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Kings Dominion (KD) Discussion Thread


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I'm not trying to be an A$$ here...But seriously. I thought this was the Kings Dominion thread...Not the Boldikus and coasterbill thread.

 

Uhhh... what? Do you have a problem with me?

 

You can talk about whatever the hell you want in here and no one ever said you couldn't. But its been beaten to death. It sucks to have to pay for a fluffy, fluffy bunny filled with medicine and goo. Whining about it like a baby on a theme park forum isn't going to make a park change their rules.

 

No, I don't have a problem with any one on here. And I would totally be cool with a boldikus and coasterbill thread...I'd read it. And no, the park is going to keep the rule regardless how much we hate it...But still. I just wanted to go on the record with my opinion. I don't believe I've posted it here, so there. Sorry you had to deal with my whining.

 

OK. Firstly, my post wasn't directed at you, so no need to apologize for any posts or whining or anything at all. I am just noting how the thread has turned into this locker whine fest all because of a completely unconfirmed rumor that the park may or may not be getting more serious about the locker policy on TT and thought I'd have a bit of fun with it.

 

This debate has happened so many times in the Great Adventure thread that there's an actual timeline of events that we can expect to occur here: It'll turn into pages and pages of cheap people crying about having to pay (gasp!) one dollar (louder gasp!) to surrender their prized possessions in order to ride. And how its an upcharge. And how its not fair. And how Universals are free. And then people will argue everyone should just follow the rules. And how phones are projectiles. And how people get hurt. And how yall are just cheap. And then everyone starts namecalling. And then it'll get heated. And then Chuck swoops in and it'll all get deleted.

 

Secondly, its a message board, not a support group. But if you want to "go on record with your opinion" that everyone pretty much agrees with but is also simultaneously sick of hearing, then OK. No one is stopping you.

 

Lastly, if you have an issue with Bill or I (since you singled us out) expressing our distaste for redundant discussions that add nothing but negatively and frustrations to this forum well then I just wanted to go on the record with my opinion. So there.

 

See how that works?

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So here is the official TPR stance on what I'm "okay" with and what I'm not okay with in regards to lockers, cell phones, and other such practices at parks....

 

First of all, yes it sucks that someone got injured on a ride due to someone else's stupidity. And it's a shame that now the rest of us all have to be punished because of it thanks to our overly litigious society filled with Trump loving idiots. Yes, I'm smart enough to keep my phone in my pocket where I know it will never fly out of, or even put it in the bin on the other side of the train in the station (I'm willing to take that risk if I have to) but I do understand that thanks to where humanity is now, the smart people don't get any benefits thanks to the sheer volume of dumb that exists on this planet.

 

That being said....

 

- I'm "okay" with being told "no cell phones on a ride" if there is a place for me to put it on the other side of the train in the station. I'm not even asking for it to be locked. Would I prefer that? Sure. But I'm riding at my own risk and I'm taking my phone into a queue and onto the platform at my own risk, why should it then become the responsibility of the park if I choose to leave it off the side of the platform?

 

- I'm "okay" with lockers at rides, even if I have to pay a dollar or two for them due to "no cell phones on ride" rules and I *choose* to put them in a locker instead of placing them on the other side of the station for my own piece of mind.

 

- I'm "okay" with a ride op either wanding me or asking me to empty my pockets on the platform before boarding a ride to ensure all loose items go on the other side of the station. We've seen this at parks in Japan, and it can be done quickly if the ride ops are doing it IN BETWEEN ride cycles or there is proper signage in the queue telling people that ALL POCKETS MUST BE EMPTIED when you get to the ride. (Who am I joking, I know this will never work in America, but wishful thinking, right?)

 

- I'm "NOT OKAY" with parks forcing people to put their phones in a locker (paid or not) and having to go through a queue without a phone at all. I personally feel like with the invention of the smartphone, more people are likely to wait in a longer queue because it gives them something to do and I have an issue with parks taking that away from people. I will NOT stand in line for any ride if I'm told I can't use my phone for the duration of the queue.

 

- I'm "NOT OKAY" with parks having metal detectors or wanding at the front of a queue forcing you to put things in a locker not being able to have your smartphone in a queue. I realize that this is very similar to what I just posted above, but I wanted to single out having to walk through a metal detector as I find it one of the single most insulting things I've seen at a park. I'm not a criminal. I'm not bringing a bomb on the roller coaster. You don't need me to go through a metal detector.

 

- I'm "NOT OKAY" with people bitching and complaining about paying a dollar or two to rent a locker, even if it's required. Seriously people, IT'S A FREAKING DOLLAR and if you can't afford a dollar then don't to go the park and please don't come on here complaining about it. You'll get no sympathy from me. I can't tell you how many times I've gone to a park and watched someone bitch and complain endlessly about spending $1 on a locker and then go buy a Coke for ten bucks without batting an eye.

