Kings Dominion (KD) Discussion Thread

[steamedturtle]

In 6 visits this season, the only ride that's actually enforced a reride rule was Dominator, and it was just 1 reride. Yesterday, the ride ops had zero f*cks to give, and no such rule was enforced on any ride. Yesterday you could have reridden I305 until there was no blood left in your brain.

[LuckyMom]

Last year my son and I rode Intimidator 8 times in a row without getting off. As long as no one is in line they usually don't care.

[coasterlvr]

http://nbc12.com/story/38419337/woman-injured-by-flying-cell-phone-on-roller-coaster

 

poor girl got slammed with a phone to her head. guy claimed it flew out of his pocked.

[thrillrider]

http://nbc12.com/story/38419337/woman-injured-by-flying-cell-phone-on-roller-coaster

 

poor girl got slammed with a phone to her head. guy claimed it flew out of his pocked.

 

I feel for her, but at the same time I can't help but feel that it's turned into nothing more than a money grab now. If he had the phone in his pocket(as he claims) how can the park be held responsible? If she is to go after anyone, it would be the guy with the phone.....not the park. I assume the phone was not retrieved by the individual, so his info should be on the phone.

 

The park posts the rules, and they are clearly posted. They can't enforce what they can't see.

[Superbatboy]

http://nbc12.com/story/38419337/woman-injured-by-flying-cell-phone-on-roller-coaster

 

poor girl got slammed with a phone to her head. guy claimed it flew out of his pocked.

 

I feel for her, but at the same time I can't help but feel that it's turned into nothing more than a money grab now. If he had the phone in his pocket(as he claims) how can the park be held responsible? If she is to go after anyone, it would be the guy with the phone.....not the park. I assume the phone was not retrieved by the individual, so his info should be on the phone.

 

The park posts the rules, and they are clearly posted. They can't enforce what they can't see.

 

Sucks she got hit, but I hope she doesn't get a dime from the park. Go after the person responsible for the injury, guests need to be held responsible for their stupid actions.

[bluestreak]

What I'm confused about is how she said "I put my phone in the bin" because there is no bin on TT. Did she just make a mistake and say bin instead of locker?

Either way, glad she's alright. I had a phone coming straight for my face on Steel Vengeance and my friend in front of me was able to block it and throw it on the bottom of the train then step on it so it wouldn't go anywhere. The guy got his phone back safe and sound.

[DorneyKid14]

http://nbc12.com/story/38419337/woman-injured-by-flying-cell-phone-on-roller-coaster

 

poor girl got slammed with a phone to her head. guy claimed it flew out of his pocked.

 

I feel for her, but at the same time I can't help but feel that it's turned into nothing more than a money grab now. If he had the phone in his pocket(as he claims) how can the park be held responsible? If she is to go after anyone, it would be the guy with the phone.....not the park. I assume the phone was not retrieved by the individual, so his info should be on the phone.

 

The park posts the rules, and they are clearly posted. They can't enforce what they can't see.

 

Sucks she got hit, but I hope she doesn't get a dime from the park. Go after the person responsible for the injury, guests need to be held responsible for their stupid actions.

 

The park will pay out though no matter what. So she'll more than likely go after the park. Which is annoying because 1) it's not the parks fault and 2) the guy was a dumb ass.

 

I also find it funny how she says she is never going back fo kd again because she is scared. But does she not realize this can happen at any park?

[CP Maverick]

What I'm confused about is how she said "I put my phone in the bin" because there is no bin on TT. Did she just make a mistake and say bin instead of fluffy, fluffy bunny filled with medicine and goo?

Either way, glad she's alright. I had a phone coming straight for my face on Steel Vengeance and my friend in front of me was able to block it and throw it on the bottom of the train then step on it so it wouldn't go anywhere. The guy got his phone back safe and sound.

Should have charged him to give his phone back. Maybe then he would have thought twice about riding with it.

