Kings Dominion Goes Year-Round in 2023

[MikeLovesKD]

Hey people. Long time no speak.

Here is how I will begin my post. This seems to be a treat, but something is missing. This would have been a lot better if the park still had Volcano. Without the crowd pleasing attraction, it's debatable whether or not KD could still see high weekend numbers without it. Let's also add to the equation the time of year these operations will occur? This is January in the state of Virginia. As we can see, the fall temperatures this year are bit colder than last season. I'm sure that the ride manufacture restrictions still apply, just as they do during WinterFest when it gets too cold. So what is the park going to offer? Flight of Fear seems perfect since it's indoor. But what else is going to make the greater Washington Metropolitan drive the 2 hours to visit KD if it's the same ride lineup as WinterFest. The park has to offer something a little more promising than Dominator and Twisted Timbers. They have to find a way to open at least four coasters with great marketing in order to justify the drive.

Here's how I would do it starting off fresh in 2023. In my opinion, if you know your going to be doing all year operation; why not extend your popular HAUNT SEASON into mid-NOVEMBER. Maybe offer a special event during those November weekends where the scares are even darker and scarier. More people will come. This eliminates the need in starting the Winter celebration in November. Starting it too early in November limits guest to a small selection of coasters. Then add the fact that when WinterFest actually starts in December, we get another month of only riding a few coasters. Then add the coming year-around operation with a limited selection of coasters. Understand what I'm getting to?

 

[Jonesta6]

Given the renewed focus on theming and family-friendly experiences, the coaster lineup is gratuitous to the WF event.

I'm thinking the main two reasons why Haunt ends in October is that scary season in general tends to end at Halloween, and since Thanksgiving isn't much of a commerical holiday the nation winter holidays (Christmas and Hanukkah, respectively) are far more marketable. Though, with the renewed focus on the culinary department alongside the existing Peanuts Thanksgiving movie I'm guessing the park could pull it off.

As much as I personally would love all rides open if I were to go anytime of the year, my guess is they're going to stay fairly limited until the main season kicks off.

Instead, though we have to see what they announce to come after WF but before March includes - wouldn't be too surprised with some cold weather variation on a rotating parade among the other CF parks also going to year-round schedules. I'd also guess that they may switch out coasters mostly to ensure there's time for the regular yearly maintenance tear-downs on TT and Dominator.

 

[MikeLovesKD]

Given the renewed focus on theming and family-friendly experiences, the coaster lineup is gratuitous to the WF event.

I'm thinking the main two reasons why Haunt ends in October is that scary season in general tends to end at Halloween, and since Thanksgiving isn't much of a commerical holiday the nation winter holidays (Christmas and Hanukkah, respectively) are far more marketable. Though, with the renewed focus on the culinary department alongside the existing Peanuts Thanksgiving movie I'm guessing the park could pull it off.

As much as I personally would love all rides open if I were to go anytime of the year, my guess is they're going to stay fairly limited until the main season kicks off.

Instead, though we have to see what they announce to come after WF but before March includes - wouldn't be too surprised with some cold weather variation on a rotating parade among the other CF parks also going to year-round schedules. I'd also guess that they may switch out coasters mostly to ensure there's time for the regular yearly maintenance tear-downs on TT and Dominator.

This makes me question why they even do it. WinterFest is always hit or miss because it's going to depend on the winter season that year. The Washington Metropolitan area is set to experience a brutal winter as meteorologist have predicted. As soon as Fall came, it got colder overnight. I'm willing to give KD chance given the fact that I have been to BGW a tone of times over the course of last season and this year. Tired of the long drive back to MD. So it's KD for me. However, I will say that BGW does a better job in giving you more attractions for their winter season. As we already know, they give you Verbolten because it's a popular ride that has a INDOOR segment. Not sure why KD can't seem to do this for it's fully enclosed Flight of Fear. The world may never know.

 

[Jonesta6]

So... While NOVA residents are part of the equation, Richmond and Fredericksburg, especially Richmond residents are likely the main audience for the park in general, especially for the extra months.

Yes, it's curious about what they may do with the relative lack of indoor attractions, especially at the beginning. But I'm guessing the desire to not operate FoF is that unlike VB the main ride building doesn't have an HVAC system (to my knowledge, correct me if that's not the case) so at best the only advantage is that there's a wind block.

However, I'm guessing between ride operating costs and generally how much it would take to open the pathways to it (possibly including merch and food stands, plus restrooms, cleaning, etc) it's less cost effective to open than another ride closer to the central pathway at CAG or Old Virginia.

The big thing is we also don't know exactly what their plans are yet, but again I'm guessing the focus will remain on family friendly experiences, and they'll likely have only a few coasters up and running until March.

 

[bill s]

^^-- I've never felt the first hint of Verbolten having any heating. At least FoF has the queue. I just don't think they want to do Christmas decorations over there, that centers on the Eiffel. Maybe for a daytime winter event they won't block off much even though mostly closed.

