40th Anniversary Celebration & Park Revitalization

[mwhinva]

Well, that threw my "12 Guesses of Christmas" out of the window. They did say small stuff. (Although, a 12-14 foot diameter floral clock is not what I consider "little"). At this point, I don't know what to think concerning what the park will disclose over the next ten days leading to Christmas. If kings Dominion considers these to be the small gifts, what about the larger ones? :shocked:

Well... it may be small stuff compared to some of the other stuff. The singing mushrooms returning was surely one of their biggest announcements that was made. The next 10 days will surely be amazing.

After all 12 items are announced, I will most likely make a post highlighting all of the 12 things that were announced.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining in any way. Other than the "boo-boo" on their employment page, Kings Dominion has been doing a great job keeping a tight lid on the 2014 improvement information. I am looking forward to the 2014 stuff to be revealed as we approach Christmas!

I am glad that the park is taking time to refresh several areas of the park and trying to bring back a sense of cohesive themeing once more.

 

[wombat96]

I really hope they give a sign saying Mt. Kilmanjaro in Safari Village. It would make me so happy!

 

[mwhinva]

I really hope they give a sign saying Mt. Kilmanjaro in Safari Village. It would make me so happy!

Well, given that this is an off-year for Kings Dominion concerning a major ride / attraction, (see Cedar Fair CFO web-cast presentation highlights link on the Cedar Fair thread), I am still not ready to throw in the towel concerning a return of a former flat ride for 2014.

A small/medium flat ride would probably cost in 1 to 3 million dollars range (might get something less than 1 million dollars; though, I'm thinking a used ride in that case). I think there still is a small chance of a return of one flat ride or maybe two at the most.

Here is a small list of potential former flat rides that might fit in the price range listed above. This list only concerns former flat rides that once operated at the park. Whether or not all of these rides are still manufactured today, or a current ride manufacturer is willing to re-create the ride, is not completely known to me. Sorry, no Sky-Pilot, Steam Train, Wind Seeker, Sky-ride cable cars, or Drop Tower type rides in the lineup below; too expensive (4-12 million dollar range).

[Generic Ride Name | Park Ride Name ** | Former Ride Location]

** If different from ride manufacturer name.

1) Bayern Curve | Mt. Kilamanjero | Safari Village
2) Calypso | ran 1-2 seasons - removed late 1970's | Safari Village
3) Rotor | Time Shaft | The Lost World - Safari Village
4) Enterprise [Schwarzkopf version] | Apple Turnover | Candy Apple Grove [CAG]
5) Vertigo | Variation of Musik Express style ride [Same] | [CAG]
6) Giant Slide | Dry Mat Slide [Same] | CAG
7) Monster | [Same] | CAG
8) Matterhorn | Flying Bobs | CAG
9) Flying Dutchman | Jamestown Landing | Old Virginia - CAG

*** IF *** Kings Dominion has the budget to put in one or two former flat rides back in the park in 2014; then here is my top 4 possibilities (in no particular order):

1) Enterprise | Apple Turnover
2) Rotor | Time Shaft
3) Bayern Curve | Mt. Kilamanjero
4) Monster

 

[Mushroom]

Mwhinva, since you seem to know the park way better than I do, where do you think are potential locations for the "possible" new rides you brought up?

Personally, to figure this out, I would first take the original location of the ride into consideration, which mwhinva pretty much already did. I would then eliminate these same locations that can no longer be used (ie there is a major attraction now occupying that space). This would mean--unless they really figure out something crazy and I in turn faint in astonishment--there is no way for:

- "Time Machine" to return to the mountain with the coaster there.

- Jamestown Landing was either where the Go-Karts or Xtreme Skyflyer is now(? - not sure about this), which are both upcharge attractions, eliminating that spot.

- I can't see Mt. Kilimanjaro returning due to its mountain's location right between Volcano, Flight of Fear, and Scrambler (which is in such a great secluded location, the rides on it are wonderful). Plus, the mountain has already been turned into a waterfall. Can't see this happening, at least in this spot.

That's pretty much all I know. I guess there are also possibilities of moving/removing older rides, but it's hard for me to think of any of those to be removed. Also, I would doubt that a Giant Slide would return. Much more of a "State Fair" ride in my opinion.

Part of me doesn't really want a new ride to appear, because parts of the park just seem to crowded with rides as is, which is something they really seem to be working on and fixing this season. Adding a ride really would not help matters in that aspect. I am more than content with the overall improvements being made to the look and feel of the park as is. The Singing Mushrooms and Floral Clock alone are enough to make me the happiest person in the park! One way or another, I absolutely cannot wait to see the park next year. For the first time in decades, I think Kings Dominion will be a true world-class theme park again.

Busch Gardens must have soiled their pants by now...

