Intimidator 305 Media Day Complete Coverage - Kings Dominion

[cfc]

 

Here is Theme Park Review's official "Intimidator Media Day Coverage!"

 

First off, here is the official press release from the ride's opening:

http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/kingsdominion/43350/

 

In case you missed it in the other thread, here is Robb's POV Video. Click the "Watch on YouTube link" to see it in HD:

 

And here are the offride shots:

 

To watch these videos in HD click here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/themeparkreviewTPR

 

It's been less than a year since Kings Dominion finally ended months of speculation--and started fresh rounds of new speculation --by announcing Intimidator 305, the largest single capital investment in the history of the park. Yes, the park and the coaster world have been posting, Web camming, and tweeting their little hearts out about this ride since last summer, but, at last, the long wait is over. KD unveiled their new, NASCAR-inspired pride and joy on April 1.

 

But does the ride deliver? Indeed, it does!

 

Intamin and the park have maintained that this is a "rider's ride," and they're right. I-305 is one of the most intense coaster experiences anywhere. Here are some stats and facts for those of you who like numbers and info (and you know who you are):

 

Physical Dimensions

Track Length: 5,100’

Maximum Height: 305’ (that's higher that the observation platform of the park's Eiffel Tower)

Lift Hill Angle: 45 degrees

Length of First Drop: 300’

Angle of First Drop: 85 degrees

Height of Second Hill: 150’

 

Time, Speed, Capacity

Top Speed: 94 MPH

Ride Time: 3 minutes

Theoretical Capacity: 1,350 riders per hour

Number of trains: 2

Vehicles: Eight - 4 passenger cars with open design and overhead lap-bars

 

Structure and Design

Design: IntaRide - Glen Burnie, Maryland

Braking System: Fail-Safe Eddy Current Braking System

Lift Hill Structure: 400 tons

Track: 1,000 tons

Supports: 1,000 tons

Foundations: 7,750 cubic yards of concrete

450 tons of reinforcing steel

Whiting and Turner Contracting Company (foundations and station construction)

Steel Erection by (OK, stop snickering): Adena

 

Minimum Height to Ride: 54 inches or taller

 

Total Investment: $25 million

 

Stats and other info are fine, but they really don't answer the most important question of all: Is the ride any fun at all? Based on my personal experience and what Robb and I were hearing all during the media day, the answer is a resounding "hell, yeah!"

 

This marks the first time I've ever "grayed out" on a coaster. After that initial 300' drop and the huge banked curve, the world became a little fuzzy around the edges, but came into focus again as we crested that second 150' airtime hill (there's plenty of ejector air on this ride). Be prepared to whipped around a lot as the train tears through the twisty, turny course before coming to a relatively gentle stop at the end. There was only one minor glitch during the media day, when the train stopped on the last brake run into the station for a few minutes, but other than that, I-305 ran beautifully. Well done, KD and Intamin!

 

Robb had been at the park since 5:00 am working on POV and B-roll footage for the park's media kit (he'd been there the day before, as well). I was there to take the photos and cover the media day. Here's a look at the event--but mostly at KD's incredible new attraction.

"Yo, Dominator--dominate this!"

There was a bit of a line . . .

. . . to get one of these.

Everyone who visits KD must take this picture. I think Thomas Jefferson put it in the Virginia Constitution. The park was looking really spiffy today.

OK, where is this new bad boy?

Almost there.

"Hmm--Watson. Unless I miss my guess, Intimidator 305 is somewhere nearby."

"I say, Holmes! How the deuce did you deduce that?"

You know, Intimidator isn't the only new thing at KD this season. Say "hi" to the Peanuts gang.

Not sure what's going on here, but Sally seems to be totally into it.

Here is the "Ace of Cakes" interpretation of I-305.

Complete with its own working roller coaster.

"Cake will not be served while the ride is in motion. Thank you!"

Mmm--chocolatey Volcano . . . o-o-o-o. . .

Of course, Dick Kinzel was there. Next to Fort Kinzel. Which makes perfect sense!

Looks like we're ready to go.

Cameras were fired up and ready to go.

As was Mr. Earnhardt.

Dick Kinzel chats with Intamin's Sandor Kernacs.

Ed Kuhlmann, the park's director of marketing, is starting his 35th season with KD: "This is the ride I've been waiting 35 years for!"

Pat Jones, KD's vice-president and general manager: “The numbers speak for themselves. At a cost of $25 million, and with a first drop close to the height of the park’s landmark Eiffel Tower, you’ll have to see this coaster to believe it. . . . The ride experience is as intense as it is exhilarating.” With speeds reaching 94 mph, Intimidator 305 is the fastest gravity driven coaster in North America, according to KD.

There are three Earnhardts in this photo--and one of them is dad.

