“It’s a day we build to from the day the park closes at the end of last season,” said park spokesman Don Helbig. “There’s an electricity in the air for opening day at Kings Island that rivals the opening day for the Reds or the Bengals.”
Even the weather cooperated, offering attendees a pleasant day, away from the rain that has barraged the area for weeks.
“We’re just so happy it’s open again,” said Dave Binford of Loveland, who along with his daughter, Autumn, and father, Ollie, who are devoted roller-coaster riders. “This is something we love to do as a family.”
Autumn has ridden roller coasters for as long as she can remember, dating back to when she was 6 months old and her father took her on the relatively miniature Beastie.
When she was 6, her father looked for taller shoes to help her skirt the height limit on the Racer. Now that she’s 12, she’s free to ride every ride, including her favorite, the Diamondback.
“I love the feeling when you’re about to fly out of your seat,” Autumn said. “It’s the best.”
Kristina Setser and Leah Lachlameto, students at Kings Junior High School, also make a tradition of visiting on opening day.
“It’s cool to get the feel of the rides again,” Setser said, standing outside the spinning Linus’ Launcher. “It really feels like summer’s here.”
Bad weather in the previous weeks made the day incomplete. The WindSeeker, the park’s newest thrill ride, was not completed in time for Saturday’s opening due to not enough good weather days to complete final testing and certification.
Construction stalled the Vortex roller coaster from being open at 10 a.m., although Helbig said it reopened at noon. The Son of Beast also remained closed as operators continue to discuss how to fix the ride.
“There’s still plenty to ride,” Bryan said about WindSeeker’s delay. “We’ll get to it soon. We’ve got all summer for it.”
Kings Island is closed for a private event today. The park will open Friday through Sunday until May 13 when it is open daily.
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