I've only had night rides on it. Idk if I can ever ride it in the day now... 😕 lol. But my first ride left me breathless and amazed. It was incredible. I was going to be so upset if I couldnt get a ride on it this haunt season, but I won single use fast passes and my entire group was able to ride. It didn't feel as amazing as the first time, but I think it was because I already knew the ride. I still ride the raptor at CP, but I know it like the back of my hand. I ADORE how long the beast is. It's something I wish more modern coasters did, had long a** tracks lol
@@whitneyg9150 Not sure how it is now but 20 years ago when I rode it last the lighting was limited to just the cement tunnel area and the top of the second lift hill. The rest was just dark woods which is so exhilarating.
@@billkeithchannel There is a big flood light at the top of each hill, one down the tunnel, the other lighting the helix. But sometimes they turn those off after the fireworks, and use IR cameras to keep an eye on things.
My favorite thing about "The Beast" is the lengthy meandering through the wilderness. I love when things are incorporated into an environment without destroying it.
There’s this one guy who had a modern, exotic, house designed in the middle of the woods and didn’t remove a single tree or bush. Edit: It’s called Casa Levene. Second edit: 8 trees had to be cut down, but 8 new trees were planted in the same area to compensate. My bad.
Even if the ride has some straight sections towards the middle, the ending helix has got to be the most intense section of a wooden coaster ever. At night it feels like the ride is literally going to rip itself apart because it's going so fast there.
@@johnnyboy6942 I rode SOB the third day it was opened with the loop, and 1st day it was opened without the loop. It was bone shattering everytime. I wanted more.
From what I've read, the Racer in 1977 (also in Kings Island) is agreed upon to have been the coaster that kickstarted the wooden renaissance. But I'm sure the Beast helped to kick it in to overdrive.
As a multi year employee at the Beast some tips, the best place to ride is the second to last row and once temps get lower they take out one or two breaks. So if you’ve rode it during the Halloween season and thought ‘Is this faster?’ Then yes it actually is. I have so many amazing memories on the Beast and it’ll always be my all time fav coaster. Thanks for a great video!
As a multi year rider of the Beast, I 100% agree with your row suggestion. Even after the refurb, row 17 is still the best. I honestly didn't know about the brake thing though. Although, I always love a row 1 night ride when the weather starts to cool off, and especially when there's some fog in the woods. I already can't wait until opening day, and it's only November 3rd. I'll be at winter fest, but it's not the same. I'm thankful that Mystic timbers is running at least.
I also worked on it in the 90s. I loved how when there was an empty seat, employees could ride it as a part of our job. One day I was placed "down in the hole" as they called it. The little side space in the line where we measured the kids heights. It was a slow day and I closed my eyes for just a minute. When I opened my eyes back up, the "suits" were standing there and I got written up. Moral of the story, never close your eyes at work. The Beast will be 50 in a couple of years. I hope I get to ride this one more time. Great rollercoaster.
The Beast is unapologetically my favorite coaster. See, some coasters feels like they're taking you for a ride. They're swoopy and airy. The Beast is not. The Beast is not here to fuck around. It feels like its trying to murder you. I love it.
One thing I'd say: if you're from the area, the theme of going through the woods and having the punctuated moments of intensity makes it feel like a chase through familiar territory. We grew up in these woods, if that makes sense. This is my favorite roller coaster. It's thematically perfect. It's just FUN. I'm not an enthusiast in any way, and I don't care what anyone says. I have so many great memories of KI because of this coaster. Obviously many others agree with us. :D
Honestly I could never imagine the Beast would be getting so much hate. Night rides and the sheer power of the helix are out of this world. We traveled to Ohio just for the Beast one year and it was the best decision!
John, The Beast, has NOT "had its time", people come from all over not only for ALL of Kings Island and their coasters, but for The Beast, which is a GREAT ride, night OR day. So there is no airtime, BFD, the ride was built and designed in-house, and has stood the test of time, so YES, other rides you mentioned are good as well, but STFU about The Beast, STILL the biggest, baddest, longest coaster out there!!
I use to work on The Beast back in the early 1990’s. We’d do “night rides” after the park closed and the mechanics would drop the brakes (back before it had fins brakes). Usually , Beast hits 60-65 mph at the bottom of the first hill... during “night rides”, it hit 75-80mph. The helix was just as insane. It was painful but fun as hell.
This is physically not possible. Assuming 141 foot drop free-fall with initial velocity of 9fps chain lift speed you would only reach 65.23 mph, and that is free-fall no friction. So no way it could reach 75-80mph
Out of the ones I've ridden at night it'd be right behind Ghostrider at Knott's Berry Though with Ghostrider I was unable to ride it until right before leaving the park which was like 10pm due to the lines, and it was late December, within days of the Winter Solstice, it was absolute pitch black darkness while riding it, not knowing the layout or anything else about the coaster made it insanely fun and if I ever made it back to KBP I'd probably wait til night to ride it again!
Not only is the Beast my favorite coaster at Kings Island, it's my favorite coaster on earth. For mostly the reasons mentioned in this video. I also agree that enthusiasts must ride the Beast at night at least one time. Since ElToroRyan won't say it, I will: "Everyone needs to love the Beast for what it is"... which is the biggest, baddest, longest fastest back yard coaster in the universe.
I’ve ridden a LOT of coasters in my life and tbh the Beast’s night ride is probably one of the most beautiful and enjoyable coaster experiences I’ve ever had. Incredibly fun time
Its all about expectations. People probably hear about the legendary Beast and think its gonna be spectacular and its really not, but if you look at it the way you do, you will appreciate it for what it is
There's probably a lot of truth to that. It's almost like seeing an older player in a sport where they were the best at their time, but they are not quite at the same level as the younger players that are shining brighter in the present day, but those who saw the older player in his prime would rave about how awesome that player is to see in person because of their past experience, but when you see them live now, they don't quite measure up.
@Pokediger1482 your not wrong I'm not honestly sure they never said what it was and ask this before. I just guess girl cause I've never seen the father of the son of beast.....
The ones that hate do not appreciate what a wooden coaster is all about. They forget that all roller coasters were woodies at one time! Without them I doubt there would have been steel coasters. They are charming classic hearts of the parks they reside in. There is nothing like them.
@Thebeaststory931well traditionally anything with wheels or floats is considered female but in this case the Beast to me is masculine so if I had to call it I would call it male or “he”
Th Beast was my 50th credit. The night ride alone is the main reason noone should be hating on this ride. Nice generic "Blue Monday"music. Great video. Note: When they designed the layout, the constantly redrew the plans if they discovered old trees they wanted to preserve. Kings Islands were some of the first conservationist in the 80s.
That's awesome. One thing people might also not realize is that wooden coasters are good for the environment if built with timber grown sustainably. Wood is a carbon sink!
cause Kings Island was home grown.. not like it is today .. some faceless Corporate Amusement Park company that wasn't even in Cincinnati.... I mean I remember the Hanna Barbara ownership.. (remember the Brady's AND the Partridge family both did episodes at KI).... now CEDAR FAIR owns it and KI sucks.. Even when Paramount owned it it wasn't as bad as it is now (Paramount was kind of a cool owner actually) but when Cedar Fair (park) bought it.. that was the beginning of the end in my book. They just have focused on sucking as much money out of customers and patrons rather than focusing on the quality of the park!!! It is way too crowded .. it looks shabby .... there is no real "culture" .. just corporate.. when I grew up with KI you felt Cincinnati in the park.. now it is just corporate through and through. And just this past season there have been fights breaking out in the park by these teens. The culture of the park is dismal and depressing. I probably will never attend again because of this .
@@caelidhg6261 i am much younger than you (assuming you were old enough to ride all of the rides pre-paramount), but I couldn't agree more. Holiday World is one of the few parks left that actually feels non-corporate, and family backed
@@caelidhg6261 I hate to break it to you, but all theme parks are corporate. I don’t care if you’re Silver Dollar City, I don’t care if you’re Lagoon, theme parks are businesses trying to make money. There’s no “culture” they’re trying to make, it’s the patrons that make the culture and they’re fine with having their money sucked out of them because they want them to build more roller coasters! Also, when there’s fights breaking out, don’t blame the park, blame the people.
A night ride of The Beast is one of the greatest coaster experiences you can possibly have. It's so atmospheric and cool I implore people who have never ridden it before to ride it twice, once at the beginning of their visit, and another at the end when it's dark just so they can see how different it is. There isn't anything quite like it. For me the only thing that came close was the son of beast when it was still open at night.
And it really wasn't supposed to be that long. After the first part was approved the second portion was brought to the owner to look the plans over and approved them. The park owner said in an interview that he thought it was a redesign of the original plan not a second section. He said he would not have approved a coaster of that length if he had known what he was signing on to.
