Kings Dominion is a family park in Doswell, Virginia, 20 miles north of Richmond and 75 miles south of Washington, D.C. The park opened in 1975 (turns 40 years old) and has 60 rides, shows and attractions including 14 roller coasters distributed in 400-acre (1.6 km2). The park’s name is derived from the name of its sister park, Kings Island, and the nickname for the state of Virginia, “Old Dominion”.
Kings Dominion is one of the many spectacular theme parks owned by Cedar Fair and has something for everyone. Among the most noteworthy coasters is the redoubtable Intimidator 305, themed for the late race car driver Dale Earnhardt, with its awesome 300-foot drop and staggering twists in the track. Volcano The Blast Coaster, an inverted launch coaster, until recently held the record for the longest inversion on any coaster, with a rollout at 155 feet. Flight of Fear, another launch coaster, takes the riders through four inversions in the dark. The park has also a number of family rides and for kids, there are multiple options in the Planet Snoopy section. Kings Dominion is adding a splash to its 40th anniversary celebration with a major expansion to its 20-acre water park, WaterWorks. The newly expanded water park will open to the public in the spring of 2015. The 65-foot tall slide complex will feature three thrilling new attractions.
Kings Dominion often offers live entertainment, shopping and multiple dining options (including an array of choices for vegetarians or others with special dietary needs). Heres a tip: buy the souvenir cup in advance, print up the certificate and bring it to one of the snack bars and get your cup and have it filled (cost $10) then all day you get free refills. The staff is congenial and the park provides storage for loose articles which cannot be taken on rides. On Volcano, a staff member actually wheels a cart through the loading station in order to collect any items that cannot not go along for the ride.
In 2016 the park opened Delirium, a swinging pendulum that holds 40 riders shoulder to shoulder in a large circle facing outward. Riders soar as high as 115 feet in the air and will be suspended at an angle of 120 degrees at the ride’s peak.
On the downside tickets are expensive ($54.00 online) and due to the popularity of this park, ride queues often tend to be long, so the best option for getting in as many rides as possible is Fast Lane (also expensive).
All in all the park is always spotless, very clean and well organised. The staff is friendly and there was something for all ages. Lots of high energy coasters. Lots of kiddie rides. Lots of places for Mom and Dad to sit and watch.
By Roberto Brito. Updated 9/6/2017
Practical Information
Location: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047, EUA
Tickets from 45 USD online
Opens from April no November 1.
Top RidesIntimidator, Volcano, Dominator, Grizzly
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