Why Kings Island is Removing Vortex - Our Theories!

Kings Island just announced the removal of one of their most iconic roller coasters Vortex will be closing forever at the end of October, devastating fans of this 33-year-old Arrow looper. The announcement seemed to have come out of nowhere, so in this video, we'll be dissecting exactly what is going on, and discuss our best theories for why exactly Vortex is closing!
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[@CoasterStudios]

Minor correction, the ride opened in 1987 instead of 1984. My apologies!

[@coastercoverage26]

Hey it's on it's way out heading to king island next season and was looking forward to riding it.

[@ryancurley2351]

1984 has a few arrow loopers Steamin Demon at Six Flags Great Escape was built in ‘84 is so painful, and if you’ve ever ridden it, you’d know it’s coaster parody gold.

[@ulosttomedesigns518]

The issue is that this now leaves a big hole in a very populated area of the park. It might even hurt beast ridership, because the beast is now out even farther away from anything worth doing.

[@connorconant1957]

Maybe a TREX could spark!

[@stheteller7470]

@Josiah_is Cool I want the first rmc t rex.

[@TEHSTONEDPUMPKIN]

Kings Island: Removes Son of Beast Kings Island: Removes Firehawk Kings Island: Removes Vortex Invertigo: *Sweats nervously*

[@Lecci520]

As long as the Beast stays I could care less about the rest.

[@zachcoastercrazy4032]

Adventure express: *panics quietly*

[@meganveite5678]

Leci I don’t think they will since that’s their most iconic coaster.

[@lilychancey4446]

Zach Coaster crazy you don’t need to worry about the family rides

[@marumicure]

King cobra?!

[@coastercountdowns7736]

The ride that was on all of my physics textbooks.

[@chiefbeef6251]

I saw a math textbook with a picture of Desperadon't at the Buffalo Bills hotel/casino

[@bariton3779]

one of my textbooks had diamondstack on it

[@coastercountdowns7736]

mountaineers79 I sadly did not get to ride Mantis. I have rode Rougarou and I thought it was meh

[@artnbookscentral8633]

@@isaacarthur4834 They should have kept the stand-up because A, I didn't get to ride it, B, Mantis was one of the few stand-ups, and C, Cedar Point is known for having basically every kind of coaster (besides a flyer) but removing Mantis left a hole.

[@coastercountdowns7736]

Art N' Books Central Stand ups are outdated and they didn’t have a B&M sit down so I think it was a good decision. It’s just a shame that it’s rough.

[@CoasterCollege]

I don't think it has much to do with the brakes. I have worked Gemini all summer, in June we were stacking a lot and we have not had to replace any of our brakes and we have only had problems with them twice. I think the problem is in the controls system. All the late 80s arrows got a controls system to run the ride that has proven to be extremely difficult to maintain ever since Arrow went bankrupt. Both Magnum and Iron Dragon had this system and both have been modernized with newer systems. The price of modernizing a coaster on the scale of Vortex is quite expensive and I can see KI not seeing the value in pouring that kind of money into a older ride. Thats just my theory.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

More importantly it's an old ride that's NOT popular. Magnum and Iron Dragon are popular (Iron Dragon more so because it's the only true family coaster at CP since CCMR has a stupid 48" height requirement) so they are worth the money to keep running since people enjoy them. Vortex is not popular so sinking money into a ride no one wants to ride is not worth it

[@CoasterStudios]

Definitely a possibility! Now that you say that, I wouldn't be surprised if controls were a contributing factor.

[@jamesmcmanus1206]

It’s all about return on investment. I don’t think this is any one factor. It’s a combination of the capital needed to keep the ride going versus the benefits of having the coaster at the park. They saw that the costs for maintenance and upkeep of the ride is likely significant enough to warrant its removal. It’s unfortunate for us fans of the ride but this is strictly a business decision. Service life is just a nice way for the park to put it. They could make these rides run forever if they were willing to upfront the capital. “service life” is simply an estimate of when the maintenance needs of the ride will outweigh the benefits of keeping it in operation.

[@jdrammer5664]

GP To Enthusiast you shouldn’t be stacking on Gemini with four trains. It means you aren’t hustling fast enough. I remember riding Gemini when it was running 6 trains early 2000’s with no stacking. That was impressive

[@CoasterCollege]

@@jdrammer5664 Oh trust me our crew got way better, but back in June we stacked a ton. Also back when we ran 6 trains there were no seatbelts.

[@mynameis7575]

IM gonna miss getting concussions😭

[@5rc]

Rode it possibly for the last time today (I live 5 mins away may go to the park tomorrow) and a girl behind me said "I almost bit my tongue off." Enough said lol

[@andrewpike2398]

It's honestly not that bad I've ridden this for a long time now but it's not nearly as bad as like the son of beast was that was actually painful and hurt riding it

[@kaylo2344]

@@5rc Yikes I usually got sick after it that was really the only thing that happened to me

[@katiebelle5405]

TBH they should have tore it down in 2010~2013 it was so rough I couldn't think of riding again

[@amandanorthern6568]

I was in high school when vortex was first opened. My high school friend and I bought our own passes and rode it as much as possible we where both 17 and thats what you did in the old days. He died years ago RIP Todd. So today was the last day of the 2019 season. My daughter came home from collage last night just to ride vortex one last time. So this morning we got up early and opened the park on vortex and got the ride picture plus a lot of other pictures. The park was more busy then normal for the last day and vortex was lined up like I have not seen in years. I will miss vortex after all it was there for 32 years. I know it has to happen sooner or later. Like mean streak at cedar point, but dam steel Vengence is my favorite ride. So I hope its replacement is worth it. Thanks.

