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Dominator to be moved to King's Dominion

Kings Dominion: Geauga Lake's Dominator appears to be on the move...to King's Dominion.

From Jacob Palmer
Posted September 13, 2007 at 10:04 PM
Since no one has mentioned it yet, just thought I would bring up Geauga Lake's Dominator being moved to King's Dominion, and see what everyone's thoughts were. With Cedar Fair removing all the quality rides from Geauga Lake, it makes me wonder what their plans (if they have any) for the future of the park are.


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Lawrence Smith
Posted September 14, 2007 at 4:55 AM
Well I'm glad to see that Kings Dominion will be adding another coaster to it's collection. I'm just curious, how is the ride on Dominator? I have never ridden it before and look forward to experiencing it next season at Kings Dominion.

From Pete Brecht
Posted September 14, 2007 at 4:57 AM
That is great news! Dominator is a quality ride and will be a great addition to KD. Where will they put it, though? Unless they expand the park, I don't think there's room without removing an existing ride. It would make the most sense to swap out Anaconda, since the lake setting matches what Dominator has already. Also, Anaconda is a rough ride that never seems very popular anymore, judging from the consistently short lines.

From Christy Shuman
Posted September 14, 2007 at 1:32 PM
I personally would hate to see Anaconda go. Yes it is a bit rough but its classic. I heard they were going to put Dominator in the bus parking lot behind Scooby Doo ghoster coaster but this is only rumor. Its also not confirmed that KD will be getting Dominator. But if they do, it will be a great addition for KD b/c it has such a high capacity which is something KD needs BAD.

From steve lee
Posted September 14, 2007 at 1:57 PM
Dominator is a darn good ride. I hate to see it leave Geauga Lake, but it looks like Cedar Fair is way more interested in the water park aspect than they are the amusement park aspect. I guess it's better off in a park where it will get more riders.

From Chase Gray
Posted September 14, 2007 at 3:18 PM
It'n not confirmed yet.

From Jacob Palmer
Posted September 16, 2007 at 10:25 PM
...hence why it says appears.

From Adrienne McDonald
Posted September 17, 2007 at 3:55 PM
If this IS true, any thought of WHEN?

From Christy Shuman
Posted September 18, 2007 at 6:08 AM
^Hopefully soon, but if anything they will announce it (I would think) around January or Febuary,but you never know. It could be tomorrow for all we know lol.

From Adrienne McDonald
Posted September 18, 2007 at 2:14 PM
Well I HOPE to goodness they don't dismantle Anaconda for it, I shudda rode that one when I wuz there in 2004. Geeze ANOTHER missed opportunity!! Well perhaps they'll dismantle Shockwave instead, ya think?

From Christy Shuman
Posted September 18, 2007 at 2:36 PM
I dont think neither one will be dismantled, I see XLC being dismantled and thats it.

From Jacob Palmer
Posted September 18, 2007 at 6:20 PM
Dominator's footprint is far to large to fit where Shockwave sits. That being said, I find it highly unlikely that they will remove Anaconda for it. I also don't know where people are getting that the park is running out of room. They own all the land behind the where Anaconda is. It's the same area where the safaris used to be held.

From David Kirby
Posted September 19, 2007 at 9:34 PM
What kind of ride is Dominator? I don't see it listed on the site.

From Jacob Palmer
Posted September 19, 2007 at 10:45 PM
It's a roller coaster. Check out rcdb.com.

From Christy Shuman
Posted September 20, 2007 at 7:35 AM
Its a B&M floorless, looks pretty sweet and a very high capacity ride.

From Adrienne McDonald
Posted September 20, 2007 at 8:15 PM
There's a video of it on americacoasters.com set to I believe it was Batman III. theme by U2, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me. Funny since I believe Dominator used to be called Batman Dark Knight or some Batman themed name. I honestly can't remember which name, if any. Perhaps someone can correct me on that?? I sometimes get my rides mixed up & I'm just too lazy to try & do research sometimes, lol.

