Kings Dominion (KD) Discussion Thread

[prozach626]

4 hours ago, ricklap77 said:

No more Six Flags vs Cedar Fair = ONE company = less competition.  That being known it is time for that ONE company to be more profitable than ever and that is the number one goal of any company.

Yup. If they were at a crossroads involving a financial decision resulting in guest satisfaction increasing while profits remaining the same, as opposed to guest satisfaction decreasing with overall profits increasing, the choice would be the latter. This is a first hand example of large corporate America.

[Zand]

1 hour ago, KBrylczyk said:

I wish I could say that's sad, but let's be honest, the restraint systems in those things were horrible.  I would LOVE for someone to start making a gravity-driven looping ship again but it seems we're now stuck with the ones that are fully motor-controlled. If they made a new Looping Starship with restraints that didn't push directly into my sternum the entire ride, sign me up.

I rode the Looping Starship at Great Adventure when I was 6 (I'm not even sure if I was really even tall enough for it but I think I wore a hat or something) and after experiencing those horse collars, I refused to ride anything with even a simple OTSR for like 5 years after. I was convinced that any ride that went upside down was guaranteed to be extremely painful. I finally got over my fear of OTSRs when I was 10 or 11, but thank you Looping Starship for disturbing my childhood

The horse collars didn't really bother me as an adult because I could kind of hold it off myself, but it was a bit traumatic as a 6 year old hanging upside down basically by my ribs.

[Zand]

Kings Dominion has officially cut WinterFest starting this year.

Of course they've been selling season passes for months with "includes Haunt and WinterFest" listed right at the top, but hey...

I'm sure once they decide they haven't already taken enough away from Great Adventure then HITP will probably go away there too.

[pianojohn]

19 minutes ago, Zand said:

Kings Dominion has officially cut WinterFest starting this year.

Of course they've been selling season passes for months with "includes Haunt and WinterFest" listed right at the top, but hey...

I'm sure once they decide they haven't already taken enough away from Great Adventure then HITP will probably go away there too.

Well....they haven't even posted hours for Haunt so I would wait until they do that before saying they cut WinterFest. Has it officially been posted anywhere?

[jazma]

Yes it was officially posted on their Facebook page. 

[Zand]

Officially announced? No(t yet). But instead it's just hiding in social media replies where they hope as few people will see it as possible because that's that the new Cedar Fair-led Six Flags chain does. I guess at least they didn't flat out deny it this time, maybe that's a start towards actually communicating with customers?

 

 

Edit: According to comments on Facebook the park is giving people refunds on season passes. I'll give them kudos for doing the right thing as far as that goes.

[jazma]

It was officially announced, in my opinion.  They first announced a link to their website of the 2025 calendar and events, where Winterfest was removed.  Then when people questioned that omission specifically, the park replied to say it was not returning, at least this year.

[prozach626]

Luckily, when you own the largest theme park chain you can just lower the standards. That way, when HITP goes away from SFGAdv, it will just be expected.

[Hilltopper39]

48 minutes ago, prozach626 said:

Luckily, when you own the largest theme park chain you can just lower the standards. That way, when HITP goes away from SFGAdv, it will just be expected.

Eh, I don't know about that, I feel like this industry as a whole is in for a tough couple of years. Events and hours being cut all over the place, ever increasing costs of admission and food and beverage, fewer new attractions than ever before it feels like, Legoland just had a massive round of layoffs. This industry is changing and I feel like for a lot of places it's going to be a struggle. 

[cfc]

 

Rapterra Takes Flight at Kings Dominion

Kings Dominion’s old “safari” section has undergone many changes in the last few years. For example, the park introduced more sci-fi/fantasy elements by retheming it as Jungle X-pedition, where guests can explore the ruins and artifacts of an ancient civilization.

Their latest “find” is the lost temple of Rapterra. This shrine was built to honor a legendary gigantic bird of prey that once ruled the skies over the jungle. Those who entered the temple were said to be possessed by the power and will of this ancient predator. A volcanic eruption buried the temple, but it has since been unearthed by archaeologists. But does the giant bird of prey still exist?

What better way to tell this story this than with a B&M Launched Wingrider Coaster? Rapterra blasts people out of the station and through a series a twists, inversions, and dives over the caldera of the ancient volcano, which is a nice homage to the ride that once stood on this spot--Volcano: The Blast Coaster. The new ride also reuses Volcano's old gift shop.

Kings Dominion invited TPR to ride Rapterra on March 20. It’s a good addition to the park, and the whole entrance plaza, queue, and theming for the ride look great.

Let’s take a ride, shall we? You’d better finish any snacks you have on hand, as they could attract unwelcome attention from above.

TPR thanks Kings Dominion for the chance to preview Rapterra! The ride officially opens to the public on March 29.

 

The queue is huge. But it will give you time and the proper setting to meditate and prepare yourself to be possessed by Rapterra.

