Kings Dominion (KD) Discussion Thread

[Intimidator305]

^ Don't be too optimistic there, Omar.

 

Intimidator 305 is a top tier ride in the world, and obviously not every coaster addition can and/or will do that. Look at rides like Banshee - sometimes not doing 'the next big thing' and staying simple can give you a solid ride that the GP loves. Is Banshee a top ride in the world? No, but it is a headliner for decades to come at Kings Island.

[DonkeysWaffles]

^ Don't be too optimistic there, Omar.

 

Intimidator 305 is a top tier ride in the world, and obviously not every coaster addition can and/or will do that. Look at rides like Banshee - sometimes not doing 'the next big thing' and staying simple can give you a solid ride that the GP loves. Is Banshee a top ride in the world? No, but it is a headliner for decades to come at Kings Island.

 

Okay, maybe I was being too hyped up, but I still think a really good coaster could go there. An Invert would be a great fit.

 

Also, how'd you remember my name?

[The Yeti]

I have ridden Fury in light rain but I doubt it compares to 305 in that downpour

 

Fury is quite a bit smoother as well. I305 jerks you into each element.

 

Doesn't Fury 325 have a nasty rattle though?

 

His post was about riding in the rain, I don't understand how yours relates.

[redfoot12]

^ Don't be too optimistic there, Omar.

 

Intimidator 305 is a top tier ride in the world, and obviously not every coaster addition can and/or will do that. Look at rides like Banshee - sometimes not doing 'the next big thing' and staying simple can give you a solid ride that the GP loves. Is Banshee a top ride in the world? No, but it is a headliner for decades to come at Kings Island.

 

I think a ride like Banshee would be perfect as KD's next coaster.

[Coaster Hero]

When I went on I was expecting it to rattle because of its high speed (much like Kingda Ka does) but surprisingly it was glass smooth. In the rain I imagine it would be life changing for better or worse, especially at night. You literally would have no chance to catch your breath.

 

Also the only reason Fury would be smoother than I305 is because it's newer . Those quick transitions were designed that way, the two coasters are nothing alike, and they complete different purposes. If I had to group them I'd put Leviathan, Millennium Force, and Fury 325 in group A for focusing on speed, overbanks, and generally taking the rider on a journey. I'd put Steel Dragon 2000 in group B for focusing on airtime, and Intimidator 305 is also in it's own group C because of its unusual focus on staying low to the ground, maintaining a high speed, and very quick transitions. Different people have different preferences so that influences which "group" or which giga coaster you prefer.

[DonkeysWaffles]

I have ridden Fury in light rain but I doubt it compares to 305 in that downpour

 

Fury is quite a bit smoother as well. I305 jerks you into each element.

 

Doesn't Fury 325 have a nasty rattle though?

 

His post was about riding in the rain, I don't understand how yours relates.

 

I meant to point out that I305's rattle contributes to its insanity in the rain. But still, it's an enjoyable rattle.

[DonkeysWaffles]

^ Don't be too optimistic there, Omar.

 

Intimidator 305 is a top tier ride in the world, and obviously not every coaster addition can and/or will do that. Look at rides like Banshee - sometimes not doing 'the next big thing' and staying simple can give you a solid ride that the GP loves. Is Banshee a top ride in the world? No, but it is a headliner for decades to come at Kings Island.

 

I think a ride like Banshee would be perfect as KD's next coaster.

 

Although I'd rather have something that delivers on the airtime that KD sorely misses.

Edited August 11, 2015 by DonkeysWaffles

[Intimidator305]

I meant to point out that I305's rattle contributes to its insanity in the rain. But still, it's an enjoyable rattle.

 

Still have yet to discover this mythical rattle you speak of.

 

Fury 325 does have the smallest bit of a rattle though, especially compared to earlier in the season.

[DonkeysWaffles]

I meant to point out that I305's rattle contributes to its insanity in the rain. But still, it's an enjoyable rattle.

 

Still have yet to discover this mythical rattle you speak of.

 

Fury 325 does have the smallest bit of a rattle though, especially compared to earlier in the season.

 

Yesterday when I was riding I305 the train shook more than it used to, especially going into transitions. Last time I rode it was in 2013, and it was relatively calmer then.

