|
| logo = Kentucky Kingdom Logo.svg
| image = Kentucky Kingdom - Entrance Fountain 2021.jpg
| location = [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]]
| location2 = [[Kentucky]]
| location3 = [[United States]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|38.195427|-85.747245|type:landmark|display=title,inline}}
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/|kentuckykingdom.com}}
| owner = Kentucky State Fair Board
| operator = [[Herschend Family Entertainment]]
| status = Operating
}}
'''Kentucky Kingdom''', formerly known as '''Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom''', is an [[amusement park]] in [[Louisville, Kentucky]], United States. The {{convert|67|acre|adj=on}} park<ref>{{cite web |title=Partnership Opportunities |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/sponsors |website=kentuckykingdom.com |publisher=Kentucky Kingdom |access-date=May 26, 2020 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804031834/https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/sponsors |url-status=dead }}</ref> includes a collection of [[amusement ride]]s and the Hurricane Bay [[water park]]. Kentucky Kingdom is located at the intersection of [[Interstate 65]] and [[Interstate 264 (Kentucky)|Interstate 264]], sharing a parking lot with the [[Kentucky Exposition Center]].
In 1977, the Kentucky State Fair Board announced plans to build a theme park on the grounds of the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center. The park's construction, overseen by Kentucky Entertainment Limited, began in 1986 and cost $12 million in total.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tompor|first1=Susan|date=January 3, 1986|title=Kentucky Kingdom stands good chance of beating the odds|work=[[The Courier-Journal]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109809168/|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|archive-date=August 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805212634/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109809168/|url-status=live}}</ref> Kentucky Kingdom opened to the public on May 23, 1987. The park went bankrupt after one season, and was reopened in 1990 by businessman Ed Hart. Due to loan payment challenges, Kentucky Kingdom was sold in 1998 to [[Six Flags]], inwhich 1998operated whoit operateduntil theclosing parkit untilin 2009. Five years after Kentucky Kingdom closed, Ed Hart reopened the park in May 2014. Seven years after Kentucky Kingdom reopenedlater, the park's operating rights were sold to [[Herschend Family Entertainment]]. Kentucky Kingdom is owned by the Kentucky State Fair Board, and operated by Herschend Family Entertainment.
Kentucky Kingdom has five roller coasters: [[Kentucky Flyer]], [[Lightning Run]], [[Roller Skater (roller coaster)|Roller Skater]], [[Storm Chaser (roller coaster)|Storm Chaser]], and [[Thunder Run (Kentucky Kingdom)|Thunder Run]]. The park has opened many first-of-its-kind roller coasters. [[T3 (roller coaster)|T3T2]] was the first [[Vekoma]] [[Suspended Looping Coaster]] in North America. Lightning Run was the first [[Chance Rides]] Hyper GT-X Coaster in the world. Storm Chaser was the first roller coaster in the United States toU.S. featurewith a barrel roll drop.
==History==
====Planning and construction====
[[File:FreedomHallStateFair.jpg|200px|thumb|[[Freedom Hall]], a multi-purpose arena, was one of the main venues of the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center.]]
The Kentucky State Fair Board released a long-range master plan for the redevelopment and expansion of the [[Kentucky Exposition Center|Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center]] grounds on March 24, 1977, which included the construction of a theme park. The Fair Board suggested that the park should be divided into three sections: a turn-of-the-century village, a [[Daniel Boone]] town and a "unit devoted to [[Coal mining in Kentucky|Kentucky's mining industry]]."<ref>{{cite news|date=March 25, 1977|title=Plans for fairgrounds include park with theme|work=[[The Courier-Journal]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110871564/|url-access=subscription|access-date=June 1, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129220133/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110871564/|url-status=live}}</ref> Several years later, the fair board began searching for a developer who could operate the planned park, and on November 21, 1985, signed a contract with Kentucky Entertainment Limited, headed by [[Dallas]] businessman Michael Jenkins.<ref>{{cite book |title=Index of Trademarks Issued from the United States Patent and Trademark Office |date=1994 |publisher=The United States Patent and Trademark Office |page=673 |isbn=9780160454837 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0BTRAAAAMAAJ&q=kentucky+entertainment+ltd&pg=PA673 |access-date=April 25, 2020 |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128071650/https://books.google.com/books?id=0BTRAAAAMAAJ&q=kentucky+entertainment+ltd&pg=PA673#v=snippet&q=kentucky%20entertainment%20ltd&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pamela Westerman, President and Chief Operating Officer |url=http://www.interthemepark.com/pamela-westerman.html |website=interthemepark.com |access-date=April 25, 2020 |archive-date=April 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425042621/http://www.interthemepark.com/pamela-westerman.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=November 22, 1985|title=Julie Shaw resigns post with state fair|work=[[The Courier-Journal]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109925332/|url-access=subscription|access-date=June 1, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|archive-date=August 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805212634/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109925332/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On December 13, 1985, at a press conference attended by Kentucky governor [[Martha Layne Collins]] and Louisville mayor [[Jerry Abramson]], Kentucky Entertainment Limited and the Fair Board announced plans for Kentucky Kingdom, a 13-acre theme park focused on Kentucky's history and culture that would open in 1987.<ref>{{cite news|date=May 17, 1987|title=Kentucky Kingdom: from dreams to reality|work=[[The Courier-Journal]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109923727/|url-access=subscription|access-date=April 25, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201122450/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109923727/|url-status=live}}</ref> Construction began on March 28, 1986, with a team of mules and a 60-year old plow breaking the first ground at a ceremony that was also attended by Governor Collins and Mayor Abramson.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chapman|first1=Gary|date=March 29, 1986|title=Ground is broken for theme park at the State Fair & Experience Center|work=[[The Courier-Journal]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/111094711/|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 14, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|archive-date=November 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103053830/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/111094711/|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 16, 1987, more than 6,000 [[Girl Scouts of the USA|Girl Scouts]] and their relatives were allowed to preview the park a week before opening. Most of the reviews were negative, as visitors complained about long lines and poor crowd control, many believed that the park was too small to accommodate large crowds.<ref>{{cite news|date=May 17, 1987|title=Scouts, relatives scurry up and wait at test run of new Kentucky Kingdom|work=[[The Courier-Journal]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109919947/|url-access=subscription|access-date=April 25, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|archive-date=November 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103053832/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109919947/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Rapid growth===
[[File:Thunder Run Kentucky Kingdom.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Thunder Run (Kentucky Kingdom)|Thunder Run]] opened in 1990, and was the first ride added to the second half of the park.]]
