DOSWELL, VA. — Spring has sprung in Central Virginia and there is no better way to celebrate longer days and warmer weather than with the grand opening of Kings Dominion. Celebrating over 30 years of family fun and excitement, the Mid-Atlantic’s premier amusement park kicks-off its 2009 season on Saturday, April 4 with spring break week through Sunday, April 12.
This year the park brings back the trhill of classic America with the addition of two new attractions. Americana, a giant 110-foot Ferris wheel, and El Dorado, a high-in-the-sky swinging pendulum ride will be added to Kings Dominion’s impressive lineup of family friendly attractions.
Americana will feature 24 six-person gondolas that the entire family, including adventuresome grandparents can enjoy. Ferris wheels have long been a staple of American amusement parks since the rides introduction at the Chicago World Expo in 1893, and Kings Dominion’s new Americana Ferris wheel will bring the history and romance of a boardwalk favorite to the park’s midway.
El Dorado is a family friendly thrill ride that sits up to 40 riders in a blue 1950’s style El Dorado convertible car. The car acts as a pendulum, as it rotates riders to a height of 85 feet in the air in two different directions during an approximately two minute ride. El Dorado takes the concept of the family “going for a spin” to a whole new level.
In addition to exciting new rides, Kings Dominion kicks off the 2009 season on Saturday, April 4 by opening the gates to the thundering roar of motorcycles! Kings Dominion along with the Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association and Motorcycle Virginia is a proud sponsor of the 2009 Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia. Help celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Virginia is for Lovers” and Virginia Tourism by riding your iron horse to the official 2009 Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia kick-off event. With special guests representing the State of Virginia, Virginia Tourism and Virginia Motorcycle organizations and motorcycle shows, this event will be fun and exciting for the seasoned rider and families alike. On-site registration will be available for the Grand Tour.
On Sunday April 5, Kings Dominion honors the National Champion University of Richmond Football team. Coach Mike London and the National Championship Trophy come to Kings Dominion to celebrate their success with the Fans of Spider Nation. During the day on Sunday, you can join Kings Dominion and the Richmond Spiders in support of the National Bone Marrow Registry by getting tested and signing up for the National Registry. It only takes a swab of the cheek and you could save a life!
Kings Dominion will open in 2009 daily for spring break week on Saturday, April 4 through Sunday, April 12 and weekends April 18 through Sunday May 17. Daily operation begins Saturday, May 23. WaterWorks Water Park opens Saturday, May 23. Kings Dominion is a 400-acre amusement park and waterpark, that is home to over 60 total rides, slides, live shows and attractions. The park features one of the largest roller coaster collections on the East-Coast, with 14 World-Class scream-machines, two children’s areas, and WaterWorks, a 20-acre water playground. Kings Dominion is located at exit 98 on I-95, north of Richmond. For more information about Kings Dominion and complete operating hours, please visit www.kingsdominion.com.
Kings Dominion is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FUN.” In addition to Kings Dominion, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six waterparks, one indoor waterpark resort, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, Calif. under a management contract.