[@swanksta1]

Kings Island is my home park, Vortex was the first ride I had ever ridden with an inversion. This is the ride that made me love coasters. I understand park development and I am sad to see it go. I will be making sure to take my final rides this month.

[@therealZThaDon]

True

[@fxjrulpzxi]

Mine too, I was so proud when I got off and immediately got in line to do it again! It will be missed. Bitter sweet, as an adult... phew... started skipping over it... painful

[@kitkatkatie7439]

SAME this was my first major coaster i rided. first loop. first drop that big. my friend forced me on it without even seeing the coaster and i road it twice!! sad to see it go :/

[@NadaPJD]

Did you enjoy your small concussion?

[@jacobjackson8646]

Same😢

[@triston....1751]

Another grave for Banshee's queue 😂

[@geoffseiter2012]

If you're a local that grew up riding Vortex on a regular basis, i'd guess 90% of us are happy that Vortex is leaving. It hurts after riding these days.

[@fxjrulpzxi]

Geoff Seiter bitter sweet

[@campee7674]

Nahhhh, it’s still one of my favorite coasters. Hate to see it go

[@Musickt196]

I rode it it 2004 or 2005 and loved it. Then I rode it in 2017 and it was horrible-so rough and jerky and gave me a headache. Good riddance lol

[@JJJJ-he8bz]

It was horrible for me as an adult liked it as a kid. I’m shocked how good viper is magic mountain really takes care of it

[@cwill2127]

Nah I’m sad it’s gone. Haven’t ridden it since I was a kid, but I don’t remember it being rough. Only one I remember being rough was beast/ son of beast. Then again, kids are a lot more elastic so I probably just didn’t notice haha

[@perryfamilyfilms]

I would love to see a replacement coaster that follows the same color scheme; That deep blue / orange track design is beautiful.

[@perryfamilyfilms]

@@harorider96 It was such a beautiful coaster aesthetically. It was also a great rite of passage coaster... if you were a scared first time coaster rider and could get through the Vortex, you were good to go with anything else. That is until the first generation seats on "Flight of Fear" (anyone remember those foam pillows that felt like boxing gloves?) :-)

[@kkdarling9018]

Vortex will forever be missed... 😞 I rode it for the last time yesterday.

[@GeneralButtNaked69]

Loch Ness monster is 41 years old and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, they just updated the ride and got it two new trains.

[@pharaohflame315]

And its an landmark ACE icon. No other coaster in the world has interlocking loops and taking it down would just....ruin that area of the park.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

@@pharaohflame315 Plus it still gets a good amount of riders Vortex doesn't

[@moonfoot1]

@@pharaohflame315 any landmarked coaster would be taken down

[@pharaohflame315]

@@moonfoot1 Lochness will never be taken down. And if they did, it would kill that scenic area of Scotland.

[@cam3033]

I still ride every time I go to Busch

[@perryfamilyfilms]

The Vortex is such a beautiful coaster aesthetically. It is a rough ride, but I'll be sad to see it go. That area of the park where you can sit and enjoy watching the "batwing" inversions up close is my favorite area of the park. I remember sitting there as a kid in the 90's and having one of my first existential moments; there was something almost meditative about that area of the park. Now they have a bunch of music and games creeping into that area so it isn't as tranquil, but at one time that little stretch before you make your way to the Beast was beautiful and calming.

[@fxjrulpzxi]

Marcus you put it into words so beautifully! I completely agree, I love that little path!!!!

[@ulosttomedesigns518]

I have a solution to the quarterly earnings issue: Sell Michigan's Adventure

[@overlookers]

Michigan's Adventure is a phantom limb at this point. They might as well.

[@artnbookscentral8633]

@@ilikerollercoasters4757 If Michigan's Adventure can't get vortex because Cedar Fair will decide to scrap Vortex because they still have to pay for it so moving it won't make any difference in finances.

[@morerandomrainbows2794]

Yes! Please! Michigan’s Advnture was doing so well before Cedar Fair came along. It’s my home park, and I want it to thrive.

[@bjtgaming]

you are not going to believe this but Michigan's Adventure is actually a pretty profitable part for Cedar Fair to own..

[@StamfordBridge]

bjtgaming Was just going to say the same thing. That park that never gets anything new actually makes a steady profit.

[@natekenny7106]

I remember Vortex was down for almost 2 weeks in 2017 because the chain lift snapped and it took forever to get a part to fix it apparently.

[@patrickwagner98]

Kings Dominion has been weeding out roller coasters over the last decade: Shockwave, Hurler (although replaced in the same process), and Volcano. I fully expect Anaconda to be next.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

I think Anaconda will go after Volcanos replacement comes in

[@patrickwagner98]

@@AdamSmith-gs2dv of all the parks in the region I live (Baltimore/DC), I feel like KD has had more coasters closed than any other in my lifetime. I haven't done any research to back that up, but the list seems long: King Kobra, Hypersonic XLC, Hurler, Shockwave, and Volcano. I don't think Anaconda is long in the tooth, but I also wonder about Avalanche, to be honest.

[@TheRealSweedie]

Let's HOPE Anaconda is next. Talk about crappy ride taking up a prime spot in the park

[@WicketEngineering]

@@patrickwagner98 I wouldn't care if avalanche was removed. It has terrible capacity. I want Anaconda to stay because of it being a 'classic arrow'.

[@WicketEngineering]

@warallthetime I like arrows tho :'( Welp on the bright side at least you have Mind Eraser XD

[@EdenEchoFilms]

It's OBVIOUSLY where they're building the midcourse for Falcon's Flight.