The rights to operate Kentucky Kingdom were purchased by Ed Hart and a group of investors in April 1989.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shafer|first1=Sheldon|date=April 14, 1989|title=Amusement park's rides destined for auction block|work=The Courier-Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109948977/|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 26, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=June 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622195621/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109948977/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hart was a local businessman who had renovated two buildings in Louisville's [[The Highlands, Louisville|Highlands]] neighborhood.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ed Hart -– MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs |url=https://moxietalk.com/episodes/ed-hart/ |website=moxietalk.com |access-date=May 2, 2020 |archive-date=August 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808182407/https://moxietalk.com/episodes/ed-hart/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After Kentucky Kingdom closed, he was contacted by the [[National Bank of Canada]], who offered to be the senior lender if he reopened the park. Hart initially declined, because of the stories of Kentucky Kingdom's failure, but later changed his mind.<ref name="mojo">{{cite news |last1=Stemle |first1=Cary |title=Kentucky Kingdom wants its mojo back |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/print-edition/2015/04/17/kentucky-kingdom-wants-its-mojo-back.html |access-date=November 7, 2023 |work=[[American City Business Journals]] |publisher=[[Advance Publications]] |date=April 17, 2015 |archive-date=May 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516143743/http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/print-edition/2015/04/17/kentucky-kingdom-wants-its-mojo-back.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Hart's first step was paying the 227 vendors and contractors that were unpaid before. In December 1989, the new operators decided to exercise an option in their deal with the Fair Board to lease an additional 13 acres so that the park could be expanded.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shafer|first1=Sheldon|date=December 16, 1989|title=Kentucky Kingdom leases land for expansion|work=The Courier-Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110744424/|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 20, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103053825/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110744424/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Kentucky Kingdom reopened for the 1990 season on June 13, with an estimated 2,000 people visiting the park on the first day of the season.<ref name="start"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Lee|date=June 14, 1990|title=A new Kingdom -– Roller coasters and games debut at amusement park in Louisville|work=The Courier-Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109975183/|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 26, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103053828/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109975183/|url-status=live}}</ref> While all the rides from the 1987 season were sold, the Starchaser indoor roller coaster had remained on-site at the amusement park, allowing Hart to repurchase and reclaim it.<ref name="Timeline">{{cite web|last=Cowan |first=Chris |title=Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom |url=http://timelines.home.insightbb.com/sfkk_years.htm |publisher=Theme Park Timelines |access-date=November 15, 2010 |date=May 13, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713041615/http://timelines.home.insightbb.com/sfkk_years.htm |archive-date=July 13, 2011 }}</ref> Additionally, new [[flat rides]] were added, including Blackbeard's Bounty, The Enterprise, Whirling Dervish (later renamed ‘Breakdance’), as well as The Vampire, a roller coaster. The Tin Lizzies antique car ride reused the same track as the former car ride, [[Pontiac (automobile)]]’s Tin Lizzy Junction, while new antique cars were added in 1995, having been previously used at [[Opryland USA]] in [[Tennessee]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Where Are They Now... |url=http://www.thrillhunter.com/WhereAreTheyNow.html |website=thrillhunter.com |access-date=May 2, 2020 |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128005501/http://www.thrillhunter.com/WhereAreTheyNow.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1991, the park opened the Flying Dutchman, a wooden shoe-swing ride that was relocated from [[Kings Island]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Knippenberg|first1=Jim|date=April 12, 1991|title=Adventure Express adds twist to coaster thrills|work=The Cincinnati Enquirer|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/102126754/|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 22, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103053824/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/102126754/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In late 1990, Kentucky Kingdom announced plans to build a [[water park]], projected to open by either the summer of 1991 or spring of 1992.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shafer|first1=Sheldon|date=August 24, 1990|title=Kentucky Kingdom plans to add water park|work=The Courier-Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8709327/hurricane-bay-announcement/|access-date=May 2, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=June 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611062054/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8709327/hurricane-bay-announcement/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1991, the park revealed more details about the proposed water park, notably that it would span six acres (2.43 ha), be named ‘Ocean Avenue’, open in 1992, and require a separate admission cost of $4 to $6.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shafer|first1=Sheldon|date=July 12, 1991|title=Kentucky Kingdom to get new neighbor -– a water park|work=The Courier-Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110759033/|url-access=subscription|access-date=June 1, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122160748/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110759033/|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, 1991 also saw the opening of ‘The Quake’, the first [[Vekoma]] Waikiki Wave to open in [[North America]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Neuhauser|first=Ken|date=June 7, 1991|title=Quake, Rattle & Roll|page=C1|work=The Courier-Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/110904482|access-date=January 17, 2022|archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118011809/http://www.newspapers.com/image/110904482/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=waikki wave|url=https://parkvault.net/tag/waikiki-wave/|access-date=May 22, 2020|website=parkvault.net|date=July 13, 2017 |archive-date=December 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201070828/https://parkvault.net/tag/waikiki-wave/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was announced in October of the same year that all profits from the 1991 season would be invested into the waterpark's development.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shafer|first1=Sheldon|date=October 10, 1991|title=Kentucky Kingdom will sink year's profit into water park|work=The Courier-Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110032028/|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 20, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103053826/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110032028/|url-status=live}}</ref> The name was later changed to ‘Ocean Paradise’, and was changed for a third time to ‘Hurricane Bay’ (which was the planned name for the park's [[wave pool]]).