Kings Island Turns 50 This Year & You Should Go Ride These Rides

One of my favorite amusement parks is about to celebrate its Gold Anniversary! Kings Island is turning 50 this year and the park is gearing up for an summer season packed full of celebration.

I have been visiting Kings Island since I was in high school and will definitely make plans to get up the Cincinnati area this summer to help celebrate the big FIVE O. Here's a great overview of the park from GP Coasters.

And, if you have plans to go to, I am going to offer up some friendly advice. I am sharing my list of rides that you have to experience while you're there. Before I get to my Top 5, I do have to share video of my honorable mention. Because my yearly visits have been upended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have not yet had the chance to buckle into Kings Island's new giga coaster. But, I cannot wait to take my first ride on Orion and, goshdarnit, I am going to do it this year during the 50th Anniversary season!

HONORABLE MENTION- ORION

Now, as promised, here are my favorite rides at the park. If you go, DO NOT MISS THESE!

#5- MYSTIC TIMBERS

I'll be honest, I was a bit disappointed in the payoff of the #WhatsInTheShed marketing campaign used to launch this coaster. In reality, it doesn't even matter what's in that shed at the end of the ride. What truly matters is the airtime you get while riding in this out-of-control wooden coaster.

Count 'em! There are SIXTEEN airtime moments in Mystic Timbers, voted the Best New Ride in the World 2017 by Amusement Today. I got to ride for the first time last a few years ago and I can't wait to ride again when I go back this year! Some wooden coasters can rough you up like you're in an amusement park Fight Club. Not this one! It's so smooth it's mystic!

#4- DELIRIUM

I'll let you in on my annual ritual. As soon as I enter the park, I take an immediate left and start my day off riding Delirium. It's an immediate jolt that gets me ready for my day! And here's another tip for you. If the line's short, hop off the ride and get back in line and ride again. Let Delirium wreck your equilibrium!

#3- BANSHEE Kings Island is home to this monster! It's THE longest inverted steel roller coaster in the world. The track is 4,142 feet long and the twists, flips and turns are insane. Here's how the park introduced the right to guests back in 2013.

Now,I have to make a recommendation. Though you may be waiting in line a little longer, I highly suggest getting in line for the front row. There's just something about the unobstructed freedom you'll feel as you literally fly through the air screaming like a Banshee!

#2- THE BEAST

Now, here's the absolutely best tip I can give you for any ride I have ever ridden anywhere. Whatever you do, plan your day at Kings Island around NIGHT!! You must must MUST ride The Beast in the dark. It's one of the most out-of-control and thrilling experiences you will ever have on a roller coaster. About an hour and a half before the park closes, visit The Beast and gauge the wait time. If the wait bumps up against the time the park closes, get in line and get ready! It's going to blow your mind.

#1- DIAMONDBACK

For decades, The Beast was my absolute favorite ride at Kings Island. That is until the park unleashed the steel coaster Diamondback!

Diamondback features 5,282 feet is amazing heights, drops, twists and turns. And its speed is relentless. Yep! Diamondback tops out at a whopping 80 miles per hour and I'm pretty sure you can see Cincinnati from the top of the first hill. With it's stacked seating, there's not a bad spot on the coaster. That said, I highly recommend getting a spot right in the very front. You'll feel like you're barreling through the sky like the nucleus of a comet. It's freaking amazing . . . astronomical.

For more information about Kings Island and to see more rides and attractions at the park, CLICK HERE!