[@finesse5820]

Hahaha

[@obvious2886]

Lololol

[@blueforlife7891]

They are making Orion.

[@brycetube4]

As someone who has worked on the vortex as a ride op I definitely think your speculation is very plausible.

[@pieterlootsma8706]

It's been sad to see all of the Arrow custom loopers being taken down. Although they may not be the greatest, they still provide a fairly unique ride experience.

[@ginger06727]

I literally cried this Saturday. I'M SO SAD!!!

[@zacg_]

It's really sad that Arrow is slowly dying off. I'm mean, they're already dead. But their work is dying off. I get that SFMM would be better served by removing Viper at some point but I'm getting to the point where I want them to keep it anyway. If BGW ever replaces Lochness Monster then the coaster community will go into morning. At least Tennessee Tornado will be around for a while and there are other Arrows besides the loopers that will hopefully remain. I hope that there will always been a fan base that will prevent the closure of historic rides like Matterhorn, Runaway Mine Train, Magnum XL 200 and of course X2.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

Matterhorn, Lochness, and Magnum are historic coasters and their parks care alot about them. Disney refurbished the Matterhorn between 2012-2015, BGW refurbed Lochness Monsters trains last year, and Magnum got a new control panel a few years ago and got a new lighting package in the third tunnel this year. Simply put I don't see any of these three leaving anytime soon if at all.

[@newclothes8165]

"mourning'

[@mhtube01]

I wish there were smaller parks out there that would make Cedar Fair on offer on Vortex so they could dismantle it and move it to their own park. It would be like breathing life new into an aging coaster like Vortex, even if it doesn't make financial sense to some people. I think if they did something like that though, it would be the perfect opportunity to refurbish the coaster and upgrade some of the aging controls and such that needed it. I'm sure it would gain popularity with all of that done and a new home. Nessie is one of my favorite Arrow loopers and I hope BGW never gets rid of it. That's probably one of the smoothest, most popular coasters the company ever built and I don't see it leaving any time soon. I know they've done work to it the past few years. I just rode Vortex this past June though and found it to be an enjoyable ride, a lot smoother than I was expecting actually so I'm sad to see it go.

[@TheRealSweedie]

Is it though?? I'm personally ecstatic to see these old clunkers go. They're rough to a point where it physically hurts to ride them, they're not forceful, and they're not very impressive compared to today's modern coasters. I get that people are nostalgic about their coasters, but man... these are just bad.

[@WicketEngineering]

OMG yesss!

[@garminkid]

Here’s a solution: install magnetic brakes so the friction brakes don’t have to brake as hard. Magnetic brakes are also more comfortable and more reliable.

[@sharkheadism]

Probably not enough room under the chassis to do so even if cost wasn't a factor.

[@electric7487]

@@sharkheadism There is more than enough room.

[@sharkheadism]

@@electric7487 Do you have a diagram or anything?

[@electric7487]

@@sharkheadism You could fit two magnets where the two sliding pieces of the brakes are. Make sure they are in opposite orientations though. (One magnet has north at thebfront, and the other has south at the front)

[@sharkheadism]

@@electric7487 I meant fit the mag brake fin to the chassis of the train

[@TS_Mind_Swept]

"The tweet was greatly exaggerated about how our rumors were greatly exaggerated" lmbo

[@bigfatrockstar4991]

In the Heights reference?

[@gregg5958]

You want to see stress on brakes and ride operators? I can’t think of anything more stressful than two train operation on the original Corkscrew at Knott’s Berry Farm. They tried to avoid stacking trains whenever possible as that led to not only the guest comfort and wear and tear problem you mentioned, but also because they would have to run out and physically push the train into the station or else the other train that they just dispatched would set up on the lift. And back then, the lift would overheat and didn’t always restart. That wasn’t the only stressful part though. It was stressful just unlocking the OTSRs as it was done by pedal on each car and one ride op would have their foot stuck out pushing them as the train went by. It was still going pretty fast! Always seemed pretty scary and risky to me.

[@kbaker9753]

kings island is my home park so i am devastated to see it go :( but i do hope something brilliant replaces it. Something great should replace it as vortex was great in itself. I hear people talk about how this is one of the most painful rides they've ever ridden but i've rode Vortex 10 plus times and have never been hurt by it. I find the racers and Invertigo much more painful than Vortex. I would love to see a big wing coaster go in it's place and interacts with the woods. But, for some reason my gut says we will end up seeing a dive coaster because it's literally the perfect viewing area/gp attraction spot to view a coaster that does something dramatic. I plan on going to Kings Island to get a few more rides on Vortex before I have to say farewell for good. Vortex was my first looping coaster so it does really pain me to see it go. Kings Island will never be the same without it.

[@chainliftthrills8109]

Vortex was my first major coaster so a little sad, but tbh the ride gives me a concussion

[@altoidsours]

I loved this ride. It was my first upside down roller coaster. I was so nervous, but my dad went on it with me and he told me I would have a lot of fun - and I did! It was such a great ride. There was always a long line for it back in the day. But then it just got to be too rough. The last time I rode it was in 2015 and it was just too painful for me, I knew that would be the last time I went on it. I might have changed my mind and gone on it one last time before it was taken down if I had known this was its last year, but unfortunately I can't make it back to Kings Island this year. So goodbye old friend, I'll always have wonderful memories of you.

[@VonFisch1]

We would go to Kings Island every year and Vortex was very painful, someone was always a victim every year, to which they couldn't ride anything else the rest of the day. So we all just stopped riding it. This was 20 years ago, when it wasn't that old. I don't know what the numbers were, but since then, it never seemed to have much of a line.

