Kings Dominion (KD) Discussion Thread

[cfc]

^ Always great to hear another Twisted Timbers review.

 

I just love the "Hanover Hill" merchandise as I'm not one to buy coaster shirts with stats, a ton of graphics, etc. I would like to see KI do more "Miami River Lumber Co." merchandise for Mystic Timbers.

 

They had some better-than-average merchandise for Twisted Timbers.

[Keetz]

I was at the park this Saturday to get a few rides on Twisted Timbers and wow was I impressed. The park was pretty crowded so I splurged on FL+ cause I had limited time. I'll share some notes below as well as my rambling review. I didn't take any pictures because the camera on my phone SUCKS.

 

Some notes:

-TT was having some issues with the lift Saturday is seems. It slows down to a crawl at the very top and a little after 12p the blue train got stuck towards the top. I don't know if riders were on the train, but the Blue train was stuck until ~3:30p.

-On my last ride of the day I was in the green train and when it got towards the top the lift slowed and then CLUNK. The green train stopped at the top. Operators quickly got on the mic and said "WE ARE AWARE OF YOUR POSITION REMAIN CALM." After about 10 mins maintenance arrived and restarted the lift.

-There is a LOT of restraint checking going on. I saw dispatch times as low as 80 seconds, and as high as 4 minutes. On some rides my restraint was checked 4 times.

-TT is still in its first month of operation, so I am hoping they get all the issues ironed out soon. Hopefully what KD has learned gets transferred to SV so it has a smoother opening.

 

Review:

Overall I was able to get 7 rides on TT from 11am-5:30p with FL+, and this includes the long 3 hour breakdown with the blue train. This ride is amazing. Twisted Timbers knows how to provide my favorite thing in abundance...AIRTIME. The three large airtime hills provide great sustained ejector that feel almost as good as El Toro. The hills following the cut back stall are super fun and provide great pops of ejector and they lead into the best airtime moments on the ride. The hill right before the outward banked airtime hill gives really strong ejector and head choppers! Then you immediately get thrown into a super funky outward banked hill that serves great laterals and even more ejector. It reminded me of the outward banked top hat on lightning rod, but smaller, less banked, and more aggressive. The rest of the course has even more airtime, a fun barrel roll, the drunken double turn, and somehow more airtime. From start to finish the ride is just so fun.

 

I was able to ride 5 times in the back seat, once in the front, and once in row 2. I think I prefer the front car over the back because all of the air time moments feel more sustained. The back row gives more of a whip effect on the airtime hills which is also great. I don't put too much stock into ranking coasters but Twisted Timbers easily makes it in my top tier of coasters among Skyrush, El Toro, i305, and Lightning Rod. In the LR vs TT fight I think Twisted Timbers just beats out Lightning Rod. LR has the best element between the coasters with the quad down, but TT serves up so much sustained airtime that I think it gets the edge. And in the TT vs i305 category.... who cares! Kings Dominion now has two coasters in my top 5! One is an intensity monster, and the other is an airtime machine so I cannot wait to get back.

[bobbie68]

Hi I am going to KD on a Monday in late June and I will have the whole day. We are so excited I am a platinum pass holder with cedar point and I have heard different things about early entry with this, can anyone offer help?

 

I will not have Fast lane but I have two autistic teens and we get the plan a day pass where we can ride a ride every so often with a time. This works very good for us in having this and I am grateful to the park for this.

 

We do mostly coasters with a few flat rides. I was at this park once a few years ago but wasn't able to do much with my group! Does anybody have a touring plan advice? Also I am very excited to ride I305 when I was there a few years ago it was closed for repairs. Also looking forward to TT. The mac and cheese restaurant sounds great and I know where my daughter will want to eat!

 

Also can anyone tell me a comparison to flight of fear? I have ridden indoor coasters like Mummy, Skull Mountain, Dark Knight is it close to one of these in terms of dark ness and track? I understand there are different opinions just trying to figure out if this will be a ride we can do. I did watch the you tube video but would love someone on here who has ridden it have some feed back.

 

Thanks so much for all your help!

[boldikus]

Also can anyone tell me a comparison to flight of fear? I have ridden indoor coasters like Mummy, Skull Mountain, Dark Knight is it close to one of these in terms of dark ness and track? I understand there are different opinions just trying to figure out if this will be a ride we can do. I did watch the you tube video but would love someone on here who has ridden it have some feed back.

