Kings Dominion is something that still rings in the mind of adults and children everywhere. Theme parks are a hidden pleasure that everyone seems to enjoy; whether it be because of the roller coasters, the social ambience, the water parks, or the funnel cakes, theme parks bring out the child in everyone. What makes Kings Dominion so appealing is its location. Though it has several affiliated positions around the United States, its placement in Virginia is particularly special because of it being so close to Virginia's capital Richmond. Just 40 minutes north of the capital lies the theme park and it is immediately recognizable because of the large white sign and Eiffel Tower replica that hover over the short-tipped horizon, slightly east of Interstate 95. Ultimately though, what keeps bringing people back is the evolving nature of the park. It is because of this trait that the park seems different every year you visit.
During the new 2009 season, the prices are better than ever before; this is because of the great bundle deals that are being offered before the spring opening in April. Paramount is currently offering three types of passes, with each one offering its own type of access. The "Value" pass gives you unlimited admission to the park, including Water Works and the Halloween Haunt event, which happens in the month of October every year. This pass generally runs between $59.99 and $69.99. The next step up is the "VIP" pass, which offers all the Value pass does with the addition of free parking and special discounts. Lastly is the "Platinum" pass, and with it, you have unlimited access to Kings Dominion, designating parking, Bring-A-Friend discounts, and admission to all Cedar Fair Park events. The Platinum pass will cost you upwards of $150.00 or more, but it is certainly worth it for all they offer.
Another facet which makes Kings Dominion appealing as a vacation spot is its family-centered nature. There is something for everyone which is something you can't say about a lot of vacation spots these days. Resorts tend to be too adult-oriented, while a lot of parks are too centralized for the kids; leaving the parents without a whole lot to do. Kings Dominion rectifies this with a large assortment of rides, ranging from frightening roller coasters to Nickelodeon and Hannah Barbara themed play areas. The park itself is well filled and never seems too cramped or cluttered.
Helping to push the "family-centered" theme is the addition of a solid security team. The park has a friendly information center that can guide anyone to any point in the park, while a patrol unit scouts the rim of the area to ensure no one tries to spoil the fun of the park-goers. Twenty years ago I happened to get lost at the park, but thankfully the park attendants helped me find my family quickly and effortlessly. Good customer service will keep people coming back.
What will also keep people coming back are the roller coasters, and they just so happen to be the best part of the park. Kings Dominion is home to 16 "Thrill Rides," each with their own speed, style, and sense of adventure. Some examples of these are the frighteningly tall "Anaconda," the unpredictable "Flight of Fear," and the classic "Rebel Yell." From throwback wooden coasters to the modern heavyweights, Kings Dominion has coasters for just about any tolerance level.
For those looking for something even more extreme, Kings Dominion just rolled out a new coaster called the "Dominatrix," which is set to debut this year. This monster is said to reach speeds of 65 miles per hour and house the world's largest vertical loop at a track length of 4,210 feet. Loops not enough for you? Then how about a 148 foot drop right out of the gun? Whether you're 31 or 61, you can be sure there will be a ride out there that can make you feel young again.
If you're looking to lay back a bit and let the kids run around, why not head over to Nickelodeon Central? Kids these days are all into icons like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and Blue the Dog. So you can imagine their surprise when they see real life versions of these characters walking around the park. Another famous character that has been around the park for decades happens to be old Scooby Doo, who has a part of the park all to himself. Wrapping up the kids' area is a small water park and the Taxi Jam Coaster. The latter is said to be one of the best introduction coasters available, primarily because of its nature of being varied, but not too fast. Everyone has to start somewhere right?
The spring may be a great time to visit the park, but it gets even better during the summer. Starting on May 22, Kings Dominion unveils its water park Water Works, which is just as impressive as the park's non-wet counterpart. After changing into your bathing suit, you have over a dozen rides and attractions at your disposal. Feeling adventurous? Then check out the giant slide of Baja Bends or the Big Wave Bay - Kings Dominion's 650,000 gallon wave pool. My favorite has to be the Lazy River though. What can be better than enjoying a summer day, slowly drifting down the proverbial water way. With temperatures sometimes reaching the low one hundreds in the summertime, Water Works is the absolute best way to cool off before tackling the rest of the park in the evening time.
Sometimes you just need a break from the rides right? I mean otherwise you'll probably be in the bathroom more than the actual park, and that's never fun. What is though is the chance to explore Kings Dominion's other specialty, its' live shows. This year, Kings Dominion hosts two particular live shows called Hot Island Rhythms and Signed, Sealed, Delivered. Each has their own brand of music that they bring to the table and are sure to get the park jumping.
That in itself is what makes the park so great; enjoying the outdoors with family and friends, all the while feeling the ambience of the park in the background. A few years ago, Busch Gardens was the only theme park known for its diversity in attractions and culture, but in recent years, Kings Dominion has definitely joined its rival's ranks.
At the end of the day, what else can be said that hasn't been said already? Theme parks are a vacation decision that is reached when one wants to do a little of everything. Beaches have the sand and the water, national parks have the atmosphere, and museums are a great if you are in the mood for a little education. Theme parks, however, seem to be a fusion of them all, and it is what makes them such a great vacation choice. I've been to dozens of theme parks and I still find myself coming back to Kings Dominion time and again, not just because of its convenient location, but because of the sheer amount of things to do. Every year that the park opens, the outside is clean, the employees are friendly, and the excitement is certainly always there.
Why Kings Dominion? Well, why not?