With Tumbili, FoF and a woodie they could beat BG on temperature limits. I don't want to go much lower because it's just not necessary that often here, but 42 F in the darkest coldest crevice of the ride to start up is a bit restrictive.

Who knows what they have in mind. I think a couple coasters, at least, can combine with some entertainment and a good meal to make a nice outing, and that those who want fun for the whole family also would agree. When the offerings are less it just affects how far and often I want to go.

 

[mwhinva]

The year round operations for Kings Dominion and Carowinds was made by CF corporate.

Given that Knott's is their only year-round park, CF is looking for potential ways to produce more income in a time-frame where most of their parks are dormant. I could even see CGA being a year-round park. But, CF is planning to wind down operations there, so it looks like KD and CW are the parks corporate wants to take a stab at year round operations.

Lets face it, CF's only theme parks in the southern half of the US are Knott's, KD, and CW. Again, Knott's has the only year round operations. I realize that winter weather in central VA can be fickle; the temps and precip can fluxuate greatly. But, the average daytime temps in January/Febuary are in the mid to upper forties. (Sometimes colder, sometimes warmer).

There also differences in weather patterns between NOVA and central VA. It could be a cold rain and upper 30's in the Richmond-Ashland corridor and heavy snow and temps in the upper 20's from Federicksburg to DC. F-burg is the defacto border most of the time for colder temps and frozen precip. The only time Richmond gets cold temps is when there is a major cold front dropping down from Canada. Major frozen precip events are due to coastal storms pulling down cold air to make snow, sleet, and fr rain.

Weather aside, I would assume limited operations for those weekends (6-8 hours of operations). There will be a certain set of rides open, certain number restaurants open, etc. We don't know if the park will have anything going on during that time to be an incentive to draw folks to the park. The corporate number crunchers must feel it is worth the chance to operate during Jan-Feb. Time will tell.

 

[MikeLovesKD]

At first I thought they were doing this because of the rising popularity in people driving to BGW. After Volcano's closure, BGW shot up like a bottle of champagne. Pantheon's popularity and coming attractions for 2023 and 2024 have pushed a lot of enthusiast to driving the extra hour to BGW. After KD's lack of performance for the 2021 season, I had not visited the park since 4th of July 2021. So when I read the article the other day about KD attempting to do year-around operations, I figured it was to compete with BGW. From an honest point of view, BGW does offer a bit more for its winter celebration. Get ready for impact but BGW has added PANTHEON to it's ride line-up for Christmas Town. If temperature's allow it, I'll be taking the long drive to BGW for night rides on Pantheon. Take time to consider that this winter coaster line-up might continue to grow once their new indoor attraction is added in 2023.

Considering the above facts ^ it's safe to say that Cedar Fair has a lot to consider about the future of KD. Sea World has obviously done some homework and it's using it's resources wisely to compete with KD throughout the year. If Cedar Fair wants to make weekend operations effective during January and February, they have to offer something that's worth the drive. Being 1 hour closer to the Washington Metropolitan region is half the battle. We are willing to make the drive if it's worth it. Yes Richmond and Fredericksburg are still close, but the park could be getting so much more if the Washington Metropolitan region were visiting during those months.

I feel there is enough enough family entertainment at KD. I respected the addition of Tumbili. Something to hold us over and favor the new Jungle X-pedition themed area. 2023 and 2024 will obviously be BGW's time to shine with two coasters already in the plans. So Cedar Fair has to focus on 2025 and 2026 for KD.

 

[Jonesta6]

@MikeLovesKD I think you're still missing the point about local audiences vs. your personal bias. NOVA/DC isn't as important as RVA/Fburg, and since we still don't know what the plans are for the extended months of operations it's too early to say exactly what they plan on competing against BGW with will be.

In general, it sounds like the parks have swapped places, with BGW/SEAS management preferring to use new rides as their draw since it seems much of their events are fairly stale; KD/CF management is going slowly at replacing the unreliable prototypes installed by Paramount and instead has been refocusing on theming and family experiences.

So to use Pantheon as a sole reason to visit vs. being frustrated that Volcano hasn't been replaced yet and choosing to not visit is more of a thoosie viewpoint than (I'm assuming) a major consideration by either park.

 

[horsesboy]

Looks like we now have a park scheduling war.

Water Country USA Announces Winter Schedule To Compete With Kings Dominion

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Following King’s Dominion’s announcement to be open year round starting in 2023, Water Country USA will now be open throughout the winter season, officials confirmed Saturday. “…

thepeedmont.com

 

[Nicole]

@MikeLovesKD I think you're still missing the point about local audiences vs. your personal bias. NOVA/DC isn't as important as RVA/Fburg, and since we still don't know what the plans are for the extended months of operations it's too early to say exactly what they plan on competing against BGW with will be.