Imagine in the science fair: Teacher: Jimmy, where's your "thing"? Jimmy: Oh, we need to go to an amusement park Teacher: Wut? Jimmy: Yeah, amusement park At the amusement park Jimmy: Here it is! Teacher: WHAT THE F-
I never really thought about how significant Beast is, with how it links to different manufacturers and coasters. That's pretty cool. Also, all that Vortex footage is makin' me sad bro
snagged my first ride on this legend today and i laughed hysterically the entire time. they were loading full trains and they were absolutely hauling, i definitely got smoked by a couple of the transitions (like going into the massive helix) but overall this coaster is just illegal amounts of fun. long ride time, crazy laterals, and a full body workout as a bonus lmao
The layout may be bland and the ride may be rough but for me it’s a pure fun roller coaster. I don’t go on it looking for a smooth ride. This monster of a ride is extremely intense especially that last helix.
Yes, that last helix! The experienced rider taking a new rider on this coaster should always be courteous and tell his ride partner "at the bottom of the 2nd lift hill before we enter the tunnel, brace your head to the left and hold it tight". My sister once complained she had whiplash from that sudden left!!
I live ONLY 40 minutes from K.I. and grew up riding the BEAST . The NIGHT rides were truly AWESOME ! ONE ride I will never forget was as a teenager and was on the very last coaster that night to leave the station. There operator came on the P.A. " Beware the BEAST " followed by a wicked laugh as we left the station and turned off all the lights on the entire ride. Climbing the hill in TOTAL darkness built so much excitement. BEST RIDE EVER !!
I’ve ridden The Beast hundreds of times and even worked at it. I think The Beast is one of the most interesting designs of any coaster. I find it way more fun than Mystic. And I think without The Beast we’d never have stuff like The Voyage.
the beast wasnt built by any company KI built it in house the voyage was built by a diffarent company that is known to push the limits the beast was also built in the 70's bigger rides were gonna be built never say never because thats not true at all
Nicky D Ice didn’t say anything about what company built it, only about its design, and stated an opinion about the Beast’s influence. Opinions can’t be false.
My Dad got to ride The Beast when it opened. He was 12 at the time. My first trip to Kings Island was about 10 years ago, and that was my first time riding Beast, alongside my dad. I've ridden it many times since, and I still absolutely love it. The long, staggered acceleration down the straight parts are very enjoyable to me. The train just slowly picking up more speed then slamming into a helix is just unique. Like you said, it's a homemade coaster. It has all sorts of quirks to it that set it apart, despite it's simple layout.
If this makes sense, it’s not not very unique but also very unique. The layout is very uninspired but the woodsy and hilly setting the coaster is in plus the fact it is literally a backyard roller coaster on drugs is what makes it unique. I’m still very new to riding coasters and this one is high up on my must-do list.
The Beast is my favorite ride of all time. I've rode coasters all up and down the eastern part of America and nothing compares to the character and layout of The Beast. I've rode it hundreds of times over the last 40 years. It never gets old.
As a coaster enthusiast whos favorite rides are fury, intimidator, and such alike, i absolutely loved the beast. For being over 40 years old its not that rough especially for a wooden coaster. I thought it was unique and i loved how long it was and how it took you in the woods away from everything, and it was just epic. Its so different from anything ive ridden and i loved the drops and tunnels. 70mph for an old wooden coaster thats impressive
@@ArrowThrills agreed SOB 2.0 for golden season at Kings Island makes too much sense. The only question is what form should it take, who is going to build it.
I actually have a bumper sticker on the back of my car that I custom made that says "I rather be on The Beast". I'm 45 now, and I love the Beast. I remember being at the park the day it opened to the general public, and my sisters rode it. I wasn't tall enough yet. I love riding it in the rain most of all. This year we went the weekend after opening weekend and it was raining like crazy. Every kind of rain you can imagine. There was no line at the beast. Walk up the the gate and get on. I rode it over and over and over in the rain till it broke down, and stopped releasing the bars in the station. Then it was closed the rest of the day. If you need to make the Beast fell smooth ride the Racer a few times first.
No coaster will ever match the memories that I made on the Beast. Dark night rides in the middle of August with my middle school friends. I love it for this.
Front seat at night is also amazing. You are so used to being able to see what's coming in the front car, and on a dark night there are big sections of the track where you can't see ANYTHING! It's great. :)
Ryan - my man - as someone who has grown up and lives in SW Ohio for 42 years...the Beast and I are the same age. It is nice to hear someone give it some love. I have ridden better, smoother roller coasters, but nothing in my mind is more loved and more nostalgic. Be the last train to leave the station for the day is a thrill that takes me back to my childhood. Thank you, my man.
I love The Beast so much. One of my favorite memories was being on the last ride of the night and topping the second lift hill just as the parks fireworks show was going on. It felt like a once in a lifetime experience. You make an excellent point about how being an enthusiast should also include an appreciation for history.
Yeah, the Voyage is actually pretty bad. 🤢👎 It's so rough it bangs your brains out and it's one of the only coasters that has actually made me physically sick... And I don't get sick easily.
Screw the hate, the beast is amazing, especially at night. Still one of my favorite night rides ever. Got the very last ride of the night one time , as it started to storm and right as the fireworks had started . When we got back the platform was completely cleared out (was full before we left). Best ride of my life.
@@dylpklz688 I think engineering specs on Rollercoaster Database website is cool. I live 2hrs from Kings Island and 4hrs from Cedar Point. I remember when The Beast was built. Still Banshee is my favorite.
The Beast was first big roller coaster and is still my favorite roller coaster of all time I love this ride so much and I hope they never get rid of it
The Beast is the coaster single handedly changed my view on wooden coasters. I think modern coaster enthusiasts don't appreciate the history of how the coaster was designed completely in house (with help from a local engineering company.) As soon as there's a slight rattle, enthusiasts are complaining.
Your videos are starting to make me remember how much fun I had riding the coasters at KI. I live 15 minutes away from the park and haven't been in years. Just might have to go back this summer. And I don't care what anyone says, The Beast it hands down one of the best coasters ever made. And yeah, riding it at night is awesome. Especially when the park is doing their FearFest. (Now known as "Halloween Haunt")
The Beast is what got me over my fear of roller coasters and it will forever be my all-time favorite. Seeing when it was made and how its stood the test of time is remarkable.
I rode the Beast for the first time in 11 years just a few weeks ago, I got a total of 4 rides on it, 2 in the back, one in the front, and one in the middle at night, and it seriously is one of my favourite Traditional Wooden Roller Coasters (Traditional because El Toro is way better but isn't a traditional Woodie). The back is very fun and isn't that rough, more like a playful rough that adds to the character, rather than being painful, the Front row is super exhilarating thanks to just the awesome views you get, and the night ride... seriously one of the best experiences I've ever had on a roller coaster, beating getting a Rollback on TTD or getting a Back Row Zen ride on El Toro. You can't see anything, and the sounds of the ride seems louder, I actually lost my voice partially that night cause the train and I were cheering so loud when we returned. The Retracking and reprofiling was really really good and that rosebowl section is a hidden gem, so much Gs on that first turn. Yes the layout isn't the greatest, and yes the trims suck ass, but it's so legendary and the setting is perfect, I love it so much
Went to kings island for the first time in summer 2018 and I didn’t think much of Beast before I got on it, I was more excited for the steel coasters and left absolutely in love with the beast. Got a night ride at around 11pm and there’s nothing else like it
I've gotten 2 night rides on it. Once, I rode it during the fireworks. Reaching the top of the second hill and seeing fireworks before diving into the helix was amazeing.
Two things I love about The Beast. 1. You have no idea beyond the first hill what the ride looks like, this leaves the riders completely oblivious that what comes next. The added tunnels make fir exciting surprises. As well encountering a 2nd lift hill 3/4th the way through the ride. 2. The second lift hill into the double helix is still one of my favorite coaster sections I have ever ridden.
Hey first off, THANKS! So glad to hear a real enthusiast recognize this ride for what it is. I've been going to kings island ever since I was a kid and over the years, they've got some legit coasters. But every time somebody asks me what my favorite ride is...its always the beast. Just something about it man. And yeah my first ride on it was at dusk/almost night, and I was told, "it's just an old wooden coaster, not too bad." Lol, that's what I tell every unsuspecting person I bring with me to the park now and I laugh at the look on their face when we finish that helix, just like I got laughed at cuz my eyes were bout to pop out of my head and I had a death grip on whatever I could get my hands on, haha. Just can't find anything else like it. Left ya a like for the awesome video though. Thanks man!
An OUTSTANDING presentation, young man!! If there were a Mt. Rushmore for wooden roller coasters The Beast would surely be on it. And your report illuminates just WHY this ride is so iconic. A+ !