<ref>{{cite web|date=May 14, 2020|title=THROOOOOWBACK! Who remembers these park maps from 1992?!|url=https://www.facebook.com/kentuckykingdom/photos/a.599973010036875/3236951429672340/?type=3&theater |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/150584424975738/3236951429672340 |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |url-access=limited|access-date=May 18, 2020|publisher=Kentucky Kingdom|via=Facebook|quote=New in '92: Hurricane Bay; a 750,000 gallon wave pool featuring the Big Kahuna}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Hurricane Bay opened in 1992 as an extension of the Kentucky Kingdom amusement park, with no separate admission fee required for entry. Other additions for the 1992 season included a $2.6 million, 150-foot-tall [[Ferris wheel]] called the Giant Wheel.<ref>{{cite web |title=Executive Board Award -– World Waterpark Association |url=https://www.waterparks.org/UploadedFiles/ExecBoard_Award.pdf |publisher=World Waterpark Association |access-date=May 2, 2020 |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611063653/https://www.waterparks.org/UploadedFiles/ExecBoard_Award.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Shafer|first1=Sheldon|date=March 17, 1992|title='Giant Wheel,' wave pool to be BIG attractions for Kentucky Kingdom|work=The Courier-Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110133143/|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 21, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=December 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205183211/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110133143/|url-status=live}}</ref> The following year, in 1993, a new [[water slide]] complex opened in Hurricane Bay, featuring four different slides.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shafer|first1=Sheldon|date=June 25, 1993|title=Kentucky Kingdom to open rest of water park tomorrow|work=The Courier-Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110733131/|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 6, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103053826/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110733131/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1994, the park opened Mile High Falls, which, upon its opening, was the world's tallest [[shoot the chute]] water ride.<ref>{{cite news|date=August 9, 2018|title=Kentucky Kingdom reopens popular Mile High Falls attraction|publisher=WDRB|url=https://www.wdrb.com/news/kentucky-kingdom-reopens-popular-mile-high-falls-attraction/article_61d48c18-df27-5936-a07d-081acb6ee834.html|url-status=live|access-date=May 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611063848/https://www.wdrb.com/news/kentucky-kingdom-reopens-popular-mile-high-falls-attraction/article_61d48c18-df27-5936-a07d-081acb6ee834.html|archive-date=June 11, 2021}}</ref> The children's roller coaster Roller Skater was also added that year.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shafer|first1=Sheldon|date=March 16, 1994|title=Flourishing Kentucky Kingdom adds 4 rides, costing $5 million|work=The Courier-Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8709984/the-courier-journal/|url-status=live|access-date=May 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810004835/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8709984/the-courier-journal/|archive-date=August 10, 2020|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
[[File:Mile High Falls 2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Upon its opening in 1994, Mile High Falls was the tallest [[shoot the chute]] ride in the world.]]
In June 1997, [[Bank One Corporation|Banc One Corporation]] completed its acquisition of Liberty National Bank and Trust Company, which held a major loan in Kentucky Kingdom.<ref>{{cite news |title=Banc One completes purchase of Liberty |url=https://journalrecord.com/1997/06/banc-one-completes-purchase-of-liberty/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |work=[[The Journal Record]] |publisher=[[Gannett]] |date=June 3, 1997 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118073632/https://journalrecord.com/1997/06/banc-one-completes-purchase-of-liberty/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Although the park had never missed a payment, Banc One called the loan, forcing Hart to either raise more capital or sell the park's operating rights.<ref name="mojo"/> Hart announced on September 26, 1997, that the rights to operate Kentucky Kingdom would be sold to [[Six Flags#History of Premier Parks|Premier Parks]] for $64 million; the deal was finalized on November 7.<ref name=start /> As part of the agreement, Premier Parks agreed to continue opening new attractions at the park through at least 1999.<ref>{{cite news|last=Redding|first=Rick|date=November 24, 1997|title=Whew! What a wild ride for Kentucky Kingdom|work=[[American City Business Journals]]|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/1997/11/24/story4.html|url-status=live|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611092823/https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/1997/11/24/story4.html|archive-date=June 11, 2021}}</ref> At the time, Kentucky Kingdom was one of the most popular tourism attractions in Louisville, receiving more visitors than [[Churchill Downs]].<ref name=start />
During the offseason, Premier Parks acquired [[Six Flags]] from [[Time Warner]], and as such, on June 2221, 1998, the park reopened as Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom.<ref>{{cite news |title=The New Monster Of The Midway; Premier Parks Thrives by Not Being Disney |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/21/business/the-new-monster-of-the-midway-premier-parks-thrives-by-not-being-disney.html |accessdate=November 17, 2023 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=June 21, 1998 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720170029/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/21/business/the-new-monster-of-the-midway-premier-parks-thrives-by-not-being-disney.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Also on June 2221, 1998, [[Twisted Twins|Twisted Sisters]], a wooden dueling roller coaster, officially opened to the public. The roller coaster cost $5 million, and had been planned by Thememparks LLC, who originally plannedwanted to name it "Double Trouble." Hook's Lagoon, an interactive tree house with water activities, was also added that year to Hurricane Bay.<ref>{{cite news|date=May 11, 1998|title=The science of fun|work=[[The Courier-Journal]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110510253/|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 18, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|archive-date=November 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124023145/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110510253/|url-status=live}}</ref> Six Flags then transformed King Louie's Playground into Looney Tunes Movie Town and added the Batman Stunt Show Spectacular in 1999.<ref name="start"/> It became the ninth amusement park to use the [[Six Flags]] name.<ref name="RCDB Kentucky Kingdom">{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Kentucky Kingdom|rcdb_number=4563|access-date=November 15, 2010}}</ref>
[[File:Greezed Lightnin' (Kentucky Kingdom).JPG|left|thumb|200px|[[Shuttle Loop|Greezed Lightnin']] opened in 2003, after it was relocated from [[Six Flags Over Georgia]].]]
