Kings Island- Orion, New coaster for 2020.

Kings Island building a new giga coaster, Orion for 2020. 

In August, Kings Island shocked the coaster world with the announcement they would be building a new giga-coaster for the 2020 season.



 The first giga to be built in five years, this comes as big news as the park hasn't built a new coaster since Mystic Timbers in 2017. Cedar Fair parks often run in cycles, each park gets new attractions or additions each year but coasters tend to only come on the building block every 3-5. It's impressive Kings Island is getting something new so quickly over their sister park, Cedar Point, who has been added a new coaster every two years lately.

Let's get into the real details of this new beautiful creature coming to Kings Island.

Manufacturer: Bollinger and Mabillard
Type: Steal, Giga Coaster
Ride Time: 3 minutes.
Trains: 2 trains of 8 car each, 4 riders in a single row for 32 riders per train.
Track Length: 5,321 feet
First Drop Height: 300 feet
Length of First Drop: 447 feet
Top Speed: 91 MPH
Total Hills: 8


Set to open in Spring of 2020, Orion boasts some impressive stats. It's 70 feet taller than Diamond Back, the current tallest coaster in the park. Built by the same coaster company, Kings Island boasts a collection of the finest things B&M has to offer.

Orion is themed to a new area of the park, Area 72. Themed around a group of scientists in a race to develop travel though a coming meteor storm and investigating a new planet in the Orion constellation. Naturally, we riders will be the 'volunteers' to help with testing out this transport system.

The new themed area will be going into the park which currently houses Flight of Fear, beyond the Racer. Ground clearing for this new coaster has been in progress since 2018 when Firehawk was demolished. During this time when additional land clearing began, fans began to get suspicious- why would they need that much land cleared out suddenly?

A coaster, was the obvious answer and Orion doesn't disappoint.

Orion is taking over a portion of the space Firehawk once occupied and a good bit more, stretching itself into the back part of the park towards the wooden area Beast plays in and that once housed the 'Dinosaurs Alive' attraction.

 In September, Kings Island showed us this lovely gem. The beginnings of the lift hill base and starting on vertical progress.

More recently, Wild Gravity Travels showed us this amazing little gem from earlier in November. The lift hill has been completed and downward progress is nearly to the bottom of the first drop.  While it's difficult to tell, we can guess that outward progress from the lift hill has begun in the form of supports and footers. Although how the cold weather will slow construction is difficult to say.

If we get the chance, we'll have to get out to Winterfest and take a look for ourselves.

Image from Attractions Magazine 

New today we have these lovely, sweet looking new trains which where just released at the IAAPA expo in Orlando, Florida.  B&M displayed the lead car for the new coaster at the expo, giving fans a another hint of what to expect in the spring of next year.

Easy to say, we're excited. We look forward to watching the progress of this coaster more so than we already are.  So stay tuned, space travelers? Space Travelers, we're going with it.. we'll have more to come soon!

First Fury 325 On Ride POV Released!

Okay, it seems like just a couple of hours ago we were talking about the first test run from Fury 325 at Carowinds, but here we go again!

This time, the folks at Carowinds have unveiled the video from that first ever run and luckily for all of us, they had a camera onboard to record the insanity of it all. So, I'm not gonna talk long on this one, as you can just click on the Fury 325 logo on the left of the page for the updates.

Let's get on with the video!


Holy crap that looks incredible! One thing you'll notice is that there isn't a single brake section throughout the entire course of the ride. This thing is going to be insane to experience and riding at night? Oh, I can only imagine.

Yep, it's official. We have Fury Fever here at ISI! Stay tuned here or follow us on Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Facebook for all the latest out of Carowinds and their newest, world record breaking coaster, Fury 325!

First Test Run of Fury 325 at Carowinds a Success!

It's rare we have back to back posts about the same subject, but this one's a little special. Just a short bit ago, Carowinds announced that they had completed the first test run of their world record breaking coaster, Fury 325. It's been a long road since the leaks, the official announcement and completion of construction, but here we are. Only a couple of weeks until Fury 325 will be open to the public and daring riders to face it's monstrous 320ft drop to reach speeds of 95mph.

We've had a blast covering this one, and while we're not quite done yet on that front, it's getting closer and closer to media and we'll be sure to bring you all the latest from that event. But we're not there yet and still lots more to share.

So, let's get on with the reason ya came, the pictures! Here's some shots from earlier today via Carowinds and their construction camera of the first test run!

Carowinds Announces Season Passholder Event for Fury 325!

Thought we were done with the news out of Carowind's newest, and record breaking, coaster, Fury 325? Well, think again!

Earlier today, Carowinds announced the details for the Season Passholder exclusive Fury 325 preview event. This one is definitely not to be missed as they've got a ton planned for Friday, March 27th. So, if you're looking to be amongst the first to ride the monster that is Fury 325, this is your chance to get in on things before most people get the chance. If you're looking to be one of the very first, check out the info about the First Rider Auction that we reported on just the other day too!

