Jump to content
  TPR Home | Parks | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram 

Kings Dominion (KD) Discussion Thread


Recommended Posts

A B&M wing coaster would be great over the water where Anaconda is. Anaconda might have its fans but I doubt it would be missed much. It would also free up more space than the demise of Volcano. I agree a less crazy ride than i305 would be very popular.

 

I thought X-flight was the second best coaster at Six Flags Chicago (after Goliath) and I liked it more than Wild Eagle (great views) and Gatekeeper (graceful but didn't do much for me).

 

I hope the rumored "no competition" clause that B&M supposedly had with Busch Gardens is either not true or is expired, so KD could get this if they want it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I love GateKeeper, I love Thunderbird, and I really like both X-Flight and Wild Eagle! So I'm definitely on board if this does indeed end up being a B&M Wing for KD! I would have liked to see something a little larger, given the magnificence of the coaster it's essentially replacing, but I understand that the small Wing coasters pack a nice punch, so I'm excited to experience that! I also think it's a good fit for the park, and the area, and gives it something unique (and reliable) compared to BGW, and a different experience while BGW is launching people all over the place with their new Intamins. I will say, given its location in the Safari Village, that it gets a theme to go along with that, and offers an homage to Volcano, as well as great fly-by elements. I know that expecting CF to theme this much is foolhardy, but it'd be a nice surprise if it does have a mini-volcano it flies through or something. Regardless, it'll be interesting to follow this over the next year-plus and see what comes of it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Winterfest Preview at Kings Dominion

 

Lights, crazy characters, Snoopy dressed as Santa . . . looks like it's time for Winterfest at Kings Dominion.

 

TPR was invited to a preview of this year's event last night. This was essentially a "dress rehearsal" for the opening lighting ceremony by the Eiffel Tower, so it involved food, music, and, of course, lots of lights. The event officially begins tonight (Saturday, November 23), so this amounts to just a "taste" of Winterfest.

 

But there was plenty of of food, ugly sweaters, ice skating, and other such holiday fun to be had--and the rest of the park (except for Safari Village) will be open and lit up tonight.

 

Here's a look at the preview. You just might see Santa lurking about, so be on your best behavior.

 

NOTE: Well, just noticed on Facebook that the park is closed today because of inclement weather. It's supposed to pour rain there later today.

001.thumb.jpg.465fc6aaf19b1af9cd2d75927b3dab0b.jpg

Twas the night before Winterfest . . .

002.thumb.jpg.9cf77f7e89a7aa3065dda565aff676e6.jpg

. . . and all through the park . . .

003.thumb.jpg.2c8ead3c6e499b72ee85dfa778019d16.jpg

. . . the sun hadn't quite set, so the Tower was still dark.

004.thumb.jpg.52458be203cc55b63df5f396f8e8f4b8.jpg

So, this is that place that no other place is like.

005.thumb.jpg.1c437e743ef447038bca48254e0c5113.jpg

Nice hat.

006.thumb.jpg.cadad581708bee488a8cb421a1ae7e85.jpg

Oh, the Hallmark Channel is on. I wonder which archetypal character is going to find his or her true love in a small New England town this time.

007.thumb.jpg.dc3e9e661db1d905067ded748c714998.jpg

"We're gonna get Dickensian on your a**."

008.thumb.jpg.4c8c471d6fe2b3f547d46deff9115641.jpg

The dinner included cannelloni, carved ham, and (of course) turkey and stuffing. It was good.

009.thumb.jpg.986b27693ffee114e6b8a8eac1f15957.jpg

Anyone for a donut bacon-burger slider?

010.thumb.jpg.3931b92a97230183ee04f9d4474b3f7d.jpg

Almost time to light up the tower. And, yes, you can buy the official Winterfest sweater like Maggie Sellars, the park's PR director, is wearing

011.thumb.jpg.7bc92e3c4af914adfd60b968c74afcc2.jpg

Let the merriment begin!

012.thumb.jpg.6ab92d6d881eec4abdede1778ca2daae.jpg

Of course, Snoopy has to be in on this.

013.thumb.jpg.3240dd80b4d23642f13ba4a2152481bd.jpg

After a countdown, the Eiffel Tower was lit up!

014.thumb.jpg.e9434f285849674a097c9e7d3bd46bb7.jpg

I like how the colors change all night.