 

[mwhinva]

@Joe

I am just going to go over the 4 possibilities of flat rides I think we might have a shot at getting for 2014. Again, there is NO confirmation from Kings Dominion that any former flat ride is making a 2014 comeback at this point and time. If we lucked out and were getting a ride back, I can see just one or maybe two rides at the most coming back. It's just conjecture on my part.

[Time Shaft | Rotor]

I can't say that this ride could go back in its original spot in the main mountain due to all the track supports for volcano. There is a possibility to place the ride just behind the old Mt. Kilamanjaro mountain (in the mountain ridge that connects the Mt. K. structure with the main mountain). the ride entrance/exit could then be either from the FOF plaza, (where the Dippin Dot's/Frozen Lemonade stands are) or just past the Scrambler entrance on that short dead-end path).

[Mt. Kilamanjaro | Bayern Kurve]

First off, the waterfall and center pool was always there during the ride's existence (see attached picture - from KD Golden Years Facebook site). The track entrance/exit points into the small mountain were sealed up when the ride was removed (part of the ride track went through the small mountain). The scrambler sits west of the main Mt. K. ride site. The closest the scrambler ride comes to the old Mt. Kilamanjaro ride site is where the scrambler operator booth is located. If you look at the outer concrete retaining wall for the Mt. K. center pool and were able to measure out 8-10 feet from it, that is about how much space that would need to be reclaimed to place the Bayern Kurve ride back in its original location. Pretty much means the designated smoking area would have to go to make way for a queue line and exit. I would not know if reclaiming that space would intrude greatly on the scrambler site or the path to FOF & I-305. I never paid that close of attention to that area.

[Monster]

If the Monster were to make a comeback in Candy Apple Grove, I think there is enough room to place it almost on its original spot; if that free standing game structure was removed (east of the Subway/Sweet Tooth building and in front of the Drop Tower Sign. It might be a little tight; but, I don't think it would be a Total bottle neck.

[Apple Turnover | Enterprise]

This ride would not be able to go back to its original location in CAG due to the water park entrance. Due to the size of the wheel, when in the horizontal position, you would need a good sized footprint for this ride. It could be located somewhere at the western end of Candy Apple Grove near Windseeker. Maybe if the park eliminated/re-located the Extreme Sky-Flyer up-charge attraction, there would be way more than enough room for it there.

 

[I305Evan]

On the 3rd day of Christmas Kings Dominion gave to me:

On the 3rd day of Christmas, #KD40 gave to me: Unlimited Dinosaurs Alive visits for 2014 Gold and Platinum Passholders! Travel back 65 million years ago as many times as you’d like with your family now that Dinosaurs Alive will be included for free with your Gold and Platinum Season Pass beginning in 2014! Don’t forget: Our Buy Now Pay Later program ends soon! https://www.kingsdominion.com/ticket-category/2014-SeasonJoe Pass

Facebook Post

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Gold and Platinum Pass holders now have another benefit to their pass!

 

[mtpelepele]

Well, one way to bring back a classic flat would be to put it in the spot where the Flying Eagles are. Great spot for the Flying Dutchman, not far at all from it's original location. But wait, you say, what about the Flying Eagles? Isn't it an original ride? Sure! But originally, it was located in Safari Village. Take it back there, give it it's original parrot paint job, and you've returned TWO classic rides!

 

[I305Evan]

On the 4th day of Christmas, Kings Dominion gave to me...

On the 4th day of Christmas, #KD40 gave to me: A look at Ruby, the 40th Celebration custom painted Carousel horse. We’re getting our first drawing of what Ruby will look like once she’s completely restored and added back to the park’s historic Carousel in April. A local Richmond artist is restoring Ruby, which is part of a multi-year project to restore and repaint all of the horses on the Carousel.

Facebook Post

 

[Ghost of Pretzel Kaiser]

Because the site manager is lazy...

On the 5th day of Christmas, ‪#‎KD40‬ gave to me: A fresh, new look to Border Café. The newly renovated restaurant on International Street will feature hand-crafted burritos, nachos, tacos, quesadilla and more next year. Which will be your favorite?

Nothing major today, but I need to be sure to try this place.

 

[Jrbgwfan06]

Sounds good to me, at least their trying to improve their culinary a bit.

Usually I eat at Chick-Fil-A when I go there, but one time I went on a Sunday and was so mad because I just wanted simple Chicken tenders and Mac & Cheese. I was thinking "Well no body can mess that up, right?" WRONG. The chicken tenders were very chewy, and were only the breading and not the actual chicken. And the mac & cheese was just flavorless. Not even to mention the line took 30 minutes. I mean I don't expect BGW quality food, but I want some sort of quality. So this is actually really good news for me, it seems as though they are taking the step in the right direction for culinary.

