KDGY75

Very TRUE!

You could here those things across the park lol. I will never forget, back in 2001 (opening year). I was working XLC's photos. I came in to open like a regular morning, walked down to the Grove and maintenance was everywhere. Apparently during testing that morning, the train was traveling around the curve and a support popped out of the ground, it was CRAZY! She was down for weeks.

Kinda true. The park was suppose to get a Stealth Flyer in 2000 (located where the go-carts are now) vs XLC in 2001, but plans changed....R.I.P (2001-2007) Hypersonic's Back Story: "S&S Worldwide", which was the company's first prototype coaster of its kind—Kings Dominion named it Hypersonic XLC. Bringing many screams and disappointments to the park starting in 2001. It was a love/hate type of coaster amongst many. Launching from 0 to 80 mph in 1.8 seconds up a 90° incline, XLC crested a 165-foot hill, and without fully slowing, plummeted down an 90° dive. Next, the coaster performed a banked left turn, went through a smaller banked right turn, and came to a abrupt stop before heading into the station. Was an amazing experience for many fans, but it suffered extended downtime, very low capacity/extensive wait time and was closed for nearly three months at the beginning of the 2002 season. Went through multiple of trains throughout its suffering lifetime. Over years of screams and overwhelming maintenance, XLC took its last lap on October 28, 2007.

Coaster track has been spotted on site.

KDGY FACT: Built in 1988, Avalanche is still the only ride of its type ever constructed in North America. Here's a photo taken on media day (March 1988) when the ride had 4, 6 car trains and each train was a specific Country. The trains were changed later in the year to have 7 cars along with multiple countries per train. (the France car was then added too)

No problem! Hope you enjoy your visit in June and make you give us an update!

Which is currently Water Works (waterpark). Here's a look back to 1977 of Lake Charles. This particular shot was taken from the film "Rollercoaster"

Here's a look back at Smurf Mountain from the early 90's. As other members stated, the station is still visible till today...even parts of the swing gates.

Well, Yes, but aren't there lions in cages? That the car drives by? You're right, now that I think about it..I guess it was just a whole different way of thinking "safety" back then lol

A friends of mine, presented me with a ticket. Employees of park received tickets to give out to family/friends for the event. Man, I need to get some friends who work at KD! I actually had 2, but conveniantly they both quit at the end of this past season... Well that's not good lol It's always nice to have a friend(s) that works in a park for little perks like this..

Only time may tell! Well, I'm not sure..Great Adventure has there going for many years, but not sure about any incidents. Thanks! I'm not sure, I hope majority of the attractions are up this weekend..*fingers crossed* A friends of mine, presented me with a ticket. Employees of park received tickets to give out to family/friends for the event. No problem! i also love history about parks, especially abandoned ones. Sad but cool!

Thanks! Yes, that's for backwards. No problem! No Problem! Yes, Monorail Safari is one of the most major attraction missed by many KD fans. Truly, a lot of history behind it. 1974 was the preview year of Kings Dominion with only Lion Country Safari, which at the time was a drive-thru safari and Scooby-Doo (only 2 attractions were open). 1975 was the grand opening of the park, and the drive-thru was rebuilt into a monorail, "Monorail Safari." 1993 was its last season. (pics below of the drive-thru and Monorail Safari, photo credit: Kings Dominion). 1974 & 1975 explains the reason why they park is having the 40th Anniversary over a 2 year period (2014 & 2015).

Yes, its back to the original colors! I took all the photo's this weekend, from the preview day. ..and here's the rest of the Trip Report. http://themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=67581 KD did actual put a teaser up some months back about the original colors, and the chaser lights are also back!

Thanks! Yes, here's the link https://www.kingsdominion.com/ticket-category/Fast-Lane-Fright-Lane Thanks! I'll be there also! Yes, all the re-themeing, mushrooms, names..are here to stay.