 

Also, the word censor is here for a reason. It's a reminder of all the idiots bitching and complaining about the lockers. If you try to get around the word censor, I'll just create another word filter. Or maybe I'll just delete the post and ban your account because, like Thanos, I personally find getting rid of useless people to be a lot of fun!

 

I'm hopeful that at Kings Dominion the rule is not "put everything in a locker or we won't even let you in the queue" because I'll be riding a lot fewer rides on my next visit. If the rule is "You had better empty your pockets on the platform and put every damn thing in the bin on the other side of the train and if we even see a mobile phone in your pocket then you're going to Kings Dominion jail hell" then I'm totally okay with that.

 

We'll be there in a couple of weeks. Curious to see what the policy is...

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When I rode Twisted Timbers yesterday, I had my phone and wallet in my pockets and used my phone a bit while in the queue line. I saw the sign that said “no cell phones” but I didn’t know I couldn’t use it in queue line. So I randomly put my phone away one I was done, and a couple seconds later, I see a ride attendant go up to a guest and tell them that cell phones are strictly prohibited but he said it was fine due to the guest having zippers on his pockets. The rule is kinda stupid but it is what it is. With the amount of airtime on TT, I can see many guest not knowing what to expect and easily drop their phone and then complain about it, so this prevents rule prevents all of that from happening.

Edited by robbalvey
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When I rode Twisted Timbers yesterday, I had my phone and wallet in my pockets and used my phone a bit while in the queue line. I saw the sign that said “no cell phones” but I didn’t know I couldn’t use it in queue line. So I randomly put my phone away one I was done, and a couple seconds later, I see a ride attendant go up to a guest and tell them that cell phones are strictly prohibited but he said it was fine due to the guest having zippers on his pockets. The rule is kinda stupid but it is what it is. With the amount of airtime on TT, I can see many guest not knowing what to expect and easily drop their phone and then complain about it, so this prevents rule prevents all of that from happening.

 

Glad you posted this...I always have zipper pockets. If they have no problem with zipper pockets then I should be good.

 

And I haven't rode TT yet but I did ride Steel Vengeance, and I'll be shocked if TT has more ejector air than SV...But it seems Cedar Point isn't making as big a deal as Kings Dominion is. Everyone had their phones out in SV line and no one said anything. Is TT more violent with airtime or what?

Edited by robbalvey
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I was at the park two weeks ago, which was two weeks after this incident occurred. I was allowed to have my phone with me in the queue. I even entered the line with my phone in my hands and wasn't told anything, but perhaps they started cracking down.

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I am predicting a retheme of I305 and changing the turn after the first drop into an overbank or something way less aggressive. .02

 

 

 

I would enjoy the ride much more if they did that, but I doubt they would have much return on investment for changing the first turn into a Millennium Force style overbank. I rode i305 the first time in 2010 when the trim was on the first drop and the first turn did not cause grey outs. Now the trim is on the "airtime" hill as the ride returns toward the station and the curve feels like it is causing damage to one's body. If pulling out of that curve did not cause this I would like i305 even more, but suspect the park feels they've already spent enough redesigning the ride after opening day.

 

I thought Twisted Timbers was great, more fun in some ways than i305. On one of my rides, I saw someone toward the front of the train (I was near the back) holding their cell phone out to record a shaky video (at night!). Maybe KD would also benefit from one of the "busted cell phone" boxes showing the wrecked devices for all in the queue to contemplate ... that seems to get more attention than signs, policies, threats, etc. My favorite example of this was in the Diamondback queue, it was fun seeing fellow riders look at that and realize their precious devices could suffer that fate.

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^^-- the forces on the first turn are definitely milder than the first spring with the flat turn and no trim brake. The physics of the change work -- if you start ascending an incline, the train will slow down. It also seems to have made the difference regarding the wheels holding up. If you wanted to make the ride even milder, you'd also have to change the curve before the 75 foot hill which is just as forceful though smaller. No, no and NO!

 

And I haven't rode TT yet but I did ride Steel Vengeance, and I'll be shocked if TT has more ejector air than SV...But it seems Cedar Point isn't making as big a deal as Kings Dominion is. Everyone had their phones out in SV line and no one said anything. Is TT more violent with airtime or what?

 

TT's largest airtime hills are perfectly straight so ejected items tend to come back down on the riders. Same issue with El Toro.

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There's a reason why I specifically bought khaki shorts with a "secret tech pocket" (actual manufacturer description!), that zips up, and is pretty incognito! I knew that with riding Steel Vengeance like crazy this year, that'd be the only way to go (and it came in pretty handy on TT, too, though that was before this new policy!) If KD isn't cool with people stowing phones in zippered pockets, that's just craZanity!

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Planning on going to KD tomorrow 7/21, looks like its going to rain most of the morning and midday, any rides they won't run in the rain? Also, what rides other than Twisted Timbers would I need a locker for, I'll probably just have a fanny pack?

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Was there today.