From Derek Potter
Posted September 20, 2007 at 8:38 PM
It used to be called Batman Knight Flight, complete with Six Flags customized theming..I bet you can imagine that right? This rumor has legs, and has reportedly been confirmed by some sources. It is a great ride, and would bring some noise to Kings Dominion. I hate to see it leave Geauga Lake though...it's pretty much the best ride in the park.

From Christy Shuman
Posted September 21, 2007 at 4:55 AM
This is one rumor that I sure hope is true. Dominator will be a perfect addition. KD needs something with a good capacity and KD is in need of a B&M so it just dont get any more perfect than Dominator.

From David Kirby
Posted September 21, 2007 at 11:07 AM
"It used to be called Batman Knight Flight"

Ohhhh... That explains a lot. It's still listed as that on TPI. Thanks for the info.

From steve lee
Posted September 21, 2007 at 3:28 PM
(edited to submit as a blog flume article)

Let's just say I think we have our first strong confirmation.

From Derek Potter
Posted September 21, 2007 at 11:02 PM
so it is true...along with all the other rumors I've been hearing. The answer is plain as day on Geauga Lakes Website.

From Pete Brecht
Posted September 22, 2007 at 6:07 AM
If only someone could have predicted this.... :-)

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200606/134/

From Christy Shuman
Posted September 22, 2007 at 6:15 AM
I saw where GL is getting ride of all the rides and just going to keep the waterpark open. Yes come on down Dominator, We're waiting for ya!!!

From Pete Brecht
Posted September 22, 2007 at 6:09 AM
Now the question is: which rides will be torn down, and which will be relocated? I would think that a wooden coaster would be difficult to move, although it's been successfully done a number of times.

The Villain has a steel structure, so I'm thinking that that would make it simpler to move. Not sure what they'd do with the Raging Wolf Bobs or the Big Dipper. I would hope that the Dipper would be preserved since it's so old, but I don't know about the economics of it.

I can't imagine they'd bother moving Double Loop or Head Spin; those rides are pretty lame. They also have a bunch of flat rides that they could spread out among their other parks. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

From Derek Potter
Posted September 22, 2007 at 9:42 PM
Villian is a steel structure, it's also crap...one of the worst wooden coasters I've ever ridden. Raging Wolf Bobs and especially Giant Dipper are much more deserving of salvation. Wooden coasters have been moved and reconstructed before, so it's possible to move any of them.

From Adrienne McDonald
Posted September 23, 2007 at 5:02 PM
Well that was my first guess, lolol but the 'Knight Flight" part threw me off thinking that was anther coaster which was a 'flying coaster' & not this one; at least I got the "Batman & Knight" part correct, lol. Thanx for that information! :)

From Jacob Palmer
Posted September 27, 2007 at 4:33 PM
Just wanted to say on here that if the latest rumor on screamscape that Dominator might be placed where Hurler is now comes true, I will be absolutely shocked. King's Dominion would suffer greatly if they lost 2 roller coasters in the same off season, regardless of how high a capacity the one they added was.

From Christy Shuman
Posted September 27, 2007 at 6:26 PM
I would be very dissapointed if they got rid of hurler, I know its rough but man I love the airtime.

From Pete Brecht
Posted September 28, 2007 at 6:24 AM
Which other King's Dominion coaster is being removed this off-season? Hypersonic?

Regarding Hurler, it does make business sense to remove that ride. Even on the busiest days, there's no line, so it doesn't make a lot of sense to keep staffing and maintaining an unpopular ride, especially if it would be a prime location for another coaster. That said, I still like Hurler and would like to see it remain, but I'm not counting on it.

From Jacob Palmer
Posted September 28, 2007 at 11:22 PM
Hypersonic is set to be removed. And it does not make business sense at this point in time, because regardless of how unpopular it is, it does still draw riders. That being said, I don't mean to infer that I think Hurler will remain untouched for years. But right now, it doesn't make a lot of sense. But hey, I could be wrong.