The Penguin's Blizzard River opened in 1999, using many pumps and mechanisms for a rapids ride that Premier Parks who had previously purchased the parts from Opryland USA. The parts were from Grizzly River Rampage, a rapids ride, that closed along with Opryland in 1997.<ref name=Timeline /> That same year, the Vampire roller coaster was removed due to several malfunctions that had occurred earlier in the season. The ride would later reopen as [[Flashback (Six Flags New England)|Flashback]] at [[Six Flags New England]] in 2000.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hannah|first1=Jim|date=December 18, 1999|title=Vampire roller coaster being dismantled|work=[[The Courier-Journal]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51115456/vampire-kentucky-kingdom-dismantled/|access-date=September 20, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|archive-date=June 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611092717/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51115456/vampire-kentucky-kingdom-dismantled/|url-status=live}}</ref> The park opened [[Gotham City Gauntlet: Escape from Arkham Asylum|Road Runner Express]], a wild mouse coaster, in 2000, and opened Skycoaster one year later.<ref>{{cite web |title=TAKE FLIGHT ON SKYCOASTER THIS SUMMER AT SIX FLAGS KENTUCKY KINGDOM |url=http://www.sixflags.com/kentuckykingdom/new/release.cfm?id=226 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010608200219/http://www.sixflags.com/kentuckykingdom/new/release.cfm?id=226 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 8, 2001 |website=sixflags.com |access-date=May 2, 2020}}</ref> The Twisted Sisters roller coaster was renamed to Twisted Twins in 2002, upon the threat of a lawsuit from the band [[Twisted Sister]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=MacDonald|first1=Brady|date=March 11, 2016|title=Kentucky Kingdom plans to turn a defunct coaster into a jaw-dropping marvel|work=[[Daily Press (Virginia)|Daily Press]]|url=https://www.dailypress.com/la-trb-kentucky-kingdom-storm-chaser-20160311-story.html|url-status=live|access-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611092516/https://www.dailypress.com/dailypress/la-trb-kentucky-kingdom-storm-chaser-20160311-story.html|archive-date=June 11, 2021}}</ref>
For the 2003 season, Kentucky Kingdom opened Greezed Lightin', a shuttle loop roller coaster formerly located at [[Six Flags Over Georgia]] as Viper and before that as Tidal Wave at [[Six Flags Great America]].<ref>{{cite web |title=GREEZED LIGHTNIN' -– Kentucky Kingdom |url=https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/greezedlightnin_sfkk |website=ultimaterollercoaster.com |access-date=May 6, 2020 |archive-date=May 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509193855/https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/greezedlightnin_sfkk |url-status=live }}</ref> It was named after another shuttle loop coaster in the chain at the now defunct [[Six Flags AstroWorld]] in Houston, Texas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greezed Lightnin' -– Six Flags AstroWorld |url=https://rcdb.com/55.htm |website=rcdb.com |access-date=May 6, 2020 |archive-date=September 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913120442/https://rcdb.com/55.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The Quake was removed in 2004 because of malfunctions and was replaced by the Tornado water attraction in 2005.<ref>{{cite web |title=Midwest waterparks: Bigger, better, wilder and wetter |url=http://www.jeffcoy.com/documents/press/2005-05-15.pdf |website=jeffcoy.com |access-date=May 6, 2020 |archive-date=November 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122160813/http://www.jeffcoy.com/documents/press/2005-05-15.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2007, Hurricane Bay was renamed to Six Flags Splashwater Kingdom and Deluge, the first hydromagnetic water coaster, along with Buccaneer Beach, a water play area for young children.<ref>{{cite news|date=June 17, 2007|title=Splash, speed and spin|work=[[The Orange County Register]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2007/06/17/splash-speed-and-spin/|url-status=live|access-date=April 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611092201/https://www.ocregister.com/2007/06/17/splash-speed-and-spin/|archive-date=June 11, 2021}}</ref> Also, the Hellevator drop tower was renamed and rethemed to [[Superman: Tower of Power]] just in time for opening day 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.screamscape.com/html/six_flags_kentucky_kingdom.htm |title=Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom – News & Rumors |date=January 5, 2007 |work=Screamscape.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070415235350/http://www.screamscape.com:80/html/six_flags_kentucky_kingdom.htm |archive-date=April 15, 2007 |access-date=December 8, 2023 |url-status=dead |quote=Screamscape sources have confirmed to us that along with the new paint on the Hellivator{{sic}}, the ride will also be changing it's{{sic}} name in 2007 to Superman: Tower of Power.}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=Local news source or even a Six Flags press release would be stronger for this|date=December 2023}}
On June 21, 2007, [[Kentucky Kingdom#Superman: Tower of Power|an accident occurred]] on the [[Superman: Tower of Power]] drop tower which resulted in a 13-year-old girl having both feet amputated at the ankles after a cable fracture occurred on the ride.<ref name="cnn">{{cite news|date=June 22, 2007|title=Girl's feet severed on ride at Six Flags in Kentucky|publisher=[[CNN]]|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/06/21/six.flags.accident/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=April 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506020131/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/06/21/six.flags.accident/index.html|archive-date=May 6, 2021}}</ref><ref name="cbs">{{cite news|author=de Vries|first=Lloyd|date=June 22, 2007|title=Six Flags Closes More Rides After Accident|publisher=[[CBS News]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/22/national/main2965711.shtml|url-status=dead|access-date=September 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102153057/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/22/national/main2965711.shtml|archive-date=November 2, 2012}}</ref> This accident caused several other drop towers to close down, including [[Drop Tower (Cedar Fair)|Drop Tower: Scream Zone]] at [[Cedar Fair]] parks.<ref>{{cite news|date=June 23, 2007|title=More thrill rides closed after teen injured|work=Pensacola News Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82673617/more-thrill-rides-closed-after-teen/|access-date=December 8, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208184011/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82673617/more-thrill-rides-closed-after-teen/|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 29, 2007, it was announced that Superman: Tower of Power would not reopen for the 2008 season.<ref>{{cite news|last=White|first=Charlie|date=November 30, 2007|title=Ride that maimed girl to come down|work=The Courier-Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65083000/ride-that-maimed-girl-to-come-down/|access-date=December 14, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208173415/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65083000/ride-that-maimed-girl-to-come-down/|url-status=live}}</ref> The ride was removed in 2008, the park originally was to replace the ride with a new attraction for the 2008 season, but this never occurred. Instead, Mega Wedgie, a new water slide, was added to Splashwater Kingdom in 2008.<ref>{{cite news |title=Roller Coasters: Six Flags Opens 7 New Coasters |url=https://blooloop.com/news/roller-coasters-six-flags-opens-7-new-coasters/ |access-date=May 3, 2020 |work=blooloop.com |date=May 23, 2008 |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128071556/https://blooloop.com/uncategorised/news/roller-coasters-six-flags-opens-7-new-coasters/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to major debt by owner Six Flags, the entire northwest section of the park, which included Twisted Twins, Mile High Falls, and the Zeppelin spinning blimp ride, was completely closed for the remainder of Six Flags' operation of the park.<ref>{{cite web |title=TWISTED TWINS -– Kentucky Kingdom |url=https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/twisted_sfkk |website=ultimaterollercoaster.com |access-date=May 6, 2020 |archive-date=May 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516223029/https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/twisted_sfkk |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom overview 1 (cropped).jpg|thumb|200px|[[Green Lantern (Six Flags Great Adventure)#History|Chang]] closed in 2009 and was relocated to [[Six Flags Great Adventure]].]]