So, just what's all included in this special event? We got ya covered with the details.

Starting at 5pm and lasting until 10pm, on March 27th, this exclusive event will feature live DJs, prize giveaways and more throughout the evening. If that wasn't enough, the entire park will be open for everyone's enjoyment, including the all new 300ft tall Slingshot tower.

All in all, it sounds like a great event and I know that we here at ISI can't wait to get down to Carowinds to check out Fury 325 and the rest of the park in just a few weeks. To get all the details, or to pick up a season pass so you can get in on the action, head on over to the official Carowinds website for all that and more!

Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Facebook for all the latest out of Carowinds and their newest, world record breaking coaster, Fury 325!

FuryWatch: First Rider Auction, Construction Update and More for Carowinds' Fury 325!

It wasn't long ago that Carowinds finished off the track for their world record breaking coaster, Fury 325. Now it's all in the details as the opening day speeds towards us and I gotta say that it's going to be one helluva thing to behold once everything is finished. We've got all kinds of things for your this time around too; from what the ride entrance will look like, some amazing night shots of the ride, and most importantly, how you can get yourself onto the very first train of riders. So, sit back and let's get this show moving!

First up, Carowinds, in partnership with the Cam Newton Foundation, is auctioning off seats on the first three trains to leave the station. That's 96 seats that are up for grabs and really can't think of a better way to about this either. Not only do you get to have one of the first trips over that massive 325ft drop, but also get to help out a good cause while doing it.

Of course, the prizes for the highest bids aren't just seats on the ride, oh no. Here's the breakdown of the full list of prizes that winning bidders will receive:

• Invitation to the private media opening for Fury 325 for one (1) person on Wednesday, March 25, 2015* to ride in the seat you bid on.
• Two (2) Regular Single Day admission tickets valid any public operating day of the 2015 season.
• One (1) Large Fury 325 First Rider Charity Auction T-shirt.
• One (1) Fury 325 First Rider Auction Hat.

That's a lot of stuff there folks, so if you're feeling generous and just can't wait to ride, head on over to the official Carowinds site to read up on all the details and to make your bid!

Now, let's get down to the details of what's been going. We've compiled a ton that's come out from the park over the last week or so regarding the construction and take a sneak peek at the designs for some of the off ride elements like the entrance, sign and more. Let's start with the end of that and work our way back some, shall we?

February 11th: Fury 325 update

Hello peoples!!!!

I've got you next update on Fury325 here.  Now that the track is finished they seem to be moving right along in finishing everything else.  I've got two pictures for yinz this evening to enjoy.

Pulled from Facebook

This is a photograph of the hill from the operator booth or what will be the booth, lol. It's such an awesome hill and I can't wait to ride this beauty!!

Pulled from Facebook

Here are the queue lines on the ride platform. The hive design is really cool and I can only hope that the rest of the platform will be just as neat. I say go with a whole hive thing: turn the platform into a hive all around!

Pulled from Twitter

This is a picture of the tunnel design that runs underground on the coaster. You can see the track is all wrapped up while they're working on the tunnel frame. The worker also adds perspective so yinz can see how big the tunnel actually is.

As always: If you're nice to us than we'll be nice to you. You can find us in the usual places, just go to the "Where to Follow" tab on the home page and follow!!!

January 29th: Fury 325 update

Hello Peoples!!!

So this is going to be a small yet important update because Carowinds just posted up a photo of the track and there is one piece of track left to go!!!

Waiting for the final piece!! (pulled from Facebook)

According to Carowinds the final piece will be installed tomorrow sometime but I wanted to show everyone this lovely photo. Isn't the sunset pretty too?

As always: If you're nice to us than we'll be nice to you. You can find us in the usual places, just go to the "Where to Follow" tab on the home page and follow!!!

January 19th: Fury325 update

Hello peoples!!!!

I hope that everyone is having a good evening or a good day depending on where you live.  So this evening I've got two new photos for your enjoyment.

So here is just a random photo of some of the Fury325 steel being fabricated at the factory:

Found this on Carowinds's Twitter

Yes, I made this photo bigger but I think it's neat to see the track being worked on.

Now on to the awesome picture...THE TRAINS HAVE ARRIVED!!! or at least one of them, lol

This was taken from Carowinds's Facebook page

So I'm still not a fan of the lime green, but I do like the pattern on the car. Obviously they're following their own pattern with the three stripes that make up the wings and the stinger down the center. To be honest I feel like the front is too dull, they make the track and color scheme bright and shiny but the car is just gray/silver.

But that is just my thoughts on things, what does everyone else think?

As always: If you're nice to us than we'll be nice to you. You can find us in the usual places, just go to the "Where to Follow" tab on the home page and follow!!!

January 8th: Fury325 update

Hello peoples!!!!

I know it's been a bit since I've done an update but I wanted to wait until there were a bunch of pictures to share with everyone to make this enjoyable for all.