What strikes me about The Beast's story is how (like other "old-school" rides) the key to it's longevity & popularity is it's simplicity... it was designed to be fun for _everyone._ Feels like every large coaster built in the US today is targetting increasingly niche markets, while briefly capturing a new record for park publicity. But record-breaking is a double-edged sword if you're relying solely on the stats to attract riders. And like enthusiasts are a small subset of park-goers, young thrillseekers are a subset of the GP... but pretty much _anyone_ can enjoy the sights & sounds (and pain!) of these older coasters like The Beast. It's also why so many people have good memories of The Beast.... because it's the type of coaster that your parents would take you on & you'd run to every time you got to the park. Maybe The Beast have another prosperous 40 years! 🎢👍
I went to KI for the first time with a friend last year in early October. We tried to get a night ride but because of the pandemic they closed an hour before sundown. Still an incredible experience. The fall colors, leaves blowing across the track, the crisp autumn air. I fell in love with this ride and I'm absolutely looking forward to opening day 2021.
Another great video! I have to admit, going to Kings Island for the first time last summer I had strong doubts that The Beast would live up to the hype. It just looked boring on video compared to newer coasters. Well I'm happy to say that I was WRONG, The Beast is an experience unlike anything else out there and I had a lot of fun on it! The second drop into the helix was my favorite part of the ride, it just keeps getting faster and faster which is pretty intimidating going into that tunnel. I actually went to Holiday World the day after and rode The Voyage a few times and that coaster truly blew me away. It earned my #1 wooden coaster spot because it made me laugh like a little kid and was just a fantastic ride. The Beast is a totally different animal (literally) and comes from a different era. It may not be the newest, most intense, fanciest coaster out there but that's okay. A coaster doesn't always have to be totally insane to be fun and The Beast proves that. It doesn't deserve the hate, why else would it be ranked in the top ten year after year?
Being my hometown park, the Beast has been my favorite roller coaster at King's Island since I first rode it at night. It's a good coaster during the day, but the roughness and pure darkness of the forest at night is unbelievable.
6:37 I'm glad you had a picture of when the start of the ride took you out over a man-made lake. It added to the feeling that you were seperated from the feeling of civilization of the rest of the park. It added to the atmosphere. Atmosphere is what the Beast has. It's like high speed forest bathing.
I feal that how loud the tunnels and helix is not talked about often. You can scream as loud as you want and no one will hear you. Thats my favorite part like to think of it as the beast roar
Not only a home run but so well put together, thought out, very well explained, editing on point, And talked about the coaster that started the tallest, longest, fastest wood wars IMO.
This is an excellent and well researched documentary on one of my all time favorite coasters! My experience with The Beast goes all the way back to 1979! I was 25 years old and home on leave from the Air Force! Living in Indianapolis as my home town and various other locations, I've had the opportunity to experience many parks within easy driving distance! Kings Island was my favorite park since it opened in 1972 (That was back in the Hanna Barbara days!). That was until I discovered Cedar Point in 2000! Kings Island was the first BIG park to open so close to me and it was only the second amusement park I had visited! The first was Riverside Amusement Park in Indianapolis which had two very nice wooden coasters (The Thriller and The Flash) back when I was a small child. The very sad and so unnecessary history of that park resulted in its closure in 1970. I later discovered Old Indiana, Indiana Beach and Holiday World, the later of those three is unfortunately the only one still around. With the notable exception of Santa Claus Land (1946) which expanded to become Holiday World (1984), Indiana has not been fertile ground for theme/amusement parks! It's ironic that Indiana is still home to the first "theme" park in the world... but I digress. Cedar Point is currently my favorite park with Millennium Force being my personal favorite coaster so far. It's fitting that Cedar Fair now owns the parks once owned by Kings. They are doing a much better job than even Paramount did when it took over in my opinion.The Beast was built while Kings Island was still under it's original management though.The park was only 7 years old at the time. What a marvelous achievement it is! I've always loved The Beast! Now I appreciate it even more understanding the background! It certainly is my personal favorite Kings Island ride for so many reasons! Holiday World probably has my current favorite woodies. That is certainly an amazing park for one so personal and small with a great story too! That's it's charm but my personal history with Kings Island goes back farther and it will always be special to me. I have not been to the park since the modifications but I am intrigued and I suspect I will love it even more when I do. Perhaps The Beast will reclaim its spot at the top for me! And yes! The night ride experience on The Beast is like no other! Thank you for doing this amazing research and making this beloved woody even more special to me! Update: May 2020. I’m happy to see that Indiana Beach seems to have been rescued. Indiana is still a hostile place for Amusement and Theme Parks and I hope for the best for the two remaining family owned parks!
I absolutely love the coaster. It just feels so unique, yeah sure the layout may be “dull”. But riding at night/in the rain, DEFINITELY makes up for it. Honestly I think the best thing about it is atmosphere, and KI did atmosphere PERFECTLY. (P.S. I’m literally wearing a Beast shirt as I write this lol)
I’ve never ridden Beast or went to Kings Island but you’ve given me a new mindset for when I finally do ride beast and I’ll make sure to do night rides.
For the best rides. Sit in the front seat during the day and seat 11. Those are the best seats on the ride. I've been to kings island 38 times this yr and the beast is the only reason I have my season passes. I ride the beast at least 4 times before I leave. And don't get me wrong I love their other coasters but my goal is to ride the beast and racer as much as possible
@@billijorutter2595 honestly same. The beast is my favorite ride at that park and favorite wooden coaster, but I haven't been on the voyage. I hate to say this, well actually I love to, I enjoy the beast more then steel vengeance
@Coaster Dude honestly, I do feel that it ran better in 2018 but it is an old classic coaster. Idc what anyone says, this will continue to be my favorite woodie. But the new carts they added for the anniversary might have had something to do with it. I hope u get back around to it and enjoy it more
the beast opened when my parents were 10 years old. 40 years later i rode it at age 16, and i hope it remains open long enough that in another 20 years i can take my kids on it. it is such a unique ride that everyone deserves to experience, especially late at night. it represents exactly what a good wooden roller coaster should be: thrilling, nostalgic, and fear inducing.
Another thing I love is that The Bush Beast from the now defunct Australia's Wonderland (later Wonderland Sydney) is vaguely tied up in that whole Curtis D. Summers, Charles Dinn, TBC/KECO era of wooden roller coasters and while no longer in existence, was a sibling to Grizzly at King's Dominion and Wild Beast at Canada's Wonderland, and family with many other wooden coasters of the era, not to mention a descendant of Wildcat from old Coney Island. It also used a slightly altered version of the outstretched claws iconography of The Beast. Rollercoaster history is cool :)
The Beast is my favorite ride at Kings Island. My favorite part starts halfway through the second tunnel when it starts to accelerate toward the tunnel's exit through to just before it hits the second lift hill. That stretch is where it is hugging the ground while getting faster and faster.
When I was about 5 my mother snuck me onto this (I was about a half inch too short) and it started my lifelong love of coasters. Such a legendary ride, I learned a lot and gained even more love for The Beast from this video.
I have never heard that anyone dislikes this King of wooden coasters! It is awesome, especially after dark. Ride that first car in the dark, whipping by those trees in the blackness, and try to not be awestruck!
Early 80's, lived an hour away and we had season tickets every year. the first and last ride every time we went was "The Beast". One of the coolest night rides ever, was a Full Moon shining bright giving the terrain an eerie glow. To set it off, the Moon appeared to be sitting on the tracks at the top of the first lift. Wow. It's been many years since then, I need to go back and ride it again with a Full Moon; now that it's 2 feet longer.
its one of my favorite rides. not everything has to be steel vengeance. theres no other ride ive gotten to ride (from ohio) that are so scenic. a ride through the forest can be just as enjoyable as getting thrown out of your seat.
I don’t comment much on UA-cam but I just want to say what a FANTASTIC video this is. The Beast will always be my favorite coaster and you really captured its magic here. Great job!!!
I grew up on the beast, bat ,racer ,screamin demon, ( which broke down when riding it ) king cobra and vortex .Though it seems the beast has slowed and they took the water from around the attraction ( used to look like an old mine) .I still love the coaster .The best time I ever had riding it was in the dark in a mild drizzle absolutely Phenomenal .Imagine near 80 mph through the woods running faster then a normal fast run ,flying through the woods .The waft of machine grease in the air that was a great great run .Even though I have gotten older and don’t do the amusement park bit anymore .I will always have a special place in my heart for that ride and the day she closes it the world will have gotten a little sadder
I agree with you here, I haven’t been on Beast but I’ll be riding it next year, and I’m really excited for it. Considering it opened in the late 70s everything about it is really impressive
STILL my favorite wooden coaster. I lived my childhood in Ohio -- Dayton area-- and I remember when the Beast's inception. I couldn't wait to ride it. That was my "go-to" coaster every time I went dad got us season passes. I loved it so much I took my kids and they loved it too.
