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GiGa coaster being built at Kings Dominion

Kings Dominion: 300-400 ft first drop!

From mike joyner
Posted June 8, 2009 at 11:20 AM
2010 will bring a GIGA coaster to KD. Construction has already started and track and supports are already onsite. It will be an Intamin of course. 300-400 ft first drop!


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. This discussion has been archived, and is not accepting additional responses.

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 8, 2009 at 12:28 PM
YES!!! I knew there was a new "ride" for '10! I just wasn't sure what it was... I'm going on August 5th. Do you know what part of the park it's being built in? I'm going next year for a school trip. Every year, the 8th grade goes to KD (I'm in 7th). Actually, while I'm typing this, some of my older friends are riding Dominator I bet (they are there today).

But... what are your sources?

From Brandon S
Posted June 8, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Haha nice try Mike. We all know that they are getting a new coaster but nobody knows if it's a giga.

From Adam Nodjomian
Posted June 8, 2009 at 12:35 PM
It would be awesome for KD to get a giga! I heard the coaster will be in the back by Flight of Fear and Anaconda. Do you think it could be like Firehawk at Kings Island?

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 8, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Eh... I don't want a Vekoma... I want something like Mullenium Force or Superman Ride of Steel at SFA or SFNE. That's what he said! Or, maybe something like Fahrenheit or Maverick!

From mike joyner
Posted June 8, 2009 at 1:18 PM
It is being built behind Anaconda. Cedar Fair wants to build a coaster at KD that will outshine Busch Gardens coasters and they wont build a B&M cuz Busch already has enough of them. This beast is gonna be tall, fast, long, and full of thrills. I can't wait to ride it.

From Adam Nodjomian
Posted June 8, 2009 at 1:36 PM
There's plenty of room where the safari used to be. Nothing about a coaster on the website yet, but hey didn't announce Dominator till late in the operating season.

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 8, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Well, Cedar Fair doesn't usually unravel a ride/coaster until august. At least it's better than SF when it's during the off season! I knew they were getting a ride because I saw pics, but I forget where. I already asked-- do you know the source?

From mike joyner
Posted June 8, 2009 at 2:10 PM
I know the source but i'm not allowed to give out the information yet. Everyone will know the truth in due time don't worry. KD will finally be on top of the world in 2010

From Adam Nodjomian
Posted June 8, 2009 at 2:21 PM
If the coaster is as big as everyone says it is, they better start construction soon, unless they want it to open in August!

From mike joyner
Posted June 8, 2009 at 2:26 PM
be patient man, the coaster will open when it does next year, it will be well worth the wait!

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 8, 2009 at 2:29 PM
I hope so! Do you know WHEN you are able to tell us? ... I can't wait! Oh, and I ment that they ANNOUNCE it in august.

From mike joyner
Posted June 8, 2009 at 3:29 PM
i have to let CF announce it, it will come and everyone will be happy and impatient. KD will be rocking next year

From Nick Markham
Posted June 8, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Most say the supports are similar to iSpeed in Italy, and if it turns out to be similar, then the park will still be getting its next biggest (tallest) coaster. Whatever it is, it will probably be a win win situation for coaster fans and Cedar Fair!

From Brandon S
Posted June 8, 2009 at 4:15 PM
This is a joke. Nobody but executives of Cedar Fair know what is going on at Kings Dominion. Mike probably has no clue. Yes, I am excited about a new coaster going in, but don't start thinking about a giga. Besides, Mike has no sources.

From steve lee
Posted June 8, 2009 at 7:38 PM
I have to admit that I have heard similar rumors. The only difference is that it was a different manufacturer and a different CF park. Between the two rumors, it's abundantly clear that SOMEONE is getting a very, very nice coaster next year. And someone else is getting an Intamin.

From Ian Kampert
Posted June 9, 2009 at 9:01 AM
When I saw the supports, I thought they resembled those of a smaller company, like Mack or something. But after looking at iSpeed, I saw that they were almost identical. Now, as to what type of coaster it will be, I'm still unsure. Some say because of the absence of Hypersonic, it will be a launched coaster. But, don't forget, KD still has three other launched coasters (Volcano, Flight of Fear, and the Italian Job), so a launcher is unlikely. They got a mega-looper in the form of Dominator last year, so something like Colossus is unlikely. And a Mega-Lite is...well...boring. So that just leaves a hypercoaster, unless Intamin has yet another trick up its sleeve...(Anybody remember Maverick?)