[@endseeker7198]

Earlier this year the trains got stuck and on opening night of Halloween haunt, vortex broke down. Idk why but I was on the first train,out of the station lol. I'll miss vortex

[@whitneyg9150]

last year when I went to haunt (and my first visit back to the park since Cedar Fair bought it), Vortex closed down because a raccoon managed to climb up into the station and they had to remove it lol.

[@endseeker7198]

@@whitneyg9150 I remember one time I was in line for White Water canyon (thier raft ride) ane they had to shut it down because deer had gotten into the water. They just wanted to ride to

[@miagarcia3876]

Oh i went to the Kingsland haunt

[@miagarcia3876]

And wen i rode it it didn't brake down

[@mouse5094]

Once I witnessed Vortex being evacuated on the lift hill because a storm was approaching, and I ended up going on it later that day with no line at all. Fun memories lol

[@delani655]

I can say that a week ago I got to ride my last ride on the Vortex! So sad😥😢I had so many good memories on the ride! 😭😭😭 I’m literally tearing up

[@cheryllane9528]

I’m really late to the party here but I just found your channel. I’m from Cincinnati and worked at Kings Island on Vortex for a summer in 1992. It was such a great time. I moved to south west Florida in 2000 but each time I went back to visit family I’d always go to Kings Island and ride Vortex. Such great memories!!!!!

[@ajward4299]

First time i rode it: 1989, last time i rode it: 2019. It will be missed.

[@j.van.5335]

I took my daughter to kings island for the first time this year. She loved the diamondback and mystic timbers but only rode the vortex once. I have ridden the vortex nearly as much as the beast due to their locations, and I am glad I took her to see it but I will not miss the bumpy ride.

[@matthewtuel2747]

Vortex was my first "big" looping coaster. I rode it immediately after King Cobra (my first looper), and it got me hooked on coasters way back in 1997. It will be missed.

[@maxs6816]

As a local who has gone to KI all my life,, I personally am way more sad that firehawk is gone than the headache causing vortex. It used to be better but as the years went on it just got so shaky, hitting your head against the over shoulder restraints made me get the worst headaches and I know I'm not alone on this opinion at all

[@ajtopia]

Who else thinks we *NEED* to get arrow back in business somehow.

[@Valzentia]

+The Bearded Weirdo coaster freak. actually, Alan Schilke is still alive. but he's better off where he is right now sooooo

[@electric7487]

*Laughs in Vekoma*

[@sgtmyers88]

Arrow lives on in Vekoma, S&S, and RMC

[@beardedswordsman2901]

S&S owns arrows affairs so anyone could probably buy the plans from them and turnaround and get vekoma, intamin etc to build past rides.

[@optimusrob6880]

@@DoswarePictures cci is now GCI and Gravity Group

[@Ginkoman2]

A Mack Xtreme Spinning Coaster would be awesome

[@garminkid]

Speaking of Vortex, I absolutely loved that ride. It was never that rough and always very intense. I was sad when Dragon Challenge and Volcano closed, but Vortex is hitting me harder, mainly because I've only ridden Volcano once and Dragon Challenge once on each side. Since I live in Ohio, I've ridden Vortex multiple times, and it's never failed to disappoint me. R.I.P. to one of the greatest Arrow coasters to ever be built. You will be missed by many.

[@brandonclark887]

I’m still disappointed with the replacement for Dragon Challenge. I haven’t been to Universal Studios Orlando in nearly a decade, but from the POVs released by the park... the new roller coaster just seems underwhelming compared to its predecessor.

[@garminkid]

@@brandonclark887 Hagrid's looks overrated. I don't care what the Potter people say, it doesn't look as good as the Dragons.

[@Ravaxr]

@@brandonclark887 It's a travesty those two were scrapped. They ran so beautifully smooth, and probably could have been sold separately.

[@TheKurtsPlaceChannel]

Great video. Thanks for posting this. Have a nice day.

[@joshr.6785]

My feedback as a season pass holder was that the ride sucked and either needed maintenance or to be removed. And I recommended Invertigo and The Bat as well.

[@delani655]

Josh R. I personally LOVE Vortex and I think that Invertigo and bat are great to but I think those will be the next ones to go.

[@joshr.6785]

@@delani655 they are too rough for tall skinny people, harnesses don't fit right. Heck, banshee has issues with me but the ride is smooth enough. Those three are choppy. Bat has sucked since it opened, when you spend more time going up the hill than you do going down that's a problem. When you spend even more time than the hill waiting to enter the station, that's worse.

[@delani655]

Josh R. I’m short and skinny and I had a hard ride on Vortex... your right tho!!

[@Jayhoob1]

Dragon fire at Canada’s wonderland is 38 years old

[@lamby1022]

Vortex looks huge 💪🏻

[@marke8323]

I rode Vortex the first year it arrived at Kings Island, I thought it was great!

[@michaelpryor78]

I get the nostalgia component, but the thing had become nothing but painful inversions.

[@nevadaleone5942]

Yes! It left me bruised and so sore this summer!!

[@JDBlack-gf9ok]

Nobody from Ohio goes anywhere near Vortex. Last time I rode it I had a headache for the rest of the day.

[@jayskestrel8130]

It slammed my jaw on the hard restraints and bruised my entire jawline and cheek. They also had seat belts which uh.... I was in the back and a seat belt came undone mid ride, thank god for fail safes.

[@jacobjackson8646]

So close the beast?????

[@danielflanagan3692]

I think one of the reasons is the ride is so rough, it is one of the most painful coasters I have ridden. The tracks could be needing maintenance that would not be cost effective.

