Kings Dominion (KD) Discussion Thread

[IntaminLove]

I was on board with the B&M rumor until "crazy airtime hills" was mentioned in the video. B&M doesn't make coasters with crazy airtime so this rumor doesn't hold water .

[KDcoasterMAN]

Speaking as a former Kings Dominion worker, these rumors don't surprise me with the current timeline. BUTTTTT... plans do change.

 

In 2007, the rumored replacement for the Hypersonic site was a Huss Giant Frisbee in 2008. Hypersonic was to close after Labor Day and the park would begin deconstruction of the ride for the new attraction. All of this made sense as the park had a good working relationship with Huss before it went bankrupt in 2008 as it had worked with them on the Crypt (Tomb Raider: Firefall). In July 2007, the decision was finalized the close of Geague Lake and to move several of its attractions. Dominator and Thunderhawk were both rumored for the park, but CF was unsure if they could build Dominator with the standing 10-year agreement standing with BGW and B&M. The contract stipulated that any park with 100 miles couldn't build a NEW coaster. CF postponed the order for the Huss attraction, which later due to the Huss bankruptcy has cancelled. Dominator was built, and the rest you know.

 

The rumor I have heard from the park as of recent is that the park WILL receive a new attraction next year of a thrilling variety, but not necessary a full-clown coaster. Could we be seeing another version of 'The Guardian' or 'Iron Reef' coming to KD? It is possible that KI gets one as well. Not sure if two would be built at the same time.

 

As for the rumored Shockwave removal, I am still somewhat skeptical. Unless TOGO has stopped manufacturing replacement parts or the coaster track is showing costly wear and tear, some of the recent past of Shockwave tells me it could be there a few more years. My guess is two to four years. Keep in mind, when Skyrider and King Cobra closed, they sent the spare parts they hand for each coaster (trains, ride parts) to Kings Dominion. Ridership has not dropped in recent years and recent investments to the ride structure (paint and new signage) tells me they have a longer planed time frame for it. I believe that unless they have a new ride planned for next year or the maintenance cost are mounting up (which they never have in the past. Usually one of the cheaper coasters at the park to operate) the ride will remain apart of the lineup of ride for time to come.

 

As for the rumored B&M wing coaster for 2017, the idea of not building it just because KD already has a floor-less coaster is ludicrous. Example a should be CP, now with a floor-less coaster and a wing coaster after converting Mantis into Rougarou (forgive my spelling). I would speculate that a launched variety would be a welcomed addition as KD once proclaimed itself the launched coaster capital of the world in 2006... The front gate needs a facelift and having another coaster would be a fun, exciting addition. I imagine a coaster with sky blue track, and yellow supports would contrast well with Dominator.

 

I have seen some of the recent posts and usually consider myself a lurker but I could not hold myself back in regards to this matter.

[smallpox]

but not necessary a full-clown coaster.

 

 

As for the rumored Shockwave removal, I am still somewhat skeptical. Unless TOGO has stopped manufacturing replacement parts

 

TOGO went out of business 14 years ago.

[coasterfreak101]

but not necessary a full-clown coaster.

 

 

[willh51]

^Not upset that KD didn't get Thunderhawk.

 

Was that non-compete contract really true? I always thought that was an odd decision on B&M's part. I remember hearing that Alton Towers had something like that about their dive machine for a time, too. Very risky to limit your potential sales, but maybe B&M was willing to lose KD and SFA(?) as potential clients for a time.

 

I really miss Huss. I hate that shit went south, and that a lot of parks got burned by their customer service. The Crypt looks great at KD, so hopefully they won't have a problem operating it in the future.

 

As for Shockwave, I have no problem with it staying. It looks nice with that semi-new paint, and it's in a spot that likely won't be filled by a coaster. It isn't an absolute POS either.

[_koppen]

Very risky to limit your potential sales, but maybe B&M was willing to lose KD and SFA(?) as potential clients for a time.

 

It's not really risky, these kind of deals cost the park lot's of $$$!

[Brent York]

I hope Shockwave does stay. It's a great nostalgia coaster yet without banging your head like an Arrow. And it reminds me of riding my first "non-traditional" (before any other standup, suspended, etc) coaster, King Cobra, in the late 80's. It was a big deal.

[grsupercity]

^Not upset that KD didn't get Thunderhawk.

 

Was that non-compete contract really true? I always thought that was an odd decision on B&M's part. I remember hearing that Alton Towers had something like that about their dive machine for a time, too. Very risky to limit your potential sales, but maybe B&M was willing to lose KD and SFA(?) as potential clients for a time.