[ytterbiumanalyst]

The park will pay out though no matter what. So she'll more than likely go after the park. Which is annoying because 1) it's not the parks fault and 2) the guy was a dumb A$$.

 

I also find it funny how she says she is never going back fo kd again because she is scared. But does she not realize this can happen at any park?

Yep. She's going after the park because they have money and will likely settle. Anything she says right now will likely be at the advice of her lawyer, so of course she's going to say she's scared. If she says it's no big deal, she doesn't get paid, or at least not as much.

[defrocker]

So in taking another visit to KD this past weekend, I wanted to post some of my thoughts. This was my 5th visit this year and I haven't really said anything, just have read others' thoughts, as I tend to do. After riding Twisted Timbers again on this visit, first thing in the morning this time, I have come to the conclusion that this ride has to be, IMO, the most aggressive RMC.

 

Most people seem to love the first 3 camelbacks, which I think are great, but I also think that the ride is at its tamest during them. After the cutback this thing launches into another dimension, I swear. I'm kind of surprised with how few people are commenting on it in this regard. I personally far prefer it to anything else in the park and I'm really glad to see how popular it is. It seems to me that the addition of TT has been a good one for the park. I feel like the park has been much more crowded this spring than it usually has been the past several years.

 

Also, the Mac Bowl has changed since the beginning of the season, and not for the better. During my first visit to the Mac Bowl they allowed me to get white and yellow macaroni plus tots, multiple meats, extra sauces, and several toppings. This weekend I was told we could not do half and half macaroni, tots were not an option, you could only get one protein and each extra was $1.99. I was really disappointed in these changes. Additionally, the early season staff were very helpful and pleasant while this time around, not so much. I feel like KD was shooting for a signature restaurant and may have succeeded, however, these changes really dampen how good the restaurant was.

 

Overall the park seems to be a better place than it has been the past few seasons and I'm excited to have TT here.

[steamedturtle]

Most people seem to love the first 3 camelbacks, which I think are great, but I also think that the ride is at its tamest during them. After the cutback this thing launches into another dimension, I swear. I'm kind of surprised with how few people are commenting on it in this regard. I personally far prefer it to anything else in the park and I'm really glad to see how popular it is.

 

Those three hills may be when the ride is tamest, but the air time is the most sustained during those moments as well. It's a great ride. And every time I leave the park I change my preference changes between I305 and TT. I still notice TT significantly increases in pace as the day goes on, and it gets hotter.

 

This weekend I was told we could not do half and half macaroni, tots were not an option, you could only get one protein and each extra was $1.99. I was really disappointed in these changes.

 

Weird. Last week, they said 2 proteins, 4 sauces and unlimited other toppings.

[VF15]

Just wondering, is it at all possible to do a Kings Dominion Trip without renting a car? I’m thinking about taking a trip to KD next month if a flight to Richmond fits my budget, but renting a car would be difficult and very expensive for me since I’m under 25. Are there any buses or public transit that go from Richmond to the park? If not, does anyone know how much it might cost to take a cab/Uber/Lyft to the park?

[DILinator]

So in taking another visit to KD this past weekend, I wanted to post some of my thoughts. This was my 5th visit this year and I haven't really said anything, just have read others' thoughts, as I tend to do. After riding Twisted Timbers again on this visit, first thing in the morning this time, I have come to the conclusion that this ride has to be, IMO, the most aggressive RMC.

 

Most people seem to love the first 3 camelbacks, which I think are great, but I also think that the ride is at its tamest during them. After the cutback this thing launches into another dimension, I swear. I'm kind of surprised with how few people are commenting on it in this regard. I personally far prefer it to anything else in the park and I'm really glad to see how popular it is. It seems to me that the addition of TT has been a good one for the park. I feel like the park has been much more crowded this spring than it usually has been the past several years.

