Today marks the anniversary of Kings Island’s 2019 announcement that Vortex would be retired, and I’ve published a piece on TPBD reflecting on the ride’s legacy. 

https://themeparksbydon.com/remember-the-grip-Vortex-kings-island/

Out of all the removed rides at Kings Island... the removal of Vortex hit me the hardest and I still miss it to this day 

Honestly both Vortex and Firehawk hit me hard and with both rides being removed back to back seasons. Vortex, like for many countless others, was my first big looping coaster and holds a special place in my heart for that reason and many others. It also was removed the same year so many other facets of my life changed in a big and not so happy way. The removal of this ride was symbolic of that and was deeply felt. I was thankful that I was able to get one final ride on it for its official last day of operation as well as a ton of pictures and videos. The fact that the plot is still empty and only serves as a drone pad feels so wrong. Vortex was an iconic staple and was easily one of the rides you associated with the park in the same way one would with The Beast and Racer. 

Until we get a replacement worthy of that plot, I don't think any long time KI fans are going to fully get over the loss of the once great Vortex. 

The Vortex voice sounded like the Indian Thriller. (Watch the beginning of that video...)