 

I really miss Huss. I hate that poo-poo went south, and that a lot of parks got burned by their customer service. The Crypt looks great at KD, so hopefully they won't have a problem operating it in the future.

 

As for Shockwave, I have no problem with it staying. It looks nice with that semi-new paint, and it's in a spot that likely won't be filled by a coaster. It isn't an absolute POS either.

 

Have you ridden ThunderHawk? By far the best SLC I have ridden. MIA gladly took it. Cedar Point also had a non-compete contact on B&M inverts which is why GL, and CW didn't have inverts. Pretty common. Why would a company spends huge amounts of money on a new ride, for a park down the road to also build one?

[Bmanscool]

About the possible flying coaster rumors for 2016, I don't see anything preventing it from happening. I saw some comments claiming that this won't happen because of Batwing (lay down coasters are about the same), but remember were talking about Six Flags America. That park hasn't even been a threat to Kings Dominion. Kings Dominion is so much better in every factor. However, a flying coaster seems unlikely anyways, it's looks like the next coaster will be either a B&M hyper or wing coaster.

[cfc]

 

Have you ridden ThunderHawk? By far the best SLC I have ridden.

 

Which is, I would guess, not saying much?

[Geauga Dog]

Bummer about the Giant Frisbee. That would have been a great addition to KD. Hopefully they will revisit the idea in the future and possibly go with Zamperla as their Giant Discovery rides are excellent.

[certifiedcoastergeek]

Speaking as a former Kings Dominion worker, these rumors don't surprise me with the current timeline. BUTTTTT... plans do change.

 

In 2007, the rumored replacement for the Hypersonic site was a Huss Giant Frisbee in 2008. Hypersonic was to close after Labor Day and the park would begin deconstruction of the ride for the new attraction. All of this made sense as the park had a good working relationship with Huss before it went bankrupt in 2008 as it had worked with them on the Crypt (Tomb Raider: Firefall). In July 2007, the decision was finalized the close of Geague Lake and to move several of its attractions. Dominator and Thunderhawk were both rumored for the park, but CF was unsure if they could build Dominator with the standing 10-year agreement standing with BGW and B&M. The contract stipulated that any park with 100 miles couldn't build a NEW coaster. CF postponed the order for the Huss attraction, which later due to the Huss bankruptcy has cancelled. Dominator was built, and the rest you know.

 

The rumor I have heard from the park as of recent is that the park WILL receive a new attraction next year of a thrilling variety, but not necessary a full-clown coaster. Could we be seeing another version of 'The Guardian' or 'Iron Reef' coming to KD? It is possible that KI gets one as well. Not sure if two would be built at the same time.

 

As for the rumored Shockwave removal, I am still somewhat skeptical. Unless TOGO has stopped manufacturing replacement parts or the coaster track is showing costly wear and tear, some of the recent past of Shockwave tells me it could be there a few more years. My guess is two to four years. Keep in mind, when Skyrider and King Cobra closed, they sent the spare parts they hand for each coaster (trains, ride parts) to Kings Dominion. Ridership has not dropped in recent years and recent investments to the ride structure (paint and new signage) tells me they have a longer planed time frame for it. I believe that unless they have a new ride planned for next year or the maintenance cost are mounting up (which they never have in the past. Usually one of the cheaper coasters at the park to operate) the ride will remain apart of the lineup of ride for time to come.

 

As for the rumored B&M wing coaster for 2017, the idea of not building it just because KD already has a floor-less coaster is ludicrous. Example a should be CP, now with a floor-less coaster and a wing coaster after converting Mantis into Rougarou (forgive my spelling). I would speculate that a launched variety would be a welcomed addition as KD once proclaimed itself the launched coaster capital of the world in 2006... The front gate needs a facelift and having another coaster would be a fun, exciting addition. I imagine a coaster with sky blue track, and yellow supports would contrast well with Dominator.

 

I have seen some of the recent posts and usually consider myself a lurker but I could not hold myself back in regards to this matter.

Does the front gate need a facelift? No. Does the west side of the park/Old Virginia need some love? Yes. As long as KD can maintain this excellent Spring Bloom look, Intl St. is fine.

On a side note, Hurler looked refurbished today, with unpainted catwalks, so it probably won't get removed. However, the Hypersonic queue line and station were being fixed up/repainted today, although both are still used as storage facilities.

