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Vortex

Roller coaster
Minimum height to ride: 48 inches

About Vortex

This Arrow megalooper was built in 1987 and was the first coaster with six inversions. The ride has aged well, better than most of it's kind, and still delivers a relatively smooth ride that continues to be lots of fun. It features a 148 ft lift hill with a speed of 55 mph, 2 vertical loops, 2 corkscrews, and a batwing...along with a helix finale. -- Last edited by Ty Mullins

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Readers' Opinions

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52 votes, so far

While this ride may not be as good as it once was, it still packs a great punch full of intensity. I like the way the ride is paced, and how it doesn't jump into the loops right away. The Batwing at the end is easily the best part of the ride. Vortex may not be the best ride in the park (it never was) but it is still worth a 20-30 minute wait. Don't listen to the rumors of roughness. It's actually quite smooth for an Arow Looper. - Chris Gottschalk

This old ride is climbing towards 20, yet it remains one of Kings Island's most popular. It was the first coaster in the world to send riders upside down six times, and still does that today, and does it well. It's a good ride...However, it is quite rough at points, so I cannot call it great. - Jon Williams

A great old standby, Vortex almost never has a long line and is a pretty smooth, fast, and fun coaster. 6 inversions total and a very fun first drop. Keep you neck firm and steady or your head will be like a pinball between the restraints. - Byron Smith

A real head-banger, but 6 inversions can't be beat. They should offer bike helmets to the back two rows. - Larry Zimmerman

Although a jewel in its earlier years, Vortex has became a rougher attraction that offers several moments of blacking-out. Put these two things aside, however, and you have a very enjoyable attraction. The corkscrews are very nice, suspending you high above the ground below. - Ty Mullins

This coaster was the king of the park at one time. At 22 years old, it's aged about as well as an Arrow looper can. Still a fun ride, although sitting in the back is not recommended. Front seat has the best and smoothest view. - Derek Potter

along with the flight of fear and cript the best ride in the park! the first drop...you're not in your seat like at all! (good thing for the over the shoulder strap) and all the loops,corkscrews and inversions make it such a great ride! - kalb smith


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