It’s that time of year. Temperatures are warmer.  Trees are budding.  Spring flowers are beginning to bloom.  And Ohio’s two largest amusement parks are getting ready to open!

If you are an amusement park aficionado or a roller coaster thrill-seeker AND you live in or near Ohio, you’re a pretty happy camper. Ohio is home to two of the biggest and best amusement parks anywhere – Cedar Point in Sandusky and Kings Island in Mason – and boasts some of the best roller coasters on the planet.

Since last fall after they closed for the winter months, our staff has been working with the maintenance crews of both parks to service and inspect ride structures and parts in preparation for their spring openings. Here’s the scoop on this year’s new attractions…

Artist rendering of Tropical Plunge at Kings Island

At Kings Island, opening April 16, you’ll find Tropical Plunge, a new addition to the Soak City Waterpark. This complex of six different water slide experiences towers nearly seven stories high!  Three of the slides will begin with guests climbing inside an Aqua-Launch chamber and waiting for the floor to drop out, sending them on a nearly vertical free fall.  Get all the details here.

Valravn at Cedar Point

Cedar Point, dubbed the “roller coaster capital of the world,” is debuting Valravn when it opens May 7. Name taken from a supernatural raven in Danish folklore, Valravn is the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster.  Riders will climb 223 feet above the midway before being held over the edge for 4 seconds and diving straight down at a 90-degree angle on an exhilarating flight.  Too excited to wait?  Click here for all the coaster stats, constructions photos, and POV videos.

This summer is going to be all about the vertical free fall. We suggest you hold on to your hats…and stomachs!