Kings Island: What’s Going To Replace Vortex?
Kings Island is hard at work on ORION, however the next attraction must be on the horizon. With the upcoming closure of Vortex, their will be a lot of room for a new 2021 attraction. Could we be seeing a new coaster? Or is there something else in store for the park?
You’d expect with ORION in the pipeline for 2020 that Kings island wouldn’t be getting anything huge the following year. While that’s more than likely true, it’s
puzzling why they take out Vortex so suddenly. There are a few theories as to why that happened.
Vortex was built in 1987. The classic Arrow looping coaster was one of the most iconic coasters in the park. It also took up a lot of land. With it gone, the available real estate goes up. Being one of the oldest coasters in the park, Vortex can be deemed expendable.
Another reason as to why it will be removed, cost of maintenance. Perhaps Vortex cost too much to maintain. Maybe Kings Island doesn’t have immediate plans to put anything in its place. This could be simply a way to cut costs by taking it out.
Whatever the reason, something (whether it be 2021 or later) will go in place of Vortex. What’s that ride going to be? Again, with ORION next year, and Cedar Fair’s commitment to cutting down the number of big coaster additions at its parks, expecting a new massive addition like a coaster isn’t likely. Of course, that won’t stop the speculation.
Kings Island needs a flying or wing coaster. After just demolishing Firehawk (the former Vekoma Flying Dutchman), there’s a need for a new flying coaster. Perhaps B&M comes in and gives us an out-of-this-world experience. It’s also possible KI brings in a wing coaster, however, that’s unlikely seeing as Cedar Point has one of their own not too far away.
Again, don’t expect a coaster for 2021. What we might be able to expect is a dark ride. Ideally, this would be the perfect addition. It might not need to neccesarily be themed to Peanuts, although, something else is needed with Boo Blasters being the only dark ride at the park. Cedar Fair can create a good original dark ride. Just look at Guardians of Wonder Mountain at Canada’s Wonderland.
It’s not possible to predict what Kings Island will build in place of Vortex. We could just be getting a new restaurant or themed area. That wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world either, as the park could benefit from both. KI also needs to look into adding some flatrides as well. Maybe a newly themed land with restaurants and flats is what the park has in mind.
We are still far out from Kings Island announcing anything for the Vortex land. Something will go in its place, that’s a given. We’ll just have to wait and see what it is. Don’t expect the land to sit for long, though. While it may not be a coaster, the park would probably have whatever we are getting open by the beginning of the 2021 season.
Image Source: Kings Island/ Cedar Fair
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