I really feel like this was starting to get a lot of hate due to the roughness, it was kinda starting to show it’s age a bit especially if riding in a wheel seat. I could not be happier with the refurbishment done this off season! It’s always been special to me and one of my favorites because it’s got such a unique personality to it, but this thing is like a whole new coaster with the same great personality as before. In comparison to last year it is butter smooth and you even get a tad bit more air on the first drop. So worth the wait, Gravity Group did an amazing job and I’m so glad I’ll be able to enjoy The Beast for many more years to come!!
The beast has a very special place in my heart. I don't care what anyone else says about it, I love it! It has much sentimental value and omg a night time ride on that thing ❤️❤️❤️
People say that the ride is "dull" or "boring" but that double helix is one of the most terrifying and intense parts of any roller coaster. Rolling down that tilted drop slowly picking up more and more speed, and then it sends you careening into that tunnel. It's like the roller coaster equivalent of getting rko'd, the way it just *slams* you into that turn.
I used to live near Kings Island and my family moved near Carowinds when I was 11. Everytime I go back to visit, this is one of the first things I do. This ride sparked my interest in coasters.
Ahh...at 6:41 you can see something often forgotten... The Beast originally had a lake around the station and first section of track (before the first lift hill). You can still see all the watermill elements on the station, but when the lake was there, those elements worked, with water working all the gears and whatnot. When The Vortex was put in, they had to take out the lake. I always wished they could bring the lake back. It may seem like an insignificant thing, but it made the theming, and overall atmosphere of the cue line amazing. The Beast is legendary for how it seems at harmony with the natural terrain, and this only amplified that harmony. The circular section of track before the lift hill encompassed the lake perfectly, with the center of that circle being the lake. It also seemed to cool you off on a hot day, and continue to add to the isolated, raw nature of the ride. I thought it also payed a great homage to King's history, and that property in particular, of being a logging company. It also made it's placement in "Rivertown" seem that much more spot on. Back in the days of Taft, one of the most amazing things about King's Island in general was how the whole park seemed to be at harmony with the land. It really was amazing... unlike any other park I've experienced. You can't beat the theming of mother nature. It even smelled better back then. There was even an animal preserve/safari ride with air conditioned cars. Then Paramount came in and started making the place a concrete jungle. The only downside of all this nature is that there were lots and lots of bees, especially around any garbage can close to an area that sold lemonade lol. But I never got stung, and that was just part of it. They were just peaceful bees that loved lemonade, not wasps or anything. But the bees too were part of that park's charm. Small correction.... after the first drop, it goes up another hill, then drops into a valley. That valley of that second drop is the fastest part of the ride. And my final 2 cents: night rides are great, but if you're able to ride it after the leaves start changing color, you will not find a more beautiful ride. Great content as always. Thanks for giving this ride the love it deserves. If any "coaster enthusiasts" don't appreciate this ride, they need to re-evaluate what being a "coaster enthusiast" means to them.
Awesome video man...I'm just like you...I'm an enthusiast who realizes what this coaster means in lineage and to coaster history...I had never heard of your channel before this video, but now I'm subbed for life. Thank you!! ☺
Still looks fun. Not all coasters have to be over the top to enjoy. Just cruising along in the beautiful wooded landscape, wind in your hair with a longer than average ride - nice!
I’m 53, and grew up in metro Detroit.. my family (though lower middle class) went together as a family vacation 3 or 4 times during my childhood.. I have so many nostalgic memories of Kings Island…especially of “The Beast” They use to have a single loop roller coaster (way back in the day) called “The Screamin Demon,” I wonder if anyone remembers that? I figure it’s been gone for decades. I also remember a fun kids roller coaster at Kings Island called “The Scooby Doo” (I bet I sound old)..
Riding it the first few times upon it's grand opening, was off the charts thrilling... the head chopper first tunnel... the proximity to trees... the slow run up in speed along the terrain running prior to the second lift hill... then that f**** helix and the lateral loading experienced by the riders ... damn, all that over the longest ride imaginable, it simply delivered an experience unlike anything anyone had ever had... at that time, hands down. (that ever increasing speed during the terrain running prior to the second lift hill, likely my fave of the entire ride) Then, 20 some years later, so so excited for Son of Beast, ... then I rode it...
I have no issue admitting that I am a Beast fan boy. I dont agree with all the hate. The night ride leaves me speechless......
Night rides are insane, try while it's raining :) So fast.
I've only had night rides on it. Idk if I can ever ride it in the day now... 😕 lol. But my first ride left me breathless and amazed. It was incredible. I was going to be so upset if I couldnt get a ride on it this haunt season, but I won single use fast passes and my entire group was able to ride. It didn't feel as amazing as the first time, but I think it was because I already knew the ride. I still ride the raptor at CP, but I know it like the back of my hand.
I ADORE how long the beast is. It's something I wish more modern coasters did, had long a** tracks lol
@@whitneyg9150 Not sure how it is now but 20 years ago when I rode it last the lighting was limited to just the cement tunnel area and the top of the second lift hill. The rest was just dark woods which is so exhilarating.
@@billkeithchannel omg yes it's still that way! It was amazing! They really need to keep it that way to add to the atmosphere.
@@billkeithchannel There is a big flood light at the top of each hill, one down the tunnel, the other lighting the helix. But sometimes they turn those off after the fireworks, and use IR cameras to keep an eye on things.
My favorite thing about "The Beast" is the lengthy meandering through the wilderness. I love when things are incorporated into an environment without destroying it.
Most of the forest grew up after the Beast was built. Look for the clip of the Beast from 1979.
There’s this one guy who had a modern, exotic, house designed in the middle of the woods and didn’t remove a single tree or bush.
Edit: It’s called Casa Levene.
Second edit: 8 trees had to be cut down, but 8 new trees were planted in the same area to compensate. My bad.
Even if the ride has some straight sections towards the middle, the ending helix has got to be the most intense section of a wooden coaster ever. At night it feels like the ride is literally going to rip itself apart because it's going so fast there.
I feel like it's going to jump the tracks. The Beast is the only coaster I've ever been on that makes me think i might actually die. Amazing.
@@brentsocie9274 The Son of Beast was actually the only coaster I felt that way. It was insane.
@C Rizzy I have a Knoebels trip planned with the kids and El toro only took first because son of beast died of neuroblastoma. RIP
that might be a bad joke but idk. south park and gran theft auto made me say it.
@@johnnyboy6942 I rode SOB the third day it was opened with the loop, and 1st day it was opened without the loop. It was bone shattering everytime. I wanted more.
The Beast lasted so long that it outlived it’s own “Son” lol
Time for a Grandson of Beast!
Lol No, father should see they're own son pass-away
Now it just needs to beat the ultimate champion of outliving everyone and everything, and outlive Queen Elizabeth II
EDIT: This aged well..
@@marcopolo2418 beat me to it
I rode the Son of Beast when it had a wooden loop. It was a great coaster. It's a shame, really.
The Beast is the literal father of the wooden coaster renaissance
Racer: EXCUSE ME?!?!?!
Screamin eagle is
Patrick, you are right. KI Racer is often considered the wooden coaster that saved woodies.
From what I've read, the Racer in 1977 (also in Kings Island) is agreed upon to have been the coaster that kickstarted the wooden renaissance. But I'm sure the Beast helped to kick it in to overdrive.
Patrick Handrigan even ki says it was racers
As a multi year employee at the Beast some tips, the best place to ride is the second to last row and once temps get lower they take out one or two breaks. So if you’ve rode it during the Halloween season and thought ‘Is this faster?’ Then yes it actually is. I have so many amazing memories on the Beast and it’ll always be my all time fav coaster. Thanks for a great video!
As a multi year rider of the Beast, I 100% agree with your row suggestion. Even after the refurb, row 17 is still the best. I honestly didn't know about the brake thing though. Although, I always love a row 1 night ride when the weather starts to cool off, and especially when there's some fog in the woods. I already can't wait until opening day, and it's only November 3rd. I'll be at winter fest, but it's not the same. I'm thankful that Mystic timbers is running at least.
I also worked on it in the 90s. I loved how when there was an empty seat, employees could ride it as a part of our job. One day I was placed "down in the hole" as they called it. The little side space in the line where we measured the kids heights. It was a slow day and I closed my eyes for just a minute. When I opened my eyes back up, the "suits" were standing there and I got written up. Moral of the story, never close your eyes at work. The Beast will be 50 in a couple of years. I hope I get to ride this one more time. Great rollercoaster.
The Beast is unapologetically my favorite coaster. See, some coasters feels like they're taking you for a ride. They're swoopy and airy. The Beast is not. The Beast is not here to fuck around. It feels like its trying to murder you. I love it.
You clearly have not ridden Maverick or Steel Vengeance. If the Beast wants to murder you, Steel Vengeance wants to end your entire bloodline.
This is the best description of a roller coaster I've ever seen.
The last tunnel is so intense
Yes! The Beast beats you to death. I love it.