[@SamshireCat]

I was about the say. In the recent years, i've heard too many negative things about this ride. A lot of people are sad, but also many are glad. This ride literally caused my mom to stop riding coasters the rest of the day. The wooden ones didn't even hurt her she claims, but this ride hurt her so bad, she had to stop riding coasters and my mom LOVES coasters and will ride them all day long, so you know its bad when she has to stop. She says when this ride first opened, it was way more smooth, but over the years, it just has worn out.

[@jaredstrickland4532]

I know it had a pretty substantial break down three or four weeks ago leaving a train full of people on the lift hill for roughly an hour. This may have played a part in this decision. Parts are getting hard to come by.

[@bryanterry1111]

I agree, most likely this was a maintenance issue. Six Flags Great America had a mega looper named Shockwave from 1988-2002. It was only 14 years old when they closed it, which is very short for an arrow looper. They were set on removing whizzer in 2002 but because the public demanded them not to, and Shockwaves wheels were already maintenance nightmares and very expensive. They removed Shockwave instead despite it being so young. They were probably spending too much money or tired of replacing Vortex’s brakes for so long. It’s very unfortunate, but I completely understand why they’d remove it.

[@CaptOrbit]

I worked at Kings Island back in the mid-1990s as a tram driver. Part of my morning spiel was to direct guest attention to the rides visible from the parking lot. "... and if you look just off to the right of the Eiffel Tower you will see The Vortex, an amazing roller coaster that takes you through all sorts of twists and turns. It also takes you upside down a grand total of six, yes six times! As we continue to work our way to the right we see the first lift hill of the world famous Beast peeking up from just above the tree line... Vortex, you beat the hell out of us, but we'll still miss you.

[@fxjrulpzxi]

Andrew Snyder The trams!!!! Omg those were sooo relieving after a long hot day of playing in the sun. You brought back such great memories, thanks!

[@shaynak745]

Wow, this coaster is such eye candy!! I wish I could have ridden it before they closed it down.

[@hanniemarie184]

I’m so bummed out. Vortex was down opening day due to weather and I didn’t get the chance to ride it one last time smh

[@BackSeatJunkie]

I'm loving how people are commenting that they were there earlier this summer and Vortex kept breaking down. OF COURSE it magically started "breaking down" this season and then BOOM, near the end of the season they announce that they are removing it. The statement *wag the dog* comes to mind.

[@christianlewis6789]

I know I'm late, but anyone still here, hear me out. Lately there's been "utility work" done near Son of Beast's old land plot (roughly between that and Timberwolf Amphitheater). Also, I heard that parts of Vortex were indeed dealing with sinking, though I'm not sure about accuracy (I do think that the soil of Mason, Ohio is not quite perfect for building glossy smooth coasters). Theme Park Predictions recently stated that the land where Vortex once stood may not be used for quite some time; rather, any *possible* new coaster might be placed in or near Action Zone.

[@a.j.cappuccio2859]

Canada's Wonderland be like " you can take away few our coasters.....please!"

[@shane952]

Yeah. Its rough having CW as your home park. There is like 3-4 good rides there.

[@overlookers]

Trash Time Warp for a Railblazer clone

[@artnbookscentral8633]

@@overlookers How about a custom

[@a.j.cappuccio2859]

@@shane952 At least you have a home park. I live in Maine

[@SirEncyTheWray]

Flight Deck could be improved with better profiling and restraints. Time Warp? I don't know, but it needs something.

[@patrickn8355]

This is a classic that I feel everyone loves to hate. Not great and fairly painful, but still a great credit in my opinion

[@katiebelle5405]

By 2010 the ride was so rough I'm surprised it took that long to tear it dowm

[@chris-ly7jm]

Vortex was one of my most anticipated arrow loopers. It setting is without a doubt one of the best to take pictures at, and I’m very sad to see it go. Arrow please give us pieces to fix this thing. #savevortex

[@patrickspiers7296]

Kromaa arrow as a company does not exist anymore it went bankrupt s&s makes some of the parts. Arrow can not fix it since they don’t exist anymore.

[@chris-ly7jm]

Patrick Spiers I know arrow went bankrupt, but I mean give us parts to fix it.

[@lots_of_bendy_straws]

Kings island worker here. Vortex is being taken down because all of the parts had been used. Arrow isn’t a manufacturer anymore so they have no more parts to fix it. Vortex is very shaky and people often complain about getting hurt on it

[@megazap9986]

Take a shot every time he says I suspect

[@romanhurst7]

Megazap I SUSPECT ITS A BIG REASON

[@MinkyBoodle44]

Though I know they haven’t worked with them AT ALL recently, I hope Cedar Fair replaces Vortex with a large-scale next-gen Vekoma looper. That could make for a truly worthy sequel.

[@expo1403]

I lived in Cincy when this opened and rode it hundreds of times, you’re absolutely correct about the brakes. The minor left turn after the first big drop could snap you violently, and the position you’d be in before the 2 corkscrews could be uncomfortable, but overall it was a great ride. But that first brake station after the helix was tough, if it brought you to a complete stop it was guaranteed to bring your head off of the headrest

[@Killerqueen2022]

I waited on line the year Vortex opened, and actually rode it 8 times on one day. It was a fun ride in the day, but theses days, things are so much bigger and faster.

[@yrkadms]

Dear Kings Island, Whatever you do there, PLEASE restore The Beast's lagoon.

[@coastercountdowns7736]

Unpopular opinion: Viper at SFMM is a decent ride!

[@tiedough7481]

Coaster Countdowns I did that with an arrow corkscrew at canobie lake park. The line is nonexistent. Do your riding!