On September 21, 2009, Kentucky Kingdom confirmed that Chang was being removed for the addition of Bonzai Beach, a new water park region with a separate theme from the existing Splashwater Kingdom. Bonzai Beach would have opened during the 2011 season to coincide with Six Flags' 50th anniversary that year.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Chang Comes Down At Kentucky Kingdom; Ride Removed As Part Of Water Park Expansion |url=http://www.wlky.com/news/21043204/detail.html |publisher=[[WLKY]] |date=September 21, 2009 |access-date=February 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717065635/http://www.wlky.com/news/21043204/detail.html |archive-date=July 17, 2011 }}</ref> Chang was relocated to [[Six Flags Great Adventure]], where it reopened in 2011 as Green Lantern.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hartstein |first1=Onezumi |title=Green Lantern POV video from Six Flags |url=https://www.nj.com/adventures_in_nerdy_jersey/2011/05/green_lantern_pov_video_from_six_flags.html |access-date=November 3, 2023 |work=[[NJ.com]] |publisher=[[Advance Publications]] |date=May 21, 2011 |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103060208/https://www.nj.com/adventures_in_nerdy_jersey/2011/05/green_lantern_pov_video_from_six_flags.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Amid a corporate bankruptcy, on February 4, 2010, Six Flags announced the park would cease operations immediately due to the rejection of an amended lease by the Kentucky State Fair Board.<ref>{{cite news |title=Six Flags closes Kentucky Kingdom theme park |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna35255893 |access-date=November 11, 2023 |work=[[NBC News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=February 5, 2010 |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112031540/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna35255893 |url-status=live }}</ref> This left the Fair Board and Six Flags to negotiate the ownership of rides and attractions. In July 2010, this dispute was settled with Six Flags receiving a ride of their choice (Road Runner Express), and $2.8 million in lease-related payments owed by Six Flags was forgiven in exchange for Six Flags' property rights (which included the offices, furniture, fixtures and equipment relating to the park, and all intellectual property).<ref>{{cite web |title=Road Runner Express -– Kentucky Kingdom |url=https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/roadrunner_sfkk |website=ultimaterollercoaster.com |access-date=May 5, 2020 |archive-date=May 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516220751/https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/roadrunner_sfkk |url-status=live }}</ref> The Kentucky State Fair Board also used $2.35 million from Ed Hart to purchase Six Flags' {{convert|20|acre|adj=on}} stake in the park.<ref name="Company sues state"/> Six Flags removed all of the Looney Tunes and DC Comics/Batman related content from the park along with inner tubes, overhead shades from rides, and some parts from rides to use at its other parks. Six Flags also removed the Sky Coaster, as they had leased the ride and the owner had decided to take the ride elsewhere.
===Attempts to revive the park===
After the first month of operation, over 100,000 season passes were sold, and by the end of the season, 600,000 guests had visited the park.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kentucky Kingdom drew 600,000 in first year of re-opening |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2014/09/25/kentucky-kingdom-drew-first-year-re-opening/16179885/ |access-date=April 24, 2020 |work=[[The Courier-Journal]] |date=September 25, 2014 |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128072650/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2014/09/25/kentucky-kingdom-drew-first-year-re-opening/16179885/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Kentucky Kingdom announced plans to open a renovated amphitheater and roller coaster [[T3 (roller coaster)|T3]] (formerly known as T2) in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shafer|first=Sheldon S.|date=July 7, 2014|title=Kentucky Kingdom operators confident after 1st month|work=[[The Courier-Journal]]|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2014/07/03/kentucky-kingdom-operators-confident-st-month/12155567/|url-status=live|url-access=limited|access-date=March 27, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210611085042/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2014/07/03/kentucky-kingdom-operators-confident-st-month/12155567/|archive-date=June 11, 2021}}</ref> On September 25, 2014, Cyclos and Skycatcher were announced for 2015, along with three refurbished attractions: Enterprise, Raging Rapids River Ride, and T3.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kentucky Kingdom to add 5 rides in 2015 |url=https://www.wave3.com/story/26629856/kentucky-kingdom-to-add-5-rides-in-2015/ |access-date=November 7, 2023 |work=[[WAVE (TV)|WAVE]] |date=September 25, 2014 |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107160323/https://www.wave3.com/story/26629856/kentucky-kingdom-to-add-5-rides-in-2015/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 16, 2015, Kentucky Kingdom announced the park would add three other rides, calling the total group of eight new rides the Kingdom Eight. Added were Up Up and Away, Flutterfly and The Wizard of Oz.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hughes|first1=Diana|date=May 11, 2015|title=Enjoy thrills and spills at Kentucky Kingdom|work=[[The Tennessean]]|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/travel/2015/05/11/enjoy-thrills-and-spills-at-kentucky-kingdom/27118383/|url-status=live|access-date=May 2, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210611084907/https://www.tennessean.com/story/travel/2015/05/11/enjoy-thrills-and-spills-at-kentucky-kingdom/27118383/|archive-date=June 11, 2021}}</ref>
[[File:StormChaser_Corkscrew.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Storm Chaser (roller coaster)|Storm Chaser]], added in 2016, useduses the support structure from Twisted Twins.]]
