Italian Job Stunt Track @ Kings Island | Coaster Reviews
The most noteworthy thing about the Italian Job coasters are the Mini Cooper themed trains. They’re straight from the ride’s namesake, the 2003 movie starring Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron. With the aforementioned movie theme and and en vogue Minis, right away Italian Job is the opposite of a timeless classic. But it’ll please the masses and theme parks like movie production companies, need crowdpleasers. I’ve never been in a Mini, but these Mini train cars must be much smaller than the real cars. Each 4 person car featured onboard speakers and reminded me of Power Wheels from my childhood.
As soon as everyone’s buckled in, you’re shot into a large upward helix in a faux parking deck.
The launch (40 mph) is gentle compared to many of today’s launch coasters, but it feels fast enough. A small hill follows and next the train weaves through a highway themed area. After a few twists and turns you come to a halt. I’m guessing this next section is an industrial area of some kind. A black helicopter starts shooting at the riders. The gas tanks nearby explode and you can feel the heat. A second launch propels the trains into a building where it’s near pitch black. In the dark, the train dips and turns and has a somewhat disorientating effect. Next, you burst back into daylight straight through a billboard and down into a trench. As you dive into the trench you just miss a bridge. The train then swoops to the left and the ride is over.
I’m not a fan of short, gimmicky coasters (ahem…Hypesonic XLC), but for a family coaster Italian Job is pretty good. It even boarders on great for the audience it’s intended for.
What makes me a little ill is when average park goers compare Italian Job and its clones to real thrill coasters. It’s a relatively tame family launch coaster, in that context, Italian Job is a winner. Final Rating – 6.5
Italian Job is rated ‘TH’ for Thrilling. It’s a 3 out of 5 on my Thrill Scale because of its launch.
Similar Roller Coasters:
Italian Job Stunt Track at Canada’s Wonderland
Italian Job Turbo Coaster at Kings Dominion
What’s Your Take?
Got a question or comment about Italian Job (the coaster or the movies)? Leave a comment below.
October 17, 2011 at 15:21
On the helix I greyed out ( I didn't on I305). I was thinking it would be a family coaster, so I was surprised. The middle has decent laterials, but the best part was the tunnel. I had no idea it was there, and it was awesome. The last dive would've been good if it wasn't for the trims. 7.5
August 6, 2012 at 21:06
Rode this with my niece last weekend at KD. Really turned out to be a GREAT ride for us. She is a little squeamish about coasters (we had just ridden Volcano LOL) and this blew her away. Perfect coaster for kids who are just getting into it. She rode this thing back to back, which is a first for her. It's a fun little ride with some genuine thrills – the first launch and the part in the dark are great. In the front seat you even get a little hint of ejector air at two spots in the ride.
I have ridden it before, last year, and noticed this time around none of the "theming" was working. The Helicopter didn't move or shoot, and nothing blew up, so it kinda rendered that whole "stop" portion of the ride useless. Hope they get that stuff working again.
September 6, 2012 at 15:34
Rode this at both KD and KI (KD's special effects weren't on). I love this coaster! For being a tamer coaster, it is pretty fun. I actually liked it about as much as Cheetah Hunt which is surprising. I'd definitely ride this on every visit (granted that I have a Fast Lane pass).