From Lawrence Smith
Posted October 1, 2007 at 6:12 AM
Even though this isn't official confirmation, I just thought I would pass this along. A buddy and I were at the park on Saturday. I struck up a conversation with a park employee. During the conversation, I politely asked if they were getting anything new for next year. She stated, "They informed us that we are getting a new roller coaster next year." When I asked, "Oh, is it Dominator from Geauga Lake?" she began smiling from ear-to-ear. She then replied, "Where did you hear that information from? I haven't heard that just that we are getting a new roller coaster." She then burst out laughing and said she couldn't reveal anymore info. I informed her that she was a terrible liar and she just responded "I know."

From Christy Shuman
Posted October 1, 2007 at 6:43 AM
Well there ya go, Dominator is headed our way. Hehehehe

From Adrienne McDonald
Posted October 1, 2007 at 12:52 PM
I really didn't like Hurler, it's so rough! Although if I rode in a DIFFERENT seat, I wonder if that wud make a difference. If I had to choose which would go, I'd pick Shockwave first then Hurler but no others. I wished they'd keep Hypersonic although it's a short ride, it IS different & like you say, it DOES attract riders. Any news on where it might go if they DO take Hypersonic out?

From Peter Stephens
Posted October 1, 2007 at 6:09 PM
On Saturday I noticed two possible indications of future rides at Kings Dominion. Along the front of the park adjacent to Scooby Doo and between the Toonpike/Berserker and the parking area, there are numerous stakes. These are labeled with numbers. (Can pix be posted here?) Also, on the pavement underneath Hypersonic XLC, circles are painted. They are roughly the size of the concrete pads on which the XLC steel supports are resting (at the end near the carousel/flyer). I have no idea which of these (if either) could represent the future location of Dominator, but something is afoot!

From Christy Shuman
Posted October 2, 2007 at 3:04 AM
Wow, I'm assuming Dominator will go behind scooby doo, but I wonder what will be going in XLC's place.

From Lawrence Smith
Posted October 2, 2007 at 3:52 AM
I noticed those stakes by Scooby Doo on Saturday also. But I had forgotten to bring my camera with me.

From Jacob Palmer
Posted October 2, 2007 at 12:06 PM
The circles under Hypersonic prob. have something to do with it's removal.

From Christy Shuman
Posted October 2, 2007 at 12:54 PM
Hey guys, Michigan's Adventure has announced that they are getting Thunderhawk. Now they just need to announce Domintaor's new home.

From Becky Conat
Posted October 3, 2007 at 12:03 PM
If anyone cares, here is a portion of MA's press release.

Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park announced plans today to build the first suspended looping roller coaster in the State of Michigan. The new steel coaster will open in the spring of 2008 bringing Michigan's Adventure's roller coaster count to seven!
Named Thunderhawk, the new coaster will climb 105 feet in the air with an exhilarating 86-foot drop. Riders will soar through the air with their feet dangling below them along a winding course that will feature five inversions and a top speed of 50 mph!
"Thunderhawk will bring a new dimension of thrills to the park," said Camille Jourden-Mark, the vice president and general manager of Michigan's Adventure. "It will be an exciting ride that twists, turns and flips. A suspended coaster that loops will be an instant favorite with our guests."

I guess since its new to Michigan, that means its new all together. (I understand why they announce it this way, but it still annoys me)

From Dustin Kern
Posted October 3, 2007 at 9:14 PM
I think wrong topic for that last post.

I'm happy that King's Dominion is getting a new to park coaster. I was really hoping that they would get a new new coaster but hopefully the next year.

Last, Dominator looks like an awesome ride, is there anyone who has rode it before that would like to comment on this ride for all of us King's Dominion people.

From Pete Brecht
Posted October 4, 2007 at 6:03 AM
King's Dominion is my home park, and I've ridden Dominator a bunch of times (2 different visits to Geauga Lake). It's a great ride, far and away the best that GL had to offer. What will really make or break this move in my mind is where they wind up locating it within the park. If it's over the parking lot, as has been rumored, it's not going to be nearly as cool (literally and figuratively) as if it were toward the back of the park, preferably over water and/or trees. I'm not a big fan of parking lot coasters (e.g. Scream! at SFMM).

From Christy Shuman
Posted October 4, 2007 at 10:13 AM
I dont care where they put it, just bring it on, Cedar Fair come on and announce the darn thing!!!!

