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Well, the Hypersonic XLC station at Kings Dominion is still standing around 6-7 years after the ride was dismantled. At First, I thought the park was going to re-purpose the station for something else. Then, a couple years later, KD built a new Haunt Building, (that has housed the Haunt attraction Toxic Plague and now Zombie High), right in front of it. The only time you can see the station up close is when you are waiting in line for the Club Blood Haunt attraction. Sometimes the Haunt scare-actors use it as a break area. Other than that, it stands unused and somewhat hidden from view.

In my opinion time passed him by and he was close minded regarding ideas that could grow the company. i.e.: reluctance to implement a skip the line system. Horrible business decision regarding to the price Cedar Fair paid for the Paramount Parks. He was in favor of just giving up on the company (selling to Apollo Group) when Cedar Fair was so close to turning the business around. Many people think he treated the Cleveland market unfairly with Geauga Lake. Personally, I had no problem with him favoring Cedar Point since it is clearly the flagship park of the chain, but others did not like that attitude. I heard the rumors were that there was a fairly heated bidding war for the former Paramount Park chain back in 2006. It appears that Kinzel was determined to gain control of those parks and he did, at a price. Course, that was during the economic boom years and I assume the Cedar Fair leadership back then felt that it could deal with the debt as long as the country's economic juggernaut was rolling along. Then, 1 1/2 years later, the economy bottomed out and Cedar Fair was left with a massive debt load with high interest rate loans. I kind of reminds me of those unfortunate people who bought real estate/homes at inflated prices and now that property is not worth the amount they paid for them. I think Cedar Fair was "Underwater" when it came to the debt load taken on for the Paramount Parks. I sometimes wonder if the net worth of the former Paramount Park chain today is really $400-$500 million dollars less than what Cedar Fair paid for it back in 2006. It sounds like the previous Cedar Fair leadership was getting uncomfortable with being stuck with that debt load and was looking at Apollo to "bail them out". The major unit holder, (can't remember their name), fought tooth and nail to keep the sale to Apollo from happening. Finally, Kinzel was on his way out and Quimet on his way in. About 2/3rd's of the Cedar Fair board is new as compared to 2 years ago. Cedar Fair appears to have re-financed most, if not all of the outstanding debt; at much lower interest rates. I am sure that is helping them pay down the principal debt load faster. But, Cedar Fair still has a lot of debt over its head and I think it will be another 8-10 years before they have turned the corner on the debt load. I keep hearing that they wanted to do so much more in capital improvements throughout the park chain; but, Quimet and the board are keeping a tight fist on spending right now. I think that is the prudent thing to do at the moment and it reflects in the unit pricing that is now around 4 times the price it was trading at 2 years ago. Hopefully, as the debt goes down, Cedar Fair can increase the amount allocated to capital improvements.

As far as visiting a park in the Cedar Fair chain, I've only been to Kings Dominion. The only Six Flags park I've visited was Magic Mountain ages ago (15 years?). During Kinzel's tenure, I probably would have rated both park chains about equal. Since Quimet's tenure started almost 2 years ago, I've noticed general improvements at Kings Dominion happening at a much faster pace the last 2 seasons of operations than the first 5 years under Cedar Fair management. Given what Cedar Fair has done in 2013 with the new/revamped entrance and Gatekeeper at Cedar Point and the new/revamped Boardwalk area and restored flume ride at Knott's, I really like the direction Quimet is taking the park chain. I am looking forward to the improvements happening at Kings Dominion in 2014. I give my vote to Cedar Fair.