Thanks everyone, the park has really out did themseleves with the 40th! (I'll have better pics this weekend, the weather is suppose to be great. As myself, KD is my home park and been going to since I was 4(1984). To see them bring so much charm and character from what Paramount has taken away from us, says a lot about CF! I'm so grateful to see us going back towards theming...Happy 40th, KINGS DOMINION! *SIDENOTE* I just added more pics from the weekend!

Yesterday was Kings Dominion's Preview Day for family and friends. A very nice event despite the cold, rainy weather. It was from 11:30a-4p, and of course the crowds were very low because of the forecast. Majority of all attractions were open including coasters, shops, and restaurants (pretty much a normal operating day). Surprisingly to see Grizzly running both trains and Rebel Yell racing! I must say, for the park to open this weekend, they have out-did themselves with an awesome job and the staff were very energetic and friendly. Of course, nothing is perfect and a lot still is in preparation for opening weekend/'14 season, but I'm sure there's going to be a lot of smiles on the younger and older generations with this season's additions. Many "Golden Years" memories, charm, theming, and character has been restored from seasons back! Kings Dominion has gone all out for their 40th Anniversary! Here's my report below... Also, for more "Golden Years" memories of the park, you may follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/KD-Golden-Years/229513350522757 "The Singing Mushrooms" in action.. "Welcome to Candy Apple Grove" [youtu_be] [/youtu_be] "One of Those Songs" [youtu_be] [/youtu_be] Kings Dominion Clown Band [youtu_be] [/youtu_be] The Floral Clock [youtu_be] [/youtu_be] The Floral Clock is back in Candy Apple Grove, since years ago! New 40th logo with flowers/planters Happy 40th Kings Dominion! Crowds were starting to draw in... KD40 Souvenir Shop. Showcasing the original staffing uniforms from the 70's. Do I smell "Smurf Mountain??" Volcano's new painted water pool. Chasers running the whole course back to 305. 305 and Anaconda lifts together. The new entrance stairway to Volcano's station. You can spot out Rebel Yell's chasers here. 1990s "Walk of Memories" 1990s "Walk of Memories" 1990s "Walk of Memories" 1990s "Walk of Memories" 1980s "Walk of Memories" 1980s "Walk of Memories" 1980s "Walk of Memories" 1980s "Walk of Memories" 1970s "Walk of Memories" 1970's "Walk of Memories" 2000s "Walk of Memories" 2000s "Walk of Memories" 2000s "Walk of Memories" Volcano's new Q system. The entrance is now on the side of the Q going down steps leading you to the station. The load and unload station combined into one vs the past. As you can see the photo, the operating board has be removed to where we use to load the back/middle of the train. And exiting, you'll walk up steps that's beside the operating board. This process is a lot quicker, they train dispatches to the launch area vs unloading, then loading. It took no time! It's been 14 years...The life-size CANDY APPLES scattered around the area, with the return of the infamous Floral Clock, along with the renaming of Triple Spin to Bad Apple. And we cannot forgot about the beloved Singing Mushrooms. Candy Apple Grove is back, and here to stay! Safari Village has replaced Congo with the return of The Hungry Hippo since 1996. Also, Anaconda with its vibrant re-paint job(not perfect but, smoother ride with the new wheels and paint job, also the tunnel splash effect was working a few times) Volcano's new constructed load/unload station, which has improved the capacity level. (the mountain is still under a multi-year project). 305 was firing up the track, along with all the coasters running good. I'm not sure if Crypt will be open this weekend, as the gondola was missing/under repair. According to Kings Dominion's website, opening mid-May Showing Dominator's new colored restraints/seats up close. Photo Credit: KDFansite The large candy apples has nothing on Drop Tower thought! BTW, was closed due to weather. Side of the Floral Clock More 40th banners. 20 or so candy life-size candy apples scattered throughout Candy Apple Grove, taking it back to the roots! New exit ramp from Volcano. Exiting Volcano. Candy apples and 40th banners along the midway. Shockwave off-setting the candy appples They're such a beauty! Candy apple, meet Eiffel Tower. Spring and Festive! International Street's new paint job! Original staffing uniform from the 70's. New 40th banners on International Street New 40th postcard. KD40 Souvenir Shop. "The Singing Mushrooms" shirt New 40 "Fallen Kings Dominion Rides" shirts sold at KD40. 305 and Anaconda off in the distance. 1970s "Walk of Memories" 2000s "Walk of Memories" New "Fountain and Floats" restaurant. The old walkover ramp of Volcano has been gated off. The launch pulsing lights are back on for FOF! New position of Volcano's operating booth.."All clear means you're out of here!" Volcano's new exit steps. The old water wheel has been added back to Shenandoah Lumber Company/Log Flume Old Virginia, not much here has changed. DINOSAURS: Giants of Patagonia "Walk of Memories" guides around Eiffel Tower. Anaconda's new vibrant paint job! New Safari Village logo/sign. Volcano's 1st roll-back of the season! New paint job on the new "Pizza Parlor" of International Street! Many Golden Years fans maybe remember it as "Tower of Pizza." 1970s "Walk of Memories" HAPPY 40TH KINGS DOMINION! With Anaconda's new wheels and paint job, it wasn't perfect but definitely a smoother ride from before. Kings Dominion's Clown Band is back and are crazy as before! This talented group of musicians roam throughout the park as they interact with guest with pure entertainment! The new and improved International Street for the 40th Anniversary, opening this Saturday! New enhancements with the Royal Fountain, the new 40th Anniversary Kings Dominion logo/planters while you enter the main gate, new paint jobs in numerous locations, and the new KD40 merchandise shop where you'll be able to purchase the the anniversary pins. Along with the remarkable "Walk of Memories" surrounding the Eiffel Tower, new 40th Anniversary banners and much more! Dominator's new black and orange, colored restraints. (It's still the original OTSR, just a change color along with brand new black seats) Rebel Yell has received its original red, white, and blue color scheme. Along with the same colored chaser lights, which runs the whole course like it did back it the Golden Years! Also, they were racing quite frequently throughout the day. Back by popular demand and cherished by many since 1975 are "The Singing Mushrooms." They were removed in the early 90's, but they are back and for GOOD! Bopping up and down to catchy tunes as "Welcome to Candy Apple Grove." Drop Tower was down but 305 was running great, front seat+rain does not mix though! lol "Fallen Rides of Kings Dominion" Sad but cool shirt sold in the new KD40 Souvenir Shop on International Street. This image of 305 will look a lot better opening weekend! Not sure of The Crypt will be in operation this weekend s the gondola was missing, according to Kings Dominion's website..opening mid-May. Triple Spin renamed to Bad Apple.

