Kings Dominion, a sprawling amusement park nestled in Doswell, Virginia, offers a thrilling escape for visitors of all ages. From the gentle charm of Planet Snoopy to the adrenaline-pumping heights of world-class roller coasters, Kings Dominion promises a memorable experience. Renowned for its impressive collection of coasters, ranking among the parks with the most in the world, screams of delight and exhilaration echo throughout the park. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to plan your visit to Kings Dominion, ensuring a day filled with fun, thrills, and unforgettable memories.
Thrilling Coasters: A Testament to Innovation and Speed
Kings Dominion is a haven for coaster enthusiasts, boasting a diverse collection of rides that cater to every level of thrill-seeker. The park’s signature attraction, Intimidator 305, stands as a testament to the park’s commitment to delivering heart-stopping experiences.
Intimidator 305: A Tribute to Speed and G-Force
Opened in 2010, Intimidator 305 is a giga-coaster that commands attention with its towering height and blistering speed. Standing at an impressive 305 feet, this steel behemoth plunges riders down an 85-degree drop, just shy of vertical, reaching speeds that will leave you breathless. The coaster is themed after the legendary NASCAR driver, Dale Earnhardt, nicknamed "The Intimidator," perfectly capturing the essence of high-octane racing and intense G-forces. The ride’s layout features a series of high-speed turns and airtime hills, delivering a relentless assault on the senses.
Launched Coasters: A Jolt into the Adrenaline Rush
Kings Dominion features not one, but two launched coasters, offering a unique and exhilarating experience.
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Flight of Fear: Step into the enigmatic world of Flight of Fear, an indoor coaster that begins with a thrilling launch into complete darkness. The queue meanders through a flying saucer, setting the stage for an otherworldly adventure. While the ride doesn’t emphasize a particular storyline, it delivers a pulse-quickening launch that propels riders to 54 mph in a matter of seconds. The ride features multiple inversions, including a cobra roll and a corkscrew, all while shrouded in darkness, adding to the disorientation and excitement.
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Back Lot Stunt Coaster: For a family-friendly launched coaster experience, look no further than Back Lot Stunt Coaster. This ride, themed around Hollywood special effects, offers a milder but equally entertaining launch that sends riders speeding through a series of twists and turns. The coaster simulates a high-speed chase scene, complete with pyrotechnics and near-miss effects.
Hybrid and Wooden Coasters: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Kings Dominion’s coaster lineup extends beyond steel giants, encompassing a fascinating mix of hybrid and classic wooden coasters.
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Twisted Timbers: This innovative hybrid coaster is a testament to the ingenuity of Rocky Mountain Construction. Twisted Timbers breathes new life into the former Hurler wooden coaster, retaining much of the original wooden structure while replacing the traditional wooden tracks with the company’s patented IBox steel track. The result is a smooth, intense, and unpredictable ride that combines the classic feel of a wooden coaster with the modern thrills of steel. The ride features multiple inversions, including barrel rolls and zero-g rolls, as well as steep drops and airtime hills.
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Racer 75: Originally known as Rebel Yell, this classic twin racing wooden coaster has been a Kings Dominion staple since 1975, hence the name change. Racer 75 offers a nostalgic ride experience, pitting two trains against each other in a thrilling race to the finish line. The ride features a traditional out-and-back layout, with plenty of airtime hills and classic wooden coaster thrills.
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Grizzly: Tucked away amidst a dense forest of trees, Grizzly offers a more traditional wooden coaster experience. While the setting is idyllic, the ride itself is mostly lackluster, offering a milder but still enjoyable ride for those who appreciate the classic feel of a wooden coaster. The ride features a double out-and-back layout, with a series of hills and turns that meander through the woods.
Beyond the Coasters: Other Thrills and Attractions
Kings Dominion offers a diverse range of rides and attractions beyond its impressive coaster collection, catering to guests of all ages and thrill preferences.
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Delirium: A giant pendulum ride that swings riders high into the air, offering breathtaking views and a thrilling sense of weightlessness.
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Drop Tower: A towering freefall ride that lifts riders over 300 feet before plunging them back down to earth in a heart-stopping descent.
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WindSeeker: A towering swing ride that soars 301 feet in the air, providing panoramic views of the park and surrounding area.
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Shenandoah Lumber Company: A classic log flume ride that offers a refreshing splash as it navigates through a series of drops and turns.
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Boo Blasters on Boo Hill: An interactive dark ride that challenges guests to blast ghosts and ghouls with laser guns.
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Eiffel Tower: A scale replica of the iconic Parisian landmark, offering stunning views from its 315-foot observation deck.
Planning Your Visit: Tips for a Smooth and Enjoyable Experience
To make the most of your visit to Kings Dominion, consider these helpful tips:
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Beat the Crowds: Kings Dominion can get crowded, especially during peak season. Consider visiting on weekdays, during overcast weather, or in the off-season to avoid long lines.
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Fast Lane: If you’re visiting on a crowded day, consider purchasing Fast Lane, the park’s skip-the-line program, to minimize wait times for popular rides.
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Soak City: Included with admission to Kings Dominion, Soak City water park is a great way to cool off on a hot day, although it can get crowded.
What’s New at Kings Dominion?
Kings Dominion is constantly evolving, with new attractions and experiences being added regularly.
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Jungle X-Pedition: In 2022, Kings Dominion transformed its Safari Village land into Jungle X-Pedition. This new area features Tumbili, a "4D Free Spin" coaster that incorporates cars that independently spin on a vertical axis as the train travels along the track. The land also includes a new restaurant and shop.
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Coconut Shores: In 2021, Soak City debuted Coconut Shores, an expansion that features Lighthouse Landing, a five-story-tall interactive water play structure with a tipping bucket, and Sand Dune Lagoon, a wave pool designed for younger visitors.
Dining Options: Fueling Your Adventure
Kings Dominion offers a variety of dining options to satisfy every appetite, from fast food favorites to more unique culinary experiences. You can find fast food franchisees like Subway and Panda Express. The park offers Surfer Joe’s, a seafood eatery with a Shrimp Po’Boy, Wayside Grill, a BBQ joint, and Mac Bowl, which offers customized mac-n-cheese dishes.
In the spring, Kings Dominion hosts Taste of Virginia, a food festival that showcases state-inspired dishes and local craft beers.
Location and Admission Information
Kings Dominion is located in Doswell, VA, near Richmond, VA, and Washington, D.C. The address is 16000 Theme Park Way. Take I-95 to Exit 98 in Doswell. Kings Dominion is 20 miles north of Richmond, VA, and 75 miles south of Washington, DC.
Tickets to Kings Dominion include admission to the adjacent Soak City water park. Reduced prices are available for children (under 48") and seniors (62+). Children 2 and under are free. Discounted tickets and specials, such as two-day tickets, are often available online. Season passes are also available. Visit the official Kings Dominion site for advance tickets, operating hours, and more information.
