The answer to the question “will Son of Beast reopen” has finally been answered. After a lengthy evaluation of all alternatives, Kings Island announced today the decision has been made to remove Son of Beast, the world’s tallest wooden roller coaster to make room for future park expansion. The dismantling of the ride, which last operated in 2009, will begin later this summer.
Image on right © Cincinnati.com
In fact, Son of Beast also held a record for longest roller coaster with a loop, a record now held by California Screamin’ at Disney California Adventure. After numerous problems, the 118 foot tall vertical loop was removed after the 2006 season and the ride itself has been standing but not operating (SBNO) since 2009 (and thirty something million dollars down the drain). Ironically, the ride was located in the Action Zone section of the park but has been out of action for many years. The park won’t say what will be replacing the ride but many coaster enthusiasts are hoping a wing rider or giga coaster will take its place.
Personally, this ride will not be missed. I was able to ride Son of Beast once while it still had the loop. Even if the ride were miraculously made silky smooth it wouldn’t make up for the fact that the layout was rather uninspiring. Whether you loved it or hated it, you can’t argue with the ride’s reputation. Everyone knew about this ride. Whenever I have visited an amusement park the past couple of years I have almost always heard someone talking about Son of Beast. The ride is being removed but its legend will live on.
What do you think? Did you ever get a chance to ride the Son of Beast? With or without the loop? What type of ride or attraction would you like to see replace Son of Beast?
About time. That thing was a nightmare to ride with the loop and a nightmare to ride without the loop. The days of giant wooden roller coasters are coming to an end, and I don’t think anyone’s complaining about it.
I unfortunately never got the chance to ride it but hopefully Kings Island will add maybe a wing or giga coaster. With Cedar Point adding a wing coaster next year I have a feeling Cedar Fair will be leaning towards building a wing coaster at Kings Island. That’s just my opinion.
I will miss this ride soooo much! So Jon I’m complaining about it i wish they wouldn’t tear it down i wish that they’d leave it up but i understand why they have to tear it down it was an amazing ride and everyone i know loves this ride!
I have never ever evan walked in the entrance in my life. I really wanted to ride it sooooooo bad! DON’T TEAR DOWN SON OF BEAST PLEASE. I’m only 11 years old so i’m off a lot of years of riding it. It looks like so much fun!!! please don’t tear Son Of Beast down.
Or they could do GateKeeper like their doing Cedar Point! That would be fun! But i’ll still miss Son Of Beast. :[ :[ :[ Get on cedarpoint.com and find ot more about GateKeeper. Type in on youtube Cedar Point new ride 2013.
Son of Beast was not fun. I assure you whatever eventually replaces it will be a thousand times better.
I know what ever they put in is going to be better Nick but I kinda wanted to ride it just 1 time. But what ever they put in it’s place, I hope it’s good. Evan though they do have coll rides.
I know what you mean Sally. I guess now that I think of it I am glad I was able to ride Son of Beast at least once just to say I did!
I rode son of the beast ONCE when it had the loop and would NEVER do it again! I felt as though it would fall off the tracks any minute other than that it wasnt that great. NICK go to Kings Island and ride the beast it is so much better!
I was never able to ride it period, but I would love to see an Intamin coaster to replace it.
My name is Dale Knighten I’m a Roller Coaster Designer with RMC We Think That Son Of Beast Would’ve been one heck of a ride but do to structure issues and design flaws it would’ve been too much money to fix up but anyway Son Of Beast is still in my Eyes A Beautiful coaster