They're back by popular demand..."Welcome to Candy Apple Grove" [youtu_be] [/youtu_be] Along with the beautiful new entrance to International Street!

Per Kings Dominion, The Singing Mushrooms, etc. that is adding into the 40th are staying for good. They just added these photos to their page this evening(not the actual grid), the everything is coming along very nicely. I especially like how the Floral Clock seems to sit a tad bit higher than the original.

They're baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! via Kings Dominion's facebook,"Our singing mushrooms are in rehearsal this morning in our warehouse preparing for their debut on April 5 for our #KD40 Celebration!"

Many may not remember, as this wasn't around long, mayybe a couple of seasons. Here's a look at Wayne's Basement, which was more of a photo ops used during this era. It was located where Ricochet stands today.

Back in the popular days with Wayne's World/Hurler. The old entrance "WAY" to Wayne's World. Remembering the station back in the Paramount Era when Hurler's station was themed to the movie.

The reason behind this is because of safety reasons. Club Blood is directly beside the far end of Hurler, and it's closed during the same hours of the maze operation.

^^^ Hurler days might be numbered, but by the look of the website/"Hurler will closed for maintenance and open in mid May 2014" I think it may stick around for a little while longer. https://www.kingsdominion.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/The-Hurler

At one point of time in the Golden Years, Lake Charles would present a Dive Team/show, meaning it was a lot deeper than it is today.

It would be truly awesome if they were to bring back the souvenir maps like here(opening season), which were created from 1975-80's.