 

Here's the caldera, which serves as a bit of a tribute to Volcano. Much of the rubble here is from the structure of the old ride's mountain.

 

Oh, it's just an ancient archway built in tribute to dangerous god. What could possibly go wrong?

 

"Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"

 

Yes, the queue is nice, but it's time we got to the ride.

 

They've been swept away by Rapterra!

 

Yep--never walk through an ancient archway dedicated to a dangerous god.

 

Looks like a drone has been dispatched to stop Rapterra! (Just kidding--it was part of a video shoot.)

 

Fly, Rapterra, fly! 

 

I rather liked this part.

 

But I appreciate big coasters with bunny hills, too. 

 

Eventually, Rapterra brings you back to the archaeological dig.

 

I like the what they did with the control-room window--nice theming.

 

Not everything has changed here--for example, this waterfall.

 

Here's a peek at Pantherian (the ride formerly known as Intimidator 305 and one other name that escapes me for the moment).

 

Flight of Fear is being incorporated into the Jungle X-pedition theme somehow, too.  It'll be nice for the attractions to fit together better.

 

They gave us some samples of what I presume was the cuisine of the ancient civilization that once existed here. Looks like they were really into smothering cheeseburgers with chicken tenders and bacon. They were, indeed, ahead of their time.

 

I didn't get a sample of the local brew, but it was the CENTER OF THEIR UNIVERSE.

 

How about a few last looks at Rapterra?

 

I like how it flies not only over the caldera but also over the entrance plaza.

 

One last dive and flip before you return to the station.

 

Rapterra soars over the gift shop as I exit. Thanks for reading!

[bert425]

wow. . beautiful work they did for the queue line!

[AmyUD06]

Thanks for the report @cfc!  I'm excited to get down there and try it soon.

[prozach626]

That looks awesome. How was it?

 

Thanks for the report.

[cfc]

I think it's a very good addition to the park. The ride is fun, and they did a good job theming the queue and station (nicer than your average Cedar Fair "barn"). I particularly liked how they paid tribute to Volcano.

[michaellynn4]

That looks beautiful! love the colors, too.

Always appreciate an Ozymandias reference!

[teacherkim]

Thanks for the preview. We'll be there in May, so really looking forward to it now!

[jedimaster1227]

Kings Dominion has shared a new look at the work under way to convert Project 305 (formerly Intimidator 305) into Pantherian with new paint, decor and more.

https://www.kingsdominion.com/blog/2025/welcoming-pantherian-to-the-jungle

"For decades, a group of archaeologists known as the Whey Foundation has explored the thickets of an uncharted rainforest called Jungle X-Pedition. Here, they have uncovered a collection of unique structures and ruins that each possess a distinct mystical power. Their recent discovery connects to the prominent cat symbol found on a stone disc in the area. This is the Pantherian Shrine, a stone plinth-lined section of the jungle featuring feline carvings and a large complex of twisted forged metal. Attached to the steel pathway is a contraption whose body and markings reflect that of the panther the compound honors. What follows is an exhilarating journey through a series of twists and turns that can only be described as what it must feel like to be a large jungle predator."

Two coats are being applied to the spine and rails of the track

In case you haven’t heard, our world-class giga coaster is evolving from Project 305 into Pantherian, sporting a fresh new look with orange track and black supports. More than 5,000+ feet of track are being primed and painted by our friends at Baynum Solutions. 

When guests enter the plaza, they’ll step through a feline-like temple honoring the jungle cat.  

The temple entryway prepped for more work 

Surrounding the plaza will be shrines dedicated to the jungle cat, almost as if they guard the ancient device towering before them. An ancient language is scribed on them, coding messages that can be deciphered. The pathways are now guided with wooden rails and posts, and the queue and station have been given fresh jungle-like colors. 

Wood surrounds the plaza, guiding adventurers 

Stone carvings and shrines are cut, awaiting assembly 

The two passenger trains will flesh out all-new sleek decals resembling a black panther on the prowl.

Artwork depict the decals for the passenger trains (final design may differ)

The exit store for Pantherian will be integrated into its research center where guests can store their belongings in a locker. On-ride photos will be available to commemorate your encounter featuring new FunPix frames. 

Pantherian Photo research center is prepped for finishing touches 

We expect the project to be fully completed this summer. Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates when this panther is ready to prowl!  

[Zand]

I just drove 10 hours to get here so I'm glad they waited till today to announce that Pantherian isn't opening till summer.

[AmyUD06]

2 hours ago, Zand said:

I just drove 10 hours to get here so I'm glad they waited till today to announce that Pantherian isn't opening till summer.

You'll still have a lot of fun.  First time at the park?

[prozach626]

That sucks. How was Rapterra? I-305 was too much for more than a few rides, and that was seven years ago... I'd be more upset if Rapterra went down.

[Zand]

4 hours ago, AmyUD06 said:

You'll still have a lot of fun.  First time at the park?

