KENTUCKY KINGDOM
Louisville, KentuckySouthern hospitality isn't dead, but it seems in full retreat around Kentucky Kingdom. This young whippersnapper of a park (under new management since 1990) has coasters named The Vampire and T2 (which stands for Terror to the Second Power), as well as a free-fall ride called the Hellevator--not the kind of place you'd go for a quiet picnic. The park leaped into the thrill-park major leagues by adding Chang, a coaster you ride standing up that breaks five world records: tallest stand-up coaster (154 feet), longest stand-up coaster (4,155 feet), most inversions for a stand-up coaster (5), tallest vertical loop for any coaster (121 feet) and tallest dive loop for any coaster (103 feet). Chang's most striking feature, though, is its twisted track layout, as inscrutably convoluted as a bowl of noodle soup.
HIGHEST ELEVATION: 154 feet
TOP SPEED: 63 mph
LONGEST DROP: 144 feet
DURATION: 2 minutes
NUMBER OF INVERSIONS: 5
MAXIMUM G FORCE: 4.2
WHERE TO STAY
This park is next to an airport where there are lodgings but not much else. Drive 10 minutes to Louisville for parks, antebellum mansions and museums.Executive Inn (800-626-2706, near park). Facilities include pools and a game room. Call for room rates.
Club Hotel by Doubletree (888-444-CLUB, East End). Facilities include an Olympic-size pool, a Jacuzzi and a game room. Call for room rates.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.
