General Updates for 2026
- Thread starter mtorange
- Start date
My mom and I had an issue with our all season fast passes. We had them actively showing on our season passes, but when trying to add them to the QR fast lane website it would not activate. We went to the guest support inside, towards the right after entering. They had to manually add our seasonal fast lane in. I thought it was pretty interesting.
I also found the restaurants, the outpost cafe and the firehouse to be slow and a bit disorganized. The food was good, not as good as last years, but still better than most theme park food imo.
Operations also suffered in the same way of slowness and some confusion from time to time. Some operators did better than others, Grizzly seemed pretty decent with the couple rides I got in.
I think they could have benefited from a pass holder preview, if only to iron out the kinks. I know we got this a week early and I'm really not complaining. My mother and I had a wonderful time and enjoyed the energy of everyone. It was a great day, I just wanted to give my thoughts.
I also found the restaurants, the outpost cafe and the firehouse to be slow and a bit disorganized. The food was good, not as good as last years, but still better than most theme park food imo.
Operations also suffered in the same way of slowness and some confusion from time to time. Some operators did better than others, Grizzly seemed pretty decent with the couple rides I got in.
I think they could have benefited from a pass holder preview, if only to iron out the kinks. I know we got this a week early and I'm really not complaining. My mother and I had a wonderful time and enjoyed the energy of everyone. It was a great day, I just wanted to give my thoughts.
No real loss there, but it’s a shame they couldn’t have come up with a more creative use for this space. They could’ve gutted the inside and used it for a small covered bandstand with bench seating, for example. Hopefully they’ll at least decorate that wall with something theming in the coming weeks.
Haven’t seen it yet myself but from the picture I saw, my first thought was during Haunt they can push some of the Pumpkin Eater scenery further and/or use that space with new flats in front. Thought two, if they ever bring back Winterfest it could add seating or standing space not too far from the little stage by the Liberty Bell. Thought three is that during the summer that corner gets crowded with families waiting for parts of their group riding the log flume or rapids. Coupled with trying to make Dogwoods more of a mainstay this year, and less staff for an outdated game (requiring atleast 2 people) i almost never see open anyway it makes for a nice touch.
I also wonder the longevity of that structure to begin with. Didn’t it open with the park 51 years ago? If not it was soon after. With so many park original buildings needing repairs and refurbishments the last few years, it could be on it’s last legs and it was just easier to close off and have nobody on the inside any longer.
Total conjecture though.
I saw one sign as you walk into the park gate going towards the right towards Starbucks and the upgrade booth. The QR code on there goes directly to the KD portal. Also, all of the fast lane signage in the park at each ride got replaced and also have the same QR code to scan as well. Here is the link to the portal btw. I think the one for tumbili is still the old sign without the QR code. Other than that, kudos to KD for remaining committed to the continuity in signage for the jungle X rides that have fast lane.
I also don’t understand why they wouldn’t easily put in a button in the six flags app that would go to the fast lane portal. And yes, like seen elsewhere on here and on social media from others, it’s the flash pass portal but with the fast lane branding.
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Great video of all the changes!
One thing that stuck out to me is how they’re no longer using the arcade near Delirium (0:42 in the video). My gut tells me they’re going to try to utilize this for Haunt this year in some way. Maybe the IP maze will go here.
Remember, they used to use the Grizzly store (back then an arcade too, I believe) for Haunt mazes, so this isn’t too far out of the realm of possibilities. Both spaces are bigger than they originally appear, and Haunt mazes actually have pretty small footprints even though it doesn’t feel that way once you’re in the space.
I could definitely see it used as haunt maze on the other hand I don't know that we can definitely say that it won't be open at all just cause it is not open right now. KD has had a history of not having everything open on opening day.
I stopped by the park today and was disappointed that they’ve switched back to playing modern country music in Old Virginia. I know it’s a small detail, but I really believe that in-park music is one of the most effective ways of establishing a precise setting and mood for a themed area.