@@johnwelsh2769 really, SOB beat you to death, and that was no fun. The Beast just smacks you around like you have a smart mouth.
One thing I'd say: if you're from the area, the theme of going through the woods and having the punctuated moments of intensity makes it feel like a chase through familiar territory. We grew up in these woods, if that makes sense.
This is my favorite roller coaster. It's thematically perfect. It's just FUN. I'm not an enthusiast in any way, and I don't care what anyone says. I have so many great memories of KI because of this coaster. Obviously many others agree with us. :D
As someone from Dayton I agree these woods are beautiful
Samee!
@@Skyla286
Honestly I could never imagine the Beast would be getting so much hate. Night rides and the sheer power of the helix are out of this world. We traveled to Ohio just for the Beast one year and it was the best decision!
Woahtheredude bUt ItS gR8t @ NiTe!!!!
Operates less than 10% of its hours at night.
overrated at night second has no airtime and thrid go ride el toro at night it blows the beast away
@@NickyD you are dead wrong. The Beast at night is NOT overrated, it is the best and the lines prove it, so please stfu, as we love our Beloved Beast.
John, The Beast, has NOT "had its time", people come from all over not only for ALL of Kings Island and their coasters, but for The Beast, which is a GREAT ride, night OR day. So there is no airtime, BFD, the ride was built and designed in-house, and has stood the test of time, so YES, other rides you mentioned are good as well, but STFU about The Beast, STILL the biggest, baddest, longest coaster out there!!
Especially hitting them tunnels in the pitch dark not seeing those whips and turns coming at you 1,000 miles an hour lol
I use to work on The Beast back in the early 1990’s. We’d do “night rides” after the park closed and the mechanics would drop the brakes (back before it had fins brakes). Usually , Beast hits 60-65 mph at the bottom of the first hill... during “night rides”, it hit 75-80mph. The helix was just as insane. It was painful but fun as hell.
they still do this, they continue rides even during fireworks, it's the best time to ride
they still do this, they continue rides even during fireworks, it's the best time to ride
This is physically not possible. Assuming 141 foot drop free-fall with initial velocity of 9fps chain lift speed you would only reach 65.23 mph, and that is free-fall no friction. So no way it could reach 75-80mph
@@littlebuzzfl it does, it's something to do with the operation of the tracks, it's been that way for years
@@cpungge With the length of the original 4-bench PTC trains, around 73mph is possible, although realistically it's likely closer to 70mph
The beast has the best night ride of any coaster hands down.
Out of the ones I've ridden at night it'd be right behind Ghostrider at Knott's Berry
Though with Ghostrider I was unable to ride it until right before leaving the park which was like 10pm due to the lines, and it was late December, within days of the Winter Solstice, it was absolute pitch black darkness while riding it, not knowing the layout or anything else about the coaster made it insanely fun and if I ever made it back to KBP I'd probably wait til night to ride it again!
Matt Moorman that’s something I thought about it seems very subtle but probably at night seems more fun and scary
Mystic Timbers is my favorite night ride
Outlaw Run?
i.dissagree.with.Matt.Moorman....its.the.Giant.Dipper.at.Santa.Cruz.Beach.Boardwalk.that.has.the.great.night.ride.because.of.the.lights.for.1.thing...Im.not.hating.on.The.Beast.though.but.Matt.needs.to.consider.the.Giant.Dipper
Not only is the Beast my favorite coaster at Kings Island, it's my favorite coaster on earth. For mostly the reasons mentioned in this video. I also agree that enthusiasts must ride the Beast at night at least one time. Since ElToroRyan won't say it, I will: "Everyone needs to love the Beast for what it is"... which is the biggest, baddest, longest fastest back yard coaster in the universe.
Last Beast ride was at 1:44am during Haunt. Beyond dark at that time of night. Love my home park KI.
Did it feel sketchier this year at night or is it just me? I've never been so scared on this ride until this year
I’ve ridden a LOT of coasters in my life and tbh the Beast’s night ride is probably one of the most beautiful and enjoyable coaster experiences I’ve ever had. Incredibly fun time
Its all about expectations. People probably hear about the legendary Beast and think its gonna be spectacular and its really not, but if you look at it the way you do, you will appreciate it for what it is
I really enjoy the thing, and I think it is intense. Then again, I enjoy the cedar point Corkscrew, soooo.
There's probably a lot of truth to that. It's almost like seeing an older player in a sport where they were the best at their time, but they are not quite at the same level as the younger players that are shining brighter in the present day, but those who saw the older player in his prime would rave about how awesome that player is to see in person because of their past experience, but when you see them live now, they don't quite measure up.
Agreed. For a forty year old coaster, it's a rock star. Haven't been, but it's a bucket list coaster.
Airtime Thrills its night ride is legendary tho.
David Rivera it’s awesome
People hate on her because she “shakes, rattles, and rolls!” But that’s what a wooden coaster is supposed to do! She’s raw, unsophisticated, iconic.
She's beautiful wild tiger tho she shows her age.
@Pokediger1482 your not wrong I'm not honestly sure they never said what it was and ask this before. I just guess girl cause I've never seen the father of the son of beast.....
@Thebeaststory931it’s a roller coaster I don’t think it matter how you refer to it
The ones that hate do not appreciate what a wooden coaster is all about. They forget that all roller coasters were woodies at one time! Without them I doubt there would have been steel coasters. They are charming classic hearts of the parks they reside in. There is nothing like them.
@Thebeaststory931well traditionally anything with wheels or floats is considered female but in this case the Beast to me is masculine so if I had to call it I would call it male or “he”
Th Beast was my 50th credit. The night ride alone is the main reason noone should be hating on this ride. Nice generic "Blue Monday"music. Great video. Note: When they designed the layout, the constantly redrew the plans if they discovered old trees they wanted to preserve. Kings Islands were some of the first conservationist in the 80s.
That's awesome. One thing people might also not realize is that wooden coasters are good for the environment if built with timber grown sustainably. Wood is a carbon sink!
Tree > rollercoaster
cause Kings Island was home grown.. not like it is today .. some faceless Corporate Amusement Park company that wasn't even in Cincinnati.... I mean I remember the Hanna Barbara ownership.. (remember the Brady's AND the Partridge family both did episodes at KI).... now CEDAR FAIR owns it and KI sucks.. Even when Paramount owned it it wasn't as bad as it is now (Paramount was kind of a cool owner actually) but when Cedar Fair (park) bought it.. that was the beginning of the end in my book. They just have focused on sucking as much money out of customers and patrons rather than focusing on the quality of the park!!! It is way too crowded .. it looks shabby .... there is no real "culture" .. just corporate.. when I grew up with KI you felt Cincinnati in the park.. now it is just corporate through and through. And just this past season there have been fights breaking out in the park by these teens. The culture of the park is dismal and depressing. I probably will never attend again because of this .
@@caelidhg6261 i am much younger than you (assuming you were old enough to ride all of the rides pre-paramount), but I couldn't agree more. Holiday World is one of the few parks left that actually feels non-corporate, and family backed
@@caelidhg6261 I hate to break it to you, but all theme parks are corporate. I don’t care if you’re Silver Dollar City, I don’t care if you’re Lagoon, theme parks are businesses trying to make money. There’s no “culture” they’re trying to make, it’s the patrons that make the culture and they’re fine with having their money sucked out of them because they want them to build more roller coasters! Also, when there’s fights breaking out, don’t blame the park, blame the people.
A night ride of The Beast is one of the greatest coaster experiences you can possibly have. It's so atmospheric and cool I implore people who have never ridden it before to ride it twice, once at the beginning of their visit, and another at the end when it's dark just so they can see how different it is. There isn't anything quite like it. For me the only thing that came close was the son of beast when it was still open at night.
Imagine building the longest wooden roller coaster for a science fair project
And it really wasn't supposed to be that long. After the first part was approved the second portion was brought to the owner to look the plans over and approved them. The park owner said in an interview that he thought it was a redesign of the original plan not a second section. He said he would not have approved a coaster of that length if he had known what he was signing on to.
Imagine in the science fair:
Teacher: Jimmy, where's your "thing"?
Jimmy: Oh, we need to go to an amusement park
Teacher: Wut?
Jimmy: Yeah, amusement park
At the amusement park
Jimmy: Here it is!
Teacher: WHAT THE F-
Sounds like Phineas and Ferb
I still give them an A on this project! This ride is legendary!
@@samuelitooooo Why yes Yes it does ; )
No one ever talks about how LOUD the tunnel on the helix is. It. Is. Insane. And the night ride is incredible
I never really thought about how significant Beast is, with how it links to different manufacturers and coasters. That's pretty cool.