[@samb3435]

The roller coaster is very rough, but nothing too bad. Also, have you ridden it after the refurbishment? The brakes are top-tier!!

[@coastercountdowns7736]

Sam B I only ridden it before and I had really low expectations so it seemed good

[@coastercountdowns7736]

Ti Dough I love them for that. They can be a bit rough but I love the classics!

[@RainMaker_816]

As someone who lives in KC, The Orient Express was the first ride I ever rode. And i miss the hell out of it. The loading building is still standing and the land it was on is still empty. World's of Fun hasn't had a new coaster in 10 years. They keep adding little kid rides. Since 2000 they've only added 3 coasters. The Patriot, The Boomerang, and Prowler.

[@gothicdragonwarriorqueen5819]

Awesome coaster ride!!!😄❤👍

[@andrew.donnel1y]

I literally wanted to ride this so bad because it’s an icon but now I never will and I’m literally devastated

[@NC5618]

You know what I say, bring in Son of Beast: the Iron Revival (RMC Son of Beast). They've teased in one of their fliers that they are trying to bring it back into operation, maybe this is how they decided to do it.

[@mbrown052467]

Ohhh. Put the Son by the Papa! That'll be a nice touch. :-)

[@brianhouser4680]

i could see a new Son of Beast coaster there. That is a great spot right next to the Beast.

[@dustanglx50]

Vortex is one of the most beautiful coasters in the world, I won't miss riding it, but I will miss looking at it.

[@AnthonyRose]

I had such a love/hate relationship with this coaster. First looping coaster I ever rode growing up. I would always ride it multiple times during a visit... then I hit a growth spurt and once I broke the 6 foot mark, it became the most uncomfortable ride in the park.

[@scorpiodude18]

Carolina Cyclone is still open at Carowinds, it's been open since 1980.

[@netnerdz5808]

Haven’t watched yet but my guess is the lack of attendance

[@murderdoll9191]

Im glad they are taking it down, that whole ride is pretty rough.

[@doggie3602]

Ikt

[@victor5953]

in the final few years of vortex i went to kings island frequently and remember that vortex ran 2 trains pretty often because service was slow and many people didn’t fill up the lines to ride it. some of the footage used in this video show that only the first 2 or 3 cars of the train are full of people. i remember getting in line for vortex and always choosing whatever seat i wanted because nobody was in line for it

[@delani655]

They should fix Vortex, new brakes, repaired track, I like the carts but they should add a headrest and better strap things to hold your head in place better, and a fresh new coat of paint. Then it will be all good!!!

[@InkWildDog]

I rode it 3 times today...

[@teddyking6563]

I pray something amazing takes it place. Maybe wasnt the greatest coaster but it was so iconic and so beautiful to look at and take pictures in front of.

[@nicka.9842]

I have a feeling that Kings Island is going to build a strata coaster in 2023. Note the 20 year pattern between Cedar Point and King Island: Hyper coaster 1989: Magnum XL-200 2009: Diamondback Inverted roller coaster: 1994: Raptor 2014: Banshee Giga coaster: 2000: Millennium Force 2020: Orion

[@marumicure]

“Everyone would rather have a giga.” Me: *UH*

[@WapoStudios]

There is no way in hell Orion won’t be better than Vortex

[@patrickn8355]

@@WapoStudios he was referring to Firehawk. It was definitely a fan favorite despite it's mechanical issues and slow dispatch time

[@whitneyg9150]

@@patrickn8355 idk i rode firehawk once and i was just in pain the entire time. my body didn't like it at all

[@patrickn8355]

@@whitneyg9150 ya it definitely happens. I always found that the more you just let yourself be completely weightless on the harness it's way better and more fun

[@oneandonlysound3453]

A giga that looks more like a hyper at that, whom designed it/wanted it designed like that? They already have a hyper, it has way too many basic hyper elements. With two removed classic coasters in exchange for a bigger version of the hyper basically. Glad it's not my home park.

[@mr.meloetta1939]

Does anyone else think a new generation Vekoma like Lech Coaster would fit as Vortex's replacement?

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

Yes but don't get your hopes up, CP hasn't worked with Vekoma for awhile. I'd bet more on a Gerstlauer Infinity coaster or a Mack Mega coaster

[@bbolin5626]

Adam Smith Both tend to not age well.

[@maximecretton383]

@@bbolin5626 Mack mega coasters not aging well? That's the first time I read that. Blue Fire is still running as smoothly as day one.

[@bbolin5626]

Maxime Cretton For some reason though, Copperhead Strike was pretty bumpy when I did it.

[@TEHSTONEDPUMPKIN]

I wouldn't mind seeing them come to Kings Island. BUT Im not sure how they would fit in the section or park Vortex is in....BUT then again, You have "Action Theater" in Coney Mall, "Back lot Stunt Coaster" in Coney Mall, "Windseeker" in Coney Mall, and "Mystic Timbers" in Rivertown....so in hindsight.... screw it why not!

[@jewels3596]

Vortex was my first real coaster when I was 13. It was practically new at that time. One time, it started raining pretty bad and most people ran for cover. My sister and I rode Vortex in the rain and there was only a handful of people in line. They let us keep getting on it, ride after ride. We had to have ridden it 10 times or more that day. I'm gonna miss her! 😭😭😭😭😭

[@thefuzzypenguin778]

THE BEAST was an awesome ride back in the day. I moved from Southern Indiana to the very top of Northern Indiana back in April 1984 and never went to Kings Island again. GOOD TIMES! -Diana.

[@jwill6008]

To my other home park KI... may we bid farewell to The Vortex. I remember when I first rode you almost 30 years ago, and Yes, my moms nails are still lodged in my arms. Goodbye old buddy... AND GOOD RIDDANCE!