In general, it sounds like the parks have swapped places, with BGW/SEAS management preferring to use new rides as their draw since it seems much of their events are fairly stale; KD/CF management is going slowly at replacing the unreliable prototypes installed by Paramount and instead has been refocusing on theming and family experiences.

So to use Pantheon as a sole reason to visit vs. being frustrated that Volcano hasn't been replaced yet and choosing to not visit is more of a thoosie viewpoint than (I'm assuming) a major consideration by either park.

I would add that the assertion that NOVA guests are only interested in coasters seems highly unlikely and is certainly presented without evidence. Honestly, DC metro residents who only care about the coaster collection should probably just go to Hershey. KD is offering a different experience.

 

[MikeLovesKD]

I would add that the assertion that NOVA guests are only interested in coasters seems highly unlikely and is certainly presented without evidence. Honestly, DC metro residents who only care about the coaster collection should probably just go to Hershey. KD is offering a different experience.

Rides are always apart of the experience. Honestly, how long do you think people will stare at decorations. Yes, they are nice, but something else has to draw people there. Let's pretend KD didn't open any rides for WinterFest and it was just food and shows. Do you think anybody would even bother coming? No, the park is smart enough to know that they need a couple of rides open to justify people staying longer than a couple of hours. If the winter season is not as harsh as they say it's going to be, then this will look like a genius plan. But as usual they picked the year where fall came a lot earlier and temperatures are colder.

 

[Nicole]

As a matter of fact, yes, I do believe people would go to KD just for lights, music, entertainment, food, and holiday attractions like meeting Santa and ice skating. Holiday light displays are huge draws and the target audience for this kind of event is families with younger children, not thrill-seekers. Additionally, historically, I have, personally, opted against coasters, when it gets cold, because the wind is incredibly unpleasant.

I infer that you and your friends are primarily (only?) interested in the rides. I think you need to consider that your are neither the target audience nor in the majority. As evidence, I would point out that these theme park holiday events are still busy, when it is too cold for the rides to open.

 

[horsesboy]

As a matter of fact, yes, I do believe people would go to KD just for lights, music, entertainment, food, and holiday attractions like meeting Santa and ice skating. Holiday light displays are huge draws and the target audience for this kind of event is families with younger children, not thrill-seekers. Additionally, historically, I have, personally, opted against coasters, when it gets cold, because the wind is incredibly unpleasant.

I infer that you and your friends are primarily (only?) interested in the rides. I think you need to consider that your are neither the target audience nor in the majority. As evidence, I would point out that these theme park holiday events are still busy, when it is too cold for the rides to open.

I can not count the number of events I have been to where the coasters are open and basically a walk on despite the park being jammed packed. This strongly supports coasters not being the major draw to the event.

 

[bill s]

I've never seen KD Winterfest what I'd call "jam packed" and I've definitely waited in line for coasters. Maybe you're thinking of C Town with a bigger Xmas draw and 4 coasters open. Maybe not almost everyone wants to ride but the majority of people that go then AND sometime the rest of the year do. Also at least one member of almost every family.

 

[Jonesta6]

I waited in line for TT during a couple of visits last WF, but it wasn't a particularly long wait any time and I think was mostly attributed to slow operations; it took something like 3 minute dispatches with 2 trains and maybe 5-6 minute operations with 1 train.

In any case, I felt the coasters still weren't the main draw though per @bill s's experience I would be considered the one person in my group that wanted to ride.

 

[horsesboy]

I've never seen KD Winterfest what I'd call "jam packed" and I've definitely waited in line for coasters. Maybe you're thinking of C Town with a bigger Xmas draw and 4 coasters open. Maybe not almost everyone wants to ride but the majority of people that go then AND sometime the rest of the year do. Also at least one member of almost every family.

I do see it more often at BGW but I have seen it at KD as well on more then one occasion.

 

[Riboflavenus]

This is all the more reason for KD to go outside the box when considering Volcano's replacement and putting in an Ultra Tower with a heated queue! Ultra Tower - Intamin Amusement Rides

 

[Jonesta6]

I think that'd be more of an addition or replacement to Action Theater than it'd take the place of an iconic coaster...

But unless anyone's seen construction happening already, it'd be at least another year or two before that could be used for winter months.

 

[Crunchewy]

I can only speak for myself, but the main reason I go to Winterfest is for the lights, music, atmosphere and stuff. I do ride some rides, and you could say that I wouldn't go if they didn't have some rides open, but also If it weren't for the lights and music I wouldn't go either. Now, I will say, I'm only going to go once during WF. That's enough. But that's more than 0 visits. I don't know what's going to happen during the post-xmas/new-years part of the "season", but I probably wouldn't visit then unless they do something more than open a few rides in the cold, and only if we get a relatively not too cold day. There has to be a draw other than just a few rides.

 

[JohnKell]

I wonder how year-round operation will impact capital spending for KD. I assume it would be in CF's best interest to develop more indoor attractions and indoor food hall especially for cold/cooler weather operations.