Woodstock Express continues operations to this day, and its ride experience has not been affected by its rethemes, save for the tunnel that only existed when it was known as The Beastie.
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Despite a successful launch and reception, the suspended coaster was plagued with mechanical problems and frequent closures over the course of its short lifespan. After a sporadic three seasons, the ride was permanently closed in 1983 and removed from the park.
Grand Carousel Family Ride at Kings IslandKings Island's magnificent carousel was manufactured by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, Philadelphia, Pa., in 1926 and is the oldest ride in the park. It is one of approximately 90 carousels built by the company from 1904 to 1934.
That's just the first tunnel – there are two more. Eight banked turns and a 540-degree helix tunnel near the end. Speeds up to 64.77 miles per hour (about 105 kmh). Kings Island said it cost $3.5 million to build The Beast from 1977 to 1979 and that it would cost more than $20 million to recreate it today.
The Beast Wooden Roller Coaster at Kings IslandDesigned and built in-house by Kings Island personnel, The Beast unleashes its awesome power on the unsuspecting as it sprawls across 35 acres of wooded terrain. When The Beast first opened to the public April 14, 1979, it was acclaimed America's ultimate roller coaster.
The coaster was originally named Scooby Doo and opened with the park in 1972 as part of The Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera. Paying homage to The Beast after its successful launch in 1979, Scooby Doo was renamed The Beastie, and a tunnel was added to the bottom of its first drop in time for the 1980 season.
Kings Island owner Cedar Fair announces $8 billion merger with Six Flags. Cedar Fair owns 11 amusement parks including Cedar Point, Canada's Wonderland, Kings Island, Knott's Berry Farm and Michigan's Adventure. Six Flags currently has 27 parks.
Earlier this month, Cedar Fair, which owns Kings Island and 16 other parks, merged with Six Flags to form an $8 billion theme park giant. The combined company will operate under the name Six Flags, which caused some thrill seekers to worry that their favorite amusement park's name could also change.
The Monster is an carnival ride located in the Coney Mall section of Kings Island. It is best recognized by its black structure and yellow lights. The ride originally opened at Coney Island in 1969, before being relocated to Kings Island for opening day on April 29, 1972.
In the last 50 years, the park has been owned by Taft Broadcasting, Kings Entertainment Co., American Financial Corp., Paramount Communications, and Cedar Fair, the current owners. Cedar Fair purchased Kings Island in 2006 for a reported $1.24 billion.
The amusement park's name represented its historical roots and its future. “Kings” for the location of the park near Kings Mills, Ohio, and “Island” in reference to the company's Coney Island roots. It would not be until October 14, 1970 that the name would become official.