 

Watch the POV for Jokers Jinx @ SFA. Same coaster, but its outside so you can see what it does. Flight of Fear is pretty dark, but there is a tiny bit of light here and there.

[defrocker]

As far as early entry goes, they open up the front gate 30 minutes prior to the stated park open. Anyone can get in at that point to enjoy International Street. To get back to the early entry rides this year you have to go to the path directly behind the Eiffel Tower. Just show the guard your pass and head on back. They've been doing Carousel, Twisted Timbers and Apple Zapple this year. If you are not planning on Fast Lane, head back to Volcano as close as possible to actual park open. It will get close to an hour line in no time.

 

Flight of Fear is a mixed bag. Some people say they get pretty good rides on it, others say it's getting a bit on the rough side. It's a 22 year old launched, looping coaster so expect it to ride accordingly. It's more intense than most of the coasters in the park.

 

The Mac Bowl is good, but it is a bit pricey. Border Burrito at the front of the park is also good and Country Kitchen is good. Most of KD's food options are pretty mediocre honestly but those are some of your better bets unless you want something different then maybe try Outer Hank's for some clogged arteries.

[Canobie Coaster]

Also can anyone tell me a comparison to flight of fear? I have ridden indoor coasters like Mummy, Skull Mountain, Dark Knight is it close to one of these in terms of dark ness and track? I understand there are different opinions just trying to figure out if this will be a ride we can do. I did watch the you tube video but would love someone on here who has ridden it have some feed back.

 

I've ridden the Kings Island one more recently, but I remember the Kings Dominion one having flood lights as well. If you ride up front, it's not totally dark and you can sort of see what's coming. Have you been on Rock "n" Roller Coaster? I'd say it's similar to that minus the theming.

 

It's not butter smooth, but the lack of OSTRs eliminates any potential headbanging or discomfort for me.

[cfc]

KD's Flight of Fear has a bit more "mood lighting" now.

[bobbie68]

Also can anyone tell me a comparison to flight of fear? I have ridden indoor coasters like Mummy, Skull Mountain, Dark Knight is it close to one of these in terms of dark ness and track? I understand there are different opinions just trying to figure out if this will be a ride we can do. I did watch the you tube video but would love someone on here who has ridden it have some feed back.

 

Watch the POV for Jokers Jinx @ SFA. Same coaster, but its outside so you can see what it does. Flight of Fear is pretty dark, but there is a tiny bit of light here and there.

 

Thanks I will do this!

[bobbie68]

As far as early entry goes, they open up the front gate 30 minutes prior to the stated park open. Anyone can get in at that point to enjoy International Street. To get back to the early entry rides this year you have to go to the path directly behind the Eiffel Tower. Just show the guard your pass and head on back. They've been doing Carousel, Twisted Timbers and Apple Zapple this year. If you are not planning on Fast Lane, head back to Volcano as close as possible to actual park open. It will get close to an hour line in no time.

 

Flight of Fear is a mixed bag. Some people say they get pretty good rides on it, others say it's getting a bit on the rough side. It's a 22 year old launched, looping coaster so expect it to ride accordingly. It's more intense than most of the coasters in the park.

 

The Mac Bowl is good, but it is a bit pricey. Border Burrito at the front of the park is also good and Country Kitchen is good. Most of KD's food options are pretty mediocre honestly but those are some of your better bets unless you want something different then maybe try Outer Hank's for some clogged arteries.

 

Thanks this is what I was looking for an opening plan! I will think about Flight of Fear due to the possibility of being rough. The last thing I want is a headache. I have been waiting for I305 and Twisted Timbers for the first time. I can't wait to go on Volcano again!

 

Thanks for the heads up on the food. Last time we didn't eat in the park so wasn't sure about the food.

[bobbie68]

Also can anyone tell me a comparison to flight of fear? I have ridden indoor coasters like Mummy, Skull Mountain, Dark Knight is it close to one of these in terms of dark ness and track? I understand there are different opinions just trying to figure out if this will be a ride we can do. I did watch the you tube video but would love someone on here who has ridden it have some feed back.

 

I've ridden the Kings Island one more recently, but I remember the Kings Dominion one having flood lights as well. If you ride up front, it's not totally dark and you can sort of see what's coming. Have you been on Rock "n" Roller Coaster? I'd say it's similar to that minus the theming.

 

It's not butter smooth, but the lack of OSTRs eliminates any potential headbanging or discomfort for me.

 

Thanks for the input I like to hear reports on these rides even though they are an individual opinion. I will do the front for sure if I ride it.