Thanks Chuck for another great TR! A couple things I would like to comment on: Yes, the park should open the gates at 6:30 pm on Friday nights. Opening them at 6:50 pm does not allow the folks waiting outside to get into the entrance plaza in time for the OverLord's Hoedown. I don't see why they cannot rope off both sides of International Street just past Starbucks on one side and the Border Cafe on the other and allow folks into the entrance plaza earlier. There are bathrooms inside the main gate for the guests to use and they can start peddling the latest flashing merchandise on the carts, give them an opportunity to buy Haunt stuff in the main gate shops, and grab a cup of Joe in Starbucks. Necropolis scare-zone keeps getting more enhancements. The entrance gate and other statuary were not there the 1st week of Haunt. the park added that stuff by the 2nd week. Ironworx scare-zone needs more staffing and some more mood lighting. The park was supposed to have enhanced that scare-zone in its 2nd year of operation (2012) and nothing came of it. Nothing was done this year either. The Haunt guy, Steve, stated they were to add pipes coming from the central "generator" overhead to the light fixtures and shadowboxes along the sides of the path to enhance the themeing. It appears that idea was nixed. They do need more scaractors to "prowl" that area. That path is over 100 yards long and having 8-10 people staffing it makes it appear threadbare. Need to have 14-16 people for that area. I was surprised that "Feary Tales" received enhancements this year. If there was a scare-zone that I thought was on its way out, it was this one. Cleaver Brother's Carnival scare-zone is a good idea; but, I think it gets a little lost in the massive mall area that makes up the Grove. The park needs to find a way to block off that area some more to enhance the experience. Maybe the park can find some small circus/carny tents and install them in the central landscape islands. The park created some wonderful props in that area and they sit there in complete darkness. They need some "mood" lighting to show off the props. As far as the mazes go, most of them were great and the detail of the new mazes tops most of what was done in the earlier mazes the park created. I think the maze detail levels such as "Plywood Macabre" will be phased out as the older mazes are retired. There are several mazes that could be on the chopping block for 2014. "Medieval Macabre" and "Club Blood" are tops in my opinion in that category. Followed by "Doll Factory" and "Outbreak: The Evolution" (even though that one is fairly new - it still needs major improvements. It must be the curse of the FOF queue building). And lastly the food options, service, and quality during Haunt .... sucks. (I wish Cedar Fair would focus on food the next few years. (Park food seems to be the Achilles Heel of the Cedar Fair park chain.)

Going back and watching the video I can't help but wonder if some of the rides featured in it will be making some sort of comeback, like the Apple Turnover and Monster. It just says something along the lines of reintroducing old theming and a few more surprises. Will be interesting to see what they have in store. Would love to see a repaint of Rebel Yell back to the shiny red, white, and blue it used to be. Since the announcement was made in mid-September, I always had it in the back of my head that a return of a former flat ride or two was possible. A new version of the Monster and/or a refurbished Enterprise making a comeback (I don't think any current ride manufacturer fabricates new Enterprise rides anymore). At this point, I certainly don't see a major ride investment like the Steam Train or Sky-Ride Cable Cars making a comeback; at least not for 2014. Clint, from Coaster Crew, did have Gene, Kings Dominion PR/Marketing person, on his Weekly Pod Cast a week or so ago. The topic was Halloween Haunt and next years 40th anniversary for KD. Gene was putting out the usual amount of market spin for Haunt and next years 40th. A couple tidbits were thrown out. International Street fountains to get new LED light package and the fountain water jets to either be completely replaced or a major overhaul done to them. Gene stated KD's park management went up to Canada's Wonderland to see their fountain light setup and Wonder Mountain projection show. Gene stated we could get a night show that would be unique to us (of course, we don't have a mountain on Intl. St. to project on). Gene alluded to the possibility of extending a light show, similar to Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular, all the way down International Street to the entrance plaza. Candy Apple Grove to make a comeback with the over-sized candy apples scattered about. Ride light packages to several rides in the Grove area. Again, only mention of possibilities were stated, Triple Spin, Chaser lights back on the Rebel Yell, etc. Gene did state that the Ride LED light packages were currently out to bid. What ride ends up with what light package for 2014? TBD. My personal guess is that the Grove paths will be redone in some sort of brick paver. Hopefully, no more asphalt! Also, if a flat ride were to make a comeback for 2014, I think it will be here. Congo back to Safari Village. Anaconda is going to get repainted. Anything else happening to this ride is unknown (ex. new trains, track work). Gene did state that Volcano with be getting changes/modifications for 2014 to "improve the throughput of the ride". Take that for what you will. I don't think anything else was mentioned concerning this area. Gene, did state that "Big/Major" annoucements were coming very soon. Whether or not we will hear anything before the park closes for the season is unknown.