Lt. Governor Bolling promised that he would make his wife ride at the announcement ceremony last year, but she was nowhere in sight. I don't know if he rode it or not. This could be a major political issue!

OK, here come the real VIPs.

Crank up the country and southern rock, and let's get a'ridin'.

It pays to know the right people at any park you visit.

Q: What would make this picture better? The answer in a moment.

Edited April 6, 2010 by cfc

[cfc]

OK, you've seen the Peanuts gang, the cake, and Dick Kinzel--you're ready to check out I-305! Here's a "photo essay" (well, of sorts) to give you a taste of KD's awesome new ride--with plenty of pics taken from the park's Eiffel Tower.

 

Enjoy.

Q: What would make this picture better?

A: Happy, smiling riders!

This is what Dale Earnhardt would've drove if he raced stretch limos.

Here's what you're getting yourself into. Intimidated yet?

Here's a sight that KD should see pretty often this season--a busy queue. (The I-305 crew was great during media day. Excellent work!)

Look--NASCAR "stickerness," or something.

OK, get your butts in the seats, strap yourselves in, and hold on tight!

Step right up folks! Hoop Robb Alvey and win yerself a seegar!

"GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!" I'm sure the crew will never get tired of hearing this.

Sheesh! That lift is faster than a ferret on speed!

Let us pause a moment for a deep, cleansing breath. Thank you.

Almost there!

"I'm travelin' down the road, and I'm flirtin' with disaster!" (Matt will be humming this while he rides.)

"Brain to body! Brain to body! May day! You're on your own! Over!"

"Brain to body! I'm back! Never mind!"

At this point, when the fuzziness clears and the world comes back into beautiful focus, you begin to think, "Help me, Jeebus!"

Well, Jeebus wants you enjoy the ride. So, quit bothering him.

"Command Central to the 101st Curviness Brigade! Commence 'curviness' in 3, 2, . . .

. . . 1! Commence!"

"101st to Command Central! 'Curviness' achieved! Proceeding to next objective! Over!"

OK, it gets pretty interesting here.

If your butt is still in the seat at this point, you must've sat in Gorilla Glue.

"Whee! That was fun! Can we do it again?"

Sure--with a twist!

"Command Central to the fighting men and women of the 45th Tactical Twistiness Assualt Team! Commence 'tactical twistiness' in 3, . . .

. . . Hey! I didn't say '2, 1, commence!' Wait for it next time!"

"You people are getting a bit premature with the twistiness here! Knock it off!"

Time for one, last little twist.

Done!

OK, the ride's over--now what?

How about an onride "photo finish."

Who needs Botox when they have Intimidator 305? One more set of pics to come.

Edited April 4, 2010 by cfc

[cfc]

Here's a last look at Kings Dominion during I-305 Media Day with some additional photos from Robb. My thanks to the staff at the park for putting on a very nice media event; to Robb for asking me to attend; and to the park and Intamin for an excellent new coaster!

Where's there's a ride, there must be merchandise. I think this is in the U.S. Constitution.

Hmm--I think Dale Earhnardt drove car number 3. Call it a hunch.

Remember the cake?

Well, it was great! Especially the chocolate-mint section.

There are a few other new things at KD this season in addition to Intimidator. Scooby-Doo, where are you?

Soon, Snoopy will strike!

Panda Express has arrived at last! The prophecy is fulfilled.

Remember: This is Snoopy's planet. . . .

. . . We just live on it.

Behold the Shrine of Snoopy! Virgins will be sacrificed here during Haunt! (OK--I just made that up. Sorry.)

Still a bit of work left to do, though. The old Kidsville rides have been "de-Hanna-Barberafied," too.

Here's one more look at Intimidator 305.

And here's a geeky TPR exculsive: Intimidator being backed onto the transfer track!

Here's what it takes to get all that awesome video you see. While it might look like just duct tape, there IS actually some skill to this! (Don't try this at home!)

Will Holder and Clint Novak of kdfansite.com about to take their first ever I305 ride! It's an orgasmic occasion for these guys.

Here is the line on opening day. Would you believe they chewed through that line in about 35 minutes? Great job crew!

Opening day riders about to experience gray out awesomeness!

Hopefully by this point you're regained your sight!

I305 delivers some serious high crazy speeds around these turns.

Awesome!

TWISSSTYYYYY!

Could this be the steepest brake run in the world?

Mega-Lite airtime on steroids!

Even more TWISSSTYYYY!

Another birds eye view. But this time the whole park is OPEN!

Could this now be the best first drop in the world?

Just awesome! Would you like a wallpaper version of this photo? Sure you would! (Download it below!)

This is the moment right here where my gray out started to go away.