The music they played in Old VA for the past several seasons — instrumental bluegrass mixed with twangy 50s honky-tonk — took me to a specific time and a place. Modern country music, on the other hand, is ubiquitous. I can hear it everywhere from my local barbecue joint to my local Lowe’s. I visit a theme park to experience settings I don’t encounter every day, not to experience more of the same.
Thankfully, the rest of the areas are still playing the same themed soundtracks they switched to a handful of years ago.
The music they played in Old VA for the past several seasons — instrumental bluegrass mixed with twangy 50s honky-tonk — took me to a specific time and a place. Modern country music, on the other hand, is ubiquitous. I can hear it everywhere from my local barbecue joint to my local Lowe’s. I visit a theme park to experience settings I don’t encounter every day, not to experience more of the same.
Thankfully, the rest of the areas are still playing the same themed soundtracks they switched to a handful of years ago.
I would be fully in favor of them just ripping off the bluegrass-covers-of-modern-pop-songs that Kings Island plays(ed?) in the Rivertown section. It fits the vibe of the area so well.
@AmyUD06 bluegrass covers would definitely be a step in the right direction, but personally, I still have some reservations about them. I think they lack the earnest attempt at placemaking that more “authentic” music provides. Real instrumental bluegrass implies that the park takes the theme and setting of Old Virginia seriously and wants to immerse you in it — covers get the vibe right, but the tie to modern music breaks the immersion. It reminds you it’s all for show. But I digress- I could write a dissertation with my thoughts on in-park music, haha!
Anyway, here are a few other changes I noticed today. I only had about an hour to stop by the park, so I definitely missed some things.
Three snack stands have completely disappeared:
The park had posted that some of Wave Swinger’s panels had been repainted, but I didn’t realize all the artwork was getting repainted. At least, that’s what it looked like from what I could see. What a pleasant surprise to see the park investing in genuine art like this.
A few other changes I noticed but didn’t photograph:
The biggest theme of the minor changes I observed was the removal of small snack locations. Personally, I think this was a good move. This park has always struggled with having too many food locations to staff and manage. Simply eliminating the smaller locations lets them focus staff where it’s really needed, and it looks a lot better than these places just sitting closed — which they usually did.
Anyway, here are a few other changes I noticed today. I only had about an hour to stop by the park, so I definitely missed some things.
Three snack stands have completely disappeared:
- The old Grizzly Snacks booth near Flying Eagles has been replaced by the wagon prop that’s been in Old Virginia for a few years.
- The Boardwalk Fries stand that was across from Bad Apple is also gone. It looks like its old concrete pad has been freshly painted, so I wonder if it’ll be used as a seating area.
- The Boardwalk Fries stand on the path between Dodgem and Jungle X is also gone. I forgot to take a picture, but you’d have no clue it ever existed if you didn’t remember it had been there. It does nicely widen the path here, which was always a bit of a choke point on crowded days.
The park had posted that some of Wave Swinger’s panels had been repainted, but I didn’t realize all the artwork was getting repainted. At least, that’s what it looked like from what I could see. What a pleasant surprise to see the park investing in genuine art like this.
A few other changes I noticed but didn’t photograph:
- Additional theming has been added in front of Jungle Market Eatery, completely blocking the doors. I don’t think this place is opening any time soon, sadly.
- There’s a small sign teasing the new menu for the upcoming Dogwood’s Fries. No sign on the building right now.
- The flags from each of the five countries represented on International Street (Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and France) are back on their respective buildings. Nice to see this bit of theming back after they were temporarily removed for the park’s 50th Anniversary flags.
- The “Kings Dominion” letters in the flower beds on each side of the entrance plaza are now mounted upright on posts instead of laying flat in the mulch. No idea why they made this change, but it looks nice enough.