 

I'm with you regarding the seemingly glazed over intensity of Twisted Timbers! I rode it just under a week before Steel Vengeance debuted, and it immediately shot to the top of my favorite RMCs, and into the Top 5 of my favorite coasters! Yes, even over Lightning Rod! You are right about the out of control insanity the second half of the ride, and I do think this is a real gem of a coaster, that probably hasn't gotten as much publicity or talking up, because of the arrival of Steel Vengeance, which I do think is even more intense, shortly after. Still, TT is an absolutely amazing coaster, and you locals are very fortunate to have a coaster like that, and a park like KD so close to you!

 

Also, the Mac Bowl has changed since the beginning of the season, and not for the better. During my first visit to the Mac Bowl they allowed me to get white and yellow macaroni plus tots, multiple meats, extra sauces, and several toppings. This weekend I was told we could not do half and half macaroni, tots were not an option, you could only get one protein and each extra was $1.99. I was really disappointed in these changes. Additionally, the early season staff were very helpful and pleasant while this time around, not so much. I feel like KD was shooting for a signature restaurant and may have succeeded, however, these changes really dampen how good the restaurant was.

 

I'm bummed to hear this, because when I went earlier in the season, they were giving out unlimited toppings - period - and I thought it was one of the best in-park eateries I've been to (aside from a more traditional theme park like Disney or Busch Gardens)! I suppose it's understandable they had to limit it somewhat, for it to even remotely turn a profit, but it's still too bad...

[VACoasterdude]

Just wondering, is it at all possible to do a Kings Dominion Trip without renting a car? I’m thinking about taking a trip to KD next month if a flight to Richmond fits my budget, but renting a car would be difficult and very expensive for me since I’m under 25. Are there any buses or public transit that go from Richmond to the park? If not, does anyone know how much it might cost to take a cab/Uber/Lyft to the park?

 

 

Yes it is possible. Richmond Transit runs an express bus from downtown Richmond to KD. Route 102. $5.00 fare. Takes about 45 minutes. You can catch a bus a 9:15 in the morning and be there for park opening (subject to I-95 traffic of course) and stay until the park closes and catch a bus back as late as 11:30pm.

 

ridegrtc.com/media/routes/Rte._102_March_2017_.pdf

[yodelo]

It looks like there's going to be scattered thunderstorms on Saturday the 23rd. Any idea if it's still worth going? Will all the coasters be able to open?

[steamedturtle]

It looks like there's going to be scattered thunderstorms on Saturday the 23rd. Any idea if it's still worth going? Will all the coasters be able to open?

 

The forecast will inevitably change between now and then. But KD will run all their coasters in the rain, but not if there's any thunder.

[boldikus]

It looks like there's going to be scattered thunderstorms on Saturday the 23rd. Any idea if it's still worth going? Will all the coasters be able to open?

 

I don't know the specifics of KDs weather policy but its a safe bet thunderstorms will keep the coasters/tall rides closed.

 

Nevertheless, its entirely too early to worry about the forecast 4 days from now, it can and will likely change. Also, as it stands, it might be a good day to go - while it does look like there is a 50% chance most of the afternoon, that means there's a 50% chance it won't rain. Personally I'd be more concerned about the sweltering heat than the chance of thunderstorms that will keep people away and/or clear the park out if/when they do happen. Just keep an eye on it, but it'll probably change.

[VF15]

I’m officially headed to Kings Dominion for the first time in about three weeks . Have a few questions...

 

1) How busy does the park usually get on weekdays in July? Would it be worth getting Fast Lane (Plus)?

2) Where are the best seats on the major coasters?

3) Since I’m doing the trip without renting a car, I pretty much have to stay in one of the hotels acros the street from the park. Which one would you guys recommend?

4) Anything else I should know?

[AmyUD06]

I’m officially headed to Kings Dominion for the first time in about three weeks . Have a few questions...

 

1) How busy does the park usually get on weekdays in July? Would it be worth getting Fast Lane (Plus)?

2) Where are the best seats on the major coasters?

3) Since I’m doing the trip without renting a car, I pretty much have to stay in one of the hotels acros the street from the park. Which one would you guys recommend?

4) Anything else I should know?