http://m.bizjournals.com/charlotte/blog/going_green/2013/09/more-details-on-carowinds-expansion-as.html?ana=fbk&r=full If Cedar Fair was asking for incentives for Kings Dominion in VA, they must have been doing this behind closed doors. And I have a feeling they could have had that door shut in their face. There is hardly any regional cooperation between the City of Richmond and the surrounding counties. Course, Hanover county, where Kings Dominion is located, is primarily rural in character and forms the northern edge of the Richmond metro area. The county abuts another more suburban county to the south, Henrico County; which in turn, abuts the City of Richmond. You have a better chance of herding cats than getting the metro area to cooperate on anything. I am not sure if anyone else other than Hanover county would benefit unless visitors stayed further south in Henrico county or the city of Richmond. With Carowinds, I always thought they were undersized for the metro area they served. Charlotte is about 25%-30% larger than the Richmond metro area. And the park seems to be 75%-80% the size of Kings Dominion. If you go out to a 150-175 mile range outside of Carowinds that would include Raleigh, NC and several large cities in SC. It sounds like they enlarging Carowinds to be at least the size of KD or maybe 15%-20% larger when all is said and done.

Since the announcement was made, I always thought there might be chance for the return of a new version of a former flat ride making a comeback to the park. The park gave us the general outline of what is going to happen for 2014 and left room for "surprises" to be announced later. Flat rides like the Enterprise "Apple Turnover" (I'm not sure if they still make these. Might have to get a used one and refurbish it), Monster/Spider, Himalaya, Vertigo (not sure of the manufacturer's ride name for this one - I remember I had a cover that came over the ride cars while the ride was in motion). One of these retired rides could come back, (new/refurbished), without a major hit to the budget. It would be nice to see the steam train come back in some form or the sky-ride cable cars. I just feel those attractions are high ticket items that I don't think are in the budget for 2014. Time will tell. What I don't expect is Kings Dominion to flip a switch and make the park exactly the way it was say 30 years ago. Some people think that every defunct ride is coming back and the animal safari itself. Not gonna happen. You would have to bull doze nearly 50% of the current park and take a couple years re-construction to make that come true. Cedar Fair does not seem to have the financial ability to blow 150+ million on one park to do that. What is important to me is to see the park get some of its former theme elements back and the resulting charm/atmosphere that comes with it. Plus, the Grove and Congo areas are in serious need of a makeover anyway. They have become way too bland/generic in recent years.

Kings Dominion put out a KDTV video on YouTube. Behind-the-scenes view of mainly the two upcoming new Haunt mazes "Miners Revenge" and "Zombie High School".

The only other dark ride I have ridden is "Curse of Dark Kastle" at BGW. What stats I have been able to find on this ride states the length of this attraction is 1000 feet and that they have 15 - 8 person vehicles; with a projected capacity of over 1400 per hour. Having only 5 cars on CW's dark ride would drastically impact capacity on this attraction. Course, this media event did seem to be vague in the details about the whole ride experience. Is it a coaster/dark ride hybrid? Experiencing a dark ride, going at 1-2 miles per hour, covering a 1000 ft in 4-5 minutes is one thing and experiencing something on the order of a small mouse coaster at 20-30 mph is another. Seems they are still trying to nail the details on this one as we speak. This annoucement sort of reminds me of when Kings Dominion did their media presentation for Planet Snoopy last fall. We knew we were getting the makeover; but, the park did not have the details as to what the final layout and ride line-up would be at the time of the presentation. In any case, it is a big step for the Cedar Fair park chain to be installing a major dark ride in one of its parks. (I wonder, after all the Windseeker hoopla, if Cedar Fair decided to install this dark ride at ONE park first to see how it works out before attempting to push a similar dark ride into any other park in the chain?)

