In addition to the football game and the Run Like Hell, over the weekend I also visited Kings Island for the first time in many years.  It was the last weekend for their annual Halloween Haunt, before they close the doors until next spring.  Jason, another of Kim’s brothers, was working one of the haunted houses, so we decided to check it out along with other members of her family.  Our first stop upon entering the park was Drop Tower, the tallest Gyro drop in the world.  Riders plunge a staggering 26 stories from a height of 315 feet straight down at a speed of 67 miles per hour!  I had been on this one a couple of times before, and was able to convince Kim’s dad and a couple of uncles to hop on as well.

After that thrill, most of us decided to head through the Slaughter House, where Jason was working.  It wasn’t too scary, especially since I was at the back of the pack.  A couple of young girls were at the front of the pack and they were taking the majority of the scares.  Toward the end, we finally found Jason, and he chased us all the way out of the haunted house.  There we were able to get some pictures with him before he was off to frighten more victims.

From there we walked over to The Racer, a traditional wooden racing roller coaster built in 1972.  Since it isn’t terribly tall, I tried to convince Kim’s youngest brother, Nick, to come along for the ride.  Even her dad thought I was going to get him to come along, but he would have nothing to do with it.  I was still able to bring her dad and uncles on to the ride, where we sat in the farthest back seat.  I forgot how fast this old rollercoaster actually goes (53 mph).  We then walked over to The Beast (longest wooden roller coaster in the world), but the sign there said it was over an hour wait.  We also checked on Diamondback, which I have never been on, but it too had a long wait.

Instead of waiting for the other rides, we decided to enjoy one last ride on Invertigo.  I remember riding this ride when it used to be called “Face/Off” and the park was owned by Paramount, who named lots of rides after movies.   Riders sit face-to-face, staring at fellow passengers as they’re put through the ride cycle and returned through it backwards (or forwards depending upon their initial direction), though we opted to sit in the front seat which offers views out rather than looking at other passengers.  With six inversions, the ride was incredibly thrilling, though maybe a little too much for some of the others in the group.  I recall hearing someone mention that it was the worst ride they have ever been on.  I loved it!

After Invertigo, we decided to leave the park.  I had forgotten how much fun Kings Island could be, and I hope to return soon.  There are a number of rides that I have never been on that I would definitely like to try.