The Ride
In 1978 the Dinn Coparation started construction on a coaster that would redefine the speed, length, and height of modern wooden coasters. Where was this beast constructed? Paramounts King's Island of course. King's Island has always had an intrest in wooden coasters ever since they opened Racer in 1972. Beast, as the coaster was called, was built to be King's Islands claim to fame. They couldn't have been more right. Beast proved to be on of the best coasters of the century and went into the record books as the tallest, fastest, and longest coaster at a length of 7,400 feet! Beast was not only the longest coaster, but the Dinn Corporation created the longest terrian coaster when this mammoth opened on April 14, 1979.
The Experience
Riders enter the queve line a begin the trek to the station house of Beast. They board one of three trains and they drift through a quick 180 degree turn before they are picked up by one of the two chain lifts. They are carried above the trees to a height of 135 feet. From there the train descents down a 45 degree first drop and into the blackness of a tunnel. As riders exit the tunnel they find themselve speeding out of control through the woods of Kings Mill, Ohio. At this point the riders are in the beast territory and they are about to go for a ride. They trains pick up speed as they fly around banked curves and steep ascents. After the Beast is finish riders engage onto the second lift hill, which gives them a chance to rest, but not for long. They are then hurtled down an 18 degree drop and into the grand finale. That's right the double helix awaits the riders. They circle around 540 degrees, meanwhile the train circles through to tunnel and finally finds it's way to a quick dive and climb to the ride's finish.
Beast will always be thrilling riders into the future, now alongside his son, Son Of Beast. The only wooden coaster with a vertical loop. Not a bad way to keep the family tradition alive.
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