From Becky Conat
Posted October 4, 2007 at 10:36 AM
Well, yes, Michigan Adventure is not King's Dominion. I thought the news could be posted here because it had to do with Geauga Lake's coasters being moved around, which this thread is about. I didnt think a whole new thread was needed, I apologize for bothering the King's Dominion fans with Michigan Adventure news. I thought since they announced the Michigan Adventure's coaster than maybe news for King's Dominion would be coming soon. sorry!!!

From Jacob Palmer
Posted October 4, 2007 at 1:34 PM
I actually hope they do choose to use some of the parking lot. For one, I expect that they will do a little something to it, and not just throw it completely on top of asphalt, and because I think it would be good for King's Dominion to expand the boundaries of the park a little bit.

From Christy Shuman
Posted October 4, 2007 at 2:33 PM
Do you think maybe they will actually repave the parking lot if they do put Dominator in the parking lot. KD is in desperate need of a repavement of that parking. It is horrible!!!

From Bob Pancoast
Posted October 4, 2007 at 9:12 PM
Just browsing around and saw this coaster for sale.... anyone think it looks familiar... I think it might be KD's park... thought's?

http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=937

Food for thought...interesting...space big enough?

From Jacob Palmer
Posted October 5, 2007 at 11:05 AM
It's Hypersonic, and it's been for sale for a long time...That's why we've been talking about it being removed. And I'm not sure there's room over there for Dominator anyway.

From Christy Shuman
Posted October 23, 2007 at 1:42 PM
Well guys its official now, dominator is official. check kingsdominion.com, go to media center at bottom of page.

From Pete Brecht
Posted October 24, 2007 at 6:31 AM
As had been rumored, it will be toward the front of the park over the current bus parking lot near Volcano. I hope that they at least remove the asphalt under the coaster.

One peeve of mine is this trend toward announcing a "new" ride without mentioning that it's simply a relocation. Call it like it is; there's no shame in it. I noticed that Cedar Fair did the same thing when they put Firehawk at King's Island.

From Lawrence Smith
Posted October 24, 2007 at 6:55 AM
Finally, the big announcement. It took them long enough. I can't wait to ride!

From Gabe Katzman
Posted November 7, 2007 at 4:16 PM
It is confirmed, and is entering KD behind the Swinging Ship. "KINGS DOMINION, Virginia – Kings Dominion will soar to new heights in 2008 with the introduction of its 14th roller coaster, Dominator. Debuting in late spring, this innovative 4,210-foot steel coaster will be the longest floorless coaster in the world and have the tallest roller coaster loop.

Riders will board the coaster on the east side of International Street, just behind the park's Berserker ride. Once seated, guests begin their journey with a short, twisted U-turn and climb the 161 foot-tall lift hill. After the 32 passenger train crests the top of the lift, riders are sent flying down a 157 foot drop, eventually speeding into the gut-wrenching, record-breaking vertical loop, which stands 135 feet tall. Four additional inversions will follow during Dominator's two minute and six second, adrenaline pumping experience.

"Kings Dominion is known for having one of the country's widest varieties of roller coasters," said Pat Jones, Kings Dominion's vice president and general manager. "Dominator is the perfect definition of the word "thrill" and reflects our commitment to combining one-of-a-kind attractions with fantastic family entertainment. We're looking for some real thrill seekers who are up for the challenge and ready to take total control their ride experience."

Dominator joins a portfolio of 13 industry-leading roller coasters including Volcano, The Blast Coaster, Flight of Fear (the world's first coaster with LIM launch technology), Anaconda, The Grizzly and the Rebel Yell.

Kings Dominion is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN." In addition to Kings Dominion, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six water parks, one indoor water park resort, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also owns and operates Star Trek: The Experience, an interactive adventure located in Las Vegas, and operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, Calif. under a management contract."
Quoted from Joel Rogers of coastergallery.com
a good coaster pic place!

From Christy Shuman
Posted November 8, 2007 at 7:34 AM
Yeah baby, I'll be one of the first ones thru the gates, as soon as my platinum pass is processed.

From Lawrence Smith
Posted November 8, 2007 at 6:21 PM
I'll be joining you down there Christy!!!

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