[bill_s]

I don't see any KD-no-airtime complainers mentioning the park just lost a bunch with Shockwave. I guess you actually would have to ride it. I saw the Darkwave for the first time last night and was sad a moment. Then went back to my ride.

 

* * *

 

The ideas that KD will put another coaster in even further from a bathroom than I305 is extremely unlikely. It looks like to me the boundaries of the park have been established in a way that does not require a transportation system. It certainly doesn't appear that I305 was added with any thought to putting something else over there. They knew the clock was running down on too many coasters. There's is maybe a possibility of moving one in the process of replacement, but I can't see space available that's better than where they already are.

[DonkeysWaffles]

I don't see any KD-no-airtime complainers mentioning the park just lost a bunch with Shockwave. I guess you actually would have to ride it. I saw the Darkwave for the first time last night and was sad a moment. Then went back to my ride.

 

* * *

 

The ideas that KD will put another coaster in even further from a bathroom than I305 is extremely unlikely. It looks like to me the boundaries of the park have been established in a way that does not require a transportation system. It certainly doesn't appear that I305 was added with any thought to putting something else over there. They knew the clock was running down on too many coasters. There's is maybe a possibility of moving one in the process of replacement, but I can't see space available that's better than where they already are.

 

1. What will KD lose with Shockwave? It was boring, painful, and had horrible operations.

 

2. KD does need an airtime machine.

 

3. Why would they start to clear a big portion of land if they are not using it for an eventual coaster? Unless they are bringing back the safari.

 

I doubt they are putting a coaster in Shockwave's spot, unless it's a junior invert.

[mike541x]

I meant to point out that I305's rattle contributes to its insanity in the rain. But still, it's an enjoyable rattle.

 

Still have yet to discover this mythical rattle you speak of.

 

I've ridden I305 every year since opening season and I've yet to experience any kind of rattle whatsoever.

[JonnyRCT3]

 

1. What will KD lose with Shockwave? It was boring, painful, and had horrible operations.

 

2. KD does need an airtime machine.

 

3. Why would they start to clear a big portion of land if they are not using it for an eventual coaster? Unless they are bringing back the safari.

 

I doubt they are putting a coaster in Shockwave's spot, unless it's a junior invert.

 

 

1 -

 

2 - Yes, badly.

 

3 - It could honestly be for anything. For all we know, it could be a pond.

[smallpox]

Yesterday when I was riding I305 the train shook more than it used to, especially going into transitions. Last time I rode it was in 2013, and it was relatively calmer then.

 

i rode it several times monday and detected no rattle. but then i happen to think the thing has a ton of airtime, too, so what do i know. *shrug*

[Intimidator305]

Kings Dominion does not need an airtime machine. Their last coaster addition provided guests with some of the best 'ejector' pops of air of any coaster out there. Yeah, no rattle either - still one of the smoothest coasters I've been on 5.5 seasons later.

 

The land clearing was probably for the fireworks... they do this quite often as they have to keep the area back there 100% dirt to prevent anything from catching on fire. Move along there will be nothing back there for 2016 obviously and they are certainly not going to begin work on a 2017 project before they start the 2016 project.

[Tee1999]

People most be taking the demise of shockwave really bad because they haven't even taken it off from the website yet

[Tee1999]

Kings Dominion does not need an airtime machine. Their last coaster addition provided guests with some of the best 'ejector' pops of air of any coaster out there. Yeah, no rattle either - still one of the smoothest coasters I've been on 5.5 seasons later.

 

The land clearing was probably for the fireworks... they do this quite often as they have to keep the area back there 100% dirt to prevent anything from catching on fire. Move along there will be nothing back there for 2016 obviously and they are certainly not going to begin work on a 2017 project before they start the 2016 project.

Canada wonderland got a giga 2 years after kd and next year they're supposed to get something big. Either cedar fair is playing favorites or they just don't care about their parks.

[grsupercity]

Kings Dominion does not need an airtime machine. Their last coaster addition provided guests with some of the best 'ejector' pops of air of any coaster out there. Yeah, no rattle either - still one of the smoothest coasters I've been on 5.5 seasons later.

