Thrill-seekers will experience a new level of excitement when they visit Kings Island, Mason, Ohio, in 2020. Joining the world-class line-up of coasters at the park is Orion, one of only seven mega coasters in the world, a class of coasters having a height or drop of 300-399 feet (91-122 m).
From Bolliger & Mabillard, Orion will plunge riders down an exhilarating 300-foot (91 m) drop before sending them on a high-speed journey over seven more hills at speeds of up to 91 mph (146 kph). Racing along 5,321 feet (1,622 m) of track, it will be Kings Island’s tallest, fastest and longest steel coaster.
“Orion reflects Kings Island’s commitment to providing top notch thrills and value to our guests,” said Mike Koontz, Kings Island’s vice president and general manager. “Beginning today, coaster enthusiasts from around the world are adding Orion to their list of must-ride coasters in 2020.”
According to Orion’s backstory, the ride is themed to the park’s new Area 72 and features the latest prototype vehicle developed by the Project X initiative. 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. For the program to be successful, it needs volunteers to help with testing. If all goes according to plan, eager Kings Island guests will be those volunteers.