015.thumb.jpg.5ff3c5dcce16f08cfeba8742b1a14ec3.jpg

It's pretty underneath the Tower, too.

016.thumb.jpg.577fac148acc00324e0fee53956355b6.jpg

The show featured a medley of Christmas hits, but included Three Dog Night's "Joy to the World" (interesting choice).

017.thumb.jpg.57b1a2f4c4d2d2d01f0b1f7191730282.jpg

"Am I not festive?"

018.thumb.jpg.8e99402ccd171191f996490aabf857b6.jpg

"I'm even more festive!"

019.thumb.jpg.58ae7061c6aba3ea9f5cb082c3997e8d.jpg

Old Virginia wasn't open, but it was lit up.

020.thumb.jpg.98b980dc20ce7bd7bb71d8c9b4d7b934.jpg

The car ride is themed to the "Twelve Days of Christmas."

021.thumb.jpg.6f7f702324b5bcc9b1bf5904c5254c8c.jpg

Looking down the path behind the Eiffel Tower--this is the quickest was to get to Twisted Timbers.

022.thumb.jpg.fc7686c8af64aae4a29d5b03efb5e80b.jpg

Yep--I'm making a snow angel.

023.thumb.jpg.4b157eb5df36f15cf2addb0e9e630e1f.jpg

Nothing says "Christmas" like Snoopy on a Zamboni.

024.thumb.jpg.bf313d674058346ff7c2bd5bce91c13e.jpg

I like the huge "old-fashioned" lights in Planet Snoopy.

025.thumb.jpg.5fe8456ae188557e56558a3a70190472.jpg

The Claus: Accept no substitute.

027.thumb.jpg.ebe55751478dc8c721f4c41f4b6bba87.jpg

Who wants to decorate Christmas cookies?

028.thumb.jpg.d1c122e1776be47b57b263b5f203ae16.jpg

Here are our creations (my friend Brenda's on the left, mine on the right).

029.thumb.jpg.83496c614c5ffae54514452616373e2a.jpg

I like how they rethemed the shop to Mrs. Claus's Kitchen.

030.thumb.jpg.a0ef993da0158c9e7118895e349c153e.jpg

Merry Christmas! Thanks for the look at Winterfest, Kings Dominion!

Edited by cfc
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

For adult coasters, it's just Twisted Timbers and Dominator. You need to click on the "Winterfest" button at the top of the page.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was thinking that if there is a b&m wing in the pipeline then it would be as a replacement for anaconda. The scale of that wing in the video would fit nicely over the lake. I don’t know if they’ve said it was going to go in Congo for sure. Especially since we didn’t know Volcano would be removed. It’s likely anaconda was going to be closed first.

 

I wonder who they’ve approached with replacements for volcano and timeframes. I want them to just get a 200’ wing. Seems like an easy record to take.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, I just got back from a quick 3.5-hour jaunt into KD to check out their Winterfest offerings this year. Fun fact: I spent literally double the time driving to and from the park than I actually spent in the park. Anyway, photos will follow in another post, but here are some observations, mainly in comparison to last year:

 

The good:

-Kudos for them offering Fast Lane, and making it valid on almost every adult ride that was open. Bonus points for the "Season Fast Lane" still counting (even though it was only $35).

-As a result, I got on the following rides in that 3 and a half hours:

3x Twisted Timbers (2x front, 1x back)

1x Dominator

1x Wave Swinger

1x Bad Apple (Trokia)

1x Blue Ridge Tollway (their drive-'em-cars that they decorate the path to the 12 Days of Christmas)

-Kudos to the park for opening Twisted Timbers instead of Racer '75. The 45-minute standby line at 7 PM, while people were still pouring into the park, should be a clear indication that this event draws more than the families they target.

-No one seemed to notice that Fast Lane was an option - I saw literally no one else utilize it while I was there. Did I feel like a little bit of a dick cutting in front of 30 minutes worth of families at the Wave Swinger? Sure, but I gotta get my money's worth on the Season Fast Lane.

-Surprisingly cheap ($7) three-cheese Grilled Cheese from what appeared to be a KD-operated food truck was delicious.

-Awesome decorations and craft vendors as last year.