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 9, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Yeah, Brandon, as Steve said, I've seen plenty of rumors. I heard that KD AND Carowinds were both getting a major coaster. Also, I heard that it would be either B&M or Intamin. Oh, and Ian, I had said that up top-- I would love something like Maverick or Fahrenheit!

From Adam Nodjomian
Posted June 9, 2009 at 1:21 PM
Kd does really need something with a really big drop. Look at Busch Gardens, all of theeirs, except Big Bad Wolf have substantial drops. Plus, KD has a little too much launching, another would just be pushing it too far.

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 9, 2009 at 1:43 PM
Yeah, I guess, Adam. If you look at it from my view, BBW has a big drop after the 2nd lift hill. From the "rumor sites", most of them said Cedar Fair doesn't want to be like BG...

From Adam Nodjomian
Posted June 9, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE launches, but something other than Dominators drop would definetly be nice.

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 9, 2009 at 2:11 PM
well, yeah... dominator... not really Anaconda! HA! But yeah, you're right. The drop tower isn't a coaster... they need one!

From Adam Nodjomian
Posted June 9, 2009 at 2:24 PM
They should use the same alien theme as Flight of Fear, I always though that it was cool. Especially id it's being built out there then the theme could carry on.

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 9, 2009 at 4:09 PM
I guess. But I think they should start something soft, first, like a flat ride to carry on that theme, and THEN another major attraction.

From Brandon S
Posted June 9, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Eli, all I'm saying is don't get to excited about the idea of KD getting a giga until we have real evidence. I too, would love to see it happen. But until there's proof everything is a possibility.

From Adam Nodjomian
Posted June 10, 2009 at 3:52 AM
What sort of flat ride really relates to aliens and how could a large coaster contain the smae dark mysterious look of FoF?

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 10, 2009 at 4:57 PM
I get it, Brandon. I wasn't getting TOO happy...

Adam, they could put in something like the claw (at hershey) indoors, and have aliens and stuff everywhere.

From Ian Kampert
Posted June 11, 2009 at 1:40 PM
UPDATE: A video released recently shows the mysterious yellow supports being loaded BACK onto a truck and hauled away. Could the delivery have been a mistake, meant for Carowinds or some other park? Let the speculation begin!...or, continue I guess...

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 11, 2009 at 6:32 PM
No... this might be bad... Maybe to another parking lot or part of KD... I hope...

*5 minutes later*-- I just checked youtube for something, and I found that video, Ian... I can't watch all of it now, but I will tomorrow.

From Brandon S
Posted June 11, 2009 at 7:13 PM
I would love to see that track come right up to Cedar Point! That would be great.

From Christy Shuman
Posted June 12, 2009 at 8:48 AM
Hey guys Was just at KD yesterday, and they are definatly doing alot of work to the left of ananconda's lift hill. Clearing land, making paths and not far from possibly paving it. There were tractors, dump trucks etc... They were busy, busy back there. OMG I cant wait to find out for sure what this is. Something like Millenium Force would be awesome, but I'll be happy with any coaster I guess!!!

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 12, 2009 at 1:53 PM
Thanks, Christy. I'd be happy that's anything worth a 30 minute wait. I'd love something worth a 3 hour first ride. (If I needed to for my first on Mullenium Force, I WOULD!)

Anyway, Christy, that would be great if you kept us updated every time you go! How often do you go? Like 1ce a month?

From Adam Nodjomian
Posted June 12, 2009 at 2:26 PM
The movement of the track pieces could have just been to a safer or better location for storage. With all that work going on back there I dought the track is going far.

From mike joyner
Posted June 12, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Red track is onsite at kings dominion, u can follow the progress at kdfansite.com. this is getting exciting. best coaster in the world at KD next year?????

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 12, 2009 at 5:23 PM
Mike, I just saw a video (click on it! go ahead) on youtube of the new track! IT IS THE WEIRDEST THING I HAVE SEEN... The guy who filmed it thought it could've been like a Vekoma Flying coaster, but I think "no way"! What I also found interesting is in the middle of the 2 "bars", there are different spaces between the next one.... It's hard to describe, just take a look at it! So, B&M and Intamin are WWWAAAAYYYY out of the picture, now. Some of the track that came out was banked, but I don't think that made a difference... THIS IS SO EXCITING!

