Friday, April 14, 2000
Park opens; coaster doesn't
Beast's offspring could make debut next weekend
BY Kevin Aldridge
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MASON — Paramount's Kings Island will open today, but the debut of Son of Beast will have to wait.
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SCHEDULE
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• Today: Park opens for weekends only.
• April 21: Projected debut of Son of Beast.
• May 29: Park opens daily.
• September: Park open for weekends only after Labor Day.
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Park officials said Thursday that the eagerly anticipated giant, looping wooden roller coaster would not open with the park today. Park spokesman Jeffrey Siebert said weather played a big part in delaying the coaster's debut. But he added that construction crews are working to get the coaster up and rolling as quickly as possible.
“We anticipate Son of Beast will be open by the end of the month at the latest, and possibly as early as April 21,” Mr. Siebert said.
Son of Beast, Kings Island's 13th roller coaster, will be the world's tallest, fastest and only looping wooden roller coaster.
With 7,032 feet of track, it is expected to rival its predecessor, The Beast, which at 7,392 feet is the world's longest wooden roller coaster.
At an estimated $15 million, Son of Beast is the single largest investment in Kings Island's history.
Park officials remain optimistic about opening-weekend attendance figures despite not having their top-billed attraction operational. Thousands of thrill-seekers are expected to descend upon Mason over the next three days if the weather cooperates.
“We know there will be some people disappointed about Son of Beast,” said David Mandt, manager of marketing and communications.
“But we know at the same time there are a lot of people who have been cooped up all winter that are anxious to get out and get their roller coaster fix and enjoy some of our other rides and shows.”
Kings Island will be open 5 to 10 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 9 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
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