On July 20, 2015, Kentucky Kingdom officials announced that the park would be adding their fifth roller coaster, [[Storm Chaser (roller coaster)|Storm Chaser]], for the 2016 season. Storm Chaser is a [[Rocky Mountain Construction]] roller coaster which used part of Twisted Twins' existing structure, which has sat standing but not operating since the end of the 2007 season.<ref>{{cite news|date=July 20, 2015|title=Kentucky Kingdom announces plans for 5th roller coaster|publisher=[[WHAS-TV]]|url=http://www.whas11.com/story/life/2015/07/20/new-coaster-announcement-for-ky-kingdom/30418807/|url-status=dead|access-date=July 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123003524/http://www.whas11.com/story/life/2015/07/20/new-coaster-announcement-for-ky-kingdom/30418807/|archive-date=January 23, 2016}}</ref> Storm Chaser opened to the public on April 30, 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kentucky Kingdom opens April 30 with new Storm Chaser coaster |url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/kentucky-kingdom-opens-april-30-new-storm-chaser-coaster/ |access-date=May 5, 2020 |work=attractionsmagazine.com |date=April 29, 2016 |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925071915/https://attractionsmagazine.com/kentucky-kingdom-opens-april-30-new-storm-chaser-coaster/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Kentucky Flyer - Spring 2019.png|200px|thumb|[[Kentucky Flyer]], added in 2019, uses wooden track on a steel support structure.]]
To celebrate the park's 5th anniversary upon its grand reopening in 2014, the [[Kentucky Flyer]] family wooden coaster was added for the 2019 season. Kentucky Flyer is manufactured by [[The Gravity Group]] from [[Cincinnati|Cincinnati, Ohio]], and takes riders of all ages through 1,288 feet of airtime hills and twists at a maximum speed of 35 mph.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://rcdb.com/16676.htm | title=Kentucky Flyer -– Kentucky Kingdom (Louisville, Kentucky, United States) | access-date=June 21, 2019 | archive-date=June 21, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621013457/https://rcdb.com/16676.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> The coaster's construction was almost cancelled in late 2018, when on October 16, the Kentucky State Fair Board wouldn't allow the park to use half an acre of 20-acre expansion land, which was promised in the park's lease.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Finley|first1=Marty|date=October 16, 2018|title=Kentucky Kingdom says disputes with state could derail its expansion plans|work=Louisville Business First|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2018/10/16/kentucky-kingdom-says-disputes-with-state-could.html|url-status=live|access-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611084038/https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2018/10/16/kentucky-kingdom-says-disputes-with-state-could.html|archive-date=June 11, 2021}}</ref> The Fair Board claimed that they weren't able to allow the park to use the land, because expansion of the park involved talks with several landlord parties; Hart claimed that construction was halted due to an ongoing lawsuit that the park filed against the Fair Board because of parking issues.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wagner|first1=Sara|date=October 16, 2018|title=Kentucky Kingdom in land dispute over newest roller coaster|publisher=[[WHAS-TV]]|url=https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/kentucky-kingdom-in-land-dispute-over-newest-roller-coaster/417-604810917|url-status=live|access-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103200230/https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/kentucky-kingdom-in-land-dispute-over-newest-roller-coaster/417-604810917|archive-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref> The next day, Kentucky Kingdom was granted permission to use the land, and the roller coaster's construction continued.<ref>{{cite news|date=October 17, 2018|title=Kentucky Kingdom says land dispute resolved, roller coaster is back on track|publisher=[[WDRB]]|url=https://www.wdrb.com/news/kentucky-kingdom-says-land-dispute-resolved-roller-coaster-is-back/article_de27cfdc-652b-547c-a0e9-dda952cb2871.html|url-status=live|access-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611082620/https://www.wdrb.com/news/kentucky-kingdom-says-land-dispute-resolved-roller-coaster-is-back/article_de27cfdc-652b-547c-a0e9-dda952cb2871.html|archive-date=June 11, 2021}}</ref>
In June 2019, Hart announced that HalloScream, a [[Halloween]]-themed event that was held at the park in the 1990s, would return in October 2019, to celebrate Kentucky Kingdom's 30th anniversary.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Aulbach|first1=Lucas|date=June 24, 2019|title=Don't freak out, but 'HalloScream' is coming back to Kentucky Kingdom this October|work=[[The Courier-Journal]]|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/2019/06/24/kentucky-kingdom-theme-park-brings-back-halloscream-october-2019/1546842001/|url-status=live|url-access=limited|access-date=April 30, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210611082819/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/2019/06/24/kentucky-kingdom-theme-park-brings-back-halloscream-october-2019/1546842001/|archive-date=June 11, 2021}}</ref> Kentucky Kingdom had not held a Halloween-themed event at the park in ten years.<ref>{{cite news |title=After a decade, Halloscream returns to Kentucky Kingdom |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/news/Halloscream-is-back |access-date=April 30, 2020 |work=KentuckyKingdom.com |date=June 24, 2019 |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809031518/https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/news/Halloscream-is-back |url-status=dead }}</ref> The park employed a Louisville-based company, Oak Island Creative to produce HalloScream.