Once named “Top Gun” and decked out in the Tom Cruise movie’s memorabilia, The Bat is another oldie-but-goody in KI’s coaster collection. Famous for its dark, howling tunnels and climactic, movie-like ending, the wooden and steel coaster is among the park’s oldest remaining thrill rides, and has a particularly special place in my heart, as I once spent a high school summer working as an Adventure Express employee. While it may not rank among the tallest, fastest or most extreme of Kings Island’s coasters, Adventure Express’ smooth ride and creepy, cryptic scenery make it a fan favorite – particularly among guests who aren’t as keen on some of the park’s more intense coasters. One of it’s more underrated features: lap restraints are used in place of over-the-shoulder security measures, adding both a level of comfort and intensity to the already awesome coaster. Incredibly smooth, and boasting numerous heart-dropping hills, the serpent-themed thrill ride has established itself as a fan favorite from day one. Originally opened in 2009, Diamondback measures in as the park’s second tallest coaster at 230 feet. Here’s a longtime local’s look at all 11 coasters winding their way through the Warren County theme park. Today, the park’s record-breaking collection of rides is as amazing as ever. While I’ve watched with nostalgia as a handful of my favorite childhood roller coasters have closed and become rebranded over the years, I’ve also watched with excitement as new, wilder versions have been raised into the KI skyline. Living quite literally in the shadows of KI’s coasters, my family, friends and I would spend summer night after summer night at the popular theme park, riding everything in sight before finally heading home under the glow of the park’s nightly firework shows. Growing up in Mason, Ohio, warmer weather meant two things: Tucker’s Whippy Dip was finally open, and Kings Island was the place to be.
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