Breaking Down Orion’s Giga Coaster Layout
Orion at Kings Island is a B&M giga coaster that opened in 2020, standing 287 feet tall and reaching a top speed of 91 mph. Its layout was designed to maximize speed and airtime while working with the terrain of Kings Island’s Area 72 section. Understanding the layout element by element reveals why this coaster delivers such a satisfying ride experience.
I thought it would be fun to take the layout drawing circulating around the Internet and superimpose the official Orion layout on top of it. Here is the result of that!
Orion is a B&M Giga Coaster that is new for 2020 at Kings Island in southern Ohio.
The First Drop and Speed Hill
The ride begins with a 300-foot first drop at an 85-degree angle, one of the steepest on any B&M giga coaster. At the bottom, the train reaches 91 mph and immediately enters a massive wave turn that provides strong floater airtime as the track banks and sweeps to the left. This is followed by a speed hill that delivers another burst of airtime at full speed. Learn more at Kings Island’s official site.
The Treble Clef and Turnaround
Orion’s signature element is its treble clef turn, a high-banked turnaround that pulls strong positive G-forces as the train sweeps through a 180-degree direction change. The forces in this element are among the strongest on any giga coaster, pressing riders firmly into their seats while maintaining impressive speed.
After the treble clef, the train enters a descending series of airtime hills that take advantage of the natural terrain. The track dips into valleys and crests over ridges, using the landscape to amplify the forces and create moments of airtime that feel more dramatic because of the terrain interaction.
The Final Sequence
The closing section of Orion includes a sweeping low turn and final airtime hills before the brake run. While some enthusiasts note that the layout is shorter than other giga coasters, the quality of every element is high. There are no wasted moments, no dead spots, and the pacing from first drop to brake run is consistently strong.
Orion’s layout represents B&M’s refined approach to giga coaster design. Rather than chasing maximum track length, the layout focuses on delivering a concentrated dose of the sensations that make giga coasters special: extreme speed, powerful airtime, and sweeping turns that take your breath away.
For a complete guide to Kings Island and its coaster lineup, visit ThrillZing’s blog.