Kings Dominion (KD) Discussion Thread

[coasterbill]

Cedar Point, Great Adventure, Carowinds and now Kings Dominion... electricity and theme parks don't mix this week.

[BeansproutMidget]

^Just saw that this morning on the local news. It's kinda crazy how many parks have had that issue within one week.

[Skyllama]

I am finally getting to KD this Wednesday for the 1st time in about 20 years. So much has changed that it's pretty much like I've never been there before. I've done some research, but wanted to check with some folks who go there all the time for any other advice I might have missed.

 

1) I'm hoping Wednesday will have very light crowds, even with school just getting out. Thinking FastPass won't be needed. True/False?

 

2) Park opens at 10:30. Is Dominator open before then?

 

3)The general consensus seems to suggest riding Volcano 1st thing(perhaps riding Dominator before then if it's open before official opening), then hopping over immediately to I-305. Any other coasters I should consider getting to early before the midday crowds?

 

4) Are there any "can't miss" flats? Delirium perhaps?My home park is Carowinds, and as ya'll know, flats are not one of our strengths (although I know this is changing soon).

 

5) How rough is Rebel Yell now compared to how Thunder Road was at CWinds the past few years? My 11 year old loved TR, but it was always a little too rough towards the end for me. Thanks for any advice/answers given in advance.

 

6) I've read widely different opinions about Grizzly. Some say it still holds up well and is just a little rough around the edges. Others say it's way past it's prime, and is a terrible experience. What do ya'll think? I am curious because it's one of the few rides I actually remember from years ago.

 

I can't wait for Wednesday---KD was one of the very 1st parks I remember going to as a kid.

[Hugecoltsfan]

I am finally getting to KD this Wednesday for the 1st time in about 20 years. So much has changed that it's pretty much like I've never been there before. I've done some research, but wanted to check with some folks who go there all the time for any other advice I might have missed.

 

1) I'm hoping Wednesday will have very light crowds, even with school just getting out. Thinking FastPass won't be needed. True/False?

 

2) Park opens at 10:30. Is Dominator open before then?

 

3)The general consensus seems to suggest riding Volcano 1st thing(perhaps riding Dominator before then if it's open before official opening), then hopping over immediately to I-305. Any other coasters I should consider getting to early before the midday crowds?

 

4) Are there any "can't miss" flats? Delirium perhaps?My home park is Carowinds, and as ya'll know, flats are not one of our strengths (although I know this is changing soon).

 

5) How rough is Rebel Yell now compared to how Thunder Road was at CWinds the past few years? My 11 year old loved TR, but it was always a little too rough towards the end for me. Thanks for any advice/answers given in advance.

 

6) I've read widely different opinions about Grizzly. Some say it still holds up well and is just a little rough around the edges. Others say it's way past it's prime, and is a terrible experience. What do ya'll think? I am curious because it's one of the few rides I actually remember from years ago.

 

I can't wait for Wednesday---KD was one of the very 1st parks I remember going to as a kid.

 

1. You probably won't need fast lane because crowds should be pretty light.

2. Not sure

3. Yes! Make sure you ride Volcano first. Every other ride will have very short lines. The only other ride that may somewhat have a line is Flight of Fear.

4. Drop Tower and The Crypt

5. Just avoid a wheel seat.

6. I think Grizzly is the best wooden coaster in the park. The part of the ride I find "rough" is the tunnel.

[I Like Theme Parks.]

I am finally getting to KD this Wednesday for the 1st time in about 20 years. So much has changed that it's pretty much like I've never been there before. I've done some research, but wanted to check with some folks who go there all the time for any other advice I might have missed.

 

4) Are there any "can't miss" flats? Delirium perhaps?My home park is Carowinds, and as ya'll know, flats are not one of our strengths (although I know this is changing soon).

