by Denise Calaman

Created on: March 02, 2009   Last Updated: October 18, 2010

Kings Dominion Amusement Park has the distinction of being one of the country's premier thrill parks. The park is located 25 miles north of Richmond, in Doswell, Virginia and has been a favorite vacation destination for families all over the mid Atlantic since its opening season in 1975. In those early days, many of us grew up riding the Apple Turnover and the Rebel Yell over and over again making ourselves sick with laughter.

Sadly, the Apple Turnover is gone but the Rebel Yell has been at Kings Dominion since the park opened in 1975 and it is still the sentimental favorite of patrons to the park. The Berserker, the park's upside down pirate ship, is still around too, surprising many first time visitors with its complete loop. Kings Dominion has many new thrill rides for older families. In 2008 Kings Dominion debuted its 14th roller coaster, Dominator. Dominator is the country's longest floorless coaster and hits speeds up to 65 miles per hour. The Shockwave was the nation's first stand up roller coaster, when it debuted at Kings Dominion in 1986 and it is operational as is the Rebel Yell which many of us grew up riding.

Thrill rides are better suited for older families but there are many rides for younger families at Kings Dominion. The park has devised its own rating system to advertise how much of a thrill each ride provides. A five star thrill ride is the highest rank, providing the ultimate thrill. Younger families, will want to visit the one or two star rides, classified as low thrill.

Low thrill doesn't mean less fun. Kings Dominion has outdone itself in the past few years making full sure that its younger patrons have the time of their lives. The old Hanna Barbera section of the park we grew up frequenting had a facelift in 1997 and was renamed Kidsville. This part of the park is mostly frequented by families with young children and Kidsville is one of the reasons why Kings Dominion has remained a great vacation destination for families. Kidsville hosts Nickelodeon Central, with Nickelodeon themed rides and attractions such as Slime Zone and Rugrats Toonpike. Kids can meet their favorite Nickelodeon characters such as Dora and Spongebob Squarepants. Scooby Doo also frequents Kidsville with his own rides and attractions.

Kings Dominion has a unique service available to parents of young children which parents have come to really appreciate. Parent Swap is available upon request when entering the park. This pass allows parents with small children to take

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