Also, all that Vortex footage is makin' me sad bro
bruh
rip vortex, it will be dearly missed
Vortex was ready to be taken by a landslide anyday. Plus if you're small it would fuck you up bad
snagged my first ride on this legend today and i laughed hysterically the entire time. they were loading full trains and they were absolutely hauling, i definitely got smoked by a couple of the transitions (like going into the massive helix) but overall this coaster is just illegal amounts of fun. long ride time, crazy laterals, and a full body workout as a bonus lmao
My favorite coaster. I love the long straight section. Every time I think, damn " we are hauling ass"
Best coaster of all time don't let anyone tell you otherwise
A true coaster fan could never hate this ride. Still one of my favs and I have rode tons of coasters across the US.
The layout may be bland and the ride may be rough but for me it’s a pure fun roller coaster. I don’t go on it looking for a smooth ride. This monster of a ride is extremely intense especially that last helix.
I think I was a little disappointed with no airtime, but I love it because its rough. I want roughness if there is nothing else!
@@whitneyg9150 on roller coasters or during sex?
@@timothykaczmarek5871 the hell is wrong with you?
Yes, that last helix! The experienced rider taking a new rider on this coaster should always be courteous and tell his ride partner "at the bottom of the 2nd lift hill before we enter the tunnel, brace your head to the left and hold it tight". My sister once complained she had whiplash from that sudden left!!
I live ONLY 40 minutes from K.I. and grew up riding the BEAST . The NIGHT rides were truly AWESOME !
ONE ride I will never forget was as a teenager and was on the very last coaster that night to leave the station. There operator came on the P.A. " Beware the BEAST " followed by a wicked laugh as we left the station and turned off all the lights on the entire ride. Climbing the hill in TOTAL darkness built so much excitement. BEST RIDE EVER !!
I’ve ridden The Beast hundreds of times and even worked at it. I think The Beast is one of the most interesting designs of any coaster. I find it way more fun than Mystic. And I think without The Beast we’d never have stuff like The Voyage.
the beast wasnt built by any company KI built it in house the voyage was built by a diffarent company that is known to push the limits the beast was also built in the 70's bigger rides were gonna be built never say never because thats not true at all
Nicky D Ice didn’t say anything about what company built it, only about its design, and stated an opinion about the Beast’s influence. Opinions can’t be false.
That’s funny. I have a hard time deciding between the two but I have to give the edge to the beast. MT is awesome but just a bit short.
Yeah The Beast is great
MT is okay but the shed kills it, not worth riding again due to it and the long lines
Why do people say the shed kills MT. As if sitting doing nothing at the end of the ride is better.
My Dad got to ride The Beast when it opened. He was 12 at the time. My first trip to Kings Island was about 10 years ago, and that was my first time riding Beast, alongside my dad. I've ridden it many times since, and I still absolutely love it. The long, staggered acceleration down the straight parts are very enjoyable to me. The train just slowly picking up more speed then slamming into a helix is just unique. Like you said, it's a homemade coaster. It has all sorts of quirks to it that set it apart, despite it's simple layout.
If this makes sense, it’s not not very unique but also very unique. The layout is very uninspired but the woodsy and hilly setting the coaster is in plus the fact it is literally a backyard roller coaster on drugs is what makes it unique. I’m still very new to riding coasters and this one is high up on my must-do list.
I've ridden the beast thousands of times this coaster will always be my #1 coaster at kings island idgaff what anyone says.
The Beast is my favorite ride of all time. I've rode coasters all up and down the eastern part of America and nothing compares to the character and layout of The Beast. I've rode it hundreds of times over the last 40 years. It never gets old.
There really is no ride experience like a night ride on the Beast and the helix is one of the most intense and iconic elements on a coaster ever.
I remember owning the R.L. Stine book about this coaster! I never actually knew it was a real coaster until now. The book was a trip though lol
I read it too.
I read this book and didn't know the coaster was real at the time either lol
The Beast is my favorite roller coaster in existence so hearing that people hate on it is incomprehensible.
Exactly!
As a coaster enthusiast whos favorite rides are fury, intimidator, and such alike, i absolutely loved the beast. For being over 40 years old its not that rough especially for a wooden coaster. I thought it was unique and i loved how long it was and how it took you in the woods away from everything, and it was just epic. Its so different from anything ive ridden and i loved the drops and tunnels. 70mph for an old wooden coaster thats impressive
Imagine Kings Island just decided to build an rmc giga by themselves
RMC SOB
Well then it wouldn’t be an rmc it would be built in house
Honestly true
Toxic07 _ it’s a joke
@@ArrowThrills agreed SOB 2.0 for golden season at Kings Island makes too much sense. The only question is what form should it take, who is going to build it.
That downward Helix is genuinely my favorite part of any coaster ever.
I actually have a bumper sticker on the back of my car that I custom made that says "I rather be on The Beast". I'm 45 now, and I love the Beast. I remember being at the park the day it opened to the general public, and my sisters rode it. I wasn't tall enough yet. I love riding it in the rain most of all. This year we went the weekend after opening weekend and it was raining like crazy. Every kind of rain you can imagine. There was no line at the beast. Walk up the the gate and get on. I rode it over and over and over in the rain till it broke down, and stopped releasing the bars in the station. Then it was closed the rest of the day. If you need to make the Beast fell smooth ride the Racer a few times first.
No coaster will ever match the memories that I made on the Beast. Dark night rides in the middle of August with my middle school friends. I love it for this.
If you like a coaster that'll scare the bejesus out of you, sit back of train at night. You'll be shook.
Front seat at night is also amazing. You are so used to being able to see what's coming in the front car, and on a dark night there are big sections of the track where you can't see ANYTHING! It's great. :)
"Shook" lol
Yes, right down to your spine!
Ryan - my man - as someone who has grown up and lives in SW Ohio for 42 years...the Beast and I are the same age. It is nice to hear someone give it some love. I have ridden better, smoother roller coasters, but nothing in my mind is more loved and more nostalgic. Be the last train to leave the station for the day is a thrill that takes me back to my childhood. Thank you, my man.
Me: see's the title to this video
Also me: spits out drink The Beast.......THE BEAST GETS WHAT NOW?!?!?!
The community has betrayed us
Hey fellow iRacer! I see you are a man of good taste.
@@RavenStation711 same goes to you
its 2020 people like new and better and higher thrills not a ride that trims every second and has no airtime or anything speical
@@NickyD be like: “iT’s 2o2O pEoPLe......”
lol
I completely agree, I love this ride.
I love The Beast so much. One of my favorite memories was being on the last ride of the night and topping the second lift hill just as the parks fireworks show was going on. It felt like a once in a lifetime experience.
You make an excellent point about how being an enthusiast should also include an appreciation for history.
I've experienced that too! Awesome experience
I know this is two years later but they don’t run the Beast during the fireworks show. But if you’re in-line during the show you get to ride after.
ngl I prefer Beast over Voyage.
Love the breakdown on how this coaster operates. Good boy ElTorOrion.
Orion. LOL I see what you did there.
Yeah, the Voyage is actually pretty bad. 🤢👎 It's so rough it bangs your brains out and it's one of the only coasters that has actually made me physically sick... And I don't get sick easily.
i beg to differ totlly diffarent rides one tries to ejactor airtime you and one trims every damn three seconds
Zero Credits Remaining well since Voyage isn’t a REAL woodie...just sayin.
The Beast for us at KI is truly a beast. It takes a lot for it to go down.
Screw the hate, the beast is amazing, especially at night.
Still one of my favorite night rides ever.
Got the very last ride of the night one time , as it started to storm and right as the fireworks had started .
When we got back the platform was completely cleared out (was full before we left).
Best ride of my life.
Beast is a great coaster that has historical significance
Moreless an engineering feet for the time it was built, I'm not a huge fan of coasters a big wow at the build as I rode it. It is a Beast!
I see you in so many coaster comment sections lol.
@@dylpklz688 I think engineering specs on Rollercoaster Database website is cool. I live 2hrs from Kings Island and 4hrs from Cedar Point. I remember when The Beast was built. Still Banshee is my favorite.
The Beast was first big roller coaster and is still my favorite roller coaster of all time I love this ride so much and I hope they never get rid of it
The Beast is the coaster single handedly changed my view on wooden coasters. I think modern coaster enthusiasts don't appreciate the history of how the coaster was designed completely in house (with help from a local engineering company.) As soon as there's a slight rattle, enthusiasts are complaining.
This coaster is literally the reason why some of the greatest wooden coaster manufacturers exist at all. Hell maybe even RMC themselves.
Your videos are starting to make me remember how much fun I had riding the coasters at KI. I live 15 minutes away from the park and haven't been in years. Just might have to go back this summer.
And I don't care what anyone says, The Beast it hands down one of the best coasters ever made. And yeah, riding it at night is awesome. Especially when the park is doing their FearFest. (Now known as "Halloween Haunt")
The Beast is what got me over my fear of roller coasters and it will forever be my all-time favorite. Seeing when it was made and how its stood the test of time is remarkable.