 

1. Do not buy Fast Lane/Plus in advance. Wait until you get to the park. If you can knock out Volcano (always has a line) and Flight of Fear (usually has a line) before crowds get in, you might be okay.

 

2.

Volcano: Front

I305: Front

Grizzly: Front of 2nd car

Racer 75: Anywhere

Anaconda: Don't

Flight of Fear: Front

Woodstock: Back

Avalanche: Front

Backlot: Front

Dominator: Back

Twisted Timbers: No idea

 

3. I have stayed at the might-as-well-be-on-property Centerstone Inn several times. It gets the job done and is clean enough for me. There's also a Motel 6 right there too (they used to just be one big hotel).

 

4. Do not skip Avalanche. Only operating Mack Bobsled in the US, and one of very few left in the world.

[coasterbill]

I believe that Kings Dominion's Volcano is dormant right now. I would keep an eye on things before you go running there right at opening. I know your trip is 3 weeks away, but (as is tradition), it's spectacularly FUBARed right now and generally spends the majority of the summer season sitting closed.

[PKI Jizzman]

Volcano is open? I thought it's closed and rumored to be down for a while with construction going on around the volcano?

 

Edit: hi I'm just here to back up CB's post

[Satans Hockey]

If you want to get a lot of rides in on Twisted Timbers, especially on a Saturday I'd recommend fast lane plus.

[coasterdude28]

Just wondering, is it at all possible to do a Kings Dominion Trip without renting a car? I’m thinking about taking a trip to KD next month if a flight to Richmond fits my budget, but renting a car would be difficult and very expensive for me since I’m under 25. Are there any buses or public transit that go from Richmond to the park? If not, does anyone know how much it might cost to take a cab/Uber/Lyft to the park?

 

If you would really prefer to rent a car, create a free account with USAA. You do not need to be in the military to create an account and use their travel perks. One of the travel deals is a car rental discount with a waived under 25 drivers fee, waived extra driver fee, and some other benefits.

[alilstronger]

I’m officially headed to Kings Dominion for the first time in about three weeks . Have a few questions...

 

1) How busy does the park usually get on weekdays in July? Would it be worth getting Fast Lane (Plus)?

2) Where are the best seats on the major coasters?

3) Since I’m doing the trip without renting a car, I pretty much have to stay in one of the hotels acros the street from the park. Which one would you guys recommend?

4) Anything else I should know?

 

 

1. Wait until you get there to see crowds. Once lines get to about 30 minutes I usually always buy a line skipper if its a park I hardly ever get to so I can get as many rides in as possible.

 

2. This is just a matter of preference. I ride every coaster in the front and last row then decide which I like more.

- 305, Flight of Fear, Anaconda, Backlot Stunt Coaster, Dominator, Grizzly - all back

- Racer - both

- Volcano - front

 

3. All of the hotels are pretty mediocre - just pick one with good ratings and if your brand loyal, like I am Hilton hotels loyal, use that as a point while picking.

 

4. The water park is mediocre but still fun. If you get the line skipper you'll definitely have time to do the entire park plus the water park. The food is decent here, love that there is a Starbucks right as you walk in to the right. If you are a Chick Fil A fan they do have that but you have to buy everything individually, they do not have meals.

[alilstronger]

Just wondering, is it at all possible to do a Kings Dominion Trip without renting a car? I’m thinking about taking a trip to KD next month if a flight to Richmond fits my budget, but renting a car would be difficult and very expensive for me since I’m under 25. Are there any buses or public transit that go from Richmond to the park? If not, does anyone know how much it might cost to take a cab/Uber/Lyft to the park?

 

If you would really prefer to rent a car, create a free account with USAA. You do not need to be in the military to create an account and use their travel perks. One of the travel deals is a car rental discount with a waived under 25 drivers fee, waived extra driver fee, and some other benefits.

 

Lots of options if you do not have a car...

 

1. Zip Car

2. Car 2 Go

3. Hertz On Demand

4. Enterprise Car Share

5. Maven

6. Turo

7. Getaround