 

The land clearing was probably for the fireworks... they do this quite often as they have to keep the area back there 100% dirt to prevent anything from catching on fire. Move along there will be nothing back there for 2016 obviously and they are certainly not going to begin work on a 2017 project before they start the 2016 project.

Canada wonderland got a giga 2 years after kd and next year they're supposed to get something big. Either cedar fair is playing favorites or they just don't care about their parks.

 

Or CW gets more guest then any seasonal park in the chain and KD is in the middle of the pack with Carowinds, GCA, and Dorney.

[certifiedcoastergeek]

Kings Dominion does not need an airtime machine. Their last coaster addition provided guests with some of the best 'ejector' pops of air of any coaster out there. Yeah, no rattle either - still one of the smoothest coasters I've been on 5.5 seasons later.

 

The land clearing was probably for the fireworks... they do this quite often as they have to keep the area back there 100% dirt to prevent anything from catching on fire. Move along there will be nothing back there for 2016 obviously and they are certainly not going to begin work on a 2017 project before they start the 2016 project.

Canada wonderland got a giga 2 years after kd and next year they're supposed to get something big. Either cedar fair is playing favorites or they just don't care about their parks.

 

Or CW gets more guest then any seasonal park in the chain and KD is in the middle of the pack with Carowinds, GCA, and Dorney.

Both of you provide valid points; while KD is far from the largest in the chain, 6+ years between coasters, even after Intimidator 305, is quite a distance for a park of its size. Since a four-or-five year interval is typical for Cedar Fair parks of its size, we would have expected a coaster in '14 or this year. However, since it's a slim possibility that a coaster is happening in 2016, it does lead to some questions regarding CF's treatment of the park. Cedar Fair considers their parks to be divided into three "tiers" based upon attendance:

Tier I (3M+ annual visitors): KBF, C.W., CP, KI

Tier II (1.5M-3M annual visitors): CW, KD, DPWWK, CGA

Tier III (Under 1.5M annual visitors): VF, WoF, MA

In order of attendance from most to least (Disclaimer: coasters of any size, coaster conversions, and relocations count as a new credit with most credit counters, so therefore they count as a new addition. If you say I'm unfair, I'd easily count Dominator as "newest coaster addition" if not for I305.):

1. Knott's Berry Farm - newest coaster addition 2013 (Coast Rider)

2. Canada's Wonderland - newest coaster addition 2014 (Wonder Mountain's Guardian) (Triotechs with coaster track count )

3. Cedar Point - newest coaster addition 2016 (Valravn)* or 2015 (Rougarou)

4. Kings Island - newest coaster addition 2014 (Banshee)

5. Carowinds** - newest coaster addition 2015 (Fury 325)

6. Kings Dominion - newest coaster addition 2010 (Intimidator 305)

7. Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom - newest coaster addition 2012 (Stinger)

8. California's Great America** - newest coaster addition 2016 (Vortex Conversion)* or 2013 (Gold Striker)

9. Valleyfair** - newest coaster addition 2011 (Cosmic Coaster)

10. Worlds of Fun - newest coaster addition 2009 (Prowler)

11. Michigan's Adventure - newest coaster addition 2008 (Thunderhawk)

*Denotes an unconfirmed but heavily rumored addition

**Denotes a park specifically targeted for growth potential by Cedar Fair

One park in Tier II sticks out like a sore thumb (and no, it's not Dorney, sorry to disappoint the satirists).

[DonkeysWaffles]

Since I305, they've gotten Dinosaurs Alive, Windseeker, a light show, Planet Snoopy, a major appearance upgrade, and a major waterpark expansion. I think they're attended enough to get constantly updated, including a coaster.

[FSUFanChris]

Kings Dominion does not need an airtime machine. Their last coaster addition provided guests with some of the best 'ejector' pops of air of any coaster out there. Yeah, no rattle either - still one of the smoothest coasters I've been on 5.5 seasons later.

Floater air is a completely different experience than ejector air. They are not the same at all.

[Intimidator305]

^ Obviously... Just saying not every park needs a floater airtime machine to be considered a good park, especially a park that put in a ride with good airtime as their last coaster.

