Leaderboard

Rapterra Takes Flight at Kings Dominion Kings Dominion’s old “safari” section has undergone many changes in the last few years. For example, the park introduced more sci-fi/fantasy elements by retheming it as Jungle X-pedition, where guests can explore the ruins and artifacts of an ancient civilization. Their latest “find” is the lost temple of Rapterra. This shrine was built to honor a legendary gigantic bird of prey that once ruled the skies over the jungle. Those who entered the temple were said to be possessed by the power and will of this ancient predator. A volcanic eruption buried the temple, but it has since been unearthed by archaeologists. But does the giant bird of prey still exist? What better way to tell this story this than with a B&M Launched Wingrider Coaster? Rapterra blasts people out of the station and through a series a twists, inversions, and dives over the caldera of the ancient volcano, which is a nice homage to the ride that once stood on this spot--Volcano: The Blast Coaster. The new ride also reuses Volcano's old gift shop. Kings Dominion invited TPR to ride Rapterra on March 20. It’s a good addition to the park, and the whole entrance plaza, queue, and theming for the ride look great. Let’s take a ride, shall we? You’d better finish any snacks you have on hand, as they could attract unwelcome attention from above. TPR thanks Kings Dominion for the chance to preview Rapterra! The ride officially opens to the public on March 29. The queue is huge. But it will give you time and the proper setting to meditate and prepare yourself to be possessed by Rapterra. Here's the caldera, which serves as a bit of a tribute to Volcano. Much of the rubble here is from the structure of the old ride's mountain. Oh, it's just an ancient archway built in tribute to dangerous god. What could possibly go wrong? "Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Yes, the queue is nice, but it's time we got to the ride. They've been swept away by Rapterra! Yep--never walk through an ancient archway dedicated to a dangerous god. Looks like a drone has been dispatched to stop Rapterra! (Just kidding--it was part of a video shoot.) Fly, Rapterra, fly! I rather liked this part. But I appreciate big coasters with bunny hills, too. Eventually, Rapterra brings you back to the archaeological dig. I like the what they did with the control-room window--nice theming. Not everything has changed here--for example, this waterfall. Here's a peek at Pantherian (the ride formerly known as Intimidator 305 and one other name that escapes me for the moment). Flight of Fear is being incorporated into the Jungle X-pedition theme somehow, too. It'll be nice for the attractions to fit together better. They gave us some samples of what I presume was the cuisine of the ancient civilization that once existed here. Looks like they were really into smothering cheeseburgers with chicken tenders and bacon. They were, indeed, ahead of their time. I didn't get a sample of the local brew, but it was the CENTER OF THEIR UNIVERSE. How about a few last looks at Rapterra? I like how it flies not only over the caldera but also over the entrance plaza. One last dive and flip before you return to the station. Rapterra soars over the gift shop as I exit. Thanks for reading!

Either way, they must be interlocking LOL.

continued. . . LOL. .this pic was clearly taken before we left the station on Antelope. . we look so happy compared to the onride for some reason - didn't seem to fit with the *idea* of the crowd for the park - they had a pretty great inhouse built Haunted Mansion walkthru continuing on to the right side of the park - which again, was much bigger than I had first thought, there was a smaller section called "Gully's Gears" which had a small steel coaster that was themed to drag racing (tho was still basically a wacky worm or roller skater). I believe there was also a swing ride in this section - that for some reason i have NO pictures of in this area. The pics must be mixed up and in another file. I'll post em later if I can find them. and then you get to the largest area of the park - a huge section themed to Africa/ Jurassic Park / Lost World. this circular maze was interesting. and this appeared to be a small boat ride that was down for refurb (tho luckily the flume ride close by to it was open) there was Mini Golf over here too with tons of animal sculptures and a shooting dark ride. and then suddenly? no more Africa, but lots of Dinosaurs! whee! we were literally the ONLY people over here, and the operator still insisted that we all ride together (for "capacity"). so we just shrugged and climbed aboard. I don't recall if these were regular slides, or water slides. but I know I didn't do them, so I'm guessing they were water slides. (the kind you sit in a raft to go down) gahhhh!!!!! what in the name of gawd is this? a Sabertooth Thing???? Noted! oh. . I did get a pic of the flyers from across the lake. not a great pic, but at least I have one. Andrew enjoying the log flume. it didn't seem TOO wet. . so I got a ride on it too. it was getting to be almost time for the Antelope ERT, but I had noticed the train that went around the perimeter of the park, and wanted a quick ride on that. so I headed over there before meeting up. you know it's Klassy when there are rainbow lights in your train compartment! it really does give you a nice view of the grounds of this lovely park. passing rides that didn't really stand out when walking by them. and random stuff - like a giant head in the woods. I did make time to go into the gift shoppe to try and find a fun magnet (which I did. . one with princess and jewels floating. . will post in the Swag thread after done) but found other interesting stuff too: heading over to Antelope, I discovered a second carousel in the park - this one more adult friendly. So, I mean, I had to stop and grab a ride. and then it was time to meet up with the group to ride Antelope! I know this is supposed to be a bag of chips eating itself. . but WTF??? it DID ride smoother towards the front.. not near as bad as the back row had been earlier. hence the smiles. so many tapped out due to roughness, that those that loved riding got near zen rides on the coaster for part of the ERT but then Robb called all the "big" folks up - for SCIENCE! we ran a "fat train". . with all the heaviest riders, filling every seat (and of course it started raining, cold rain too, that's why so many are bundled up in these pics). if we filled the train with heavy riders, would it run faster?? for Science! (I'll answer that question shortly) here's regular train. and "Fat Train" it was great, we all chanted "Fat Train, Fat Train" as it ran the course. If someone had Robb's video he posted on Insta of the Fat Train, would love to have it added to this report.. as it really was a great time! and yes, we ran faster than the "regular" train. . by a good 7 seconds! *(they timed it. . told ya, it was for Science!) and then it was time to head out. we had to get back on the road to head to Blackpool Pleasure Beach. So we said our goodbyes to Gulliver's World - which really is quite the charming place - and continued on our journey.

Magic Springs has announced that the Arkansas Twister wooden coaster has been permanently retired after having operated in the park since 1992. Before this, the coaster operated at Boardwalk and Baseball in Florida from 1978 to 1990. Despite the coaster's closure, the park has confirmed that it will remain standing but not operating with a tribute set up at the ride's former entrance. (Photos and video from Theme Park Review) https://magicsprings.com/rides-thrill/ A Fond Farewell to Arkansas Twister After several decades of heart-pounding thrills, the iconic Arkansas Twister has taken her final run. The 2025 season marks official retirement for the beloved wooden coaster and she will remain permanently closed. Since relocation to Magic Springs in 1992, Twister has been more than just a ride – the coaster has been a backdrop for countless memories. Saying goodbye isn’t easy, but we celebrate the legacy of Twister and the sheer joy shared by generations of Arkansas families alongside visitors from around the world. While the ride will no longer operate, her presence will remain. We invite guests to visit a special tribute at Twister’s entrance celebrating the ride’s history and place in our park’s story. To everyone who has ever taken a seat, gripped the handles, and felt the rush of Arkansas Twister – thank you. Together, we will create the next chapter of unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.

Agreed, Bert. I think it especially bodes well for places like Kennywood, which have suffered quite a few mis-steps recently.

Epic single day tickets now on sale.