Project 2022: Tumbili, Reptilian, Arachnidia, & Jungle X-Pedition
- Thread starter mtorange
- Start date
As mentioned yesterday, the plane was added this past week. And for anyone interested in a photo:
(And though it may be hard to tell from the photo) Though there is a black plastic-type tarp covering the cockpit, I wonder how long before someone decides to peel it back and try sitting in the cockpit for a photo op. -So hopefully the park has plans to address this.
As for additional elements added since last weekend - The Tumbili extended queue now has hand rails:
And the Home Depot wrap, on the Tumbili maintenance building, has at least been covered up - though this still looks to be a work in progress:
And finally, just some random photos from the Tumbili queue today - because I still can't believe the theming for this ride actually exists at a place like KD; and have to keep reminding myself that I'm not at the good ol' classic BGW (from years ago):
(And though it may be hard to tell from the photo) Though there is a black plastic-type tarp covering the cockpit, I wonder how long before someone decides to peel it back and try sitting in the cockpit for a photo op. -So hopefully the park has plans to address this.
As for additional elements added since last weekend - The Tumbili extended queue now has hand rails:
And the Home Depot wrap, on the Tumbili maintenance building, has at least been covered up - though this still looks to be a work in progress:
And finally, just some random photos from the Tumbili queue today - because I still can't believe the theming for this ride actually exists at a place like KD; and have to keep reminding myself that I'm not at the good ol' classic BGW (from years ago):
Just imagine what they could have done with an extra couple of years.
First time riding I did the backwards row on the temple side and the flips off the lift absolutely whipped and disoriented me completely. I ended up with a worse headache than from Anaconda. My wife sitting on the other side thought the ride was over way too soon, whereas I was glad it was over from being thrown all over the place with no orientation where I was most the time.
I feel that Tumbili is such a great centerpiece for Jungle X. It's perfectly positioned and looks so good. Also, as we were leaving via the exit ramp, I complained about how stapled I was and how the vest was so tight on me, and then an employee asked me if I loved it and I said yes, and they gave me the pin. Quick mood swings pay off sometimes.
I gotta say, Tumbili really exceeded my expectations. My previous experience with the Free Spin model was with Joker at Great Adventure and I HATED it. I feel like the smaller model makes for a very enjoyable ride. Temple side seat facing away from the lift hill was giving incredible spins today, especially the initial spin at the top. I also echo what everyone else has said about theming. KD did a great job with this one.
I literally never write evergreen content for BGWFans or KDFans because, generally, few people read it, fewer people appreciate it, and the time investment required to do it well is comparatively monumental.
That said, I truly believe that Jungle X-Pedition is something incredibly special—not just in the context of Kings Dominion or Virginia, but in the industry as a whole. This type of immersive thematic storytelling is rare, but to see it on this scale utilizing a wholly original set of characters, locations, stories, etc. feels damn near unparalleled—at least in recent memory. In an effort to shine a light on Kings Dominion's work, I put together nearly 3000 words and a couple dozen photos to create the ultimate primer in Jungle X lore.
kdfans.com
In case it's not clear from that piece, I really love this initiative by Kings Dominion and desperately hope that it continues to receive the funding it deserves. I know this is the type of project that likely won't show immediate returns, but it's also the type of project that, if continuously perused, legitimately could elevate Kings Dominion to a whole new level. Hopefully my love letter to the land teaches at least a couple people a few things they didn't know and inspires even more passion for this project amongst KD fans.
That said, I truly believe that Jungle X-Pedition is something incredibly special—not just in the context of Kings Dominion or Virginia, but in the industry as a whole. This type of immersive thematic storytelling is rare, but to see it on this scale utilizing a wholly original set of characters, locations, stories, etc. feels damn near unparalleled—at least in recent memory. In an effort to shine a light on Kings Dominion's work, I put together nearly 3000 words and a couple dozen photos to create the ultimate primer in Jungle X lore.
The Lore Behind Kings Dominion's Jungle X-Pedition - KDFans
Learn about the characters, organizations, and lore behind Kings Dominion's new-for-2022, immersive, adventure-themed land, Jungle X-Pedition
kdfans.com
In case it's not clear from that piece, I really love this initiative by Kings Dominion and desperately hope that it continues to receive the funding it deserves. I know this is the type of project that likely won't show immediate returns, but it's also the type of project that, if continuously perused, legitimately could elevate Kings Dominion to a whole new level. Hopefully my love letter to the land teaches at least a couple people a few things they didn't know and inspires even more passion for this project amongst KD fans.