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Guinigundo |first1=Andy |title=Inside look at Kentucky Kingdom's first Halloscream |url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/kentucky-kingdom-halloscream-opens-2019/ |website=Attractions Magazine |date=October 7, 2019 |access-date=May 2, 2020 |archive-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007221100/https://attractionsmagazine.com/kentucky-kingdom-halloscream-opens-2019/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Kentucky|COVID-19 pandemic]], Kentucky Kingdom delayed its opening date for the 2020 season to early June instead of opening in late April, as originally scheduled.<ref>{{cite news|date=April 20, 2020|title=Kentucky Kingdom announces plans to open in early June|publisher=[[WDRB]]|url=https://www.wdrb.com/news/kentucky-kingdom-announces-plans-to-open-in-early-june/article_d247b772-8324-11ea-a27d-2b4ee289ea09.html|url-status=live|access-date=April 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022123544/https://www.wdrb.com/news/kentucky-kingdom-announces-plans-to-open-in-early-june/article_d247b772-8324-11ea-a27d-2b4ee289ea09.html|archive-date=October 22, 2020}}</ref> It was also announced that when the park would open in June, they would extend Kentucky Kingdom's operating hours to 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily and that Hurricane Bay would remain open until 8:00 PM daily.<ref>{{cite news|date=April 20, 2020|title=Kentucky Kingdom plans to open early June with longer hours|publisher=[[WLKY]]|url=https://www.wlky.com/article/kentucky-kingdom-plans-to-open-early-june-with-longer-hours-coronavirus-summer/32211232|url-status=live|access-date=April 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611091417/https://www.wlky.com/article/kentucky-kingdom-plans-to-open-early-june-with-longer-hours-coronavirus-summer/32211232|archive-date=June 11, 2020}}</ref> Kentucky Kingdom reopened on June 29 with new safety protocols and reduced admission prices.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Anderson|first1=Mario|date=June 1, 2020|title=Kentucky Kingdom Releases Reopening Plan for June 29|publisher=[[Spectrum News#Spectrum News 1 (Kentucky/Southern Indiana)|Spectrum News 1]]|url=https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/lexington/news/2020/06/01/ky-kingdom-reopening-june-29|url-status=live|access-date=June 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622062831/https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/lexington/news/2020/06/01/ky-kingdom-reopening-june-29|archive-date=June 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kentucky Kingdom reopens with changes amid COVID-19 |url=https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/kentucky-kingdom-reopens-with-changes-amid-covid-19/417-eaa8e8e2-3afe-4172-bd5d-f7c877870119 |access-date=November 8, 2023 |work=[[WHAS-TV]] |date=June 29, 2020 |archive-date=August 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815204121/https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/kentucky-kingdom-reopens-with-changes-amid-covid-19/417-eaa8e8e2-3afe-4172-bd5d-f7c877870119 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[The Gravity Group]]
|[[Wooden coaster|Family Wooden Coaster]]
|A family roller coaster constructed by The Gravity Group.<ref>{{cite web |title=COMING IN 2019: KENTUCKY FLYER |url=https://thegravitygroup.com/coming-in-2019-kentucky-flyer/ |website=thegravitygroup.com |date=November 14, 2018 |access-date=May 6, 2020 |archive-date=December 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223050709/http://thegravitygroup.com/coming-in-2019-kentucky-flyer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The ride features a 44-foot drop(13 meters) and reaches a top speed of 35 miles per hour(56 kilometers per hour).
|-
|[[Lightning Run]]
|Wooddesign Amusement-Rides
| [[Carousel]]
|The park's main Carousel.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bella Musica |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/explore-the-park/attractions/kentucky-kingdom/bella-musica/ |publisher=Kentucky Kingdom |access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref> Formerly called International Carousel.<ref>[http://www.sixflags.com/kentuckyKingdom/rides/FamilyRides.aspx Family Rides: Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom] (accessed May 14, 2024) {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412213135/http://www.sixflags.com/kentuckyKingdom/rides/FamilyRides.aspx |date=April 12, 2008 }}</ref>
|The park's main Carousel. Formerly called International Carousel.
|-
|Bluebeard's Bounty
|HUSS
|Pirate Ship
|Swinging pirate ship.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bluebeard's Bounty |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/explore-the-park/attractions/kentucky-kingdom/bluebeards-bounty/ |publisher=Kentucky Kingdom |access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref>
|Swinging pirate ship.
|-
|Bumper Cars
|Soli of Italy
|[[Bumper Cars]]
|Classic Bumper Cars ride.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bumper Cars |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/explore-the-park/attractions/kentucky-kingdom/bumper-cars/ |publisher=Kentucky Kingdom |access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref>
|Classic Bumper Cars ride.
|-
|Flying Dutchman
|[[Intamin]]
|Flying Dutchman
|A [[swing ride]] where you sit in shoes. It has 20 shoe-shaped swings that rotatedrotate around a tower, approximately {{convert|10 feet (3.0 |ft|m)|abbr=on}} off the ground. The ride was previously located at [[Kings Island]] from 1973 to 1990.<ref>{{cite web |title=Flying Dutchman |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/explore-the-park/attractions/kentucky-kingdom/flying-dutchman/ |publisher=Kentucky Kingdom |access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref>
|-
|Giant Wheel
|[[Vekoma]]
| [[Ferris wheel]]
|{{convert|150|ft|m|abbr=on}} tall Ferris wheel.<ref>{{cite web |title=Giant Wheel |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/explore-the-park/attractions/kentucky-kingdom/giant-wheel/ |publisher=Kentucky Kingdom |access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref>
|{{convert|150|ft|m|abbr=on}} tall Ferris wheel.
