| TR: Ride or Die 2004 pt 1 (Kings Dominion)
Ride or Die ’04 (a name given to our trip by a friend,)was a great way to start of my 2004 coaster season. First I was off to Kings Dominion (5/21/04) for math and science day then later that night we went to Hersheypark for an allnighter. It was about a 2.5 hour ride to Kings Dominion from Frederick, MD. When we arrived at the park my group wanted to ride Shockwave. It was about a 45 min wait and not worth it. Three of us went over to Ricochet. This wild mouse is ok. The first drop is nice, but all the hairpin turns are heavily braked. We waited 15 minutes for the ride and then returned to Shockwave to meet up with the rest of the group. We next headed for the Congo. I love to Congo, the themeing is great. One person in the group wanted to ride the new Scooby Doo haunted mansion. We got in line (about a 10 min wait). The scenery outside is very nice and well done. I did not like getting sprayed on the mouth by misting house that was malfunctioning. It got two other people in my group. The ride itself is pretty cool. This was a first of its kind for me. It is great for kids but I got a little bored by the end. By the way I scored a 900!
By now it was 11:30. We decided to grab lunch. We had a meal ticket for lunch in a catered area by Scooby Doo HM and coaster. It appeared to be a long line but once we reached the buffet (that is what the called it, only 2 fruits, 2 chips, 2 hot foods to choose from) I got an apple, Doritos, and a hot dog. The food line was quick and organized. I cannot say the same for when we attempted to get drinks. That was insane. People everywhere, running and bumping into each other. It was mayhem. They even served free HagnDaz ice cream.
After lunch it was off to Volcano. This would be my first ride on Volcano since every other time I have came to the park it was closed. The wait was around an hour. I did not think it was too bad since we kept moving. We even had the wave going on in line. It was very funny. When we reached the loading station there was only one person checking restraints. (2 trains running) There was no stacking and the loading /unloading was very efficient. While we were waiting for the second train we hadn’t yet heard the actual launch. When my friend and I heard it in line we jumped. The sound scared me to death. The launch was very intense and kind of unexpected. I was talking to my friend not knowing anything was going to happen and zoom, we’re off. The turn around was very cool, like no other. The second push by the LIM’s intensified the ride even more. The vertical climb in the mountain was very cool with all the supports and what not flying by. The barrel rolls were awesome. This was now my new favorite ride (but that would change later tonight).
After Volcano we were going to ride Anaconda, but it was an hour wait and FOF was and hour and a half. We skipped both for now. We next rode Drop Zone; the queue was completely filled with the line spilling far out. The wait was not long at all. This line moves so quickly. It was a great ride but I have ridden it before so nothing unexpected. Next we went on Grizzly. Wow hasn’t that thing gotten rough. I never remember it being that rough. It was worse than Wildcat at Hershey, maybe 5 times worse. It was fun though but still rough.
After Grizzly we headed back to the Congo to ride Anaconda. It was now only a 10 min wait. The drop and everything was smooth except for the sidewinder. It jerked my neck the wrong way but that might have been because I tensed up. Overall, it is a very smooth Arrow looper and the butterfly curves are a nice element.
Next it was time for FOF. The wait was about 30 min, not too bad. I was a little crammed on the ride. I am 6’2” and my knees were practically in by face. The ride was very smooth but the midcourse brakes were on and brought us to a complete stop. I don’t mind MCBR but when they bring you to a stop, the banking on half of the curves are not needed. It was a great ride and the lights and music freak you out.
After FOF it was time to go. As we reached the gates I stopped for Dip’n Dots. $4.50 was very overpriced compared to other parks but I paid anyway. As I walked away I noticed a long black hair in my ice cream. I went back right away and asked for my money back. The woman was very nice about the situation and graciously gave my money back. I do applaud Kings Dominion for that. But I am still mad there was a hair and that the food service workers were not wearing a hat or hairnets. Department of Health would have a fit.
Overall the Day at Kings Dominion (9am – 4pm) was nice. A little more crowded than expected but enjoyable. I will defiantly be back this summer. Look for my trip to Hershey (pt 2) tonight.
Last edited by gcut26; 05-23-2004 at 08:23 PM..
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