 

 

I haven't been there yet, but I've been on similar/cloned flat rides at other parks, since I'm a huge flat ride fan. So here are some recommendations:

 

There's a Bisch-Rocco flyer at Carowinds that everyone loves, so if you have some snapping experience with that one, the Flying Eagles were made by the same manufacturer, so that's something you should do. There's also Delirium, Drop Tower, The Crypt, Windseeker, and some other thrill rides as well as tons of family-friendly flat rides.

[bill_s]

I was just writing that my one trip to Carowinds was 20 years ago, Thunder Road was in terrible shape even then, and also seemed really badly located. I don't think they would have bothered aligning Windseeker and 3 hills of I305 with Rebel Yell if there was any thought at all of removing the ride, and it would be a big flip-flop to do so now. It's a bit rough right where the latest retracking ends, bit in some ways it's the best ride experience it's ever been. Maybe they took out Thunder Road partially to make KD more unique.

 

Now, the HURLER question...

 

Back at Carowinds 20 years ago, Hurler was actually a pretty solid addition to that park. They had no Grizzly, TR was as described, Vortex was their top steel, ahem ... Hurler was just fun and it was the first time we had a chance to ride one without long lines etc. and was the one pleasant surprise all day. Just to give some proportion.

 

Of KD's full-sized woodies, Hurler is definitely one of them, and different from the others. If that doesn't get your interest right there, no you're probably not going to be a fan. But, if you know woodies don't have to be cutting edge to be as much fun as anything, it should be of interest.

 

I think KD's Hurler got a bad rap back in its beginning. Who wanted a wood coaster back in 1994, when so many parks were putting in amazing new steel coasters? Especially in a park already above average in the wood category? And Wayne's World wasn't brand new either, even if you still liked it you just knew the theme wasn't going to age gracefully. Of course, the park shortly after launched into becoming the launch coaster capitol of the world. I don't know if Hurler was to buy time for new developments to come along, or maybe what came later was partially to make up for Hurler. I know that after waiting over an hour to ride it the first time, it was underwhelming.

 

I need to make a point that any judgement of the ride after 2009 is completely invalid. The trim brake, added in 2010, made the notorious jackhammer turns slightly more tolerable but killed the airtime over its beautiful bunny hops. The real problem with Hurler is maintenance, those turns just tear themselves apart, and weren't that smooth in the first place. Even with the trim, by last year it was maybe the roughest ever.

 

Maybe they just can't handle the total woodie workload of the current park. The stated plan is essentially just take their time when needed, it's better than tearing it down. That works. Of course if they do need a big piece of land for a coaster, that works too. Or they could try to "fix" it. One possible clue is that row 1 is the best and row 2 is the worst even compared to the other wheel seats, how is that even possible with them in the same car, the trains just don't work. What seems to make sense to me is limited Topper Track, turn the roughest parts into the smoothest and leave the rest alone. Reports are that the Carowinds turn rebuild didn't result in leaving the trim brake off, which sounds like failure to me.

[Superbatboy]

Burn Hurler to the ground!

[CPKI]

Burn Hurler to the ground!

What'd Hurler ever do to you?

[Skyllama]

 

3)The general consensus seems to suggest riding Volcano 1st thing(perhaps riding Dominator before then if it's open before official opening), then hopping over immediately to I-305. Any other coasters I should consider getting to early before the midday crowds?

 

4) Are there any "can't miss" flats? Delirium perhaps?My home park is Carowinds, and as ya'll know, flats are not one of our strengths (although I know this is changing soon).

 

5) How rough is Rebel Yell now compared to how Thunder Road was at CWinds the past few years? My 11 year old loved TR, but it was always a little too rough towards the end for me. Thanks for any advice/answers given in advance.

 

6) I've read widely different opinions about Grizzly. Some say it still holds up well and is just a little rough around the edges. Others say it's way past it's prime, and is a terrible experience. What do ya'll think? I am curious because it's one of the few rides I actually remember from years ago.

 

 

3. Yes! Make sure you ride Volcano first. Every other ride will have very short lines. The only other ride that may somewhat have a line is Flight of Fear.

