NewsParcs is an online trade publication dedicated to theme park industry professionals worldwide.
Since 1998, we work in direct contact with manufacturers, suppliers, consultants, owners and operators to publish only reliable and relevant information.
NewsParcs will do a full coverage of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 in Orlando to have a look at the latest trends and developments of the global theme park industry.
Follow us on Twitter (@NewsParcs) from November 19 to 22 with the hashtag #IAAPA
Bolliger & Mabillard to supply world's longest
inverted roller coaster at Kings Island in 2014
Update : 20/08/13 - 10h32Published by François Mayné the 18 August 2013, New.
Midwest USA largest amusement park Kings Island, part of the Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, has announced earlier this month its plans to open in 2014 the world's longest inverted steel roller coaster. Named Banshee from the female creature derived of the Irish mythology, the ride represents the biggest investment in a new product in the park 41-year history with a budget of $24 million, ie about €18 million.
Custom-designed to fit over a hilly terrain, Banshee will send riders through a 4,124-feet/1,257-meter long track at speeds up to 68 mph/109 kph during a 2-minute, 40-second ride. The layout will feature 7 inversions, including a dive loop, a looping interacting with the 167 feet/51 meter high lift, a zero-G-roll, a batwing, another smaller vertical loop and an in-line roll. It will accommodate approximately 1,650 guests per hour.
Banshee will also feature several elements that will distinguish it from other inverted roller coasters, as the park management has mentioned in a statement. “Two of the most unique features of Banshee are the massive size of each loop, and that unlike other roller coasters, the top speed isn't reached until halfway through the ride’s course. Since Banshee’s lift hill is on a higher elevation of terrain than the other side of the ride that goes down into a valley, the total elevation change is 208 feet/63.4 meters from the highest point at the top of the lift hill to the lowest point, which is the bottom of the batwing between loops four and five,” they said.
Kings Island has entrusted Swiss consulting engineering firm Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) with the designing of the ride that will include three 32-seater trains (8 cars of 4 seats) equipped with a newly designed safety harness combining a vest and a lap bar, just like ones used on the company's other wing coasters (see a virtual overview video). Quoting the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards 2012 annual ranking, the park commented “Bolliger & Mabillard has more top-ranked steel roller coasters than any other ride manufacturer on the list. Their roller coasters are renowned for their smooth ride, comfortable seats and restraints, reliability, low maintenance, impeccable safety record and ride capacity,” they explained.
With more than 85 installations completed around the world, the European manufacturer has been involved in most of the major roller coaster projects of the past 20 years. Furthermore it is one of the leading innovators in the market, especially after having invented the inverted coaster in 1992 (read our interview with B&M director Walter Bolliger).
“Banshee reflects our commitment to providing the best in world-class thrills and value for our guests and is an investment in the Ohio tourism industry,” commented Kings Island’s vice-president and general manager Greg Scheid. “People from around the world will plan a visit to Ohio next summer specifically to experience this ride."
Banshee is currently under construction in the Action area of the park, on the former location of the record holders Son of Beast wooden roller coaster that was closed in 2009 and then demolished at the end of 2012. It is the 15th roller coaster at Kings Island and the second designed by B&M after Diamondback (2009).
These past three years have been intense for NewsParcs. Our magazine, which has been dedicated to the global theme parks industry since 1998, underwent major changes to become one of the most appreciated magazines among many...
CORPORATE | NewsParcs - Published on January 28, 2014
Our Theme Park Supplier's News of the Week is a round-up of the latest news relative to companies supplying the theme park industry around the world. This weekly report covers topics such as corporate announcements, financial ...
The NewsParcs' Theme Park Supplier's News of the Week is a round-up of the latest news relative to companies supplying the theme park industry around the world. This weekly report covers topics such as corporate announcements, ...
Our Industry Roundup is a summary of the latest major news related to the theme park industry worldwide. We report news specifically on operators, owners, trade associations and related organizations, including trends, attendance...