For those of you who heard the rumor that they changed the height restriction on opening day, here is the proof that it was 54" as of 3/31. You can see the date where the state signed off on the ride. They can't go back and adjust the height restriction without the state signing off on it. So the ride opened at 54" and there never was the incident of "the height restriction changed during the day." That simply just didn't happen.

Kings Dominion execs shakes hands with Sandor Kernacs of Intamin on a job VERY well done!!! Congrats to Intamin and Kings Dominion on the AWESOME Intimidator 305!

 

DOWNLOAD THE INTIMIDATOR 305 WALL PAPER! CLICK THE LINK BELOW!!!

i305_wallpaper.zip

Intimidator 305 Desktop Wallpaper!

Edited April 5, 2010 by robbalvey

[SharkTums]

Someone had to point this out...

 

CAKE & ACE MEMBER!!!!

[Sir Clinksalot]

This ride looks absolutely insane!!! I was already dissapointed we had to back out of the IntimidaTOUR but now I'm MORE dissapointed.

[rollin_n_coastin]

^^ LoL I'm still in disbelief that you missed an Intamin opening. But, I can see that Robb will be watching KT the entire time in August while you enjoy this!

 

Chuck, fantastic! I think a trip there is in order if all goes well. Congrats to you and Robb on the great footage and pics.

[jjune4991]

Ace of Cakes made a coaster cake??? That's amazing! Thank you for the piece by piece review of the coaster. I can't wait to go in August!

[JEAPUgrad]

Great pics Cfc.

 

I didn't realize that was you.

 

I was standing right next to you or near you several times through out the day.

 

[Guy T. Koepp]

Excellent TR Chuck. This ride looks amazing. Dare I say intimidating?

 

Guy "Intimidated." Koepp

[CoasterBone]

On my next birthday, when I ask for a roller coaster cake and everyone tells me it can't happen, they get punched.

[SharkTums]

^Just keep in mind that Charm City Cakes has a $1000 minimum and that cake was MUCH MUCH more than that!!!!

 

You can get ANYTHING for a price!

[bgroodog]

Awesome pictures, thank you for sharing! I cant wait to ride this thing next weekend!

[crazydaveh]

When the "I"coasters were first announced, I didn't think they would be that fun. I was going off the renderings of the ride and the ride animation. Boy, I can say I'm glad I was wrong. This thing looks like a lot of fun. Will it make me drive up 95 and hit KD? Probably not, but if I am in the area, I'm there... After a stop at the nearest bar beforehand!

 

Also, great pics! Way to show how awesome that thing is!

[ginzo]

I had planned to go ride this thing this weekend. Liz got Monday off so we could manage the long drive home. Last night I decided it was too crazy to drive 10 hours for just one credit. So, I had Liz tell her work to never mind on her not coming in Monday. Based on this TR, I think I made the wrong call. Damn you, Chuck!

 

Intamin > *

[CoasterBone]

^Just keep in mind that Charm City Cakes has a $1000 minimum and that cake was MUCH MUCH more than that!!!!

 

You can get ANYTHING for a price!

 

But even the small woodie cake in the front would suffice and i could make that. I just refuse to make my own birthday cake.

[MillenniumCP]

Great Stuff!

[nursemelis374]

That cake is awesome! I can't believe it is a working coaster!

 

Also, this ride looks awesome!

[moinab]

This ride looks absolutely insane!!! I was already dissapointed we had to back out of the IntimidaTOUR but now I'm MORE dissapointed.

 

I share your pain.

 

Even more so, with the hints of a TPR event at KD, which we will also not be able to make.

 

*thinking more and more about going back to homeschooling...stupid school schedules...messing up our fun...grrrrrr*

[tiger01]

I swear The start of lifthill goes straight out of the station!!! This ride looks immense!!! Ace Of Cakes are Legends! A coaster cake like this is awesome and it goes around the track and through the cake!! I can't wait untill it comes on TV where it shows you how they made it. I'm guessing $6000!

[bgwfreak777]

 

Wow, Carrot Top came up from Charlotte, lost his muscles, and looks angry about it!

 

Great pics by the way, can't wait to try it out.

Edited April 3, 2010 by bgwfreak777

[cfc]

^He suffers from post-roids rage.

[Ledgy]

Nice photo TR! I so envy you both for being there, riding this monster and shooting all these great pictures and videos. You both did a great work.

 

Thank you.

[Ed]

The ride looks stunning! And the trains look much better than the other Intimidator ones. More bodywork! Even if it is only plain black.

[Philrad71]

Thanks for the great pics, Chuck! I always like the overview shots from sky towers, Eiffel Towers, ferris wheels, etc...this coaster is exactly what this park needed!

[deathbydinn]

The area around the ride seems very nice and well themed, for a Cedar Fair park that is

I really like that map of the ride that actually tells you when there's going to be airtime.