 

[Mushroom]

Agreed, Matthew. I've had some bad meals at KD myself. I tend to eat Panda Express (it's "International," right? ) by the International Street fountains. Aside from the chain restaurants, the best restaurants I've eaten at are Country Kitchen, Outer Hanks, and Trail's End Grill (my personal favorite--it has a free toppings bar!). And Boardwalk Fries--if you have yet to have those, with some vinegar and seasoning, you are more than missing out. Excuse me while I go drool a little...

 

[Zachary]

When Nora, Luke, and I were at KD this last season we ate at Border Café- we were all actually very surprised by how good it was. I don't think any of us expected any better than Taco Bell, but we all agreed that it was actually pretty good.

Also, here's the picture Kings Dominion posted along with the announcement Pretzel quoted:

 

[mwhinva]

Because the site manager is lazy...

On the 5th day of Christmas, ‪#‎KD40‬ gave to me: A fresh, new look to Border Café. The newly renovated restaurant on International Street will feature hand-crafted burritos, nachos, tacos, quesadilla and more next year. Which will be your favorite?

Nothing major today, but I need to be sure to try this place.

Should be interesting to see what they will do to the restaurant. There is/was a ton of unused space behind the current order counter (covered windows). The park once had a micro-brewery in that space with 2-3 brew vats that you could see behind the glass & watch the folks making the beer. When that closed, all the brewery equipment was moved out and the windows covered.

I assume the space is now used as storage of some sort. Maybe KD will remodel the interior space and move the order counter against the back wall and re-claim some of that space for more dining.

A little history trivia: During the first 7-8 years of the park's existence, the Border Cafe was known as the International Restaurant. It was the only Full-Service Food facility in the park. Yes, there were waiters/waitresses who took your order and served the food. I think it had a full service bar serving mixed drinks as well. I never ate there during that time, it was out of my dad's budget range (Burgers & Hot Dogs).

 

[Ghost of Pretzel Kaiser]

I agree that the food needs some improvement. I'm hoping that this is step in the right direction.

It's also note worthy that the pretzels are actually better than the normal super pretzel that most parks have.

 

[I305Evan]

Because the site manager is lazy...

Not lazy... just busy. And I've been on point with all of the updates so far. I get permission to slack off on at least one right?

Anyways, I sure hope this isn't the only change in the culinary department. Hopefully they will be able to create some signature dishes at a few other places. I'm not big fan of Mexican food, but I will try to find something that I may like next year.

 

[Ghost of Pretzel Kaiser]

On the 6th day of Christmas, ‪#‎KD40‬ gave to me: Our famous strolling Clown Band! Direct from the 80’s, the Clown Band - one of the most recognized entertainment groups - brings its shenanigans back to the streets of Kings Dominion! Share your memories of the Clown Band below!

Clown Band confirmed. Yay for live musical performers!

 

[mwhinva]

On the 6th day of Christmas, ‪#‎KD40‬ gave to me: Our famous strolling Clown Band! Direct from the 80’s, the Clown Band - one of the most recognized entertainment groups - brings its shenanigans back to the streets of Kings Dominion! Share your memories of the Clown Band below!

Clown Band confirmed. Yay for live musical performers!

I just browsed through the entertainment company MoonMaxx Productions Facebook page and they have removed all the KD Audition information off of their site.
:-/

In this day and age of social media sites, how do you get this information out to all those interested in performing at the park? I don't think there is anything confidential on what they posted. It's not like they are giving away all the entertainment shows for 2014. (Well, they did announce the 2013 Show Names/Show Casts on their Facebook site before Kings Dominion opened for the season; maybe that was a boo-boo on their part). But, just calling for singers, dancers, and musicians to audition for the park's shows is top secret?

Heck, the park has the same information on their employment web site (just the in-park additions in February). MoonMaxx is not some top secret entertainment company the park hired. They announce their name at the Beginning or End of each performance. That's how I looked them up in the first place. :huh:

Well, good luck stuffing the cat back into the bag!

 

[Ghost of Pretzel Kaiser]

Throwback Thursday & On the 7th day of Christmas, ‪#‎KD40‬ gave to me: A Walk of Memories from the 70’s to the 2000’s around the Eiffel Tower. Travel back in time and learn about the rich history of Kings Dominion with our Walk of Memories boards that will be located around the Eiffel Tower.

What ride do you hope is pictured in our Walk of Memories?

Super neat for history fans. Now if another major amusement park in Virginia would acknowledge that it existed before 2010...

 

[mwhinva]

7 Days Down and 5 Days to go!

Wonder what other 2014 morsels are left under the tree to be unwrapped?

 

[Jrbgwfan06]

Now if another major amusement park in Virginia would acknowledge that it existed before 2010...

I honestly think they don't acknowledge that, because people might start thinking that the park's quality has gone wayyyyy down. They want to cover up their mistakes of the present with the cover up of their past.