From steve lee
Posted June 12, 2009 at 6:46 PM
Don't count out Intamin yet, Eli. Folks on other boards have gone into their "way too analytical cross-reference pics of other track" modes and the verdict so far is that it looks like a mad cross between Intamin and Premier (apparently there's a new Intamin model somewhere in the UAE that has a similar look).

But it's just not enough information at this point to be sure. But it definitely ain't gonna be a Verkoma flyer.

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 13, 2009 at 9:37 AM
wow... I was pretty sure it wasn't Intamin... well, it might just be a prototype coaster... If it is a brand new company, I think they are taking a big, huge chance... and maybe a mistake!

From Adam Nodjomian
Posted June 13, 2009 at 10:09 AM
I don't think something new is a mistake. It would be great to see something unique and diferent at KD. The last few years have all been copies. Dominator from Guega Lake, Italian Job at all Cedar Fair parks, Tomb Raider again at all parks. Something special like KI did with Diamondback is just what they need.

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 13, 2009 at 3:23 PM
I guess, Adam. Still, Volcano is really original! I know what you mean, and you're right. But I think not a totally new manufacturer... I think that's a little over board.

From Adam Nodjomian
Posted June 13, 2009 at 8:39 PM
I agree that Volcano is super unique and THE best ride in the park, it's just that opened quite few years ago. A new manufacturer isn't really needed, jst not a copy of some other attraction.

From Brandon S
Posted June 13, 2009 at 8:45 PM
First of all Adam: Backlot Stunt Coaster(formerly italian job) was only put in the old Paramount parks when they weren't owned by Cedar Fair. Same thing with The Crypt/ Time Warp(formerly Tomb Raider), except with those the Canada's Wonderland version was a coaster, not a Top Spin.

Second: I'm pretty sure Diamondback was a copy of Behemoth, but I don't know if it was and exact copy.

From Ian Kampert
Posted June 14, 2009 at 8:24 AM
I have a hunch that this new, unusual track is just Intamin track with a second spine for extra support. If that is the case, I think we're looking at a massive ride here, one maybe even bigger than Millennium Force. The pieces we've seen so far have been curved just a *little* bit, and that to me signals a graceful giga coaster with super-high speeds. Seeing as MF is my #1 coaster, I'm hoping to see another one a little closer to home!

From Kris Peerman
Posted June 15, 2009 at 7:39 AM
Leaving the park yesterday they had some bright red supports in the parking lot which I assume are for this new roller coaster. I always like a new coaster. Especially since we are now season ticket holders.

From Steve Pint
Posted June 15, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Although i've never visited KD myself, this is a very interesting article... The track looks like an new Intamin track to me, they're always doing something new and exciting, it seems to fit the criteria.

It is definitely interesting track... And since Cedar Fair has been paying much more attention to their sister parks, I wouldn't believe for a second it was for another park!

From Mark Newman
Posted June 15, 2009 at 1:13 PM
Did anyone else attend Hurlfest? At the Q&A, John the Marketing Manager, couldn't give a whole lot of information. But he did say it would be the fastest, tallest, coaster east of the Mississippi, with more inversions and a few unique features. It will open by Memorial Day 2010.

From steve lee
Posted June 15, 2009 at 2:28 PM
That has to be an incomplete statement. The tallest, fastest coaster east of the Mississippi is Kingda Ka. They are not even close to ready to build something with that height, that speed, and inversions...

From Adam Nodjomian
Posted June 15, 2009 at 2:36 PM
Ya, I agree. It could be very tall and very fast, but I dought it will be taller or faster than Kingda Ka or Top Thrill Dragster. Although, the amount of inversions they're claiming to have could be true.

From Brandon S
Posted June 15, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Ok when's the last time we seen the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world have inversions...

and I highly doubt Cedar Fair would give that to Kings Dominion instead of one of their 4 major parks(Cedar Point, Kings Island, Canada's Wonderland, Knotts Berry Farm)

From steve lee
Posted June 15, 2009 at 7:22 PM
I think the fact that he mentioned inversions should be enough to discourage the giga rumors. A giga with inversions would have to have a massive array of trims before the speed of the coaster could be reduced to the point where it was physically safe to have a loop (this is based on one year of physics 20 years ago. Your results may vary).

Or the other option is that the PR guy had diarrhea of the mouth and said something that wasn't accurate...

From Brandon S
Posted June 15, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Maybe he just wanted people to start talking about the park and raise attendence?

