Boris81

Any news why Orion is down and when they plan to reopen it? Hopefully not a longer closure?

Hi there, 2 guys from Germany here. We might be in the Cincinnati area in mid May 2023 and we like to visit the park between 22nd and 24th,May, 2023 (Monday - Wednesday). According to this year's schedule, Kings Island was open the week before Memorial Day. Can we expect the park to be open during that timeframe in 2023 as well? When do they announce their schedule in general?

Okay, so maybe no Orion on Memorial Day? Bummer

I am planning to visit Kings Island during Memorial Day weekend. Any guesses when Orion might reopen? Valravn had been closed for nearly two weeks in 2019 when the same incident happened and it reopened with two train operations after that (3 trains were back on Valravn 4 weeks later).

When can we expect to see some actual signs of construction? Like site clearing, footer work, etc....?

Sorry, but I am not a native english speaker, as I am from Germany, so it is harder for me to understand immediately what english documents tell.

This is what people on other forums think about a rumored 2020 coaster and the documents... Quote from coasterforce.com: [[While it's not a definite answer as to why B&M is on the list, it rules out the idea that it must mean a new roller coaster. As stated above, it could easily be a new set of wheels/seats.Also, it would most definitely be required to be reported regardless of how menial it might seem. If you had to replace all the doors and windows in your house/apartment, your family/housemates/landlord would not be happy to see such a large project be "not reported" because it's not a development of the property. If it costs money, make sure it's reported. There is absolutely zero shred of evidence of a new coaster going to Kings Island in 2020. This document is not proof for the reasons stated. A fan made concept is not evidence. Firehawk's removal isn't even evidence - for all we know, the plot of land can sit barren for years before anything happens with it.You absolutely want proof of a new ride? Go to the city/county clerk's office and look to see whether the park has filed any site plans or building permits. Pay attention to city council agendas to see if the park is presenting future plans.]] I would love to have a new coaster next year, but I still have my doubts..

That document which was released contained every company that the park has done business with for 2018-2020. Diamondback just received new seats: could it be that B&M's appearance on that document could have been just because of that? Maybe Banshee is getting new restraints in 2020 as well. Are you sure that Kings Island is really getting a coaster in 2020?

Did you guys read the latest Cedar Fair conference call? They implied that the major coaster additions will likely slow down . Do you think that this affects next years addition? When will we see actual construction work for the new B&M?

So if it is Vortex, does that rule out a Giga for 2020 because of the smaller footprint? I assume they could find a way to squeeze in a Giga in that spot, at least the station and lifthill, and put the rest of the layout between Beast and Racer and out into the woods? What do you think?

Hope you can give us some updates from the park/LIghtning Rod during your visit.

Well, not good news, still hoping they get the issues ironed out as soon as possible.

Looking forward for your review!

@joncars05 Thanks for your detailed review. Could you give us some more info about the reliability of the ride during the time being there? How was monday, the official opening day? Heard there were lengthy delays where the coaster did not operate at all? We plan to visit the park in 2 weeks, but if it is nearly impossible to get the credit because of downtimes, we might visit other parks instead.

Well, officially open but closed right now, did not open with the park, people in line for 3 hours....(see Dollywood facebook)

Did they say anything about the official opening? How long will the rehearsals be going on? And did they run 2 trains?

Well, we are gonna visit Dollywood on July, 9th and we really hope Lightning Rod is open at that time. I appreciate any updates about the ride from visitors these days. Love to hear some more info about the ongoing issues.