WoodVengeance

No. It's being reused as a shade structure for the new playground area for Camp Snoopy.

It's a rough sketch, but I came up with this concept of a B&M Surf Coaster named "Moonwalker". The main theme of this ride would revolve around an early 20th century experiment to test how it would feel to walk on the moon. The inspiration I had for this theme mainly came from the standing airtime you get on a Surf Coaster like Pipeline at SWO, making it feel like you're hopping in a low gravity environment. I also included the early 20th century "Art Deco"-inspired theming to help it fit in with the early 20th century theme already present within Coney Mall.

Also, I believe the reason we don't see 10-seater dive coasters anymore is because of the vest restraints requiring wider seats.

I do think a B&M Dive would look really good on that plot, they could have the lift hill and turn into the drop mimic the lift hill and drop on Vortex. However, I just don't know if Kings Island would want a B&M Dive considering Valravn is in the same state and apparently Cedar Fair stated they wanted to add unique attractions to their parks. For a new B&M, it seems a B&M Surf Coaster would be a good option for that as it's a new and unique model that doesn't have anything like it nearby.

I've given some thought regarding a new launch coaster for Kings Island. From a pure marketing perspective, I don't think a standard launch or multi launch coaster would make the most sense for Kings Island primarily for two reasons: Kings Island already having two launch coasters. Although they are both old launch coasters, specifically with Flight of Fear almost being 30 years old, some of the general public still see it as the park's signature launch coaster and also has the benefit of being indoors, in-the-dark and has great theming for the park that it's in. Cedar Point recently adding Top Thrill 2 and already having Maverick. Although they are different parks, they still exist within the same state and do share an audience that visits both parks. Assuming our next coaster comes in 2026 or 2027, Top Thrill 2 would still be rather new addition by then. That's not to say I don't think Kings Island will get a new launch coaster. I think if they do get a new launch coaster, it will likely have some sort of marketable gimmick that will set it apart from the other launch coasters in the area. I think a Mack Rides Xtreme Spinner would fit this criteria well (and would be my personal favorite), but I think there are other options that could be likely as well, maybe even more-so. New-gen Vekoma Flyer (akin to F.L.Y. at Phantasialand): This is important to mention since Kings Island will be working with Vekoma on SSBR. Although I don't believe Kings Island got a package deal from Vekoma for it's next major coaster (as I think it would already be paid for and installed sooner than 2026), it is possible Kings Island's relationship with Vekoma could strengthen if SSBR does very well for the park. If KI does go with this option, this would give Ohio a flying coaster back (since the removal of Firehawk) and would give a different flying experience than any other flying coaster in the area. I also believe it would be good for capacity, given the new load system and 20-person trains as opposed to the 16-person trains you would get on an Xtreme Spinner. B&M Surf Coaster: I know some people might not like the idea of Kings Island getting a fourth B&M (myself included), but it is difficult to ignore just how strong Cedar Fair's relationship with B&M is. A surf coaster is one of the few options Kings Island has for a new B&M coaster that doesn't overlap with anything at Cedar Point. It would also provide an unique stand-up experience that would make it stand out (no pun intended) from any other B&M coaster at Kings Island. Capacity is also important to note here, as Pipeline runs with 24-person trains (the most of the three models mentioned). This is the most likely option of the three in my opinion.

Regardless, it will probably need a new venue even after Camp Snoopy construction considering the play structure that's being built.

Taron is an Intamin blitz coaster while F.L.Y. is a new-gen Vekoma flyer.

Regardless of the coaster model it ends up being, I do think it will be a highly-themed attraction since that already seems like the direction Cedar Fair is going with their new coasters. (The exception being TT2, though that's likely due to it being an unplanned addition) The specific theme itself will likely depend on where it's going to be located in the park. If it's in The Vortex plot, I could see it having sort of mid-20th century theme to match with Coney Mall. Though, I would prefer if it didn't have a car theme since KMAA and Backlot are already right there. Maybe some sort of county-fair science project theme where you've been tasked to test it out? Or maybe some sort of major storm system has hit the coney mall area and you are tasked with investigating it? (the storm theme could also connect to Vortex as well) For Action Zone, I've always said that the area itself needs a major re-theme, likely a haunted woods theme to alllow the theme work with both Banshee and Bat. Keeping with this theme, I've had the idea of some sort of Owl-themed flying or dive coaster. Despite all of the bird and hawk coaster names that Cedar Fair tends to love using, an Owl-themed coaster hasn't been done yet (at least to my knowledge).

