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Is this a picture from the future after The Vortex has sunk?

As you know, Vortex turns 25 this year. In 1987 I was in 7th grade and just getting over my fear of coasters. I still remember getting my first KI season pass at Winterfest, December '86 and seeing Vortex's hill towering over the trees. I was lucky enough to ride it on opening morning, April 11, 1987. I didn't really understand the layout until (while we waited for the rope to drop) I climbed to the 50 foot platform of the Eiffel Tower. I got two rides that day, and forever turned into a coaster fan. Of course there was no internet back then, so I had to rely on newspaper clippings, like this article from the Cincinnati Enquirer. I hope you enjoy it! cover http://flic.kr/p/bndvo5 page 1 http://flic.kr/p/bA8naB page 2 http://flic.kr/p/bA8nsp page 3 http://flic.kr/p/bndwy7 page 4 http://flic.kr/p/bA8ojD page 5 http://flic.kr/p/bndxCd page 6 http://flic.kr/p/bA8pe8 page 7 http://flic.kr/p/bA8pxe page 8 http://flic.kr/p/bA8pQM PS If someone can suggest a more elegant way to post these pics, I'd appreciate it!

Photo #63 (hey it's still march 4th)

Lovkdown, sounds Russian.

Crowd wise it should not be too bad. Make sure you do the All Day Dining deal. Well worth the small upcharge. Must do rides: Coasters Rhino Ralley Congo River Rapids(If warm) Round trip on the railroad Sky Ride Looping Pirate Ship Animal Attractions: Bird Gardens Edge of Africa Lory Landing Myombe Reserve Seregenti Plain Walkabout Way BGT is my favorite park in Florida. Enjoy.

Wow, really, 25 years? I had no idea. Kind of cool that it coincides with the 40th anniversary celebration, too. The Vortex is such a classic, the first coaster that scared the pants off of me, but I went on it and felt like a hero.

It's okay, Batman. Terp, who was surprised Paramount apparently had a wee case of Gotham envy.

I guess i'll take one too because when I read your original post all I thought to myself was "Who'd have guessed"! (John, I guess I have too much faith in you! )

Maybe this is just because I go to Kings Island all the time, but I'd rather walk around the park for one hour than spend a whole day riding rides. For one , riding rides all day is just boring and tiring, but walking around is fun and relaxing. I also really like people watching! So, yeah, I miss the atmosphere most. In fact I haven't ridden a coaster there since July, and I went three times during October and once in September!

I love the idea of the open tunnels at the end. I hate sitting in the closed tunnel now. Nothing really to look at, besides the gum. Painting The Racer red/white/blue would be my dream "improvement" to the park. It would shine.

Definetly 1974. Well, actually 1990, because of the backwards racer, but thats not a option. And I would like that patio back, looks very nice. And I kind of like the tunnels, bu the thing I don't like is everyone throws there gum and boogers on the wall, So its quite discusting when you go through there.

Skid brakes. Wet skid brakes don't function as well. Covers help keep skid brakes dry. Of course, the skid brakes are now gone.