I wonder if it'd be possible to take out Skyflyer and Shockwave and to put a midsize B&M in their places. This seems plausible because the Skyflyer recently got a price drop per ride, and because the Shockwave is the only coaster of the Infamous Four (Hurler, Grizzly, Shockwave, Anaconda) that didn't get a makeover for the 40th. Just something to think about.

The fact that KD isn't anywhere near struggling attendance-wise makes it incredibly strange that it's been six years without a coaster, or incredibly likely that CF's "next big thing" is coming to KD. One of my friends who works in maintenance informed me Friday that those in charge informed maintenance to be ready for something big. No details were able to be disclosed except to "wait until June/July".

[Brassinthegrass]

International a street is fine, that I agree... But everything north of it could REALLY use a makeover. Logistically it is all set up just fine, but visually it doesn't really match anything you come into contact with once you go through the gate... It's blocky and bland, then you walk through the gate to all those beautiful oversize colorful flowers... It just doesn't really work...

[cfc]

International a street is fine, that I agree... But everything north of it could REALLY use a makeover. Logistically it is all set up just fine, but visually it doesn't really match anything you come into contact with once you go through the gate... It's blocky and bland, then you walk through the gate to all those beautiful oversize colorful flowers... It just doesn't really work...

 

Yep--International Street itself looks pretty good. But the entrance plaza could use some freshening up.

[coasterfreak101]

International a street is fine, that I agree... But everything north of it could REALLY use a makeover. Logistically it is all set up just fine, but visually it doesn't really match anything you come into contact with once you go through the gate... It's blocky and bland, then you walk through the gate to all those beautiful oversize colorful flowers... It just doesn't really work...

 

Granted, now you'll be walking through the generic new Cedar Fair entrance. I don't mind it too much for a place like Cedar Point, but it has absolutely no character - a stark contrast to International Street and all of this 40th anniversary nostalgia that they've been focusing on for two years now.

[Brassinthegrass]

Well I know everyone would respond with a "they did at the last two parks" but who says it needs to be that style and design? Something more open and inviting, possibly a bit whimsical would look much better than the gates they have now!

[TB305]

You guys are forgetting that CF really doesn't care about whimsy. This is evident through Carowinds entrance renovation. They totally bull dozed the landmark "plantation house" and many coaster fans in NC/SC were very sad. Life goes on, if we get a new entrance, get over it! It means we are getting a new coaster!

[coasterfreak101]

Well I know everyone would respond with a "they did at the last two parks" but who says it needs to be that style and design? Something more open and inviting, possibly a bit whimsical would look much better than the gates they have now!

 

What the guy above me said. The Point's entrance is one thing, but what they did to Carowinds' entrance is just brutal. And if they did it there, they won't hesitate to do it here.

[certifiedcoastergeek]

Speaking of the Point, an August announcement was unofficially confirmed yesterday during a q&a session. Another possibility that I hadn't considered. What if the Shockwave and Blue Ridge Tollway were removed and a launched wing coaster were to flyby the Eiffel Tower and the right side of the entrance? This would allow for an entrance redesign, would rid KD of the Shockwave, would balance both sides of the entrance, but I somehow don't see the antique cars on the chopping block.

[Coaster Hero]

I think something is in the cards for KD, and the August announcement being (unofficially) confirmed so early reaffirms this. It will have been 4/5 years since I305, so I think they could get a hyper or a wingrider. I think definitely a B&M, as they only have Dominator. I agree that Shockwave isn't dead yet, as it was just re-painted; a sign that it has a few more years to go.

If they get a hyper, I imagine the entrance through an airtime hill (rather than a Zero G roll), and if it's a wingrider it could be like CP's.

[Fooz]

Next year is 6 years since i305.

[Password121]

I-305 was built in 2010--2016 would be six years separated.

As for the entrance, Kings Dominion has a decent entrance as it is. It looks much nicer than Kings Island's brown wall with ticket booths. I would imagine KI is a top priority for a new entrance with their next coaster, if they choose to go that route.

Also, who says a new coaster near the front if the park means a new entrance? You could redo the entrance plaza in a similar fashion to Fury with the tunnel, but leave the actual gates intact.

 

As for the new coaster itself, we have to remember that numerous Cedar Fair parks are rumored for new coasters in 2016/17.

Cedar Point next year for sure, along with Canadas Wonderland, and even Valleyfair, Worlds of Fun, and even Michigans Adventure. And dare I say Dorney at some point?

