Kings Dominion (KD) Discussion Thread

[bert425]

^That honestly is something surprising to me as well. Maybe they weren't selling much last year? You would think with Intimidator 305 being the headlining coaster at KD that they would have kept their gift shop for it.

 

I would suspect something to do with a NASCAR contract maybe?

 

(when we were there a couple of years ago, practically everything in the gift shop was 1/2 off, and the place was still a ghost town).

[larrygator]

I think people need to use common sense when describing park policy. I can't believe any park official would state it is ok to hang items on a fence (or hide backpacks in the shrubbery, which I have seen people do.) Just because a better chooses to ignore infractions, does not mean park policy has changed.

Edited April 3, 2018 by larrygator

[coasterbill]

I imagine that the lockers were likely full when we were there on opening day since everyone rushed to the ride at once which may have been the reason they were openly offering that up to everyone as an option but I have no idea. I walked up to the greeter (who was standing with a security guard), they told me that I couldn't wear a hat into the line and that I could put it in a locker or hang it along the fence but that they weren't responsible for lost or stolen articles. It was at most a $5 hat so I gladly did what they asked, put it with the dozens of other hats and got in line.

 

I agree that it was weird but I wasn't going to question them. I'm not at all surprised that they're no longer telling people to do that since it was definitely strange.

Edited April 3, 2018 by coasterbill

[steamedturtle]

but why the fluffy, fluffy bunnies filled with medicine and goo for Flight of Fear

 

What did people do with FoF before? There couldn't have been bins. I guess the new policy is just that you can't have any "loose articles" on the ride, right?

[coasterbill]

There were bins near the back of the train on the load side of the platform. You would exit the ride and then walk through a hallway to get back to the station where you could grab your loose articles. It was weird.

 

I like the change. Personally I'm always in favor of getting rid of bins in exchange for better capacity.

[defrocker]

Actually, back in the days before the bins, there was a ride op with a buggy that would roll all the way down the aisle collecting loose articles. They would then park that buggy in the unload station where you'd collect your items, grab an empty buggy and take it back to the load platform for the next train.

 

Considering this, I am not really surprised by them changing the policy.

[CoasterAuditor]

Actually, back in the days before the bins, there was a ride op with a buggy that would roll all the way down the aisle collecting loose articles. They would then park that buggy in the unload station where you'd collect your items, grab an empty buggy and take it back to the load platform for the next train.

 

Considering this, I am not really surprised by them changing the policy.

 

I recall them doing this with Volcano back in the day as well.

[TBpony414]

I was there with Larry on Saturday, too. Oh well, there will be other days to ride Twisted Timbers.

 

Sorry I didn't bump into you guys and that you didn't get on Twisted Timbers! Maybe next time.

 

Per Bert's excellent secretarial skills demonstrated a few pages back, I was indeed able to snag a ride on Twisted Timbers when it opened later in the evening. I messaged "Voyage" about it but didn't have time to post here since I quickly threw my stuff in a bunny bin and got in line, which they promptly closed not long after for a short while for unknown reasons and then reopened it again for the remainder of the night. Really enjoyed it, super smooth, and that barrel roll drop was wild. Volcano is still my favorite ride at the park because I'm a sucker for launch coasters but Timbers is a close 2nd.

 

Someone asked about loose articles on TT: Glasses with tightened straps are allowed. I was told I could not enter the queue with my small black fanny pack or my visor so I went and put it in a bunny bin. However, the lady behind me in line as well as at least 10 other people in line not far back from me entered with various items including hats they were wearing, large messenger bags, fanny packs, and brightly colored draw string bags packed to the brim. The ops would then take the item from them and put it on the unload platform while they rode. So, who knows. Operations are slow enough with those restraints so I'm happy to put my things in a bunny to try to speed things up!

 

After processing my mom's Platinum Pass we finally entered the park at 12:15pm. We rode: Rebel Yell x2 (blue side was extra awesome), Drop Zone, Apple Zapple, I-305, Stunt Coaster, Volcano, I-305 again, Boo Blasters, Scooby Doo Coaster, Twisted Timbers back row, and a front seat ride on Volcano to end the night - where we were the only ones on the train! It was awesome.