I rode the Beast for the first time in 11 years just a few weeks ago, I got a total of 4 rides on it, 2 in the back, one in the front, and one in the middle at night, and it seriously is one of my favourite Traditional Wooden Roller Coasters (Traditional because El Toro is way better but isn't a traditional Woodie). The back is very fun and isn't that rough, more like a playful rough that adds to the character, rather than being painful, the Front row is super exhilarating thanks to just the awesome views you get, and the night ride... seriously one of the best experiences I've ever had on a roller coaster, beating getting a Rollback on TTD or getting a Back Row Zen ride on El Toro. You can't see anything, and the sounds of the ride seems louder, I actually lost my voice partially that night cause the train and I were cheering so loud when we returned. The Retracking and reprofiling was really really good and that rosebowl section is a hidden gem, so much Gs on that first turn. Yes the layout isn't the greatest, and yes the trims suck ass, but it's so legendary and the setting is perfect, I love it so much
Went to kings island for the first time in summer 2018 and I didn’t think much of Beast before I got on it, I was more excited for the steel coasters and left absolutely in love with the beast. Got a night ride at around 11pm and there’s nothing else like it
I've gotten 2 night rides on it. Once, I rode it during the fireworks. Reaching the top of the second hill and seeing fireworks before diving into the helix was amazeing.
Two things I love about The Beast. 1. You have no idea beyond the first hill what the ride looks like, this leaves the riders completely oblivious that what comes next. The added tunnels make fir exciting surprises. As well encountering a 2nd lift hill 3/4th the way through the ride. 2. The second lift hill into the double helix is still one of my favorite coaster sections I have ever ridden.
Hey first off, THANKS! So glad to hear a real enthusiast recognize this ride for what it is. I've been going to kings island ever since I was a kid and over the years, they've got some legit coasters. But every time somebody asks me what my favorite ride is...its always the beast. Just something about it man. And yeah my first ride on it was at dusk/almost night, and I was told, "it's just an old wooden coaster, not too bad." Lol, that's what I tell every unsuspecting person I bring with me to the park now and I laugh at the look on their face when we finish that helix, just like I got laughed at cuz my eyes were bout to pop out of my head and I had a death grip on whatever I could get my hands on, haha. Just can't find anything else like it.
Left ya a like for the awesome video though. Thanks man!
An OUTSTANDING presentation, young man!! If there were a Mt. Rushmore for wooden roller coasters The Beast would surely be on it. And your report illuminates just WHY this ride is so iconic. A+ !
Damn good points. Embrace historical coasters! They are blast due to their pure survival.
What strikes me about The Beast's story is how (like other "old-school" rides) the key to it's longevity & popularity is it's simplicity... it was designed to be fun for _everyone._
Feels like every large coaster built in the US today is targetting increasingly niche markets, while briefly capturing a new record for park publicity. But record-breaking is a double-edged sword if you're relying solely on the stats to attract riders. And like enthusiasts are a small subset of park-goers, young thrillseekers are a subset of the GP... but pretty much _anyone_ can enjoy the sights & sounds (and pain!) of these older coasters like The Beast. It's also why so many people have good memories of The Beast.... because it's the type of coaster that your parents would take you on & you'd run to every time you got to the park. Maybe The Beast have another prosperous 40 years! 🎢👍
The Beast is legendary. It’s my number four overall. I love wooden terrain coasters.
I went to KI for the first time with a friend last year in early October. We tried to get a night ride but because of the pandemic they closed an hour before sundown. Still an incredible experience. The fall colors, leaves blowing across the track, the crisp autumn air. I fell in love with this ride and I'm absolutely looking forward to opening day 2021.
The Beats is what made me love wooden coasters so much
This and mean streak at CP for me! Rest in peace, mean streak.
@@whitneyg9150 mean streak wasn't that bad it was pretty good
I did before I rode the beast
Another great video! I have to admit, going to Kings Island for the first time last summer I had strong doubts that The Beast would live up to the hype. It just looked boring on video compared to newer coasters. Well I'm happy to say that I was WRONG, The Beast is an experience unlike anything else out there and I had a lot of fun on it! The second drop into the helix was my favorite part of the ride, it just keeps getting faster and faster which is pretty intimidating going into that tunnel. I actually went to Holiday World the day after and rode The Voyage a few times and that coaster truly blew me away. It earned my #1 wooden coaster spot because it made me laugh like a little kid and was just a fantastic ride. The Beast is a totally different animal (literally) and comes from a different era. It may not be the newest, most intense, fanciest coaster out there but that's okay. A coaster doesn't always have to be totally insane to be fun and The Beast proves that. It doesn't deserve the hate, why else would it be ranked in the top ten year after year?
Being my hometown park, the Beast has been my favorite roller coaster at King's Island since I first rode it at night. It's a good coaster during the day, but the roughness and pure darkness of the forest at night is unbelievable.
6:37 I'm glad you had a picture of when the start of the ride took you out over a man-made lake. It added to the feeling that you were seperated from the feeling of civilization of the rest of the park. It added to the atmosphere. Atmosphere is what the Beast has. It's like high speed forest bathing.
I feal that how loud the tunnels and helix is not talked about often. You can scream as loud as you want and no one will hear you. Thats my favorite part like to think of it as the beast roar
Nothing compares to a night ride on the beast! The last of the John Allen legacy.
Not only a home run but so well put together, thought out, very well explained, editing on point, And talked about the coaster that started the tallest, longest, fastest wood wars IMO.
This is an excellent and well researched documentary on one of my all time favorite coasters! My experience with The Beast goes all the way back to 1979! I was 25 years old and home on leave from the Air Force! Living in Indianapolis as my home town and various other locations, I've had the opportunity to experience many parks within easy driving distance! Kings Island was my favorite park since it opened in 1972 (That was back in the Hanna Barbara days!). That was until I discovered Cedar Point in 2000! Kings Island was the first BIG park to open so close to me and it was only the second amusement park I had visited! The first was Riverside Amusement Park in Indianapolis which had two very nice wooden coasters (The Thriller and The Flash) back when I was a small child. The very sad and so unnecessary history of that park resulted in its closure in 1970. I later discovered Old Indiana, Indiana Beach and Holiday World, the later of those three is unfortunately the only one still around. With the notable exception of Santa Claus Land (1946) which expanded to become Holiday World (1984), Indiana has not been fertile ground for theme/amusement parks! It's ironic that Indiana is still home to the first "theme" park in the world... but I digress. Cedar Point is currently my favorite park with Millennium Force being my personal favorite coaster so far. It's fitting that Cedar Fair now owns the parks once owned by Kings. They are doing a much better job than even Paramount did when it took over in my opinion.The Beast was built while Kings Island was still under it's original management though.The park was only 7 years old at the time. What a marvelous achievement it is! I've always loved The Beast! Now I appreciate it even more understanding the background! It certainly is my personal favorite Kings Island ride for so many reasons! Holiday World probably has my current favorite woodies. That is certainly an amazing park for one so personal and small with a great story too! That's it's charm but my personal history with Kings Island goes back farther and it will always be special to me. I have not been to the park since the modifications but I am intrigued and I suspect I will love it even more when I do. Perhaps The Beast will reclaim its spot at the top for me! And yes! The night ride experience on The Beast is like no other! Thank you for doing this amazing research and making this beloved woody even more special to me! Update: May 2020. I’m happy to see that Indiana Beach seems to have been rescued. Indiana is still a hostile place for Amusement and Theme Parks and I hope for the best for the two remaining family owned parks!
I. LOVE. THE. BEAST. ENTHUSIASTS CAN SAY WHAT THEY WANT BUT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT
I absolutely love the coaster. It just feels so unique, yeah sure the layout may be “dull”. But riding at night/in the rain, DEFINITELY makes up for it. Honestly I think the best thing about it is atmosphere, and KI did atmosphere PERFECTLY. (P.S. I’m literally wearing a Beast shirt as I write this lol)
I’ve never ridden Beast or went to Kings Island but you’ve given me a new mindset for when I finally do ride beast and I’ll make sure to do night rides.
For the best rides. Sit in the front seat during the day and seat 11. Those are the best seats on the ride. I've been to kings island 38 times this yr and the beast is the only reason I have my season passes. I ride the beast at least 4 times before I leave. And don't get me wrong I love their other coasters but my goal is to ride the beast and racer as much as possible
@@billijorutter2595 honestly same. The beast is my favorite ride at that park and favorite wooden coaster, but I haven't been on the voyage. I hate to say this, well actually I love to, I enjoy the beast more then steel vengeance
You need to go and experience it, it's totally amazing
@@jerryallen1768 I've been to halliday world but I was young and scared of it. I did ride raven and legend though
@Coaster Dude honestly, I do feel that it ran better in 2018 but it is an old classic coaster. Idc what anyone says, this will continue to be my favorite woodie. But the new carts they added for the anniversary might have had something to do with it. I hope u get back around to it and enjoy it more
the beast opened when my parents were 10 years old. 40 years later i rode it at age 16, and i hope it remains open long enough that in another 20 years i can take my kids on it. it is such a unique ride that everyone deserves to experience, especially late at night. it represents exactly what a good wooden roller coaster should be: thrilling, nostalgic, and fear inducing.
