cfc

Spring is in the air again, as you tell by the pretty flowers, chirping birds, and people sneezing, rubbing their eyes, and grousing about how much they hate Nature. Yes, it is a truly magical season in Virginia. Kings Dominion started ringing in the season with the Spring Bloom Festival last year. While I wouldn't call this an "epic can't-miss event," the park does, indeed, look its prettiest in the springtime, and they give a guests a chance to sample some international cuisine under the Eiffel Tower (but, oddly, nothing French). Four European countries are represented: Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. Think if it as a "micro mini" version of Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival. And how is the food? Pretty good, overall, although they have a ways to go before reaching the quality of Epcot's (or Busch Gardens') Food and Wine Festival. They also feature some local microbrews, too. I purchased a sheet of tickets for $25 that entitled me to four food samples and four drink samples. Here's what I tried. Ireland: Irish Banger with a Legend Porter. This was the best single dish I tried--a nice take on this Irish pub staple, with mashed potatoes, crispy onions, and onion gravy. It was very tasty indeed, and the porter was excellent. (Legend is a Richmond brewery that also makes a nice brown ale.) You'll feel magically transported to the Emerald Isle. This is worth of banger and worth of a very tasty porter. Gotta love theme-park prices. Italy: Tiramisu Parfait. Now, in the words of Shrek's Donkey, "Parfaits are delicious." This was a nice one, too--definitely a cut above the standard pudding cups you see in the park's cafeteria restaurants. It would've been nicer, though, if there had been a trace of liquor in that cup. It now seems appropriate that the "Theme from the Godfather" was playing as I entered the park. The presentation is very nice, and the pudding is very tasty. But how about a splash of rum to go with it? Switzerland: Swiss Mac and Cheese with a Slingshot Kolsch. They used smoked Gouda and diced bacon to jazz up this standard food offering, and I think it's a bit better than the mac and cheese offered at BGW's Canada booth during their Food and Wine Festival. The Kolsch was from Center of the Universe Brewing in Ashland, just one exit south of the park on I-95. It was a decent, light brew--better than your typical Pilsner. Can you not hear the alpenhorns blowing? Pretty good for mac and cheese, and it went well with the beer. Germany: Black Forest Ham with Havarti Cheese with a Hardywood Pils. OK, this looks like something you'd find in a particularly disappointing box lunch when you're with a tour group. But I like Havarti, and it was a pretty decent sandwich. Oddly enough, the crisp, fresh slice of cucumber was quite good, and made the sandwich. I'm not a fan of pilsner, and Hardywood's version didn't change my opinion. I'll stick to this Richmond brewer's Bitter Valentine IPA and stouts, which are very good indeed. Hang on to your liederhosen! The sandwich and coleslaw were OK. But the pilsner was like making love in a canoe. I'd tell you why, but it would violate the PG-13 standard of TPR. All in all, a nice break from the usual park fare. I hope that KD expands the offerings a bit in future seasons. I did a wee bit more than eat food and drink beer while I was there. Let's have a look, shall we? Giant mutant butterflies invade Kings Dominion! That is no way for a Viking to die! You shall not have a seat in the Great Hall of Asgaard! This is where you'll find the food booths, and you can buy your meal tickets here, but . . . . . . first things first. This is why you get to the park at opening and head straight to Volcano--a three-train wait for the front row. Now, this would be a good way for a Viking to die! Based on his expression, I think that guy in the front row just saw Odin. Yep, this sometimes grouchy old Intamin ride is still great. But I do find this plush ape rather disturbing. I305, Anaconda, a bird, and the Chicken Shack in one shot! I rule! Hello, Rebel Yell--I see you. But we have more important matters to which we must attend. This is where you emerge from your gray out feeling either refreshed or extra woozy. Can one ever have too many pictures of Intimidator 305? I'm not sure that's possible. I think the people in this train would agree. Yes, Rebel Yell. I see you. I'll get to you eventually. Sigh! At least Backlot Stunt Coaster sill has fire . . . . . . and flashing police lights. Oh, good lord, Rebel Yell. You're just embarrassing yourself with these obvious pleas for attention. Cut it out! More photos to come.

I think you're confusing Disney with Six Flags Magic Mountain here. If this comes to pass, I'm sure we'd see substantial changes other than just a "new pre-show" and sign.

When it comes to coasters I expected to be flat-out bad, I'd say it was El Condor at Walibi Holland. It was the first Vekoma SLC. As for a coaster that I fully expected to be good, I'd say it's another Vekoma creation, this time in collaboration with Disney: Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Why is there any "rattle directory," period? Folks in this hobby sure get interested in cataloging odd stuff, but so be it.

Intimidator 305--Kings Dominion

I haven't been to Kings Dominion yet, but this post doesn't make any sense. Can anyone explain what Kings Dominion has to do with Six Flags America? That's because it doesn't make much sense. The poster is saying that KD is to Cedar Fair what SFA is to Six Flags--that is, a neglected park because it hasn't received a major new ride (meaning "coaster") for some time. At least that's how I interpret it.

American Eagle--Six Flags Great America

Grizzly at Kings Dominion--kind of rough last Sunday.

I came to prefer Legend to Voyage during my last few visits to Holiday World, mainly because the former didn't shake and rattle me half to death. In fact, I never thought Legend was as bad as some people claimed it was.

"Slow Yourself Down"--Camel

I'll be visiting the family in Sacramento sometime later this summer or in early fall. Might just have to sneak over to Discovery Kingdom and give this coaster a try.

Six Flags Pulp Fiction

Currently enjoying a Free Verse IPA at the Virginia Beer Company. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

And at the appropriate time.

In the words of one Joker, "How delicious!"

^I know--I've had kangaroo pizza. Tastes like venison.

What if they could substitute kangaroo for the duck?

Looks like a scam--do not click on that link!

Picard hears about InvadR.

I think most of it looks pretty good--especially the desserts and the roast-beef noodle concoction.

Hong Kong

I like how the park has intertwined a "family" coaster with their big new thrill ride. The whole area around both rides looks great, too.

BGW is only 15 to 20 minutes from my house.

My guess would be, aside from you, no.