[bobbie68]

KD's Flight of Fear has a bit more "mood lighting" now.

 

Thanks I like your description

[JG-77]

^ bobbie68, I'm just letting you know that posting multiple times in a row is generally discouraged on TPR (says so in the rules/guidelines).

 

Next time you want to respond to multiple posts at once, include all posts and responses in the same post like this:

 

Post 1

your response here

 

Post 2

your response here

 

Post 3

your response here

[bert425]

Also can anyone tell me a comparison to flight of fear? I have ridden indoor coasters like Mummy, Skull Mountain, Dark Knight is it close to one of these in terms of dark ness and track? I understand there are different opinions just trying to figure out if this will be a ride we can do. I did watch the you tube video but would love someone on here who has ridden it have some feed back.

 

Watch the POV for Jokers Jinx @ SFA. Same coaster, but its outside so you can see what it does. Flight of Fear is pretty dark, but there is a tiny bit of light here and there.

 

which is also the same coaster as Poltergeist at SFFT (my favorite ride there).

 

I'd absolutely agree on the differing opinions just based on when you ride it.

 

the one time I was at KD, I don't recall much at all about FoF other than the great queue line. I don't recall much about the coaster at all (which is odd, since it's basically my favorite coaster as Fiesta Texas, just indoors -- BUT the one time we were there, I got a call from the Vet about our dog while we were in the queue. Couldn't listen to it, as it was too loud in there, and wasn't going to get out of a fairly long line. . . . so ended up riding while worrying about what the Vet was calling about (we boarded our diabetic dog with them while we were on vacation).

 

so yeah, that impacted if I enjoyed the ride or not, I'd say.

 

looking forward to giving this another ride (or two or three) when back at KD over the summer.

 

[youtu_be]

[/youtu_be] Edited April 26, 2018 by bert425

[cfc]

^ bobbie68, I'm just letting you know that posting multiple times in a row is generally discouraged on TPR (says so in the rules/guidelines).

 

Next time you want to respond to multiple posts at once, include all posts and responses in the same post like this:

 

Post 1

your response here

 

Post 2

your response here

 

Post 3

your response here

 

While I understand your point, and you're trying to be helpful, please don't be a "backseat moderator." Thank you.

[michaellynn4]

The only real downside I feel the FoF coasters have compared to Joker's Jinx and Poltergeist are the presence of the midcourse brakes that slow the ride down, though the indoor environment is a plus in their columns.

[bill_s]

For some reason, on my first trip to the park this year I enjoyed FoF more than I305 or Volcano ... which was a clue it was time to get over to TT and stand in line.

 

Regarding food, I did try the Wayside's brisket sandwich 3 or 4 years ago, and that was tiny too. Anyway I tried the pork BBQ there last visit and it was good. If that place is going to be the main BBQ place now, they need to get the brisket right too and REPRESENT. I don't think they have the magic cole slaw anymore, hopefully it will reappear (and as a side at CK)(also they don't show it in the menu board pics anymore). Also cole slaw there comes in a little cup on the side which really isn't enough if you eat the sandwich as a sandwich, which I did for a change instead of eating it with a fork off the bread. They really do have some good things at KD, but it is uneven and expensive and I only ate there a couple times a year (in many, many visits) before getting the Dining Plan. The place can definitely give you an appetite though.

[cal1br3tto]

^Hey, Flight of Fear was my favorite at the park as of 2012, so don't feel too weird. I really enjoy the Premier spaghetti bowls, and the darkness adds to the experience, although the headchoppers are wicked on the outdoor ones.

[DILinator]

So, I took my oldest three kids, and went to KD for the first time in 16 years, this past Sunday, and in spite of myself not feeling well, we had a great time! Obviously, there were a number of changes since then, and some rather significant additions!

 

Rather than give you a play by play of the visit, I thought I'd just hit the highlights of my thoughts regarding the park...

 

-Twisted Timbers blew me away! It became the 4th RMC I have ridden (Lightning Rod, Storm Chaser, and Goliath being the other three), and took things up yet another notch in my opinion! Yes, you read that inference right... I actually prefer it slightly to even the amazing LR! It just had everything, and was paced SO perfectly, from start to finish! What an absolute masterpiece from RMC, and it jumped up into my Top 5 coasters! It also makes me even more excited for Steel Vengeance tonight, which looks like TT on steroids! It was a pretty mild day Sunday, so crowds and lines weren't too bad, and we never had too long of a wait for TT. The only strange thing was once again, the early morning struggles that have been mentioned before, as it didn't open with the park, and tested trains for what seemed like an eternity before it opened. But once it did... Oh boy! Again, every time I ride an RMC it blows my mind, and at this moment, none has done it better than this little gem at KD! (And the merch was almost all fantastic! Love the various TT logos!)