[jrd64fan]

Rode Twisted Timbers about an hour ago. Great but not perfect ride. Also Rebel Racer Yell 75 was running GREAT. Very smooth.

[bill_s]

Actually, back in the days before the bins, there was a ride op with a buggy that would roll all the way down the aisle collecting loose articles. They would then park that buggy in the unload station where you'd collect your items, grab an empty buggy and take it back to the load platform for the next train.

 

Considering this, I am not really surprised by them changing the policy.

 

I don't recall that on FoF, but I didn't ride it much then. I do know for one year after the bins they had people put their stuff on the inner side of the train and carried it through, and then next year brought the bins back. I don't think they affected throughput much -- mostly the few that didn't use them. I think it's part theft problems, part interference with Fast Lane (I really miss the reride cuthrough), and of course a bit of money grab, plus it's not as bad when I305 is doing it next door ... I may be clocking dispatches to see if I think that did anything.

 

Since TT will tend to be mobbed a while it is worthwhile to speed that one up, but they ought to put in bins in a couple years. As their policy doesn't ban pocket items, I expect an increase in lost phones due to lack of bins. I don't know of anywhere on these rides as likely to cause high speed rider impact with a flying item as Toro or Ka, fortunately.

[adamico2]

The new FoF locker policy seams really odd. At KI, you're allowed to keep bags at your feet, as the the ride's g-forces are exclusively positive. They do have cubbies at the rear of the station (previous FL merge point) available for use, as well. (Those are often used by Firehawk riders who don't want to pay for a locker.)

[CoasterAuditor]

The locker filter causing that phrase to appear all over a forum is one of those little things that makes my day better.

[dakota381]

I was there with Larry on Saturday, too. Oh well, there will be other days to ride Twisted Timbers.

 

Sorry I didn't bump into you guys and that you didn't get on Twisted Timbers! Maybe next time.

 

Per Bert's excellent secretarial skills demonstrated a few pages back, I was indeed able to snag a ride on Twisted Timbers when it opened later in the evening. I messaged "Voyage" about it but didn't have time to post here since I quickly threw my stuff in a bunny bin and got in line, which they promptly closed not long after for a short while for unknown reasons and then reopened it again for the remainder of the night. Really enjoyed it, super smooth, and that barrel roll drop was wild. Volcano is still my favorite ride at the park because I'm a sucker for launch coasters but Timbers is a close 2nd.

 

Someone asked about loose articles on TT: Glasses with tightened straps are allowed. I was told I could not enter the queue with my small black fanny pack or my visor so I went and put it in a bunny bin. However, the lady behind me in line as well as at least 10 other people in line not far back from me entered with various items including hats they were wearing, large messenger bags, fanny packs, and brightly colored draw string bags packed to the brim. The ops would then take the item from them and put it on the unload platform while they rode. So, who knows. Operations are slow enough with those restraints so I'm happy to put my things in a bunny to try to speed things up!

 

After processing my mom's Platinum Pass we finally entered the park at 12:15pm. We rode: Rebel Yell x2 (blue side was extra awesome), Drop Zone, Apple Zapple, I-305, Stunt Coaster, Volcano, I-305 again, Boo Blasters, Scooby Doo Coaster, Twisted Timbers back row, and a front seat ride on Volcano to end the night - where we were the only ones on the train! It was awesome.

 

Sounds like you had a great day and I'm happy to see Rebel Yell is getting some love! That was my first "Big Girl" coaster.

Seems like it's too early in the season for any consistency with the new loose articles policy. Maybe they'll have it down by the time I'm there in 2 months.

[The Yeti]

I went to the park on Sunday and had an awesome time. I’d been on Easter in the past and, once again, crowds were light. I managed to get four rides on Twisted Timbers, despite short 15-20 minute mechanical breaks each time I got in line. If it wasn’t for mechanical issues, we never would have waited more than 20 minutes to ride. They removed the green train around 7 PM. When I came back a little later and got in line, the blue train was also having issues. After three test runs, they closed off the second row and reopened the ride - and I managed to get a night ride!