From mike joyner
Posted June 15, 2009 at 10:45 PM
okay everyone i have big news!!!! i just got home from the park and i have news for everyone about our new coaster at kd. I talked to a park official before we left right around 8 and i asked him what kind of coaster is being built behind anaconda and he said we do not have liberty to say what it is until the end of august press release which will detail all the ride specs and the ride name but he did tell me it will be taller then the Eiffel tower. so looks like a giga! im off to bed a long day i cannot wait till the end of august to find out what this is puppy is.

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 16, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Great, guys! I love these kind of debates... anyway, only time will tell...!!! MIKE, GREAT NEWS! I CAN'T WAIT!

From Tim Strickland
Posted June 16, 2009 at 1:56 PM
I just checked on the hieght of the Eiffel Tower and it is 986ft not counting the spire. I dont mean to be a downer, but I dont think the attendent was very accurate. Regardless, I am looking forward to the news. I may have to change 2010's trip from Hershey to KD.

From mike joyner
Posted June 16, 2009 at 3:15 PM
He was referring to the EIFFEL TOWER inside the park which reaches a height of 331 ft. sorry for the confusion.

From mike joyner
Posted June 16, 2009 at 3:17 PM
and the guy was wearing a shirt and tie, so i'm assuming a vip person!!!

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 17, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Yeah, tim, the fake, 331 foot one at kings dominion, is supposed to be 1/3 the size of the REAL one in Paris, which is 986 feet tall. Get it?

From Tim Strickland
Posted June 17, 2009 at 1:44 PM
Sorry guys, I should have known better myself. I knew there was a replica somewhere but that never crossed my mind. Guess thats what I get... I have never been to KD before, but I'll be planning a trip soon.

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 17, 2009 at 3:12 PM
That makes sense tim. have fun!

From Adam Nodjomian
Posted June 18, 2009 at 8:35 AM
Has anyone seen new construction going on behind Anaconda or new tracks showing up? I hope the August release is true, because I'm really anxious to know all about it. Taller than the Eiffel Tower means you'll probably be able to see it from the highway! Also, if it really is that high it will be the 2nd or 3rd tallest this side of the Mississippi!

From mike joyner
Posted June 18, 2009 at 10:29 AM
they are pouring footers today, photos can be found at kdfansite.com

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 18, 2009 at 2:37 PM
My brother went tuesday, and said they are doing A LOT of clearing.

From mike joyner
Posted June 18, 2009 at 5:49 PM
all the busch gardens fan boys will be at kings dominion next year, it will be funny!!!

From Steve Pint
Posted June 20, 2009 at 3:03 PM
From having fun speculating this article, we have now turned into making a silly rumor... And it doesn't seem a surprise to me that Mike joined TPI the day he posted this article. And don't get me wrong, there is something going into KD next year, but this thread is almost complete bull, this is how rumors are started...

Not to be a downer but it's VERY unlikely that KD will be getting something even over 300ft next year.

Well, either way, we'll find out this Winter what's happening.

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 20, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Yeah, probably, Steve. But, I'm going to KD on August 5th, probably a week or 2 before they announce it. So, I'll get as much info as I can.

From Brandon S
Posted June 20, 2009 at 9:56 PM
^^Thats exactly what I said and think. Mike has no idea, I'm pretty sure he's making stuff up. I mean come on, he asked a guy in a suit and the guy in the suit willingly told him that the new coaster is going to be taller than the Eiffel Tower. Come on thats a little rediculous.

From mike joyner
Posted June 22, 2009 at 2:54 PM
It has been confirmed that the coaster is a GIGA. the shipping label says GIGA coaster on it. 2010 is gonna be a huge year at KD.

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 22, 2009 at 4:06 PM
I hope you're right, but we can never be totally sure. Yet again, I ask... what's your source?

From mike joyner
Posted June 22, 2009 at 4:18 PM
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46500&start=570 check the pic of the shipping label, bottom left will tell u that it is a GIGA coaster. there is the proof, NUFF SAID!!!!!!!!!

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 22, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Thanks, finally! I'm glad it's Intamin...

From mike joyner
Posted June 22, 2009 at 4:57 PM
i just hope it opens before memorial day but i doubt it.

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 23, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Well, maybe they started early to get a move on to open it by that date. Or, maybe just to get extra time for testing, if it's a prototype launch coaster again... by the look of the track, it seems like it's for a launch coaster, for the extra support... They already have 3, and they had 4! I hope they don't...