I agree Chuck. "Club Blood" is getting a little old. Don't get me wrong, the park has tweaked the maze a couple of times over the years it has existed; but, I think it is time to retire this one and go for a totally different theme. Plus, you can always bring it back in 4-5 years. Because of its elaborate themeing/detail, I assume the park is trying to milk it for all its worth. Matter of fact "Club Blood" and "Toxic Plague" are the oldest running indoor mazes. Followed by "Doll Factory", "Medieval Macabre", and "The Dominion Meat Factory". I would not be surprised to see a couple of those mazes retired in 2014. Most scare-zones in 2012 received major upgrades or were new. So, I don't see any changes there. The only scare-zone that I thought needed to be upgraded or replaced was "Feary Tales" (on the path running from the Eiffel Tower to the Dogem building). It appeared to me that Kings Dominion was understaffed in scare-actors for 2012 and that was reflected in the fewer number of folks in the scare-zones. Hopefully, the park can get more positions filled this year. I believe that we should be getting at least 2 new live shows for this year (replacing the shows on the International Street Bandstand and the Kings Dominion Theater). Not sure if Blood Drums is returning. The park stated that there will be 5 shows for Haunt. I assume at least one of those shows will be for kiddies. I guess the 3D Haunted House movie will be back in the Action Theater. I

Did anyone consider those scarecrows might be a teaser for the upcoming Halloween Haunt and don't have anything to do with the construction of the attraction? KI could be playing with you guys and 1) throwing everyone off on speculating on what the ride is. 2) getting some early publicity for Halloween Haunt

If that is the case, then I think the traffic flow will around that area won't be as congested than if the entrance was on the same side as the Great Pumpkin coaster.

Chuck, Where is the entrance to "Snoopy's Rocket Express" (monorail)? Is it on the same side as "The Great Pumpkin Coaster" or on the other side facing "Snoopy's Driving School"?

A view of Planet Snoopy from the Eiffel tower. Not like Kings Dominion has anything else going on for 2013; but, the Carousel is undergoing a multi-year restoration project. For 2013, 16 horses have undergone a refurbishment. These are the outside horses, (the ones with the most detail). The remaining horses and other stuff on the carousel will be done over the next couple of years. Kings Dominion's carousel will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2017. I assume the park wants it to look nice and spiffy for its centennial. (Not much information was given as to whether or not the Whurlitzer (sp?) band organ will get restored in the future). See and here all about it! http: wtvr.com/2013/03/20/virginia-this-morning-kings-dominion-carousel-horses/

Well that settles that...my BF will DEFINITELY want to go to KD to see this when we are down in Virginia for a wedding in June! I was hoping for more of the Cirque-style shows at parks this year, but hopefully they will take off in the coming years. The only Cirque-style show at a Cedar Fair park in 2013, that I know of, is being performed at Canada's Wonderland. Whether or not it branches out to the other parks in the future is unknown. The Broadway review show is being performed at Cedar Point and California's Great America; in addition to KD.