The Beast is an incredible experience.
Especially at night.
Another thing I love is that The Bush Beast from the now defunct Australia's Wonderland (later Wonderland Sydney) is vaguely tied up in that whole Curtis D. Summers, Charles Dinn, TBC/KECO era of wooden roller coasters and while no longer in existence, was a sibling to Grizzly at King's Dominion and Wild Beast at Canada's Wonderland, and family with many other wooden coasters of the era, not to mention a descendant of Wildcat from old Coney Island.
It also used a slightly altered version of the outstretched claws iconography of The Beast.
Rollercoaster history is cool :)
The Beast is my favorite ride at Kings Island. My favorite part starts halfway through the second tunnel when it starts to accelerate toward the tunnel's exit through to just before it hits the second lift hill. That stretch is where it is hugging the ground while getting faster and faster.
The double helix 🧬 at night is shiver inducing. Unreal terror!
When I was about 5 my mother snuck me onto this (I was about a half inch too short) and it started my lifelong love of coasters. Such a legendary ride, I learned a lot and gained even more love for The Beast from this video.
A coaster enthusiast who doesn't like the Beast is most likely a teenage boy who has a face with the texture of a pickle.
I fit the category, and I love the Beast. I do have friends that dislike it though, and I can understand why, but I personally love it.
LoL it sucks
Actually, I’m a girl
But I fit everything else in that description
@@ArrowThrills As someone who has worked on Mystic, it isn't that good.
@@aMondayMorning why do you say that ?
I have never heard that anyone dislikes this King of wooden coasters! It is awesome, especially after dark. Ride that first car in the dark, whipping by those trees in the blackness, and try to not be awestruck!
The Beast was the ride that made me fall in love with roller coasters and theme parks. Thanks for the video man! This coaster deserves love!
Early 80's, lived an hour away and we had season tickets every year. the first and last ride every time we went was "The Beast". One of the coolest night rides ever, was a Full Moon shining bright giving the terrain an eerie glow. To set it off, the Moon appeared to be sitting on the tracks at the top of the first lift. Wow. It's been many years since then, I need to go back and ride it again with a Full Moon; now that it's 2 feet longer.
its one of my favorite rides. not everything has to be steel vengeance. theres no other ride ive gotten to ride (from ohio) that are so scenic. a ride through the forest can be just as enjoyable as getting thrown out of your seat.
I don’t think anyone hates this ride. It’s an absolute classic, and levels up at night. I love it.
I don’t comment much on UA-cam but I just want to say what a FANTASTIC video this is. The Beast will always be my favorite coaster and you really captured its magic here. Great job!!!
I grew up on the beast, bat ,racer ,screamin demon, ( which broke down when riding it ) king cobra and vortex .Though it seems the beast has slowed and they took the water from around the attraction ( used to look like an old mine) .I still love the coaster .The best time I ever had riding it was in the dark in a mild drizzle absolutely Phenomenal .Imagine near 80 mph through the woods running faster then a normal fast run ,flying through the woods .The waft of machine grease in the air that was a great great run .Even though I have gotten older and don’t do the amusement park bit anymore .I will always have a special place in my heart for that ride and the day she closes it the world will have gotten a little sadder
I agree with you here, I haven’t been on Beast but I’ll be riding it next year, and I’m really excited for it. Considering it opened in the late 70s everything about it is really impressive
Rode this over and over on a band trip back in the day, still my all time favorite Roller Coaster.
STILL my favorite wooden coaster. I lived my childhood in Ohio -- Dayton area-- and I remember when the Beast's inception. I couldn't wait to ride it. That was my "go-to" coaster every time I went dad got us season passes. I loved it so much I took my kids and they loved it too.
I really feel like this was starting to get a lot of hate due to the roughness, it was kinda starting to show it’s age a bit especially if riding in a wheel seat. I could not be happier with the refurbishment done this off season! It’s always been special to me and one of my favorites because it’s got such a unique personality to it, but this thing is like a whole new coaster with the same great personality as before. In comparison to last year it is butter smooth and you even get a tad bit more air on the first drop. So worth the wait, Gravity Group did an amazing job and I’m so glad I’ll be able to enjoy The Beast for many more years to come!!
The beast is my favorite wooden coaster. The first ride everytime I go and sometimes the only ride I go on.
The beast has a very special place in my heart. I don't care what anyone else says about it, I love it! It has much sentimental value and omg a night time ride on that thing ❤️❤️❤️
Night rides are the absolute bomb and should be a requirement for any attendee. At least it was in 1993 and 1999 the last two times I was at the park.
People say that the ride is "dull" or "boring" but that double helix is one of the most terrifying and intense parts of any roller coaster. Rolling down that tilted drop slowly picking up more and more speed, and then it sends you careening into that tunnel. It's like the roller coaster equivalent of getting rko'd, the way it just *slams* you into that turn.
Hands down the best coaster youtuber. Great reviews, news and info, also great and funny vlogs, all with great editing! Awesome video as always!
I used to live near Kings Island and my family moved near Carowinds when I was 11. Everytime I go back to visit, this is one of the first things I do. This ride sparked my interest in coasters.
Okay, it's nice it has the helix and 2 lifts, but when a good portion is just A STRAIGHT LINE then yeah it's a little annoying.
Ahh...at 6:41 you can see something often forgotten... The Beast originally had a lake around the station and first section of track (before the first lift hill). You can still see all the watermill elements on the station, but when the lake was there, those elements worked, with water working all the gears and whatnot. When The Vortex was put in, they had to take out the lake. I always wished they could bring the lake back. It may seem like an insignificant thing, but it made the theming, and overall atmosphere of the cue line amazing.
The Beast is legendary for how it seems at harmony with the natural terrain, and this only amplified that harmony. The circular section of track before the lift hill encompassed the lake perfectly, with the center of that circle being the lake. It also seemed to cool you off on a hot day, and continue to add to the isolated, raw nature of the ride. I thought it also payed a great homage to King's history, and that property in particular, of being a logging company. It also made it's placement in "Rivertown" seem that much more spot on.
Back in the days of Taft, one of the most amazing things about King's Island in general was how the whole park seemed to be at harmony with the land. It really was amazing... unlike any other park I've experienced. You can't beat the theming of mother nature. It even smelled better back then. There was even an animal preserve/safari ride with air conditioned cars. Then Paramount came in and started making the place a concrete jungle.
The only downside of all this nature is that there were lots and lots of bees, especially around any garbage can close to an area that sold lemonade lol. But I never got stung, and that was just part of it. They were just peaceful bees that loved lemonade, not wasps or anything. But the bees too were part of that park's charm.
Small correction.... after the first drop, it goes up another hill, then drops into a valley. That valley of that second drop is the fastest part of the ride.
And my final 2 cents: night rides are great, but if you're able to ride it after the leaves start changing color, you will not find a more beautiful ride.
Great content as always. Thanks for giving this ride the love it deserves. If any "coaster enthusiasts" don't appreciate this ride, they need to re-evaluate what being a "coaster enthusiast" means to them.
Awesome video man...I'm just like you...I'm an enthusiast who realizes what this coaster means in lineage and to coaster history...I had never heard of your channel before this video, but now I'm subbed for life. Thank you!! ☺
Still looks fun. Not all coasters have to be over the top to enjoy. Just cruising along in the beautiful wooded landscape, wind in your hair with a longer than average ride - nice!
It is the best night I ever had at 12:30 AM during Fright Fest after a 2.5 hour wait for a moonless black dark speed demon through the woods.
I’m 53, and grew up in metro Detroit.. my family (though lower middle class) went together as a family vacation 3 or 4 times during my childhood.. I have so many nostalgic memories of Kings Island…especially of “The Beast”
They use to have a single loop roller coaster (way back in the day) called “The Screamin Demon,” I wonder if anyone remembers that? I figure it’s been gone for decades.
I also remember a fun kids roller coaster at Kings Island called “The Scooby Doo” (I bet I sound old)..
I call the helix covered by the tunnel, the tunnel of screams because the trains make so much noise.
Riding it the first few times upon it's grand opening, was off the charts thrilling...
the head chopper first tunnel...
the proximity to trees...
the slow run up in speed along the terrain running prior to the second lift hill...
then that f**** helix and the lateral loading experienced by the riders ... damn, all that over the longest ride imaginable, it simply delivered an experience unlike anything anyone had ever had... at that time, hands down.
(that ever increasing speed during the terrain running prior to the second lift hill, likely my fave of the entire ride)
Then, 20 some years later, so so excited for Son of Beast, ... then I rode it...