From James Rao
Posted June 24, 2009 at 4:32 AM
We have always heard that Cedar Fair wanted to turn KD into more of a vacation destination, and adding more top of the line coasters is one way to help accomplish that goal.

Just to clarify: this new coaster is going to be in the CONGO area of the park, right? Near Anaconda?

And just for the record, I personally would NOT want to see TWO Millennium Force coasters. I like that Cedar Point has the only one. I hope this new giga at KD is a completely different monster - sure, a 300+ ft drop will be great, but the layout should offer something different - and something new. From my perspective, don't you want your flagship coaster at your flagship park to be a one of a kind experience? Or, maybe this move by Cedar Fair signals a changing of the guard? Perhaps KD is going to become their new flagship park? The location near DC is a huge plus, and they might have a lot more room to expand around KD? By my count, KD already has 13 coasters (although the official KD website states "The park features 14 world-class roller coasters making it one of the largest coaster collections on the East Coast" - further evidence of this new addition, I guess), just a few more and they could be wearing the Coaster Capital of the World crown. All speculation, but I would certainly hate for Cedar Point to become second fiddle in the company's pecking order.

From Audra Distler
Posted June 24, 2009 at 5:34 AM
James, I can see your point. But, and maybe i'm biased since CP is my home park, I would find it hard to believe that Cedar Fair would take all the "most coasters on the planet" hype from CP. When they advertise for the park, that is on pretty much every single commercial they have, and I'd find it hard to believe they'd beat themselves in another park on that aspect. However, with such a large coaster being built in one of their other parks, and nothing starting at CP, looks like it'll be at least another year for a big coaster at CP!

From James Rao
Posted June 24, 2009 at 5:40 AM
Yeah, maybe Cedar Point will be motivated to do something new now!

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 24, 2009 at 10:16 AM
I highly doubt that the new coaster @ KD is going to be anything remotely like Millennium Force. Intamin made this new track that seems super-prototype. I am expecting it to have inversions, actually. I don't know why, but I have a feeling... would that make it the tallest coaster to have inversions? What holds the record?

From Jake Countiss
Posted June 24, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Talest in the United States with an inversion I believe is Mr. Freeze at 2 Six Flags' parks that reach 218 ft. Anyways, the forces on this would not accomodate inversions unless they are going to significantly so this down to allow the train to propel riders safely through inversions. Since this is going to be a typical Intamin Giga coaster, airtime, height, and speed are going to be major factors in the design. I'll go out on a limb and say that this is going to be about 330 ft. tops.

From Steve Pint
Posted June 24, 2009 at 6:52 PM
I didn't think of that James, although if it is a Giga, I'm sure Cedar Fair nor Intamin felt like duplicating the number 2 coaster in the world...

Also Eli, looking at the track it dose look like something that has inversions, for some reason, the track just looks like a super cool monster that would whip you around and go all over the place.

Very interesting indeed...

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 24, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Steve, what do you consider the #1 coaster?

Jake, if mike is right from the guy in the "suit", it would be over 331 feet...

From Alex Trevelyan
Posted June 24, 2009 at 9:45 PM
Now that it has been established to everyone's liking that King's Dominion is indeed receiving a giga coaster, let me address a question asked as to why Cedar Fair would install such a ride at KD. I'm not sure how many of you realize this, but when Cedar Fair purchased King's Dominion, they were buying a flagship park with more than 8 mil. people within a 2-hour radius.

The D.C. metro area is also the wealthiest in the nation by far in terms of median household income, six of the ten richest counties in the U.S. are located in the D.C. metro area, five in Northern Virginia, one in Southernmost Maryland. The region is considered all but recession proof because of the presence of almost the entire federal government infrastructure and the high dollar tech companies that have sprung up to service it. Years ago Disney attempted to build a theme park in Northern Virginia for that reason, and they've recently purchased expensive land near the National Harbor project in Maryland to build a Disney hotel. Disney long ago recognized the economic logic for what Cedar Fair is now doing at KD.

Virginia has one of the stronger tourism sectors in the country. For decades they've been running their "Virginia is for lovers" campaign to great success. Busch Gardens Williamsburg trails CP, King's Island and Canada's Wonderland (which is sort of the national park in Canada) only slightly in attendance and Cedar Fair is probably eying BG's attendance numbers with relish. It is clear from Cedar Fair's actions since purchasing KD that they picture the park as a crown jewel in their corporate tiara. Do not be surprised if King's Dominion starts to get an inordinate amount of Cedar Fair's love. Nothing would put Busch Entertainment on notice more then a giga-coaster that approaches a world record.

