Kings Dominion - 6/7/08

PANTSFREE · #1 06-07-2008, 08:31 PM

I arrived at the park around 11ish. It was hot as hell. The parking lot wasn't very full, thankfully the crowds were pretty light all day, and the majority of the guests were in the water park (what with it being hot as hell).

First I headed over to Dominator to get my first ride on it in its new home. I really like how the ride interacts with the paths and everything. Its awesome how the vertical loop is only a few feet away from a path and the first drop is right on top of the guests. The line was taking up the entire que, but with all 3 trains running fairly smoothly (little stacking), in about 45 minutes I was in the front row.

This is a great ride, its completely relentless. Non-stop, high speed action from beginning to end. It had a bit more bumpiness to it then I expected, but it was still a fun, smooth ride all in all. Definitely the best ride at the park by far, imo. On a side note, I thought it was interesting to see Cedar Fair take a very a Cedar Point-eque approach to Dominator's line. Everything about it just looks like something out of Cedar Point. A huge set of switch backs with some areas being covered, they even have one of those DJ stations set up.

Next I headed over to Grizzly, there was no line for anything except the front row, so I jumped on in the back. It was running really well, plenty of airtime and laterals throughout.

Next I headed over to Hurler. I can't understand the awful reviews this ride gets. Its definitely not one of the best wooden coasters out there, but a front seat ride is always a blast. In the front row its smooth for the most part (the first high banked turn can be rough), and the the hills give some great airtime.

After this I went across the path to Ricochet. I waited a couple trains before it was my turn to ride. The brakes were barely on for the first half of the ride, so the out of control laterals were awesome. The second half was heavily trimmed though, so it wasn't very eventful. Still a fun time, though.

Drop Tower was next, I sat on the side facing Rebel Yell and the water park. As always it was good times.

I got on Back Lot Stunt Coaster next. I rode in the back car. I definitely suggest the back on this ride as you get some nice, surprising ejector air, especially on the final drop out of the tunnel.

I went to Anaconda next, I jumped in the 7th row with no wait. It was more rough then my rides earlier this season, but the hang time in the corkscrews made up for it.

Next I got on Flight of Fear which had about a 20 minute wait. I rode in the back row and had a pretty good time. The inversions are great, but the rest of the ride is uneventful.

Last but not least I got on Volcano. The line would have only been about 45 minutes for the second row if it wasn't for a technical delay which put the ride down for an extra 20 or so minutes. Volcano is still an awesome one of a kind ride. Blasting up out of the top of the mountain is amazing.

While walking out I noticed that Dominator was down for what appeared to be an extended period of time, thank goodness I got my ride in early on.

All in all it was a great day and I can't wait to get back soon to get on the rides I had to skip today and get more rides in on Dominator.

**Wes** · #2 06-07-2008, 09:41 PM

I'll be up there next Saturday. Hope it's not nearly as hot. Hoping...

Dominator won't be a credit for me either, but still looking forward to riding it again.

Coaster_holic24 · #3 06-08-2008, 11:43 AM

Great TR. I absolutly loved Dominator too. It just hauled butt from start to finish. Its very loud also, gotta love that B&M roar. FOF was closed the day I went. Gotta get back and ride that.

PANTSFREE · #4 06-08-2008, 02:02 PM

Dominator definitely felt a whole lot faster yesterday then it did last season at GL. A ride like that was just what the park needed, a great coaster with good capacity.

**Leo C** · #5 06-08-2008, 03:18 PM

When was the last time the park had that - Anaconda? Does Anaconda even run three trains anymore?

Coaster_holic24 · #6 06-11-2008, 02:16 PM

Ive never seen Anaconda run 3 trains, at least not in the past 4years, but grant it I always go on weekdays. That may have something to do with it.

PANTSFREE · #7 06-11-2008, 09:51 PM

I don't think Anaconda can run 3 trains, it has a midcourse brake, but only one final block brake behind the station. So I guess it could, but it wouldn't be the smoothest operating 3 train coaster ever.

And it only has one transfer track for a train not being used.

Carowinds 73-03 · #8 06-11-2008, 11:18 PM

Great trip report. I love Dominator and hope to get beck to KD and ride it this oct or next year.

I also never knew Anaconda could run 3 trains. I have been going to KD about 5 times a year since 1999 and i never saw three trains running.

**Leo C** · #9 06-12-2008, 07:57 AM

GASM @ SFGADV has 3. I knew Shockwave @ SFGAM, VIPER @ SFMM had them as well so I was assuming for Anaconda. I bet Vortex has three at KI.

PANTSFREE · #10 06-12-2008, 11:46 PM

I know for certain Vortex can run 3 trains, I think Anaconda is a rare case as far as Arrow multi-loopers go.