Orion: Kings Island’s Giga Coaster
Orion is the giga coaster that launched Kings Island into the upper tier of coaster destinations when it opened in 2020. Standing 287 feet tall and reaching speeds of 91 mph, this B&M giga delivers a ride experience defined by massive speed, powerful airtime, and sweeping high-speed turns through the Ohio landscape.
The name Orion ties into Kings Island’s Area 72 section, a sci-fi themed area that imagines a connection to deep space. The coaster’s station and queue are themed with mission briefing elements and cosmic aesthetics. Learn more at Kings Island’s official site.
The Ride Layout
Orion’s first drop plunges 300 feet at an 85-degree angle, making it one of the tallest and steepest drops on any B&M giga coaster. The train reaches 91 mph at the bottom before sweeping into a massive wave turn that delivers strong floater airtime. This is followed by a speed hill, a treble clef turn, and additional airtime hills that maintain the ride’s momentum throughout the layout.
The ride’s 5,321-foot track length is shorter than some other giga coasters, which has been a point of discussion among enthusiasts. However, what Orion lacks in duration, it makes up for in quality. Every element is purposeful, delivering maximum sensation without filler. The pacing is excellent, with no dead spots or wasted moments.
Orion in the Giga Conversation
The giga coaster category is elite, with only a handful of coasters in the world crossing the 300-foot threshold. Orion joins Millennium Force, Fury 325, Leviathan, and Intimidator 305 in this exclusive club. While enthusiasts debate their ranking endlessly, Orion’s combination of speed, airtime, and smooth B&M engineering makes it a worthy member.
Seeing Orion in motion from the Kings Island midway is a sight in itself. The massive structure dominates the skyline, and the train’s speed through the low-to-ground sections is genuinely impressive from any viewing angle. For more on giga coasters, visit ThrillZing’s blog.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Kings Island, Ohio
- Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard (giga coaster)
- Opened: July 2020
- Height: 287 feet
- First drop: 300 feet at 85 degrees
- Top speed: 91 mph
- Length: 5,321 feet
Orion belongs to an elite club — see how it stacks up in our guide to the types of roller coasters.
FAQs
How tall and fast is Orion?
Orion stands 287 feet tall with a 300-foot first drop and reaches 91 mph.
Is Orion a giga coaster?
Yes — Orion is one of only a handful of giga coasters worldwide, meaning a height or drop of 300 feet or more.
1 thought on “Orion in motion.”