Adventure Express facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Adventure Express |
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|---|---|
| Kings Island | |
| Location | Kings Island |
| Park section | Oktoberfest |
| Coordinates | 39°20′40″N 84°15′53″W / 39.344462°N 84.264777°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | April 13, 1991 |
| Cost | $4,000,000 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel – Mine Train |
| Manufacturer | Arrow Dynamics |
| Model | Mine Train |
| Lift/launch system | Two chain lift hills |
| Height | 63 ft (19 m) |
| Length | 2,963 ft (903 m) |
| Speed | 35 mph (56 km/h) |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Duration | 2:20 |
| Capacity | 1600 riders per hour |
| G-force | 3.8 |
| Height restriction | 48 in (122 cm) |
| Trains | 3 trains with 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 3 rows for a total of 30 riders per train. |
 Fast Lane available |
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| Adventure Express at RCDB | |
Adventure Express is an exciting mine train roller coaster at Kings Island amusement park. You can find it in Mason, Ohio. This fun ride was designed and built by Arrow Dynamics. It first opened on April 13, 1991. The coaster is in the Oktoberfest part of the park. It's close to Hank's Burrito Shack and SlingShot. Like other mine train rides, Adventure Express has a lap bar to keep you safe. It does not go upside down.
Contents
History of Adventure Express
Kings Island wanted a special mine train roller coaster in 1990. They asked Arrow Dynamics and designer Ron Toomer to build it. This ride would be different from others. It would have a strong theme and feel "out-of-control." This idea came from the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
Building the ride started in 1990. It cost about $4 million to create this family-friendly coaster. The park described it as a jungle adventure. Riders would go "through steamy volcanic tunnels" and "across rickety bridges." They would also enter a "deserted mine shaft." Adventure Express welcomed its first riders on April 13, 1991.
What Happens on the Ride?
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Your journey starts as the train leaves the station. It makes a small turn to the right, then a small turn to the left. Next, the train dips into a turn through a jungle-themed tunnel. A big sign on the tunnel says "Track Closed."
After leaving this tunnel, the train slows down. It then enters a second tunnel. Inside, the train makes a sharp turn to the left. This leads to the first lift hill. As you climb, you'll see a skeleton wearing a safari outfit. It has a spear through its chest and a snake around its neck. You'll also pass under wooden beams with tiki-themed faces.
At the top of the first hill, the train dips quickly. It then goes down a winding turn to the right. This turn ends with a short dip. Then, you go up a turn to the left. At the top, the train dips again. It goes through another turn to the right.
The ride then levels out. You'll experience another turn to the left. This leads into the coaster's third tunnel. As you exit, the turn switches to the right. This is followed by two turns that go uphill. These turns lead into the final tunnel.
Inside this last tunnel, the train slows down again. It enters the second lift hill. This lift hill is completely enclosed. You'll see large stone warrior statues on both sides. Their eyes glow, and their arms move. They look like they are pounding their fists. At the top of this hill, a large stone warrior appears. Its eyes glow brightly. It looks like it's pouring lava on you as you pass. The train then dips and turns right. It enters the final brake run before returning to the station.
The Ride's Theme
Adventure Express is designed like a treasure hunting adventure. It reminds many people of the Indiana Jones movies. When Paramount Parks owned Kings Island, you could hear the Indiana Jones theme music. A voice would welcome "archaeologists and explorers" in the line.
During the ride, you hear sounds of a rainforest. These sounds play as you move through different areas. In the last tunnel, a spooky voice speaks. It says, "You have disturbed the forbidden temple. Now you will pay!"
Some special effects have changed over time. The Indiana Jones music and commentary are no longer in the line. Also, the voice and some lights in the final tunnel are not there anymore as of August 20, 2015[update].
Dedication of the Ride
Adventure Express is dedicated to Robert G. Rinckel. He was the construction manager at Kings Island from 1974 to 1990. Sadly, he passed away before the ride opened. A special plaque honors him. It is dated April 12, 1991. You can find it on a stone near the ride's entrance.