-Juke Box Diner was offering a "donut burger," which is exactly what it sounds like. I did not try it, because a) It was $16, b) Juke Box's burgers are usually very dry, and c) people were waiting up to an hour for their food to come out, but believe me I wanted to.

-Moving the Coke Polar Dance Party DJ-thing to an area with alcohol service was a good move.

 

The not so good:

-$14 for an 8oz Jack and Coke. I get it, they don't want people getting blitzed (but then why do they have bars every 100 feet?), but c'mon. A few years back it was $7 during Haunt.

-Some areas where you'd expect lights had nothing installed, which seemed weird in contrast to the awesome decorations otherwise.

-Some lighting displays were in and out. Even part of the Eiffel Tower went out towards the end of my trip. I get it, fuses blow and some such, but this is their second year and it was a Saturday.

-No changes to the show lineup from last year whatsoever (I asked).

-Last year, the lighting displays in Candy Apple Grove were perfectly synchronized with the music. This year, not so much.

-PLEASE, please offer the $30 all-day-dining option during Winterfest next year!

 

Overall, the park was packed, and it seemed to be a big success just like last years. I don't want to seem like I'm complaining, because I'm not...it was a great time despite the duration of the trip. Here's hoping they keep it up and keep expanding.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's unlikely you'll need FL on non-Saturdays. However it did pick up a lot this last Sunday (and TT was down, had the weather sign out but I don't think that made sense, hopefully it's all fixed). If we'd get a night of warm weather, it would be worth needing it at that price! Doesn't look likely though.

 

While only two coasters are open, they're goodies. Dominator gets the best view of the lights and really feels like part of the event, although not quite as much as last year with the dance party also there. TT is running great. For me it's a nice evening out, slightly more casual than usual visits. Not worth as much of a drive for those not nearby, but true addicts have to hit at least one event this season. I've yet to do much anything Christmas-y except eat and the Four Drummers show -- they make a weird and cool sound.

 

If they're not offering the all-day dining, maybe because they're not open all day? I've only once used my Dining Plan twice in one day in ~5 years of having one, I'm rarely there 4 hours and it would be more than 4 to be very hungry.

 

Anyone else think the giant inflatable snowman looks kind of scary?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If they're not offering the all-day dining, maybe because they're not open all day? I've only once used my Dining Plan twice in one day in ~5 years of having one, I'm rarely there 4 hours and it would be more than 4 to be very hungry.

 

Yeah, I know that's why they don't offer it, but with the one-day-purchase All-Day-Dining, the cooldown between meals is only 90 minutes, so you could theoretically get like 4 meals in the 5-6 hours that they're open. I know I use it during the regular season and and get 6 or 7 out of a full day.

 

And here are the pictures.

 

DSC_0813.thumb.JPG.795ce41bfcbf9f56d162a273e1f8773d.JPG

DSC_0814.thumb.JPG.f82e08f4ab35262cbae5651131252f7c.JPG

DSC_0815.thumb.JPG.8a385171a7e62c22f48b40659adbfc14.JPG

DSC_0817.thumb.JPG.a44c047825de75662edf7b8aa816a37a.JPG

DSC_0818.thumb.JPG.b07b5991e977aff1703966bce3ee8804.JPG

Three-cheese Grilled Cheese and expensive adult beverage.

DSC_0819.thumb.JPG.1aaeb4c58dd13bdb8e486c98ab54e6d6.JPG

The food truck from whence the Grilled Cheese came.

DSC_0820.thumb.JPG.e322fd260154a4209ada3f320757108f.JPG

DSC_0821.thumb.JPG.c2b404287615e492c2559b0d73c8d887.JPG

DSC_0823.thumb.JPG.73306f77b353cb249b0963e225895da3.JPG

DSC_0824.thumb.JPG.348985b9d4cff6bb5da8f0cb4ba7dad3.JPG

DSC_0825.thumb.JPG.af14dae734ea2d8eadb6ad05db5d97da.JPG

DSC_0826.thumb.JPG.cf1571a1f636747dc8f00942b344006f.JPG

DSC_0827.thumb.JPG.7dcbf7e898f708a83d22ec7a162e27f2.JPG

Poor log flume, sitting all dormant...