Here is some 2013 highlight information that came from Clint Novak's CoasterCrew "In the Loop" web radio interview yesterday with Kings Dominion's spokesperson Gene Petriello. Gene was able to give out some detail information and some "vague" teaser stuff concerning Kings Dominion for 2013. Thanks Clint for hosting the show and getting Gene for the interview! 1. The Anaconda was NOT painted during this off-season. 2. Dominator was re-painted during the off-season. Gene said it only took the paint crew 2 weeks to complete the paint job. 3. WoodStock Express is in the process of being re-painted (i.e. Ghoster Coaster / Scooby Doo). 4. Great Pumpkin Coaster,(Taxi Jam), is in the process of being repainted. 5. The former Kidzville rides are in the process of getting their final coat of paint for the Planet Snoopy re-theme and should be in the process of being re-installed later this week. 6. Gene said the first 3 new rides of Planet Snoopy should be fully operational by the end of the week ["Woodstock's Whirlybirds" (teacups), "Snoopy's Junction" (kiddie train), and "Charlie Browns Windup" (swings). 7. KD is currently in the process of re-installing the coaster trains and flat ride cars/vehicles to the rides around the rest of the park. 8. The BMX Stunt Bike show will occupy the Peanuts Showplace amphitheater this year. 9. There is a new stage for the country music show "Got Country" at the western end of the Grove. It is near the WindSeeker and the SkyFlyer attraction. Gene stated they removed the free-standing games booths near those attractions and that is where the stage will be. There was not enough details given to know if this is just a temp stage, similar to what "Blood Drums" used during Haunt, or something more permanent. 10. The far eastern end of the Grove will be getting pavers roughly from where you cross over the small creek, (just past the Dodgem building), to the Congo entrance. I thought Gene stated the pavers might extend into the Congo front plaza area (Where Outer Hanks restaurant is located). 11. Gene said Kings Dominion is in the middle of a multi-year landscaping project for the whole park. In addition to new landscaping for Planet Snoopy the park has re-done the landscaping around the Eiffel Tower. 12. Supposedly, the International Street fountain pool was re-painted. (Again? I thought it was re-painted during last years off-season?) 13. Gene stated that Kings Dominion will be getting a new style of park map for this year. I thought he stated the park will be the first to get this new style of map in the Cedar Fair chain. 14. Gene did mention that they would be some unique events at the park. Again the details were vague at this point. 15. He hinted at some new stuff for the 2013 Haunt. But, there would not be any details available until late summer. 16. Nothing much was brought up concerning food offerings and merchandise. One of the food places was being re-named in the Congo section to better fit the theme of the area. Gene did allude about the park trying to get back to theming in the park. It sounds more of a long-term, multi-year effort. 17. According to Gene, Planet Snoopy will open to the public for the first time at 10:30am on Friday, March 29th. Well, that should wrap it up as far as the interview highlights.

There is another exterior photo of the Sweet Frog location, on their Facebook site, that has most of the back half of the coaster structure in the background. If you look at the lower center section, it looks like the coaster has been re-painted a deep royal blue. Compare that section of the ride to the back curve structure; that back portion of the ride is still a faded robin's egg blue. At first I thought is was contrast issues (in shadow, therefore looks darker). But, the photos were taken on an overcast day so I am ruling that out. Go to their Facebook site and look at the pictures taken on 3-1-2013. Look for the exterior shot with the back half of the coaster in the background and let me know your thoughts.

I believe all the new rides for Kings Dominion's Planet Snoopy are from Zamperla. This company currently seems to be the "King of the Hill" as far as children/family rides go. Plus, they seem to be a rising star in the thrill ride arena with their "Air Race" series of flats and their recent "Giant Discovery" rides. Zamperla has quite a range of ride products in their online catalog. In their family ride section, they have a flat called "Demolition Derby". The company's ride video (at the very end) has Mater and some of the other "Cars" characters in it. But, it does not have the "Baby" tractors currently used on "Mater's Junkyard Jamboree". Anyone know where this ride is located?

I am not the target audience either Chuck. I will turn 51 the day before the park opens this month. I, like you, am glad this tired area is getting a makeover. I was 13 when Kings Dominion opened in 1975. Most of what I experienced initially in the kid's area was the Scooby Doo, Whacky Wheels (2-seater gas powered sports cars), and Yogi's Cave. I was encouraged by my Dad ... cough .... forced ... cough ... to take my 2 younger brothers on those kiddie attractions where I met the height limit and could fit (I am, to this day, awaiting knee cap replacements). I did not feel, when I wrote the response above, that I was put down in any way. I just think Robb's web site caters to such a massive audience; across the full spectrum, from amusement globetrotters to those who enjoy just their local carnival or annual fair. I am glad I came across this site and I enjoy the exposure to other amusement places, as well as other peoples travels and opinions concerning the amusement industry. P.S. The Planet Snoopy webcam is showing the vertical supports for Snoopy's Rocket Express elevated monorail. P.P.S. If there are any park history buffs out there , there are 2 Facebook sites dedicated to the history of the two Virginia Theme parks. One is for Kings Dominion "KD Golden Years" and the other, for Busch Gardens Williamsburg, "BGW Memories". Check them out. They are full of historical information of past rides, attractions, and shows of days gone by.