- The speakers on the Action Theater pathway are now playing Old Virginia’s music instead of International Street’s music as they have for the past 15+ years. This space has always been a thematic no-man’s land, but I do think incorporating it into Old VA makes more sense given the antique cars puttering by, the antique photos stand at the top of this path, and loose old-timey theming of the Coke Refresh stand. They should take this a step further and add a proper Old Virginia sign, and paint the Action Theater marquee a more appropriate brown instead of yellow, to complete the look.
- The small “Teddy’s Grab and Go” game booth near the Arbor Tunnel has been removed. The game was gutted a few years ago but its structure had awkwardly stayed up with its main signage intact and a few benches underneath it. Glad to see it finally gone, but its bare (but small) concrete pad has been left behind. I’d love to see some theming added here.
The biggest theme of the minor changes I observed was the removal of small snack locations. Personally, I think this was a good move. This park has always struggled with having too many food locations to staff and manage. Simply eliminating the smaller locations lets them focus staff where it’s really needed, and it looks a lot better than these places just sitting closed — which they usually did.
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KI local here....hard DISAGREE! Sorry, but I hate the bluegrass covers of modern pop songs. I'd much rather actual bluegrass songs not covers of pop songs. Same with the orchestral covers of pop songs KI did for a couple of years....didn't like that either.
Are the
I agree the bluegrass/old country is a better fit for the area. Are they playing real country songs at KD? I am not a fan of the track that KI uses with pop/rock cover in bluegrass style.
I agree the bluegrass/old country is a better fit for the area. Are they playing real country songs at KD? I am not a fan of the track that KI uses with pop/rock cover in bluegrass style.
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I really like that he gave credit to the chefs that came before him who actually earned KD its culinary reputation over the last ten years.
The Dogwood updates sound impressive, but it's weird that they killed Excavator's Taters only to go and make a new fresh cut fries place literally like a year later. I hope it works out, but I'll be honest, my hopes aren't high. That location does not have a positive history of success, even when the food has been excellent.
The Dogwood updates sound impressive, but it's weird that they killed Excavator's Taters only to go and make a new fresh cut fries place literally like a year later. I hope it works out, but I'll be honest, my hopes aren't high. That location does not have a positive history of success, even when the food has been excellent.
I think they're hoping to increase the draw to dogwood by making it the only place for "premium" fries and make it a sought out location rather than food you grab if you're in the area. When going over park changes it was specifically mentioned to direct guests towards dogwoods if they ask about boardwalk so I think the plan is to steer some of the demand from 4 locations towards that one spot.
Yeah, very good point about not having to compete with Boardwalk fries anymore. That will make this attempt different than when KD attempted a flagship fry product at Wayside back in the day.
(Sidenote: Thank god for the removal of Boardwalk fries. Long time coming and major respect to KD for finally kicking them to the curb.)
(Sidenote: Thank god for the removal of Boardwalk fries. Long time coming and major respect to KD for finally kicking them to the curb.)
I wonder if it has something to do with the Jungle X side of the park having too many food options and the Old Virginia side not having enough. Jungle X already has Outpost Cafe and Chicken Shack (not to mention Jungle Market Eatery if they ever open that back up) whereas ever since Country Kitchen closed, Old VA has literally nothing except the former Boardwalk Fries snack stand. The next closest dining locations are Grain & Grill and Juke Box Diner, making Old VA something of a food desert right now. Moving the fries here should help balance out the locations.
I'm still not convinced that fresh-cut fries are really unique enough for people to flock to them, although the death of Boardwalk Fries will definitely work in their favor. Personally, I think something like fresh cinnamon bread would be perfect for that location. That's a more unique treat that could become a real staple for the park, and that shady corner of the park -- surrounded by trees, Old VA's charming rustic theming, and right by the log flume -- gives major Dollywood vibes anyway.
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I’m excited to see the menu there. I do wish I could get a burger somewhere besides Jukebox.
If I dont get to season my fries with whatever I want and how much I want off to the side then they will never be better than boardwalks. Handcut dont mean shit. Gimmick wording when I assume theyre all frozen anyway