DSC_0828.thumb.JPG.9be0b8b4072de79870d31f7e96c533e4.JPG

DSC_0830.thumb.JPG.36f40e482c03b261e1feb7ad8c0b4656.JPG

DSC_0831.thumb.JPG.eed16fd448970f26c2023e6426d6ffa7.JPG

Somewhat washed out, but these were literally the only non-Christmas decorations in the whole place.

DSC_0832.thumb.JPG.88b53dc7416cc1b49354c824f8061d5a.JPG

DSC_0833.thumb.JPG.3f6c398f3333b1d93efd47fcdfe13cdb.JPG

DSC_0834.thumb.JPG.e685adb36515717c7c56d4041ddb86c3.JPG

DSC_0836.thumb.JPG.e98ced97598eca4b4b8a9469d6676cc5.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

At the very least, the "upgrade center" (for lack of a better term) directly to the right after entering the main gate (near the stroller rentals) sells it. It's also where you'd exchange the online voucher for it for a wristband, if you had bought it online.

 

Typically during the main season, almost every retail establishment also sells it, but I'm not sure if that's true during Winterfest.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can't speak to start-up temps, but it was mid-40s when I left at 7:30 on 12/14 and it was running strong then. When I was there for Haunt on November 1, I believe the ambient was in the high 30s/ low 40s and it was running.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is likely that they closed TT at 40 degrees last night, or slightly early due to having a line. Both it and Dominator were closed by 8:00 according to a combination of sources. Weather.com for Ashland said it was 39 degrees at 8, however the KD website was displaying 46 until somewhat later. Unless wind is also a factor, it appears their website is not a display of the operational temperature in the park. My rides on 11/24 were low 40's as far as I know and they ran it until close despite light crowds. However 12/8 it was closed, early or all night, for unknown reasons, so there is a random factor.

 

At least two nights this season I've seen the forecast improve from sub-40 to above-40 at the last minute, but yesterday it kept getting worse.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Had a fun time at the park last night, so I figured I'd share a short TR.

 

My dad and I arrived at about 10 to 4 and did Dominator first because I wasn't sure how close the Fastlane queue got you to the front of the line (it actually drops you right in the station). Great ride with no rattle in the back row and some nice air off the mid-course brakes. We then walked back to Twisted Timbers and rode twice, both times with a station wait. I think it's interesting that the metal detector plays no function here and just makes an annoying beeping sound every time someone walks through it. I mean, you don't even need to pull out your cell phone! They do hand you a card that has instructions, including the important warning to not pull your own lapbar down. Even with this and four employees checking restraints, dispatches were 2-3 minutes... but they were running two trains! This was my first ever ride in the back row, and right into the first drop I felt the effects. Wow! The overbank turn is truly awesome, especially with the little airtime pops that both precede and follow it. The triple camelback is airtime heaven , the cutback is good, and I felt a good amount of "snap" coming out of the double-up and the outerbank. When I would later purchase Fastlane, I got to ride Twisted Timbers 8 more times that night, which increases my all-time laps on this coaster by five times! This thing is amazing in every sense of the word, and for a person like me whose track record barely tips 100, it's a top-ten ride.

 

From here, we just had a great rest of our day. Turnpike, Bad Apple (my first experience with a Troika), and Flyers would all occur. We also sat in for a few minutes in one of the "song-and-dance" shows, but we soon left because there were coasters to be ridden. Also, Fastlane was a VERY good choice on this day, even at $45 (pricey considering what you get), as the TT line reached 1.5 hours during the night. I felt bad walking that long stretch of queue past all of the people standing in the normal line... I was usually able to get a complete ride in about 15 minutes, so I heard a lady mention "That's the third time!" when I walked by at one point. Oh well, I guess I got my money's worth... As always, the Singing Mushrooms were awesome, too! Winterfest was a whole lot of fun, even on a busy Saturday, and I'd like to return sometime. I hope you enjoyed this report, even it was mostly just me rambling about TT!

 

One more note: Out of the rides listed on the website, Berserker was completely closed and blocked off, so that must've been a mistake. The carousel also didn't run all night, I guess because it's such a high-tech atraction. I deserve a complete refund of my Fastlane, which promised "eight attractions!"

PC280933.thumb.JPG.a2cbf2d5eef3357c52a16e699be27439.JPG

PC280924.thumb.JPG.5261d75de453aaec3d96f43735d4c625.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use https://themeparkreview.com/forum/topic/116-terms-of-service-please-read/