From my rides on Invertigo this year, I thought it was running quite well for the type of ride that it is. It isn't glossy smooth, far from it, but I wouldn't necessarily say it was unbearably rough either like some people say it is. In my opinion, I wouldn't say it's notably rougher than Banshee.

Not unless Kings Island waits 4-5 years after The Vortex replacement to do the new Action Zone coaster or vice-versa.

I think the "extreme" in the name mainly refers to the fact that it has a lot of thrilling elements you wouldn't see on a regular spinning coaster (inversions, launches, etc.)

I agree. I personally think a Mack Extreme Spinner would be the best realistic replacement for Vortex (By realistic, I mean not RMC or Intamin). Two main concerns that I have would be with capacity and price. Assuming it would likely have 16-person trains like Time Traveler and Ride to Happiness, I don't really know how well the capacity would be for a park like Kings Island even with 3 trains. Then again, it is possible Kings Island and Mack Rides could opt to do some things to increase the capacity, like having dual load and unload stations, so I don't think it would be much of a hindrance. My main concern would primarily be with cost. Mack Rides is known to be an expensive company to work with in the states, and I imagine a coaster like an Extreme Spinner would cost the park at least $25 million. Now, spending $25 million or more for a new coaster wouldn't be new to Kings Island, with the installations of Banshee and Orion being prime examples of this. Given the current state of our economy after the pandemic, however, I wouldn't be surprised if Kings Island goes with a less-expensive alternative like Vekoma or Zamperla instead. Again, I do think a Mack Extreme Spinner could easily be the best coaster in the park if the receptions for Time Traveler and especially Ride to Happiness are anything to go by. It could easily give us that true elite coaster that we've been wanting for so long, while also not interfering with anything in Cedar Point's coaster lineup. Personally, I do believe the concerns I've raised above do lessen the odds of an Extreme Spinner being our replacement for Vortex. However, I don't think those concerns are enough for it to be an impossibility. Kings Island had close to four years to think about what could be going in that land, and with the earliest opening year in my mind being 2026, they could want this coaster to be something special to make up for the long wait.

True, but that didn't stop SWO from adding 5.

I hope so. I could also see a Vekoma flyer like F.L.Y. at Phantasialand fitting that criteria too.

Also, they were one of the first to open a B&M Hyper with Apollo's Chariot.

They're marketable for different audiences. On one hand you have TT2 for the thrill seekers, while on the other you have SSBR that's for families.

That's what I was thinking too, though we also have to factor in Carowinds as well since that park is also due for a new coaster. It seems evident that 2025 will likely include two new coasters for both Kings Dominion and Canada's Wonderland, and I do think it's possible that 2026 could also introduce two new coasters for both Carowinds and Kings Island if Cedar Fair really wanted to. However, if Cedar Fair wanted to limit their budget for 2026 and/or focus their attention on another park, I could see 2026 being strictly for Carowinds and maybe another park besides that and then 2027 for Kings Island. I'd like to be proven wrong on this, though.

I find it interesting that the Seaworld chain is acting as a guinea pig of sorts for new B&M models. First, it was the Surf Coaster and the Family Launch Coaster for SWO. Now they're adding a Family Invert at BGT with new swinging trains.

No. Looks like they edited the colors in photoshop or some other photo-editing software.

