Industry Announcements: Official PKD Tomb Raider press release

Posted at 5:39 PM EDT (2139 GMT)

Sep. 16th, 2004 -- Officially confirming months of rumors, Paramount's Kings Dominion breaks the seal on "Tomb Raider: The Ride" after a few details were slipped to season passholders early last week.

As discussed in Thrillnetwork.com's 2005 Construction Forum, "Tomb Raider: The Ride" becomes the latest Paramount motion picture-themed attraction at PKD in Doswell, VA.

Below is the full press release straight from the horse's mouth...oh, we should also tell you that this ride will feature REAL fire and will be located OUTDOORS near "Volcano: The Blast Coaster", on the soon-to-be former site of "The Volcano Grill".

Remember, you can discuss this ride by clicking here.

TOMB RAIDER: The Ride to Open
at Paramount’s Kings Dominion in 2005

You've played the games. You've seen the movies. Now, brave the ride.

DOSWELL, Va. —Another Hollywood big-screen spectacular comes to life at Paramount's Kings Dominion with the addition of TOMB RAIDER: The Ride , a new multi-sensory adventure attraction for 2005. Inspired by the popular Eidos Interactive, Inc. action games and Paramount Pictures' blockbuster films Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life starring Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie, the park's newest thrill attraction will launch adventurers on the ride of their lives.

TOMB RAIDER: The Ride begins with a journey deep into the jungle, past mysterious ruins and the debris of failed expeditions. As a sense of impending doom grows, budding adventurers discover an ancient mechanical artifact. To prove their true bravery, the courageous explorers are strapped aboard the massive stone and steel altar. Within seconds, the machine tosses the explorers 60 feet in the air and flips them—head over heels—in a series of high-speed acrobatic maneuvers. Around the sacred site, geothermal vents erupt in volley after volley of steam, fire and water—surrounding brave riders with the elemental forces of the gods and a thundering tribal soundtrack. Combining high thrills with a unique environmental theme and special effects, TOMB RAIDER: The Ride is an adventure worthy of Lady Croft herself!

"Surprises around every corner, including authentic props used in the filming of the motion picture , will make guests feel like adventurous tomb raiders from the moment they approach the attraction," said Richard Zimmerman, Paramount's Kings Dominion's executive vice president and general manager . "With action straight out of Hollywood, TOMB RAIDER: The Ride will deliver the unique thrill experience our guests have come to expect for the past 30 years at Paramount's Kings Dominion."

TOMB RAIDER: The Ride will be located in the Congo section of the park, near Volcano, The Blast Coaster. Construction is scheduled to begin in Fall 2004, and the park is expected to unveil the new attraction Spring 2005.

Paramount's Kings Dominion is home to more than 200 rides, shows and attractions. The park features 12 world-class roller coasters, including the world's first air-launched coaster, HyperSonic XLC, and the interactive family ride Scooby-Doo!™ and the Haunted Mansion . For more information, guests can call Paramount's Kings Dominion at (804) 876-5000 or visit the park's web site at www.KingsDominion.com. Paramount's Kings Dominion is located 20 miles north of Richmond, Va. and 75 miles south of Washington, D.C. off Interstate 95 at Exit 98. Season Passes for the 2005 season are now on sale at the park and online at www.KingsDominion.com.

Paramount's Kings Dominion is owned and operated by Paramount Parks.

Paramount Parks is a leading developer and operator of world-class theme parks and location-based attractions, entertaining more than 13 million guests annually. The company currently owns and operates five of the most popular theme parks in North America including: Paramount Canada's Wonderland (Toronto, Ontario, Canada); Paramount's Carowinds (Charlotte, N.C.); Paramount's Great America (Santa Clara, Calif.); Paramount's Kings Dominion (Richmond, Va.); and Paramount's Kings Island (Cincinnati, Ohio). The company also developed and manages the award-winning STAR TREK: The Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton (Las Vegas, Nev.) and manages Bonfante Gardens horticultural theme park (Gilroy, Calif.); CBS Television City at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.); and Terra Mitica theme park (Benidorm, Valencia, Spain). More information about Paramount Parks is available at www.paramountparks.com .

Paramount Parks is a unit of Viacom.

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