So to skip with the pleasantries and onto the fun!!!

Travel Channel reporters walking on the hill for a special that air's next summer

Another photo of the Travel Channel film crew

Fury 325 Update: December 12

Hello peoples!!!

So here I am with another Fury 325 update!  It's so awesome to see them finally moving on getting this coaster built; it probably wasn't going fast before due to the Halloween season, but now there's nothing stopping them!!  WOOT WOOT!

Just a week after putting the finishing touches on the lift hill Carowinds has announced that they have finished a second hill on this insane ride.

This hill seem like it's going to throw riders upside down, it's hard to tell from this photo which way the train will be traveling.

So this is the only photo that Carowinds has posted regarding the new hill, but do not fret my readers I'll be on the look out for the more photos and updates as they come.

As always: If you're nice to us than we'll be nice to you. You can find us in the usual places, just go to the "Where to Follow" tab on the home page and follow!!!

Nov. 22: Fury 325 update

Hello peoples!!!

On this freezing cold Pittsburgh Saturday morning (seriously it's 28*F with freezing rain!) Carowinds has given us nine new construction pictures.

These pictures show us the color scheme, the bright blue and green, and there is a station picture included as well.

The photos also show the first drop of the ride as it begins to take shape. Plus apparently there is a 140 tons of counterweight on the back of the largest crane used to build the lift hill; I thought that  was some cool information that I pulled off of their Facebook page.

So onward to the photo binge!!!

Fury 325 Update: October 23

Hello Peoples!!!

Sorry it's been a bit hearing from me, I haven't been all that well. The weather here in Pittsburgh has been up and down and that leads to sickness and plagues.

So on to better news!! Carowinds has posted another photograph of the construction of Fury 325.

From Facebook

Also, I found some other random photos on Google because why not, lol  ;)

Once I've got more information I'll be sure to pass it on to yinz!!

Remember if you're nice to us then we'll be nice to you.
You can find us in the usual places; just go to our "where to follow" tab and follow!!

Fury 325 - October 2.

Hello peoples!!!

So the first track piece is officially in place!!!  Earlier this week Carowinds put up the first piece of track, which just so happens to be the station piece!!

So without any further ado.....STUFFS!!!

It's so awesome!!! 

There is also a 13 second video posted on Carowinds's Facebook page, I can't find it on YouTube or anything to put it up alone so here is the link for the page so that you lovely readers can check it out: VIDEO.

Now that Carowinds seems to be posting interesting photos and information I'm hoping that I'll be able to update yinz more often!!

Talk to yinz later!!

Remember if you're nice to us then we'll be nice to you.
You can find us in the usual places; just go to our "where to follow" tab and follow!!
(The photos came from a couple of different places)

Carowinds: Fury 325 Update [Sept. 12]

Hello peoples!!!

Track for Fury325 had arrived at Carowinds!! I have to say that while the symbol (the hornet thing) is not high on my favorites list the color of the track is pretty.  

So the world's tallest, fastest giga coaster will stand 325 feet tall with a drop at an 81-degree angle. 

Also, going on at Carowinds is that they opened their new toll plazas!  Now, I've never been to Carowinds (although we hope to get there next year for the opening!!) but I have to say that the new toll plaza looks all sorts of shiny.

The toll plaza under construction

Putting the final touch on the new plaza, THE SIGN

The new sign!!!

The view of the toll plaza as people drive up.

So that's the new stuff out of Carowinds for right now.  Once I've got more information and/or photos I'll make sure yinz see them :)

I hope everyone has a great night!!

As always: be nice to us and we'll be nice to you. 

Solving the B&M Track at Clermont Steel Fabricators - Where's it Headed and What's it to be?

For those that don't know, Clermont Steel Fabricators is the location where Bollinger & Mabillard (aka B&M) manufactures all of their track for coasters around the world. B&M is responsible for some of the best steel coasters in our opinion as well. Rides such as, Leviathan, Manta, Kumba, Griffon, and the newly opened Banshee.

In the past few months there has been an uptick in activity around the facility and several different colored track segments have been spotted laying outside. This has gotten the rumor mill all abuzz in the coaster enthusiast world and we're here to help try and decipher the madness of it all, or at least try to.

Image via ThemePark.nl

While we know that the white track is headed to Italy for Gardaland's new Dive Machine Coaster that's set to open in 2014, the other sections aren't so clear. In addition to the track headed overseas to Italy, there's also been yellow, orange, red and a blueish/teal colored track spotted in recent weeks as well.

That's 4, maybe 5, coasters and while we know who is getting something shiny from B&M in 2015, we're just not sure which is going where just yet.

Many insiders and coaster enthusiasts believe that at least one of these is bound for Carowinds and their rumored B&M Giga coaster coming in 2015. So, that leaves the others for contention between various parks. Some believe that one is headed to somewhere in China and the other headed to The Netherland's Efteling for their "mini Dive Coaster" that's slated for a 2015 opening as well.