 

Got on just about everything twice, because crowds were very light. Ended up leaving early, though, because at 4:30, Flight of Fear, Backlot Stunt Coaster, Twisted Timbers, Volcano, Apple Zapple, and a substantial number of flat rides were all down.

 

Volcano and Apple Zapple were down all day.

 

Had a great time!

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Well I went and the rain was a lot worse than projected. Ended up only riding Timbers twice(which is an amazing ride), Grizzly, Anaconda & Dominator. Really wanted to finally ride Intimidator but it was raining too hard and I couldn’t open my eyes and the rain even hurt my face while on Dominator so I dipped early. Didn’t wait for anything so that was nice just wish it wasn’t raining so hard. Pretty sure Volcano is down for the season.

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Gotta respect them running everything, even in moderate rain. On my last visit in June, it was raining half the day, and they never closed anything.

 

This is the only time I'll have say this: Thankfully there were actually a few groups in the park that day, because if it wasn't for them, there would have maybe been 100 other guests total.

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Something of note - I was not stopped at Twisted Timbers with my phone in my cargo shorts pocket, and I'm fairly sure staff noticed in the station, and at the front of the line. Especially given that the rain outlined it and my wallet in the other pocket pretty well.

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Man Twisted Timbers is insane, I got stapled bad on my first ride in the last row and thought that was gonna ruin it but it still did not dissapoint. Second ride in back row again I got a decent amount of slack and it was just literally nuts.

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Something of note - I was not stopped at Twisted Timbers with my phone in my cargo shorts pocket, and I'm fairly sure staff noticed in the station, and at the front of the line. Especially given that the rain outlined it and my wallet in the other pocket pretty well.

 

The bottom line in all of this for CF with this latest "overreaction", is liability. There was no outright ban on cell phones at KD, therefore, the woman who got hit with one can sue the park for "allowing this to happen". However, with the new ban on TT and SV, signs posted, and all that fanfare, anybody getting hit in the future is going to have a much harder time in the future winning any suit or claim against the park for getting hit, since the park's stance is they are not allowed. It's clearly posted, and known. Tweeted about and everything. However, having said all that, I would be SHOCKED if the park ever actually goes after somebody who has their phone out in line, or has their phone secured in a zippered pocket while riding. This new policy saves the park money in the event of a lawsuit, and makes the park money from increased fluffy bunny usage. It's really a business win/win for CF, while undoubtedly a nuisance for the majority of us sensible, coaster riding public. But honestly, I wouldn't get too worked up for it, because I wholeheartedly think this nothing more than a CYA policy change by CF, that won't affect you if you're sensible and responsible with your cell phone when it comes to coasters.

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They're pulling people out of the queue line at Cedar Point - Sven, and make them use a lockup. Then they then start at the end of the line - 2 hour wait. Rideops are searching people in line for "loose objects." I have a friend there today and he was carrying a magazine and they let him into the queue, but said it must be discarded on the platform. They are definitely enforcing this in Sandusky. These Cedar Fair people are idiots!!!

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I bought tickets during the flash sale last week that have to be used this week. Worked out well as I am moving out of the DC area on Saturday so this will be my last convenient chance to make the drive down to KD. Does TT generally run in bad weather? The forecast this week is pretty ugly, so I'm trying to pick the best day to come down and get my first RMC rides in. I don't care about getting rained on, but I would be bummed to get there and not be able to ride TT...

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I had one of the most satisfying visits I've ever had to an amusement park this past Thursday at Kings Dominion. Yeah, the signs were out and the loud announcement was blasting about Twisted Timbers but the park was dead. I have no problem leaving my loose articles in a locker when an RMC is a walk on every time. Marathon the hell out of it and totally forget about what was in your pockets. Now, on a Saturday, I'm sure this is a lot harder because of lines...But glad I got my experience without the line and having my phone wasn't an issue. And as good as Twisted Timbers is, it's still not I305 good, imo. Intimidator 305 still has my heart after all these years...I'm a loyal bastard! Also, what's up with the weird porn music over by Volcano? No, making me think about porn isn't making me feel any better about Volcano being closed.

 

And here's an intriguing question...With Volcano in the line up and running perfectly well...Would you consider Kings Dominion to have the most intense line up of coasters in the Cedar Fair chain?

 

Top 4

I305

Twisted Timbers

Volcano

Dominator

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^ I'd argue Cedar Point can still take the crown.

 

Yes I305 is probably the most intense out of all of them. But Cedar Point can fight back with a formidable top 4 of Steel Vengeance, Maverick, Top Thrill Dragster, and Raptor. That doesn't even include their giga, hyper, or other B&Ms.

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Yeah, I guess you have a point with CP...KD is definitely a solid 2nd place though.

 

One more thing, not sure if it has been reported or not...But the singing mushrooms are broke. Pretty sure that's bigger news than the fluffy, fluffy bunnies filled with medicine and goo.

 

The singing mushrooms are fixed! Just watched them! Now we can get back to the fluffy, fluffy bunnies filled with medicine and goo.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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