|-
|Prof. John's Flying Machines
|[[Arrow Dynamics]]
|Antique Cars
|Antique cars, thatbased run along a track. The ride was remodeled due toon the constructiondesign of the roller[[Ford coasterModel GreezedA Lightning,(1927–1931)|Ford whichModel wasA]], locatedthat whererun Lightningalong Runa is todaytrack. Originally located at [[Opryland USA|Opryland Themepark]].<ref>{{cite themeweb park|title=Tin Lizzies |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/explore-the-park/attractions/kentucky-kingdom/tin-lizzies/ |publisher=Kentucky Kingdom |access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref>
|-
|5D5-D Cinema – Movies You Ride
|2014
|[[SimEx-Iwerks]]
|Larson International
| Super Shot
|A {{convert|129-foot tall(39.32 |ft|m)|abbr=on}} [[drop tower]] ride<ref>{{cite web |title=This park is the only place in the U.S. you can do a barrel roll on a ride |url=http://www.thelouisianaweekend.com/this-park-is-the-only-place-in-the-u-s-you-can-do-a-barrel-roll-on-a-ride/ |website=thelouisianaweekend.com |access-date=May 6, 2020 |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611075755/http://www.thelouisianaweekend.com/this-park-is-the-only-place-in-the-u-s-you-can-do-a-barrel-roll-on-a-ride/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
|[[Music Express|Himalaya]]
|[[Reverchon Industries]]
| Superbob/Musik Express
|Spinning ride that goes over slopes and flat area in a circular direction.<ref>{{cite web |title=Himalaya |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/explore-the-park/attractions/kentucky-kingdom/himalaya/ |publisher=Kentucky Kingdom |access-date=May 14, 2024}}</ref>
|-
|Scream Xtreme
|[[ARM Rides]]
|Star Flyer
| {{convert|130-foot(39.624 |ft|m)|abbr=on}} swing ride. Starts on the ground and lifts into the air where it swings riders.<ref>{{cite web|date=May 27, 2015|title=Kentucky Kingdom: For the thrill of it|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sponsor-story/kentucky-kingdom/2015/05/27/kentuckykingdom/27973713/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201130648/https://www.indystar.com/story/sponsor-story/kentucky-kingdom/2015/05/27/kentuckykingdom/27973713/|archive-date=December 1, 2020|access-date=May 6, 2020|publisher=Kentucky Kingdom|type=sponsored|via=[[The Indianapolis Star]]}}</ref>
|}
|1994
|[[Hopkins Rides]]
|[[Shoot the Chuteschute]]
|Opened A [[shootas the tallest shoot-the-chute]] ride in the world with a drop of {{convert|90|ft|m|abbr=off}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=13 evacuated from Kentucky Kingdom water ride after incident |url=https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/13-evacuated-from-kentucky-kingdom-water-ride-after-incident/417-578345017 |access-date=November 7, 2023 |work=[[WHAS-TV]] |date=July 28, 2018 |archive-date=October 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005001306/https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/13-evacuated-from-kentucky-kingdom-water-ride-after-incident/417-578345017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mile High Falls |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/explore-the-park/attractions/kentucky-kingdom/mile-high-falls/ |publisher=Kentucky Kingdom |access-date=May 13, 2024}}</ref>
|-
|Raging Rapids River Ride
|[[Intamin]]
|[[Rapid Ride]]
|A white water raft ride built from remnants of Grizzly River Rampage, designed by Intamin, that was located at [[Opryland USA|Opryland Themepark]] from 1981 to 1997.<ref>{{cite news |title=History of Opryland theme park |url=https://www.tennessean.com/picture-gallery/money/real-estate/2014/06/20/history-of-opryland-theme-park/11049509/ |access-date=November 7, 2023 |work=[[The Tennessean]] |publisher=[[Gannett]] |date=June 22, 2014 |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128072553/https://www.tennessean.com/picture-gallery/money/real-estate/2014/06/20/history-of-opryland-theme-park/11049509/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Formerly called Penguin's Blizzard River, the ride reopened in 2015 as Raging Rapids River Ride after the ride was refurbished with boats from [[Hopkins Rides]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Taylor|first=Shalanna|date=June 4, 2015|title=Kentucky Kingdom brings back Rapid River ride|publisher=[[WLKY]]|url=https://www.wlky.com/article/kentucky-kingdom-brings-back-rapid-river-ride-1/3758559|url-status=live|access-date=May 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611074409/https://www.wlky.com/article/kentucky-kingdom-brings-back-rapid-river-ride-1/3758559|archive-date=June 11, 2021}}</ref><ref name="RagingRapids-ParkVault">{{cite web |title=From Thunder River to Roaring Rapids: Part 2 of our look at River Rapids attractions |url=https://parkvault.net/tag/opryland/ |access-date=May 28, 2021 |date=December 26, 2016 |archive-date=May 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528055523/https://parkvault.net/tag/opryland/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}
|Zamperla
|Convoy
|Kids battery powered monster trucks.<ref>{{cite Formerly known asweb |title=Big Foot, RoadrunnerTrucks Express,|url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/explore-the-park/attractions/kentucky-kingdom/big-foot-trucks/ and|publisher=Kentucky DukesKingdom of|access-date=May the12, Road.2024}}</ref>
|-
|FlutterFly
|Zamperla
|Speedway
|Kids spinning car ride. Formerly known as Speedway.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rowdy Racers |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/explore-the-park/attractions/kentucky-kingdom/rowdy-racers/ |publisher=Kentucky Kingdom |access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref>
|-
|Up, Up and Away
|Sartori Rides
|Children's [[Swing ride]]
|Scaled-down swing ride<ref>{{cite web |title=Whirl-A-Round Swings |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/explore-the-park/attractions/kentucky-kingdom/whirl-a-round-swings/ |publisher=Kentucky Kingdom |access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref>
|
|-
|Zeppelin
|Zamperla
|
|Zeppelin-themed spinning ride<ref>{{cite web |title=Zeppelin |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/explore-the-park/attractions/kentucky-kingdom/zeppelin/ |publisher=Kentucky Kingdom |access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref>
|Zeppelin-themed spinning ride
|}
==Kentucky Kingdom Gardens==
Kentucky Kingdom Gardens, the park's horticulture department, has a year-round greenhouse that grows more than 20 cultivars of annuals, more than 100 different species of perennials and ornamental grasses, and various specimen coniferous and deciduous trees.<ref>{{cite web |title=Media Stories -– Kentucky Kingdom Gardens |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Media-Stories_Kentucky-Kingdom-Gardens.pdf |website=kentuckykingdom.com |access-date=May 5, 2020 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 2016, the park introduced plant labels, which provided the plant names, and a QR code that would give more information about the plants.<ref>{{cite web|last=Deppen|first=Laurel|date=July 3, 2019|title=30 things we love about Kentucky Kingdom for its 30th anniversary|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/events/things-to-do/2019/07/03/kentucky-kingdom-rides-attractions-water-park-deals/1613731001/|url-access=limited|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210611070015/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/events/things-to-do/2019/07/03/kentucky-kingdom-rides-attractions-water-park-deals/1613731001/|archive-date=June 11, 2021|access-date=May 5, 2020|website=[[The Courier-Journal]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kentucky Kingdom Gardens |url=https://issuu.com/rickphillips/docs/lexington_91534e756c0611/66 |access-date=May 6, 2020 |work=issuu.com |date=May 1, 2016 |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103053824/https://issuu.com/rickphillips/docs/lexington_91534e756c0611/66 |url-status=live }}</ref> The department is currently headed by Jason Anderson, and has more than 12 staff members.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kingdom Gardens |url=https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/experience/gardens |website=kentuckykingdom.com |access-date=May 6, 2020 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804033815/https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/experience/gardens/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Parking==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[http {{Official website|https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/ Official Website]}}
* {{RCDB|4563}}
{{Herschend Family Entertainment}}
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