Links to the Past

[Mushroom]

Thanks to the similar thread posted by Dr. Money for Busch Gardens, I figured, as someone else in that thread suggested, that we should have a similar thread for Kings Dominion. This might actually be even more fun because of how Kings Dominion has jumped completely from one chain to another to another. Cedar Fair has been really intent and has relentlessly removed every major reference to Paramount, Cedar Fair-izing the park.

So, the basic point of this thread is to see where Paramount references still remain that Cedar Fair hasn't taken over, or even if there are links to the past from the original owners. Like Doc's thread, I'll keep the list on this first post updated. Again, this should be fun because of how Cedar Fair works to basically erase every reference to the past! Also, as someone stated earlier, Paramount basically ruined the park, so the bad areas are mainly where Paramount's stuff has not yet changed. Remember that this list is meant for actual leftover references to the past, not just how the park hasn't yet changed!

Links to the past at Kings Dominion
1. Flyng Ace vehicles resemble Nickelodeon theme - Planet Snoopy (formerly Nickelodeon Central)
2. Signs in the Woodstock Express station still feature the old Kidzville signs, logos, print, characters, etc. - Planet Snoopy (formerly KidZvile)
3. Hurler's name, logo, and remaining themed station resemble Paramount theme - Grove (formerly Wayne's World)
4. Signs throughout the park still refer to the Action Theater by its Paramount name, F/X Theater - International Street and direction signs throughout the park
5. The Paramount's Kings Dominion logo is still featured on the front of the Ricochet cars, the "Paramount" word itself has simply been removed - Grove
6. Boo Blasters on Boo Hill ride vehicles resemblant of Scooby Doo! theme and Mystery Machine cars. "Ghastly Swamp" name reference to Scooby Doo! - Planet Snoopy (formerly KidZville)
7. A safety sign in Dodgem's queue features Hanna-Barbera characters - Grove
8. Props remaining from the Lost World rides, along with track, from previuous attractions in the space remain in the Volcano area - Congo
9. Hypersonic XLC station used as storage next to Windseeker - Grove
10. KidZville crane and water tower still intact at Grove entrance to Planet Snoopy - Planet Snoopy, Grove/Congo entrance
11. Backlot Stunt Coaster resemblant of "Italian Job" vehicles and theme from Paramount - Congo

Let's see what we can uncover from Kings Dominion's past!

 

[Hoopla]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

The Volcano

 

[Mushroom]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

The Volcano

:dodgy:

I know it's based on a Paramount movie, but it doesn't really reference it directly. It's generic enough to be another run-of-the-mill Cedar Far attraction as far as specific corporate theming goes

 

[b.mac]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

The Italian job.

 

[CastleOSullivan]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

I would say Volcano counts, because they have several props left over from the previous rides that were in that mountain structure. They still have part of the track from the log flume that was originally part of that mountain. Unless this has changed (which I doubt it) they even have one of the boats still sitting there on a rusty track. You can see it in that small body of water off to the side.

 

[Zachary]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

You can also see a bit of track embedded into the mountain near the first launch if you look upward from the line for the front row if I remember correctly.

 

[Mushroom]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

Okay, I got you, sorry about that. :blush: Added the Volcano props from the old rides to the list. About Backlot... I'm not sure about that, seeing as it doesn't directly relate to the Italian Job anymore...it's just a car-themed coaster with special effects now. Most of the movie references themselves have been erased. What do you guys think?

Keep 'em coming!

 

[Mushroom]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

Also, I abbreviated the points in the list so the info is short and sweet.

EDIT: Sorry to double-post...I figured this would just go to the bottom of my previous post like normal, but I'm guessing I waited too long? :blush:

 

[b.mac]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

Okay, I got you, sorry about that. :blush: Added the Volcano props from the old rides to the list. About Backlot... I'm not sure about that, seeing as it doesn't directly relate to the Italian Job anymore...it's just a car-themed coaster with special effects now. Most of the movie references themselves have been erased. What do you guys think?

