Friday, May 05, 2000
'Son of Beast' likely to reopen Saturday
By Kevin Aldridge
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MASON — Paramount's Kings Island officials say Son of Beast should be up and roaring again by Saturday.
The giant, looping wooden roller coaster was idled for much of its first weekend so a 15-foot section of track could be adjusted.
“There was a section of track at the top of the second hill that was a little rougher than we would have liked,' said Park spokeswoman Jennifer Bowers. “This is an extremely smooth ride for a wood coaster and we want to ensure our guests experience that for the entire ride.”
An exclusive event for season pass holders scheduled today from 6 to 10 p.m. has been canceled, but will be rescheduled, Ms. Bowers said. Kings Island is open for weekend operation until May 26, when it will open daily.
Previews of Son of Beast were delayed last week after lightning damaged the ride's electrical system. The ride opened last Friday, but was closed most of Saturday and Sunday because of the track problem.
“It's more about comfort for our guests than anything else,” said Ms. Bowers. “It has nothing to do with safety. We wouldn't open a ride unless we were 150 percent sure it was safe.”
Park officials say Son of Beast, Kings Island's 13th roller coaster, is the world's tallest and only looping wooden roller coaster.
The ride, costing about $15 million, is the single largest investment in Kings Island's history.
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