I'd like to give my personal two cents on several options. Mack Extreme Spinner: This is what I'd personally like to see as Kings Island's next coaster, as it would give us an unique coaster not found anywhere else in the area and could also give us a potential elite coaster that doesn't overlap with anything currently at Cedar Point. The negatives I could personally see would be with capacity (I think the capacity would be okay, just not as good as something like a B&M) and the spinning being too much for the general public if it wasn't controlled. Mack Multi Launch: I could see thing being a safer alternative to the Extreme Spinner, though given the high price tag, I could see Kings Island opting to go with another manufacturer like Vekoma or Zamperla if they wanted a standard multi-launch. Vekoma Multi Launch or Tilt: If Kings Island strengthens their relationship with Vekoma after the installation of SSBR, I could see this being a feasible option. Personally I would like to see a tilt as it would give us a coaster that holds over the first drop while also being unique enough to stand out from Valravn. Given that the new-gen Tilt has yet to be fully constructed and is still in the experimental phase, I could see Kings Island playing it safe and getting a standard multi launch instead. Zamperla Multi Launch: If Cedar Fair really wants to strengthen their relationship with Zamperla, I could see this being an option, though not as likely as Vekoma. It is worth noting that Top Thrill 2 is going to be in the same state, so that may lessen the chances of one going here. B&M Dive: I personally think this is the safest option and would probably be the best-looking coaster visually to go in The Vortex plot. Although Valravn is in the same state, I don't think that's enough of a detractor for Kings Island not to get one. These types of coasters are extremely popular with the general public. B&M Wing: I don't think this would be as likely as a Dive, mainly because of how many B&M Wing Coasters already exist within the general vicinity of Kings Island (GateKeeper, X Flight, Wild Eagle and Thunderbird). A launched B&M Wing would probably be more likely, but given that two other Cedar Fair parks are rumored to add one, it might be too much if the chain got a third one for Kings Island. B&M Surf: Would be a good option if Kings Island wanted to get a new B&M coaster that Cedar Point doesn't have an answer for. Also going with what @SonofBaconator said, I would much prefer it if a surf coaster ended up in Action Zone over The Vortex plot to pay nod to the former King Cobra. However, I have heard mixed opinions regarding Pipeline at SWO. Although a lot of people seem to really enjoy the coaster, others have complained about how uncomfortable the restraints are. I don't think the restraitnts are much of a detractor since it seems to be a vocal minority, though it is worth bringing up. B&M Flyer: Again, another option Kings Island could go with if they wanted a B&M model Cedar Point doesn't have. However, I have heard this model has more maintenance issues than other B&M models and that could be the reason why Cedar Fair never built one. Probably the least likely B&M option I have listed. Gerstlauer Infinity: I don't think this is very likely due to capacity and also because of supposed issues that have been plaguing Hangime at Knott's. If Kings Island wanted a coaster with a vertical or beyond vertical drop, I imagine the park would just play it safe and get a B&M Dive over a Gerstlauer. RMC or Intamin: Unlikely options considering Cedar Fair's Relationship with both of these companies. Although it is a very small chance, I "could" see an RMC if Kings Island REALLY wanted to build one based on Son of Beast, though this is still unlikely for several reasons. It has been rumored that Cedar Fair has been interested in working with Intamin again after seeing the success of Velocicoaster, though this is still a rumor and I'll have to see it to believe it.

I would probably go left-side. If it's still early in the day, you could also try hitting up Mystery Mine and Firechaser Express if the lines for those aren't too long yet.

Personally, I would ride Lightning Rod first just so you can get the ride(s) in before it potentially closes because of maintenance issues. After that, I would go to Big Bear Mountain. I personally haven't ridden BBM yet as the last time I've been to Dollywood was 2021. From what I've seen online, it seems to be quite reliable and has pretty good capacity, so it should be much easier to get on as opposed to Lightning Rod.

Right. If a park goes out of its way to hype up a coaster removal, it probably means they have a replacement ready for it.

There was a funeral set up for Haunt 2019 shortly before they announced Vortex was getting removed.

That's what I was thinking. My speculation was that Kings Island knew they wanted to do a Camp Snoopy overhaul for the back portion of Planet Snoopy and also wanted to put in a new family coaster to round out the expansion, but they didn't know which specific coaster type or manufacturer they were going to go with yet. Multiple choices were probably laid out on the table, including a clone of Snoopy's Racing Railway at CW, but ultimately decided on the Vekoma family boomerang. Personally I like the idea of Vekoma Family Boomerang more than SRR so It's completely fine with me, and it might also open the door for Cedar Fair to do more projects with Vekoma later down the pipeline.