[Lareson]

Yep, so far, Cedar Point has the strongest coaster chance for Cedar Fair in 2016. Michigan's Adventure is oddly second with the rumored Hyper-GTX, the GM mentioning "capital to be announced" last year, nothing happening in 2014 and 2015, and they also have a tendency to do major attractions for anniversary years as it's their 60th in 2016 (2006 for their 50th they received Grand Rapids, their Intamin raft ride, the Coasters restaurant and a bunch of other improvements.)

 

So far, the rest of the parks have been pure speculation with very little leads. Canada's Wonderland has already been debunked as plans have been said for 2016 to not have any major capital additions and the obvious SkyRider spot that many people think it's going to go is receiving underground sprinkling so that means nothing's going to go there for the time being. Valleyfair has been just speculation although it's sort of pointing towards 2016 being another major water park expansion and possibly 2017 their coaster year since the park has been stated as the 2nd highest in market potential behind Carowinds.

 

Worlds of Fun and Dorney are both actually near the bottom of the list for future coaster additions. They've pretty much saturated their coaster market as much as they can for their areas and really, I don't see any major coasters coming here in the near future besides maybe family or kiddie coaster additions. Can see maybe major refurbs like the RMC or GCI major refurb being rumored for Timber Wolf at Worlds of Fun, but certainly nothing extravagant like a Banshee or Fury.

 

Kings Dominion I can see having the highlight attraction for 2017. 2016 is just too crammed for the top capital investments if what's being planned for the other parks for a major coaster to be coming here. I know they are not planning any dark rides for 2016 so that part of the $120mil estimated budget for next year is being used for something else, but if anything, between Cedar Point's estimated $16mil dive coaster and Michigan's Adventure potential $7-10mil for their coaster, that's around the same price as the other 4 major coasters since 2012 have used.

[Bmanscool]

I think the August announcement decision already is a sign for Kings Dominion receiving a new coaster next year. Kings Dominion never announces an attraction so early unless it's BIG. Knowing this has made me even more excited! Looks like Kings Dominion will receive one of Cedar Fair's main new coaster/attraction for 2016!

[certifiedcoastergeek]

I think the August announcement decision already is a sign for Kings Dominion receiving a new coaster next year. Kings Dominion never announces an attraction so early unless it's BIG. Knowing this has made me even more excited! Looks like Kings Dominion will receive one of Cedar Fair's main new coaster/attraction for 2016!

I think you misunderstood. I meant that Cedar Point said that their "big announcement" will be in August. No word from KD yet. Hurler, Woodstock Express, and Rebel Yell were all retracked within the last week. The four coasters up for removal are widely considered (in order of most to least hated): Shockwave, Hurler, Anaconda, Grizzly. Last year, however, Anaconda got refurbished for the first phase of the 40th anniversary. This year, Hurler and Grizzly received refurbished trains, and more recently Hurler was retracked. The last time Shockwave got any service was in 2011, when it received a new coat of paint. Since TOGO's been out of business for 14 years, this means that parts for the Shockwave are hard to come by. The Hurler, on the other hand, can be serviced by either of the three successors to Custom Coasters (Gravity Group, GCI, S&S), and PTC is still in business for the Grizzly, so I say that the most likely occurrence for 2016 is that Shockwave gets shut down in June and gets sold for scrap metal (or moved to Dorney, not sure which is worse). Then, either one of two scenarios plays out:

A) Large/thrilling family or flat ride to replace the Shockwave. Can't tell if the the former or the latter was/is/would be worse.

B) Antique cars removed as well, huge freakin' B&M coaster added in their places and entrance remodeled. 99% of coaster enthusiasts would prefer B, but I can tell you right now that it ain't gonna happen. Although the old Tollway is a classic (and have you seen the lines it draws? FL+ don't do it justice), it is high maintenance and with all that gasoline/natural gas (not sure if they made the switch or not), it's gotta be pretty darn expensive. While it would make sense to remove it, you'd be eliminating a Haunt maze and weakening the one-two family ride punch of Old Virginia and Planet Snoopy. On the other hand, NEW ENTRANCE. B&M. EIFFEL TOWER LAUNCHED WING COASTER FLYBY. The possibilities can even make a hardcore Intamin fan like yours truly drool. PLEASE bear in mind that this is only speculation and that I'm crazy-obsessed with Virginia parks, since I live <5 min from KD. I don't call the shots for CF's CEO (unfortunately). Let me know what you think down yonder (Northerners, below this post within this discussion thread.)

I agree that Shockwave isn't dead yet, as it was just re-painted; a sign that it has a few more years to go.

P.S. Shockwave wasn't repainted

Source: I was there on Saturday and I've been to KD countless times the past four years.