To many, Orlando, Florida can be easily coined as the amusement capital of the U.S. It's home to Disney World, Seaworld, Universal Studios, water parks, and tourist attractions at almost every street corner. Although there are many different chain amusement parks spread across the country such as Six Flags or Busch Gardens, there is a unique park that lives undeservedly in almost : Kings Island.
Kings Island is a roller coaster mecca located just outside of Cincinnati, in a town called Mason where yes they actually do ironically have a Snapchat filter with a mason jar that reads "Mason, Ohio." The park has everything a self-proclaimed amusement park lover wants: water-rides, small kid-friendly roller coasters, carnival games and rides, and of course the huge adrenaline rush inducing coasters. However, did you know that the park is also home to some of North America's oldest wooden rollercoasters and even it's very own Eiffel Tower?
The wooden rollercoasters are a staple at the park, but treasured by all guests, young and old because they aren't too many of them left in existence. One of my favorites is "The Beast", which still is still the longest wooden coasters in the world. Like most wooden rides, it's loud and bumpy but still fast and sure to excite. However, the steel roller coasters are still tons of fun. If I had to pick a favorite ride, it would have to be "Banchee." It's an inverted rollercoaster where your feet dangle in the air with drops, corkscrews and several inversions.
The park receives about 3.4 million visitors a year and also gets some attention from celebrities. Nik Wallenda broke a record at the park where he broke his grandfather's world skywalk distance record by walking 2,000 feet from the Kings Island's Eiffel Tower to the park entrance and back while being 75 feet in the air on a tight wire. The Brady Bunch even filmed an episode appropriately titled, "The Cincinnati Kids" at the park and have even had returned to entertain guests with singing, dances and tales of filming at this beloved park. World famous daredevil, Evel Knievel even performed one of his last jumps at the park where he successfully jumped over 14 Greyhound buses at the park.
Not to mention, the whole Peanuts gag can be seen at the park! Snoopy and his pals such as Charlie Brown, Peppermint Paddy, Linus, Lucy and more can be found around the park. They'll pose for pictures while dancing to popular throwback radio anthems of the 90's and early 2000's. It's absolutely adorable to see them dance and interact with guest. Plus, you don't have to wait in line for over an hour just for a brief greeting and photograph.
If you weren't born in Ohio, then it's easy to dismiss a place in the Midwest as being home to an epic thrill ride paradise. However, Kings Island is in my opinion, the same league of thrill as Busch Gardens and Universal Studios in Florida. Kings Island is sure to be a treat for theme park goers for it offers the full package to all people looking to find a new roller coaster and fun spot oasis.