When Kings Dominion, that I have visited since 1975, is making a major overhaul of a whole section of the park for the 1st time in 38 years, then it is a big deal for us "locals". Sorry, if my frustration level oozed though my last entry. Kings Dominion's internet PR has always lagged behind compared to many of the parks in the Cedar Fair chain. Some perspective helps on occasion within a major theme/amusement park web site such as TPR. There are those here that are able to join Rob and company on the wonderful trips he produces each year. Whether it is a regional US trip to parks large and small or the overseas adventures to amusement places all over the world. I've always enjoyed reading everyone's trips reports on the places visited. Especially the ones to foreign countries. Hearing/seeing the cultural quirks, from Chuck's "Engrish" review of Chinese park signs to flavored pop corn to "coasters of death". Along with all the "normal" trip hijinks that occur. Heck, I even enjoyed the "Klassy" cruise review! But, on the flip side, there are those of us on here, like me, who are only able to visit amusement places within a few hours drive of home. Thankfully, I live in a region of the country where there are several parks to choose from like KD, BGW, WCUSA, and SFA. When time and the wallet permits, I go to visit those places. Therefore, my amusement park perspective is narrowly focused compared to others who are amusement globetrotters. What is a major thing to me could very well be a minor/trivial thing to others. Now if you will excuse me, I have a chiropractor's appointment for an "adjustment". (Copies of this sermon are available by mail. Please send 1 cent plus $500 dollars shipping to: "A@@ on My Back Productions" 123 Get A Life Avenue - Walla Walla, WA 99999).

Patience is a virtue. I'm sure the park will report when they have made some significant progress, as the new rides just began arriving in mid-February. "Grasshopper" appreciates the reminder of what the definition of Patience is. I believe my virtues take a vacation from mid-February to late March. Lets see, ummmm ...... on yeah ........ "Wipe on, wipe off" Thanks to Mr. Miyagi!

I am hoping we will get another Kid-caster report from Chase soon. His last report came out over 2 weeks ago, (the 12th), and Chase was there at Kings Dominion the week before to film that report (around the 6th-7th). So, it has been 3 weeks since he has actually been at the park . Plus, Kings dominion stated that there would be a new Planet Snoopy photo gallery added to their Facebook site this week. Nothing yet.

Or the "Nights of Fire" fireworks show or just the daily Peanuts character meet and greet sessions. We went round and round with what Kings Dominion considers a "Live" show on the KDfansite. Anyway, I listed the 9 entertainment offerings on here that Kings Dominion had, for 2012, under their web site entertainment section. It is a page or two back from where we are on this forum topic. So, boys & girls, which 3 do not belong? My bet is the Peanuts character meet & greet was the 6th "Live" show in 2012 and will be the 10th live production for 2013. I consider all the other stuff as "park attractions". I checked several of the 2013 show cast members, listed on MoonMaxx's Facebook site, to see if they had their own Facebook site and to see if they were sharing publicly any of their theater performance background information. Many were and I was impressed that several of them had performed at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Busch Gardens - Tampa, and Cedar Point. Most of them had national and/or regional theater experience outside of the Theme Park Industry. It looks like MoonMaxx has casted a strong group of performers for Kings Dominion in 2013. I look forward to seeing the talent perform this season!!

MoonMaxx Productions has just announced the 5 shows they are producing for Kings Dominion for 2013. They are as follows: "On Broadway - From Broadway to the Midway" "Pop Fusion" "Got Country" "Street Beats" "Karaoke Superstars" The show logos and cast member lists are on MoonMaxx's Facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/MoonMaxxProducti...ts&fref=ts Keep in mind that the Kings Dominion entertainment section on their web site has not been updated yet. There are still 5 other "Live" shows to be announced. One of those should be the BMX Bike Stunt Show. Three of the shows are supposed to be for the kids in 2013. That leaves one "Live" show that I am unsure about.

Based on the latest Planet Snoopy webcam picture, it appears the station for the kiddie train ride is going up and they are pouring concrete for the train track to lay on (From my sporadic webcam viewings, cement trucks have been coming and going for most of the first half of the day). Not hard to see, even with the poor camera resolution. It is just behind and to the left of the Woodstock Whirlybirds teacup ride.