I think the park's lineup could use several other things before that. Would I take it and be happy? Yes, but I'm not one to bring it up on a weekly basis saying how much the park needs it unlike some people.

[Tee1999]

Kings Dominion does not need an airtime machine. Their last coaster addition provided guests with some of the best 'ejector' pops of air of any coaster out there. Yeah, no rattle either - still one of the smoothest coasters I've been on 5.5 seasons later.

 

The land clearing was probably for the fireworks... they do this quite often as they have to keep the area back there 100% dirt to prevent anything from catching on fire. Move along there will be nothing back there for 2016 obviously and they are certainly not going to begin work on a 2017 project before they start the 2016 project.

Canada wonderland got a giga 2 years after kd and next year they're supposed to get something big. Either cedar fair is playing favorites or they just don't care about their parks.

 

Or CW gets more guest then any seasonal park in the chain and KD is in the middle of the pack with Carowinds, GCA, and Dorney.

Both of you provide valid points; while KD is far from the largest in the chain, 6+ years between coasters, even after Intimidator 305, is quite a distance for a park of its size. Since a four-or-five year interval is typical for Cedar Fair parks of its size, we would have expected a coaster in '14 or this year. However, since it's a slim possibility that a coaster is happening in 2016, it does lead to some questions regarding CF's treatment of the park. Cedar Fair considers their parks to be divided into three "tiers" based upon attendance:

Tier I (3M+ annual visitors): KBF, C.W., CP, KI

Tier II (1.5M-3M annual visitors): CW, KD, DPWWK, CGA

Tier III (Under 1.5M annual visitors): VF, WoF, MA

In order of attendance from most to least (Disclaimer: coasters of any size, coaster conversions, and relocations count as a new credit with most credit counters, so therefore they count as a new addition. If you say I'm unfair, I'd easily count Dominator as "newest coaster addition" if not for I305.):

1. Knott's Berry Farm - newest coaster addition 2013 (Coast Rider)

2. Canada's Wonderland - newest coaster addition 2014 (Wonder Mountain's Guardian) (Triotechs with coaster track count )

3. Cedar Point - newest coaster addition 2016 (Valravn)* or 2015 (Rougarou)

4. Kings Island - newest coaster addition 2014 (Banshee)

5. Carowinds** - newest coaster addition 2015 (Fury 325)

6. Kings Dominion - newest coaster addition 2010 (Intimidator 305)

7. Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom - newest coaster addition 2012 (Stinger)

8. California's Great America** - newest coaster addition 2016 (Vortex Conversion)* or 2013 (Gold Striker)

9. Valleyfair** - newest coaster addition 2011 (Cosmic Coaster)

10. Worlds of Fun - newest coaster addition 2009 (Prowler)

11. Michigan's Adventure - newest coaster addition 2008 (Thunderhawk)

*Denotes an unconfirmed but heavily rumored addition

**Denotes a park specifically targeted for growth potential by Cedar Fair

One park in Tier II sticks out like a sore thumb (and no, it's not Dorney, sorry to disappoint the satirists).

 

Imo they shouldn't add a new ride because of how much attendants they get a year. The rides should be able to attract the attendants. for example look at carowinds, they got fury 325 and before they got it people didn't know about the damn park. and lets say valleyfair got a 350ft tall b&m giga, a stratacoaster as tall as top thrill dragster, and a huge rmc hybrid, we all know that would attract a lot of people and the amount of attendance would go up a lot. No wonder why valleyfair, Michigan adventure, and worlds of fun have are at the low tier, its because cedar fair doesn't wanna experiment each park. They do have potential, its just cedar fair is playing favorites.

[Intimidator305]

They do have potential, its just cedar fair is playing favorites.

 

No they aren't - they're running a successful business with growing attendance each season.

[FSUFanChris]

^ Obviously... Just saying not every park needs a floater airtime machine to be considered a good park, especially a park that put in a ride with good airtime as their last coaster.

You still aren't getting it. They did not put in a ride with good floater air as their last coaster, or any other coaster for that matter. You are still trying to compare floater air with ejector air and that's just not possible. The only similarities between the two are the word, "air."