Which Kings Island Ride had the Most Riders in 2023?
Kings Island Team
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Rides operated at Kings Island through the final days of December and this week we take a look back at which ones had the highest ridership of 2023.
It was another big season for Kings Island’s Orion, which has been popular with guests since opening in 2020. The park’s tallest, fastest and longest steel roller coaster gave more than 1.5 million rides during 2023, the most of any ride at the 364-acre amusement park.
For thrill-seekers looking for things to do in Cincinnati, Orion is at the top of their list. And, for good reason. Named 2020’s Best New Amusement Park Attraction by USA Today’s 10Best.com Readers’ Choice Poll, Orion features an exhilarating 300-foot first drop, and then sends riders on a high-speed journey over seven more hills and 5,321 feet of track at speeds up to 91 mph.
Kings Island Vice President and General Manager Mike Koontz is one of Orion’s regular riders.
“In 2020, when I rode Orion for the first time, I knew we had achieved what we asked coaster designer Bolliger & Mabillard to deliver” said Koontz. “What I love about the coaster is how re-rideable it is. It’s not uncommon to see park guests exit after riding only to get right back in line to ride it again. It’s a ride that I can ride with my grandchildren and I wanted our park's families to enjoy the thrill I felt on that first ride.”
Dan Hower, founder and editor-in-chief of Coaster Nation, a leading media outlet covering the themed entertainment industry, has taken more than 50 rides on Orion.
"The rush of the 300-foot drop, the pulse-quickening speeds up to 91 mph combined with lots of ‘floater air time’ creates an unforgettable experience,” said Hower. “It's not just a coaster; it's a journey into the future, and it's no wonder Orion continues to be popular among thrill seekers!"
Other notable Kings Island ridership stats:
- In 2023, The Racer, Kings Island’s iconic side-by-side twin racing coaster surpassed 110 million total rides (1972-2023), the most given by any Kings Island ride in the park’s 50+ year history.
- Six Kings Island rides gave more than a million rides in 2023: The Beast; Orion; Diamondback; Mystic Timbers; The Racer and Banshee.
- The most ridden non-coaster ride of 2023 was Boo Blasters on Boo Hill, which gave just shy of 900,000 rides.
- Since the park's opening in 1972, only three Kings Island rides have given more than 50 million total rides: The Racer; The Beast and K.I. & Miami Valley Railroad.
Unlimited Rides in 2024
If you're a rider, the best deal on Kings Island admission is the Gold Pass, which gives you unlimited rides and unlimited visits for the entire year, including free parking, passholder benefits and special offers.
*Rides have different hourly capacities which affects overall ridership.