 

I sat in the front and back rows, and I have to say I preferred the back. The first drop towards the rear of the train is just nuts, and I must say I’m glad they went with the barrell roll drop for TT. You get a slightly different ride depending on which side of the train you sit. The left side (on-ride) gets better laterals (especially the final turn around), while the right side gets better airtime on the trick-track and outward-banked airtime hills. The combination of the drop out of the trick-track into the following airtime hill, then followed by the outward-banked hill, is just about as crazy as the first three big airtime hills. I can’t think of a better addition for King’s Dominion. As with all RMCs, it was all smiles and laughter on the break run.

 

Regarding the loose article policy, the ride ops at the line entrance told me to stick my hat and sunglasses in my coat pockets, and they were fine with me tucking my hat under my coat. Basically, that’s what the sign/stated policy says! I think they have a pretty absolute “no bags” policy as they currently have no place for personal belongings in the station.

 

Most other rides kept short lines throughout the day. I arrived around noon, but I didn’t wait more than 15-20 minutes for Volcano, including a front seat ride. Intimidator 305 is as awesome as ever, and probably still my favorite in the park. Grizzly was wild and fun. Dominator feels even farther away from everything with Twisted Timbers being open, but I’m still happy it’s right by the entrance!

[larrygator]

I'm hoping for better luck with Twisted Timbers today.

[cfc]

I'm hoping for better luck with Twisted Timbers today.

 

I might try my luck this Sunday.

[bluestreak]

So does anybody know what Kings Dominions snow policies are? Lol the weather Saturday looks nasty.

[Card]

So I know this has probably been brought up several times in this thread, but where's a good place to stay in the area? I've ruled out the hotels across the street, which are subject to earthquakes via passing trains that run behind them (they're not pulling a fast one on me a second time). I remembered staying at the Hampton Inn in Ashland and liking that okay, but I was curious if anyone knew somewhere that might be better/cheaper.

[hoppedup]

I've stayed at most of the lower priced places in Ashland (Motel 6, Super 8, Quality Inn, Days Inn, and Sleep Inn) and the Sleep Inn was best for the money. I just need a clean room without gunshots or crack whores knocking on the door, so I do the Days Inn or Super 8 for Wyndham points most often.

[boldikus]

Days Inn in Ashland is alright, we stayed there a couple years ago. Absolutely no bells and whistles but its perfectly clean, quiet, no issues, and its 10 minutes south of the park. Whatever you do don't stay at the Econo Lodge in Ruther Glen.

[prozach626]

I'd stick with what you liked, which is the Hampton. It's the safe bet and I have yet to stay in a Hampton where I didn't have a good experience.

[Card]

Thanks, you guys. Yeah, I'm kinda partial to the Hilton chain (plus I'm one of their rewards members), though I wouldn't be opposed to the Sleep Inn since I like having a fitness center and indoor pool, but the Days Inn might work especially if I'm looking to save a few bucks.

 

Oh, and thanks for the warning about the Econo Lodge, bold. After staying in a nightmarish Comfort Inn in Williamsburg, VA, I certainly appreciate being told to steer clear of certain places.

[AndrewA86]

So I know this has probably been brought up several times in this thread, but where's a good place to stay in the area? I've ruled out the hotels across the street, which are subject to earthquakes via passing trains that run behind them (they're not pulling a fast one on me a second time). I remembered staying at the Hampton Inn in Ashland and liking that okay, but I was curious if anyone knew somewhere that might be better/cheaper.

 

 

I wouldn't recommend the Comfort Inn in Ruther Glen. I stayed there just this week. There's a 24 hour Denny's/ truck stop right across the street and all I heard all night was loud truck brakes and loud truck engines like it was right outside my door. I got no sleep. I even downloaded a white noise app thinking that would drown out the truck noise, but it didn't.

[Intimidator305]

Whenever I visit I always stay in Glen Allen. Virginia Crossings Hotel & Conference Center (Hilton), SpringHill Suites by Marriott, and Comfort Suites At Virginia Center Commons are all nice with decent rates and in a good area if you don't mind staying 15 mins/15 miles from the park. I highly recommend the Hilton as you can often catch some great rates there even though its more upscale.

[bluestreak]

Been a strange day here at Kings Dominion... Not very crowded but having tough luck with breakdowns and 1 train ops. Twisted Timbers was amazing though.

Volcanos line is in the room above the station... Anyone know how long that is?