If people actually bothered to see the movie (trust me you kinda don't, it's bad) they could be able to identify that the ride is similar to the movie, along with the fact that the cars are obviously shaped to Mini Coopers just without the headlights, taillights, grill, etc. It's kind of a stretch really but it does reference that it is influenced by a Paramount movie.

On a related "The Italian Job" note, go watch the original.

 

[I305Evan]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

The Hyper Sonic Station is still intact behind WindSeeker.

 

[b.mac]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

Not to forget the southernmost entrance to Planet Snoopy (by Congo, but not in it, technically connected to the Grove) is still the original entrance from the former KidzVille.

 

[mwhinva]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

I would say Volcano counts, because they have several props left over from the previous rides that were in that mountain structure. They still have part of the track from the log flume that was originally part of that mountain. Unless this has changed (which I doubt it) they even have one of the boats still sitting there on a rusty track. You can see it in that small body of water off to the side.

Not sure if you are referencing the boat in the lagoon in front of the Volcano boarding station; if so, that is NOT a ride vehicle from the Haunted River. That is a prop that came from one of the scenes (shipwreck - might have originally been a "lifeboat") with a tapered (pointed) bow and squared off stern. The ride vehicles were squarish with 3 rows of 2 across seating. Poor diagram of boat shape below. Short center flat front with tapered corners (same for the rear of the boat add bumpers at the front/back of the vehicle)

____
/....\
|---|
|---|
|---|
\___/

 

[Hoopla]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

I've got one- The Eiffel Tower and Woodstock Express (Scooby Doo Coaster)

 

[Mushroom]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

Added the Hypersonic station, KidZville crane (good one! - On a related note, check out how they have changed it to look like a space ship...very cool), and, yes B.mac, Backlot's resemblance to the Italian Job.

Hoopla, for you:
Those are a bit too vague and don't necessarily reference the past (though I'll look in to whether the fact they brief you on the history of the Eiffel Tower on the way up counts), and Woodstock Express may have an important history to the park, but keep in mind that it's not like the sign still has a picture of Scooby Doo on it or anything. Plus, Cedar Fair has actually renamed the ride twice to even get rid of Scooby (if it were still Ghoster Coaster, which shared a name with SCooby Doo's Ghoster Coaster, I guess that would have counted) .But I like your suggestions

Keep in mind, guys, we're looking for more than just things that remain from the past, we're looking for unchanged things from the past that actually don't fit anymore because they link you back based on what they give you. Like the tree in Killarney that talkes about Corkscrew Hill, or the stained glass in the Festhaus that still says "Hastings" on it...both are references to a Busch Gardens of another time. On the other hand, saying "Loch Ness Monster" is a reference to the past is more of a stretch simply because the ride itself is old and was there during the AB era...it's not like there's a sketch of an AB eagle in the crew's quarters in the LNM queue or anything (which would be wicked cool.). I feel like we need to look for more of references to the past, not just what are necessarily leftovers they've tweaked. /twocents/

Keep em' coming!

 

[netdvn]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

I recall either the park or KD Golden Years posting a pic of the old safari entrance still standing in a back area on Facebook. Not sure if it counts because its off limits to guests, but its definitely a remnant.

 

[Hoopla]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v4FPEaCugkk
Video of the lion country safari building.

 

[CoolDrMoney]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

Did you find that at murdererhideouts.com?

 

[Hoopla]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

No, I found it on YouTube. I searched, "Lion country safari building Kings Dominion" and it took me to the video.

 

[CoolDrMoney]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

You sure that's not a POV of your backyard torture compound/veterinary care facility?

 

[IndyRacingNut]

RE: Links to the Past (references or unchanged links to the Paramount era)

If it were MY backyard torture (err....veterinary care facility) it would resemble PETA's, complete with a large walk-in freezer to hide the cadavers from all the donors to our bogus organization. (OOPS....I went all political on this one...Sorry guys & gals.)