While it's hard for me to determine if Jungke X's ROI is good, I have little doubt last weekend was much busier than prior spring days especially considering the park isnt usually open this early. That could have been for a myriad of reasons - the weather, Jungle X, BGW raising prices, etc.I literally never write evergreen content for BGWFans or KDFans because, generally, few people read it, fewer people appreciate it, and the time investment required to do it well is comparatively monumental.
That said, I truly believe that Jungle X-Pedition is something incredibly special—not just in the context of Kings Dominion or Virginia, but in the industry as a whole. This type of immersive thematic storytelling is rare, but to see it on this scale utilizing a wholly original set of characters, locations, stories, etc. feels damn near unparalleled—at least in recent memory. In an effort to shine a light on Kings Dominion's work, I put together nearly 3000 words and a couple dozen photos to create the ultimate primer in Jungle X lore.
The Lore Behind Kings Dominion's Jungle X-Pedition - KDFans
Learn about the characters, organizations, and lore behind Kings Dominion's new-for-2022, immersive, adventure-themed land, Jungle X-Pedition
In case it's not clear from that piece, I really love this initiative by Kings Dominion and desperately hope that it continues to receive the funding it deserves. I know this is the type of project that likely won't show immediate returns, but it's also the type of project that, if continuously perused, legitimately could elevate Kings Dominion to a whole new level. Hopefully my love letter to the land teaches at least a couple people a few things they didn't know and inspires even more passion for this project amongst KD fans.
However it really feels KD is making sincere attempts to take on an Amazon like strategy of working to please the customer and forgo short term prodits for long term growth. The park seems way improved than even 3-4 years ago in multiple areas. It will be intereting to see what the next 5-10 years hold if Jungle X is the blueprint.
I had the exact same experience and loved it so much..... really felt like the best parts of riding a Zipper. I was on PS side, facing Reptilian..... also was a single rider.
I thought the asphalt landing strip was a really cool feature next to the plane as well, even if it wasn't painted (yet).
The effort that KD is putting into this area is astounding.
All the little details, the back-story, the teasers on social media and in the park. It's a whole experience.
The drums that are playing every time Tumbili launches, the props scattered all over the area, the tools in the Reptilian maintenance shed...
awesome little details everywhere. And they aren't even done yet.
I feel like I am going to spend a lot of time at KD this year, even though my drive there takes me through Williamsburg.
All the little details, the back-story, the teasers on social media and in the park. It's a whole experience.
The drums that are playing every time Tumbili launches, the props scattered all over the area, the tools in the Reptilian maintenance shed...
awesome little details everywhere. And they aren't even done yet.
I feel like I am going to spend a lot of time at KD this year, even though my drive there takes me through Williamsburg.
It’s kind of astounding how much my opinion of these two parks has rapidly changed over the last few years. I used to joke about driving past “the trash park near Richmond” on my way to BGW and now I’m a pass holder at KD and I find myself wanting to head there much more often than BGW. It’s sad because I have always loved Busch Gardens but I’m also thrilled that KD is improving so much.
As soon as BGW started to slip in terms of theming and guest experience, KD stepped up and took the mantle for being the Mid-Atlantic park that does theming. They made sure us Virginians weren't deprived of our theming, because we don't like it when we don't get theming.
I found this guy on social media who said that theming isn't what gets visitors excited, and that KD is far behind with cutting-edge attractions. However, is this actually true? The way Pantheon appears now I think it would blend in better at a park that doesn't take theming too seriously. Busch Gardens is meant to immerse guests in a European village environment, and they've done that even with their more recent coasters like Verbolten (queue house) and Invadr but not Pantheon.
Well InVadr is themed but I don't exactly get European town vibes from it.
I think overall the opinions are subjective - you can say BGW has a much longer history with installing tried and true ride models while KD, especially under Paramount, tended to install unproven concepts that provided mixed results... And subsequently none still exist.
The thing about theming is that it is absolutely critical but no one realizes how much it impacts their enjoyment of a certain ride.
Y’all I’m almost 100% positive that I305 is going to be re-themed, and I’m sure most of you agree but what sold it for me is the fact that they never gave it a fresh paint job for its 10th birthday but other rides and attractions did, and the car has still yet to be fixed and put back in the plaza… why els would they be holding off this long?
Because it's the next coaster they're going to sell in bite size pieces with a certificate of authenticity for $305?
visited kd for the first time this season today, and ive gotta say, kd really knocked it outta the park with jungle x pedition. its very well themed and looks very nice. tumbili was a fun ride that is very pretty and the same can be said for reptilian. bravo kd