1977 - 1981

1977 - 1981. Kings Island. , 1977 , Park guests were thrown for a loop on Screamin' Demon, a first-of-its-kind roller coaster that traveled forward and backward! The ride was located in Wild Animal Safari and was built above a lake for added thrill. Across the park, Hanna-Barbera Land was expanded with a miniature bumper car ride named Boulder Bumpers., Comedian Dick Van Dyke served as Kings Island's spokesperson. The famed performer even dedicated International Showplace, a new theater., 1978 , The Bavarian Beetle was retired and replaced with Ferris Wheel, a classic amusement ride., Tower Gardens opened adjacent to the Eiffel Tower, featuring lush foliage and picturesque water features, including a waterfall., 1979 , Kings Island unleashed "the biggest, baddest, longest, fastest wooden roller coaster in the world” with the debut of The Beast., The one-of-a-kind ride included underground tunnels, two lift hills, and 7,359 feet of wooden track sprawled over 35 acres., 1980 , The Beast became even more ferocious with several modifications. The second and third tunnels were combined to create one longer tunnel, part of the 540-degree helix finale was enclosed, and the banking of the track after the main drop was heavily modified., The Scooby-Doo roller coaster became The Beast's little brother when it was renamed The Beastie. Like its big brother, a small tunnel was added to the base of its drop., 1981 , The Bat flew onto the scene as the world's first suspended roller coaster. The $3.8 million innovation simulated the flight of a bat with its many twists and turns and special train design, where the cars could swing outwards at up to 100-degree angles., Although a unique ride, The Bat was a prototype attraction and experienced a substantial amount of downtime. Kings Island At times, riding the coaster was a challenge due to its limited operation, but those who braved The Bat remember a remarkable ride experience.