Kentucky Kingdom plans for 2017

Published: Nov. 30, 2016 at 2:18 AM EST|Updated: Dec. 9, 2016 at 1:36 AM EST
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LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Kentucky Kingdom is already announcing its plans for the 2017 season.

"Eye of the Storm," a high-speed "Super Loop"-style ride leads the list, according to a press release. The 24-passenger ride will take riders around a seven-story loop both forward and backward. The park also plans to add two new rides to King Louie's Playland, one of the largest children's areas in the region.

Changes are also coming to the park's only wooden roller coaster, Thunder Run, which will receive track modifications and a new train.

Bill Hargrave, who is the Vice President of Construction, says the new train "replaces the original Thunder Run train first put into service in 1990. With its advanced technology, the new train, together with track improvements, will give coaster enthusiasts a smoother and faster ride."

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In 2017, Kentucky Kingdom will have more than 80 rides and attractions including five roller coasters and 20 water attractions. General park improvements include installing more shade structures throughout Hurricane Bay and at ride queues; additional lockers, tables, chairs, and benches throughout the entire park; and three additional ticket windows.

Ed Hart, President and CEO of Kentucky Kingdom, says "last year, we completed our initial three-year development plan and attendance rose to approximately 800,000, representing a 60% increase over attendance at the time the previous park closed. Now we are ready for round two - a second three-year development plan, with the goal of achieving at least one million visits. Our approach has always been the same: to add new attractions for every age and thrill level, provide outstanding guest service in a safe and friendly environment, and offer prices the average family can afford."

Hart says he hopes that the hundreds of thousands of out-of-state visitors that come to Kentucky Kingdom each year will continue to not only "fill local hotel rooms, but also help boost attendance at other attractions both locally and throughout the state."

Kentucky Kingdom is set to reopen in April. Click here for general admission ticket as well as season pass information.

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