4. Drop Tower and The Crypt

5. Just avoid a wheel seat.

6. I think Grizzly is the best wooden coaster in the park. The part of the ride I find "rough" is the tunnel.

 

In that case, we'll plan on riding Flight of Fear right after Volcano and I-305.

 

Appreciate the feedback on RY and Grizzly. My kid loves wooden roller coasters. I have a feeling the only coaster she likes more than Grizzly might be I-305.

[Skyllama]

I am finally getting to KD this Wednesday for the 1st time in about 20 years. So much has changed that it's pretty much like I've never been there before. I've done some research, but wanted to check with some folks who go there all the time for any other advice I might have missed.

 

4) Are there any "can't miss" flats? Delirium perhaps?My home park is Carowinds, and as ya'll know, flats are not one of our strengths (although I know this is changing soon).

 

 

I haven't been there yet, but I've been on similar/cloned flat rides at other parks, since I'm a huge flat ride fan. So here are some recommendations:

 

There's a Bisch-Rocco flyer at Carowinds that everyone loves, so if you have some snapping experience with that one, the Flying Eagles were made by the same manufacturer, so that's something you should do. There's also Delirium, Drop Tower, The Crypt, Windseeker, and some other thrill rides as well as tons of family-friendly flat rides.

 

I keep on hearing raves about Flying Eagles, and I've honestly never been on it. Shame on me. May be time to fix that.

 

I think we'll add Delirium and The Crypt onto the must ride list. Both Drop Tower and Windseeker are in both parks (although I think KD's is a little taller).

[Skyllama]

I was just writing that my one trip to Carowinds was 20 years ago, Thunder Road was in terrible shape even then, and also seemed really badly located. I don't think they would have bothered aligning Windseeker and 3 hills of I305 with Rebel Yell if there was any thought at all of removing the ride, and it would be a big flip-flop to do so now. It's a bit rough right where the latest retracking ends, bit in some ways it's the best ride experience it's ever been. Maybe they took out Thunder Road partially to make KD more unique.

 

Now, the HURLER question...

 

Back at Carowinds 20 years ago, Hurler was actually a pretty solid addition to that park. They had no Grizzly, TR was as described, Vortex was their top steel, ahem ... Hurler was just fun and it was the first time we had a chance to ride one without long lines etc. and was the one pleasant surprise all day. Just to give some proportion.

 

 

It's funny. I was pretty upset when I learned Thunder Road was being removed. Until someone pointed out it was basically the same as Rebel Yell w/ minor differences. Then it was easier to get over.

 

Carowinds 20 years ago is exactly what you described. Hurler was a solid addition mostly because not much else was being offered. Now that I think about it, adding Hurler to KD which already had RY and Grizzly seems kinda strange.

[MScoasters]

No offense, but RMC doesn't build beautiful coasters. They build ugly, mind blowing awesome coasters.

I don't care what she looks like. Is she fun the ride?

That's a question of taste

RMCs are beautiful. No. Matter. What.

I don't think you got it and your age isn't displayed so to be careful I'll just leave it as "agreed!"

I'm 24 not your little 12 year old boy on the forums

I'm a coaster enthusiastic and YES I understand it so don't underestimate me

I just think the actual appearance of RMCs are pretty

[Password121]

No offense, but RMC doesn't build beautiful coasters. They build ugly, mind blowing awesome coasters.

I don't care what she looks like. Is she fun the ride?

That's a question of taste

RMCs are beautiful. No. Matter. What.

I don't think you got it and your age isn't displayed so to be careful I'll just leave it as "agreed!"

I'm 24 not your little 12 year old boy on the forums

I'm a coaster enthusiastic and YES I understand it so don't underestimate me

Better safe than sorry. My mistake.

[madmax]

Unless they are in touch with RMC, they just need to get rid of Hurler. It's a waste of money to try and maintain such a crappy and unbearable ride.

[coasterbill]

Unless they are in touch with RMC, they just need to get rid of Hurler. It's a waste of money to try and maintain such a crappy and unbearable ride.