Thankfully no...but it's just a damn good coaster and waiting until 4 hours before opening day to announce that their star coaster won't open till this summer is a...choice.

Park was rather busy tonight. It's usually pretty dead when I've been here midsummer. Weather was beautiful in the 70s, had to keep reminding myself it's still March.

Most coasters were running at full capacity except for Timbers which was running with one train and probably the slowest ops in the park. Glad I got to it early. Station wait (which still took 30 mins) when I arrived was down past the lockers by the time I got off.

Lot of flats closed and some others only open briefly. Guess that should be expected on preview night, but I expect they should be 100% tomorrow outside of Pantherian and Rapids. Glad I got to Drop Tower early. Love that thing. Made my rounds to Apple Zapple, Racer, Boo Blasters, Dominator, and Grizzly. Fun rides to be had on all.

My first foray into Jungle X, the line for Rapterra was out past Tumbili, around the Dippin Dots stand, and starting to stretch to the entry sign into the Jungle. Reports were the wait was 2.5 hrs. I got in line at 9:20 which at that point was maybe 15 mins outside the regular line entrance. Ended up waiting 1:25 although I got sent to the left side which definitely takes longer than the line for the right side. So a full queue is 1 hour to 1:15 or so, and if it's beyond that good luck! It's a fun ride and much needed for KD, but realistically probably only the 5th best coaster in the park. My time would have been better spent reriding Timbers, Dominator, Grizzly, and that big orange lawn ornament in the back of the park, but glad to have gotten a ride on the new hotness.

The whole jungle area is pretty well done now. The music bed really fits in and the theming is mostly cohesive. I honestly walked out of the bathroom and forgot I wasn't at Animal Kingdom for a second or two.

I was gonna spend tomorrow at KD again, but with Pantherian closed I have no reason to go back. Therefore, I have the really dumb idea of finally knocking off a bucket list park and driving 5 hours down to Carowinds and then probably 13 hours back home between tomorrow night and Sunday with a quick stop at Great Adventure for Flash.

[teacherkim]

On 3/28/2025 at 11:28 PM, Zand said:

Thankfully no...but it's just a damn good coaster and waiting until 4 hours before opening day to announce that their star coaster won't open till this summer is a...choice.

Park was rather busy tonight. It's usually pretty dead when I've been here midsummer. Weather was beautiful in the 70s, had to keep reminding myself it's still March.

Most coasters were running at full capacity except for Timbers which was running with one train and probably the slowest ops in the park. Glad I got to it early. Station wait (which still took 30 mins) when I arrived was down past the lockers by the time I got off.

Lot of flats closed and some others only open briefly. Guess that should be expected on preview night, but I expect they should be 100% tomorrow outside of Pantherian and Rapids. Glad I got to Drop Tower early. Love that thing. Made my rounds to Apple Zapple, Racer, Boo Blasters, Dominator, and Grizzly. Fun rides to be had on all.

My first foray into Jungle X, the line for Rapterra was out past Tumbili, around the Dippin Dots stand, and starting to stretch to the entry sign into the Jungle. Reports were the wait was 2.5 hrs. I got in line at 9:20 which at that point was maybe 15 mins outside the regular line entrance. Ended up waiting 1:25 although I got sent to the left side which definitely takes longer than the line for the right side. So a full queue is 1 hour to 1:15 or so, and if it's beyond that good luck! It's a fun ride and much needed for KD, but realistically probably only the 5th best coaster in the park. My time would have been better spent reriding Timbers, Dominator, Grizzly, and that big orange lawn ornament in the back of the park, but glad to have gotten a ride on the new hotness.

The whole jungle area is pretty well done now. The music bed really fits in and the theming is mostly cohesive. I honestly walked out of the bathroom and forgot I wasn't at Animal Kingdom for a second or two.

I was gonna spend tomorrow at KD again, but with Pantherian closed I have no reason to go back. Therefore, I have the really dumb idea of finally knocking off a bucket list park and driving 5 hours down to Carowinds and then probably 13 hours back home between tomorrow night and Sunday with a quick stop at Great Adventure for Flash.

We were there exactly 3 years ago and got stuck on the brake run of I305/Pantherian for about a half hour on the last ride of the night. There were only 4 of us on the train and the park was well closed and totally emptied out when they finally got us off. The music and atmosphere of Jungle X going out, in the dark was quite effective theming! I don't suppose they gave a date for Pantherian as opposed to just a generic "summer" opening? Curious because right now we are supposed to get ert on it for SpringCon on May 17, so thinking that may not happen. Of course those sorts of plans are always a crapshoot and there is no way in hell I can marathon Pantherian anyway, lol.

[prozach626]

On 3/28/2025 at 11:28 PM, Zand said:

It's a fun ride and much needed for KD, but realistically probably only the 5th best coaster in the park.

Word. But, for the masses and the draw of wing riders, that will probably put it at the top of the list for quite a few people.