller coasters that race each other side-by-side through much of the ride's footprint. Elevators regularly take patrons up to the lookout tower, which provides a chance to see the entire park and, at park closing, offers the best view of the nightly fireworks display (except for the Independence Day fireworks, which are actually shot off from the observation deck). The centerpiece of Kings Island has always been its 1/3 scale replica of the Eiffel Tower, located just across the International Street fountain from the main entrance gate. While they do not mention the name of the park, they do call it "a new park outside Cincinnati." On July 4, 1976, Kings Island played host to the wedding of Paul Revere of the pop rock band Paul Revere & the Raiders. An episode of The Partridge Family was shot there the previous year, in 1972. One of the first events to draw publicity to the park was the filming of an episode of The Brady Bunch at the park in 1973. In 1992 Kings Island was purchased by Paramount Communications, along with 4 other theme parks in America and Canada; the park was renamed Paramount's Kings Island. Many of the rides from Coney Island were moved to the new park; the only attraction left at Coney at the time was Sunlite Pool, the world's largest swimming pool. Coney Island was forced to close due to frequent floods, but has since reopened on a much smaller scale. Kings Island served as a replacement for Coney Island, a popular park on the Ohio River about 10 miles (16 km) east of downtown Cincinnati. The site is between I-71 and the Little Miami River. Taft Broadcasting took the name from the previous landlord, the defunct King Powder Company, which founded the town of Kings Mills for its workers. Kings Island first opened its gates in 1972 in what was then Deerfield Township, developed by the Taft Broadcasting Company. [1]. On January 27, 2006, the website of the Dayton Daily News reported that CBS Corporation would be selling its Paramount Parks division. Kings Island is owned by CBS Corporation, and is a part of a chain of Paramount Parks that are located throughout the United States and Canada. (The mailing address is Kings Mills.) The park owns close to 775 acres (3.2 km²) of land, but only 364 acres (1.5 km²) are currently developed. Paramount's Kings Island is a 364 acre (1.5 km²) amusement park located in the Warren County, Ohio city of Mason, 24 miles northeast of Cincinnati. Son of Beast: Tallest, Fastest, and only looping wooden roller coaster. The Beast: Longest wooden roller coaster in the world. Flight of Fear: First coaster to use linear induction magnets to launch. Rugrats' Runaway Reptar: First inverted coaster for children. Scooby's Ghoster Coaster (1998-2005): First suspended coaster for children. The Bat: First suspended coaster. Vortex: First coaster with 6 inversions. Screamin Demon: First shuttle loop coaster. King Cobra: First stand-up coaster in North America. Drop Zone: Feel your heart drop when you plunge 26 stories from a height of 315 feet straight down at speeds of over 61 mph on the tallest Gyro Drop in the World!. Tomb Raider: The Ride. Delirium A giant frisbee. Opened in 1998 and Closed in 2005. Scooby's Ghoster Coaster: Steel Coaster with Suspended design. Opened in 1977 and closed in 1987. Demon: Steel Coaster with Sit Down design. Opened in 1972 and closed in 1979. Bavarian Beetle: Steel Coaster with Sit Down design. Opened in 1981 and closed in 1983. Bat: Steel Coaster with Suspended design. Opened on April 11th, 1987. Vortex: Steel Coaster with Sit Down design. Opened on April 9th, 1993. Top Gun: Steel Coaster with Suspended design. Opened in 1992. Top Cat's Taxi Jam: Steel Coaster with Sit Down design. Opened on May 26th, 2000. Son of Beast: Wood Coaster with Sit Down design. Opened in 2001. Rugrats Runaway Reptar: Steel Coaster with Inverted Design. Opened in 1972. Racer: Wood Coaster with Sit Down design. (Currently in storage). Opened in 1984. King Cobra: Steel Coaster with Stand Up design. Opened on May 20th, 2005. Italian Job: Stunt Track: Steel Coaster with Sit Down design. Opened in 1996. Flight of Fear: Steel (Indoor) Coaster with Sit Down design. Opened on April 17th, 1999. Face/Off: Steel Coaster with Inverted design. Opened in 1972. Beastie: Wood Coaster with Sit Down design. Opened on April 14th, 1979. Beast: Wood Coaster with Sit Down design. Opened on April 13th, 1991. Adventure Express: Steel Coaster with Sit Down design. |