 

-On the other end of the spectrum, however, are my feelings about Intimidator 305... I'm going to probably stun a lot of you, who seem to love this coaster for some reason, but I was incredibly underwhelmed! It's not that I didn't think it was crazy intense, because it certainly was! But it was not a fun, or exciting intense to me, like an RMC, or The Voyage... It was an oppressive intensity, that made me feel tired and worn out after getting off it, rather than exhilarated, and ready to ride it again. Now granted, I was sick, and already feeling poorly, so I allow that perhaps my impression of it would be different if I felt better going in (not that my sickness dampened my TT experience any.) However, none of my kids, who weren't sick, and love RMC's, Fury, and Millennium Force, wanted to do re-rides on it either. So it wasn't just me... So I guess to each their own, but I-305 isn't sniffing my Top 10 at the moment. I'll definitely ride it again, whenever I return to KD, and perhaps I'll like it better when I'm feeling better. But while I am not a pansy coaster rider (I LOVE The Voyage, as I said before!), it was just too much for me to really "enjoy" as much as I would have hoped to...

 

-Volcano was still as immensely fun as I remembered it being, but naturally, it was our longest wait of the day, since we went to TT first. Of course, at the end of the day, as temps dropped and people split, there wasn't much of a wait, but we were busy getting our final ride in on TT then!

 

-Avalanche isn't flashy, but definitely still a fun and unique experience, and one I was glad to get on, before it joins the rest of its rapidly dying breed of Bobsled Coasters!

 

-I've ridden Dominator a ton before, just not at KD. It's still one of my favorite Floorless Coasters, and if I was feeling better, I would have definitely ridden it more than once! Its placement in the park, and out of the way nature, is a bit odd, but it does provide the park with an impressive entry coaster.

 

-If it hadn't been so mild out, I would have definitely checked out Shenandoa Lumber Company, after all of coasterbill's hype of it! But alas, it was not in the climate cards for this visit... Hopefully next time!

 

-My whole family was a huge fan of the Mac n Cheese Bowls, and I would definitely recommend them to anybody who likes meat, pasta, and cheese! I also enjoyed the Southwest Salad I got from Border Burrito, and would recommend that eatery as well!

 

In closing, I was again very impressed with the park, and much prefer it to Carowinds, even though my favorite coaster (at the time of this writing) is there. I definitely hope to make it back MUCH sooner than 16 years next time!

[boldikus]

Not an unreasonable assessment of I305. It's definitely in my top 5, but on a scale ranging from flat-out-fun to manic-intensity, its very far from fun. I find it to be almost an endurance challenge of sorts. I still love the sh*t out of it though, even though I can't believe it actually exists.

[DILinator]

^Yeah, it definitely WAS an experience unlike any other! Its reputation as Intense with a capital I is well earned! I'll definitely give it another chance when I'm feeling better, and while I doubt it'll suddenly be a Top 5 coaster for me, I imagine I'll enjoy it more. Also, is it better in the very front, or very back? We only rode in the very back...

[bobbie68]

Hi sorry about that it is allowed on my other forums and I got confused which one I was on.

[cfc]

Hi sorry about that it is allowed on my other forums and I got confused which one I was on.

 

No worries. It simply makes more sense to consolidate your replies, rather than making multiple posts. It took me a while to master this, too.

[Rougarou]

@ KD now no one is here!!’

TT running both trains!!!!!

MARATHON

[boldikus]

^ And they're cool w/ you not putting your phone in a locker?

 

^Yeah, it definitely WAS an experience unlike any other! Its reputation as Intense with a capital I is well earned! I'll definitely give it another chance when I'm feeling better, and while I doubt it'll suddenly be a Top 5 coaster for me, I imagine I'll enjoy it more. Also, is it better in the very front, or very back? We only rode in the very back...

 

I like it better in the back just for the drop. My first ever ride was in the front (while raining) and that was quite the experience. I've ridden it toward the front a few times, I don't have that much of a preference overall but the drop is better in the back.

Edited April 27, 2018 by boldikus

[cfc]

^You can use a "secured pocket."