[@JacobB451]

I really want to imagine that retrofitting with magnetic brakes would be a much simpler and easier alternative.

[@Joelwee1028]

Jacob Bacci Or just run Vortex with 2 trains instead of 3.

[@colewrld4606]

I went on the 27th, the last day the park is open, and got 2 last rides on vortex. It was sad seeing ribbons around that said “ 33 years of thrills” At least I got to ride it a few last times before we see it gone

[@scottnelson9]

Can we just imagine if Arrow we’re still around? As reliable as they were, they would be killing it with current technology.

[@subzerofromny735]

Bring back arrow dynamics. That way you’ll have more parts for Vortex and rebuild Great American Scream Machine

[@idkwhatiamdoing1188]

Clutch Master good luck

[@abcankickmeistersiceman1740]

I'm really sad!

[@tractorgt]

Thanks! Very interesting!

[@jacobjackson8646]

This is really sad to me. Kings island was my home park and I remember when I was just a little enthusiast I was so excited to ride it because it went upside down 6 times and it was a great memory that I will have forever. I always loved going back to kings island and re riding it, it was maybe my favorite in the park accept diamondback. (I never had a thing for banshee) and now I’m really sad to see it go😢😢

[@bigblueamusementproductions]

I was never a fan of it, but I definitely will miss seeing it in the park! Coney Mall will be so different without it! But we do have a giga coming so that is definitely exciting! KI is my home park! I can't wait to see what will replace it eventually!

[@TEHSTONEDPUMPKIN]

Agree, I don't particularity like riding Vortex, me personally I just think its to rough and not all that thrilling. BUT it is a very beautiful ride, especially while sitting on the wall or benches and watching it run. Even though Im not a huge fan of it, I'll certainly miss it.

[@anthonyalifano2420]

RMC Son of The Beast

[@minecraftgaming012fgteev2]

Anthony Alifano They might REMAKE SON OF BEAST

[@anthonyalifano2420]

MinecraftGaming012 FGTeeV personal just use the same layout with the loop and RMC it we all want it so

[@jenniferhedlund2713]

I agree. And as it being my home park, I will miss it from a sentimental point of view. It was my first "big coaster" and I do remember it opening. But the last few years, it's been a once a season thing: and I have to take 3 excedrin before I ride. I think they need to get a ride like Maverick in that spot in a couple of years.

[@FSXiscool1]

I’ll miss it. Had a trip in like 2016 where the park was almost empty and we rode it 3 times in a row without getting off. It wasn’t the smoothest but definitely a favorite of mine

[@michaezell4607]

Their numbers aren't where they want simply because they're treating most of the parks like crap. You can't expect a park to turn a profit by just adding waterpark and kiddie land expansions all the time and nothing else after all. Of course as time passes and new rides are installed that naturally will effect the ridership of older attractions so eventually those older attractions aren't worth the effort to keep operating but as long as replacement components are available a coaster should be able to last indefinitely...just look at rides like wild one or the astro land cyclone as but two examples.

[@grobble8954]

Taylor doesn't know what the hell he's talking about. Cedar Fair last quarter were great and Q3 prelim numbers were really good. He's talking out of his backside just like Amusement Non Insiders does. People need to educate themselves before talking, CF had a almost 3 hour presentation on their new strategy with the data,surveys, focus groups that guided it. The entire chain is going to a Knotts like model. Events, festivals, limited time stuff, interactive attractions, things for all ages. Big Capex projects will be spread out like Knotts which gets a coaster every6 years. CF specifically state they see no need to add coasters every 2 to 3 years, which is what CP has been getting the last decade and KI every 3 years. CF essentially stated 2020 additions were pre set from before the plan change. So. KI sneaked in their giga under the wire. They said 2021 will be the full implementation of the new strategy. CF talked extensively about efficiency of Capex. Also, every park will get something every year.

[@davecowles3148]

Grobble Here’s the link to the presentation I think you are referring to s2.q4cdn.com/170666959/files/doc_presentations/2019/09/FUN-Investor-Presentation_2019-09-Stifel-RS-for-website.pdf

[@kevinbhieey9188]

@@grobble8954 Yes, when you want the truth out of an American company, you go straight to the stockholders announcements! So reliable! What's happening here is painfully obvious: Cedar Fair is forcing its "lesser" parks to close rides so they can brag about their "cost-cutting measures" at their next stockholders meeting. Come on, they made the announcement right before the end of the Third Quarter Earnings Call! What a coincidence!!! They also JUST announced layoffs at the Schlitterbahns. Earnings are up and yet all this cost-cutting? So mysterious... Except it's not. Cedar Fair is like Disney in so many ways, especially in the fact that it loves its stockholders more than it loves its visitors. Cedar Point is a perfect example of this in action. I went in June and it was a hot mess. Two coasters down all day. 3 or 4 that didn't bother opening until around noon, including the newest hotness. Several coasters broke down throughout the day, with Millennium Force breaking down almost hourly. Many flat rides weren't even running at full capacity. So lines were kept artificially long, meaning they were selling tons of Fast Lane Passes - $$$! - so Fast Lane lines were often longer than the standby lines. I rode SIX rides and I was there from open to close. On a weekday! Stockholders like expansion. And they like cutting costs. This happens with Disney almost every year. Right before the end of their Fiscal Year, they make some acquisition or announce a new park, and then the cutbacks begin. This year, after acquiring Fox, being forced to expand their most-attendance-affected parks, and announcing Disney+, they almost immediately started with the layoffs. Fox lost hundreds and that wasn't enough so now Disney's own studios are seeing the knife. Walt Disney World lost a lot of entertainment - again - yet ticket prices are still sky-high. That's what Cedar Fair does. They're just not big enough to do it the way Disney can. In fact, they are going down a route Disney went down years ago - minimal maintenance. It's already having a negative effect - my previously-mentioned coaster breakdowns - but things can get worse. Disneyland killed a man on Big Thunder Mountain thanks to a minimized maintenance budget. Valravn crashed due to this same exact issue, but apparently Cedar Fair needs to also kill someone before they learn a lesson. Cedar Fair sucks. Stop with the excuses or they will continue to suck.

