Diamondback made its long-awaited public debut on Saturday, April 18, when Kings Island opened for preview weekends for the 2009 season.
Response to the best new coaster in the world for 2009 was overwhelming. Riders and non-riders hurried to the Rivertown theme area to challenge and view the new $22 million steel coaster.
Diamondback was far and away the most popular ride in the park, even for the sightseers who just wanted to get a glimpse of the coaster's awesome structure. But most people came to ride Diamondback, and from their responses to the new coaster, the challenge was all they anticipated -- and more! Here are some typical reactions to Diamondback:
"it's the fastest coaster I ever rode!"
"Great! The first drop is a total attack!"
"I've never been on anything like this before. It's great."
"I was so scared I couldn't scream!"
"Nothing short of fantastic!"
On a scale of 1-10, I give it a 15!"
Diamondback will continue to thrill Kings Island visitors on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) until May 17, and then daily from May 22 through August 30.
- Don Helbig