 

You should call the park and let them know. I'm sure they've never considered the economic feasibility or potential return on investment of whatever they plan to do with Hurler.

[madmax]

Unless they are in touch with RMC, they just need to get rid of Hurler. It's a waste of money to try and maintain such a crappy and unbearable ride.

 

You should call the park and let them know. I'm sure they've never considered the economic feasibility or potential return on investment of whatever they plan to do with Hurler.

 

[bill_s]

Burn Hurler to the ground!

What'd Hurler ever do to you?

 

It's true, some rides do unpleasant things to people. However, some here seem to become blinded to any attributes of a ride and just give up. If you're on a park-hopping marathon, that's often the way to go, but if you're stuck mostly going to your local park I can't see giving up that easily.

 

Fact is though, hurler even at its most vicious never hurt me much, while 4 other rides at the park have. Grizzly and Rebel Yell were terrible in 2008; I actually swore off RY for 2 months before coming back and learning what to do. I'll give 'em one thing this year though: they've been racing Rebel Yell every day, all day from what I've seen. It really is twice the coaster when they get it just right.

[Bmanscool]

Burn Hurler to the ground!

What'd Hurler ever do to you?

 

It's true, some rides do unpleasant things to people. However, some here seem to become blinded to any attributes of a ride and just give up. If you're on a park-hopping marathon, that's often the way to go, but if you're stuck mostly going to your local park I can't see giving up that easily.

 

Fact is though, hurler even at its most vicious never hurt me much, while 4 other rides at the park have. Grizzly and Rebel Yell were terrible in 2008; I actually swore off RY for 2 months before coming back and learning what to do. I'll give 'em one thing this year though: they've been racing Rebel Yell every day, all day from what I've seen. It really is twice the coaster when they get it just right.

 

I've seen only one side operating on Rebel Yell a couple times this year, but they've definitely raced both sides much more often lately! However, I'm really disappointed that they haven't been lighting up the classic chasing lights, which returned for KD's 40th anniversary in 2014!

[BeansproutMidget]

I've been to the park four times; three out of the four times the ride was racing. It makes for a different expreience for sure, at least for me. I find that the left side ran smoother than the right, but again, that was for me.

[TBpony414]

^^ Pretty night pic of Rebel Yell you got there! They used to race it all the time, in fact growing up it raced one track forwards and one track backwards which made it even more exciting. I don't recall it racing last year on any of my visits but when it does the ride is really a blast! I've found that the left side is smoother as well but for some reason we always forget that end up on the right side track. Either way it's fun.

[Voyager6442]

I'm going to be at the park on Sunday. About the earliest I can get there is 12:00. Would anyone have any suggestions about what to ride first, second, etc.?

 

If anyone would like to meet up for some rides, please let me know. Thanks.

[coasterbill]

I'm going to be at the park on Sunday. About the earliest I can get there is 12:00. Would anyone have any suggestions about what to ride first, second, etc.?

 

If anyone would like to meet up for some rides, please let me know. Thanks.

 

If you get there at 12:00 it doesn't really matter. Volcano and Flight of Fear get the longest lines. Nothing else will be a problem.

[bill_s]

Since this will be a 10:00 close Sunday, closing time will probably be better than opening time anyway. Reverse the usual recc's. Doms may still have line when you arrive, if so circle around to it later.

[Intimidated305]

Kings Dominion under a tornado warning. 60 mph winds and two inch hail. Both weather and roller coasters are huge hobbies of mine, but usually I don't like it when the two mix, cause then we get things like this. Hopefully no major damage is caused, except to Hurler maybe... #IronHurler

[Superbatboy]

Kings Dominion under a tornado warning. 60 mph winds and two inch hail. Both weather and roller coasters are huge hobbies of mine, but usually I don't like it when the two mix, cause then we get things like this. Hopefully no major damage is caused, except to Hurler maybe... #IronHurler

 

Can the tornado please take Hurler away just like Dorothy's house? kthxbye