[@RainMaker_816]

They're doing that to World's of Fun too. Haven't had a new coaster in 10 years

[@grobble8954]

@@kevinbhieey9188 When you want the truth go to the delusional & ignorant ramblings of a fanboy that puts on vlear display they have no understanding of business. You might want want to know something about business before wasting your time spouting nonsense. CF and every chain has been taking about costs for years. Labor costs are up huge as more states increase minimum wages, wages increase in general and parks having to pay more to attract people in general. All parks and chains are having staffing issues. Labor is 65% of any chains costs. Read an annual report and educate yourself and stop being a whiny know nothing enthusiast. . Btw, if you knew anything you would know Six Flags cut an hour a day from operations of every park in the chain except SFMM and GAdv to cut costs. They even did it at incredibly busy parks like SFGAm. This is an across the industry thing as costs the last few years have been rising at 10+ % rate. SEAS cut people too recently. Schlittebahn staff cuts were expected, if you actually knew anything you would know that was mentioned as a concern from Schitterbahn employees right after the acquisition b/c it's common thing after a sale. CF state in July they were in an evaluation stage, they at first said they were going to invest 10 to 15M in the parks. Now, they stated 20M. Back to cutting costs, Cedar Fair stated they wanted to reduce debt. The debt to EBIDTA after the 500M in borrowing this year push the ratio to 4.4X. They want the ratio below 4X and stated they wanted to do it as soon as possible. Nothing mysterious, but you know nothing. This was stated in their almost 3 hour analyst day presentation that also detailed their new strategy, which as a person who know nothing you were clearly unaware of what it presented. Yes, in the minds of idiots that know nothing about business CF wants rides to break on purpose so people have a bad time. Yes, that's why the major ride closer was at KI, the 3rd biggest park in regards to revenue and EBIDTA. The other closures were Dinos Alive which were being removed across the chain as the contracts expired. Yes, CF is taking from the lesser parks, and that's why the new strategy is to give every park something every year. Please shut up and be thought to be stupid, instead of posting and proving it.

[@tiedough7481]

Should have gotten a Hopkins

[@joshmartin1658]

You mentioned the stress that the breaks have on the riders, let’s also not forget that the turns bank sharply and cause riders to bang their heads on the restraints. This is also due to the fact that the restraint padding had stiffened over the years due to its age. I’m still going to miss this ride. It was one of the first actual coasters I rode as a kid. It will always have a place in my heart!

[@veryymuchjojo]

viper at darien lake is 37 years old and it still runs pretty good

[@benxyb2791]

3:32 *1987

[@dylanrowan6626]

They should replace it with a multi launch intamin coaster.

[@evanyoung6993]

Dylan Rowan Not yet, kd needs their replacement first lol

[@ninjapenguinblock]

Would be nice but CF doesn't seem to like Intamin much anymore...

[@phainzer2121]

Nah what if they released a remake of the son of beast it would be a perfect location if they needed space they have extra area and it would iconic because it would be right by its father.

[@evanyoung6993]

Phainzer that would be stupid

[@Ravaxr]

If they're going for that style, they'd likely be talking with Mack. Not a whole lot of difference aesthetically, and with work like Copperhead Strike and Helix, Mack can deliver. I'd personally like to see Vekoma in there. Lech Coaster is their newer work and it is night and day difference from SLCs.

[@jaylahall5712]

i’m so glad i got to ride it before it shut down. My first and last time riding it.

[@justinmaybach6388]

Another Arrow Dynamics coaster worth mentioning that was left out of your video was Viper at Six Flags Darien Lake. That coaster is 38 years old and is going on 39 years of operation whenever the park opens back up. Back in the early days of the coaster there were three trains running at the same time, which is tough to envision in the present day considering the layout isn't as big but I have seen a video proving otherwise. That coaster held the record the most inversions of any coaster in the world when it opened up until the time Vortex was introduced. With the park adding more coasters over time there was no longer a need to run three trains at the same time, but they still kept up with two train operations for a while longer. Ever since 2016, Viper has only ran one train during the season even though there is another train that is kept in storage, although that has more to do with the theme park and less with the popularity of the ride. However, by running one train at a time I feel like the park may be helping reduce stress on the coaster and allow it to run for several more years. When discussing Vortex, you have to take into account that Kings Island has a better history when it comes to installing and operating coasters. Cedar Fair standards would never allow them to run less than two trains at a time and they probably wanted to maintain all the trains no matter what. Even though Vortex is sentimental to many guests at Kings Island, the park can afford to lose that coaster. Darien Lake only has seven major roller coasters, and some guests rank Viper over Ride of Steel because of all the history that is attached with that coaster. I'd like to believe that if Vortex was at Darien Lake, it would not be closing down. I'm not too disappointed that I never got to ride Vortex since I've been on several Arrow coasters in my life, but I'm sure Kings Island will install a decent attraction in that area. Let's not forget that Vortex stood on the same plot of land as The Bat so whatever gets added in that spot is likely to be memorable.