From James Rao
Posted June 25, 2009 at 3:59 AM
I agree with most of your logic, Alex, except that if more coasters = more ticket sales, Kings Dominion would already be winning the Virginia war, as they lead Busch Gardens Williamsburg by a more than 2 to 1 edge in the coaster wars. Yet, BGW almost doubles KD in attendance every year.

If Cedar Fair wants KD to be the #1 park in Virginia, then they are going to have to finally do something they have never wanted to do: cater to the family market. That means more whole-family attractions (KD offers almost nothing unique for the whole family to visit TOGETHER), better food (the food at KD is largely abysmal), better customer service (KD is a park run by teenagers for teenagers), and of course, a much cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing park (which costs lots of money - money all being spent on a new GIGA coaster).

By all means, Cedar Fair, add the new coaster, but then, get to work on the quality of the guest experience at KD. While fewer in number, Busch has better coasters, better non-coaster attractions, better shows, MUCH better food, better customer service, and have you seen the way the park looks? It is a work of art. Let's face it, the entire guest experience at BGW is far superior, which explains the huge gap in attendance between the two parks.

One day, Cedar Fair will learn, like Six Flags seemingly has, there is more to making a successful park than building coasters. To paraphrase: at the end of the day, a coaster is just a coaster, but great experiences last a lifetime.

But again, I do agree with you: Cedar Fair wants KD to be a vacation destination. And, if Cedar Fair focuses on enriching the quality of the guest experience at the park as I have discussed above, it is only a matter of time before it becomes the new flagship for the company.

From Steve Pint
Posted June 25, 2009 at 7:58 AM
Eli, I was referring to the golden ticket awards, so Millennium Force would be number 2, and Superman Ride of Steel number 1.

Although it looks like Millennium force is better I haven't ridden either so I cannot judge.

Back to the topic, bringing that up Alex, gives me a whole new view on it, while KD isn't a quality park, the headline: "New 350ft roller coaster at Kings Dominion!" Would certainly draw attention to everybody, while the people on Theme Park Insider knows quality parks, the local population isn't filled with real theme park junkies, so a huge coaster would attract them wether the park's food is bad, or if it's just not a family park in the first place.

From James Rao
Posted June 25, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Temporary attendance gains will no doubt occur. But if the infrastructure for a high quality park experience to rival what is offered by Busch Gardens is not in place, repeat business will be unlikely.

From Steve Pint
Posted June 25, 2009 at 12:14 PM
I have my knowledge on how Cedar Fair promotes, I've never seen BG promotions so I can't compare... But if there's one thing I know about Cedar Fair is that they exaggerate when it comes to advertising, which will draw much attention for years to come, sure they can only promote this single ride for one year, but in the other years they can still include it, which will actually make it look better.

"Some of the most intense...fastest...and tallest coasters here at Kings Dominion!"

Again, I haven't seen BG advertisements but I believe that KD's attendance will grow a lot over the next 5 years, leaving BG behind unless they build some special coaster that KD seems to be getting.

From mike joyner
Posted June 25, 2009 at 12:57 PM
more pix of track are up on kdfansite.com this coaster will have a cable lift system folks. the lift is still rumored to be 350ft or so. you can say that i'm excited and everyone i know is spreading the word about this monster. expect KD to be packed for years to come starting in 2010! Busch Gardens who???? hahahahaha

From Eli Katzman
Posted June 25, 2009 at 4:08 PM
You never know... it could be a prototype launch coaster...

From James Rao
Posted June 25, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Never has a new coaster saved a park. A bump in attendance, sure. After that? Well, I hope KD is planning on building a new coaster every year from here on out if they want to keep those people coming back, because they sure aren't going to come back for the lousy food, lame shows, mediocre midway rides, boring carnival games, or second rate customer service.

Steve, it is not about promotions, it is about park experience. If all it took was a few roller coasters to build a successful park, then Cedar Point would have the #1 attendance in the world. Instead, CP pulls about 1/6th the amount of customers of the Magic Kingdom (which incidentally has NO uber coasters and IS the #1 attended theme park in the world). Heck, our very own Worlds of Fun just added an uber GCI coaster this year, and by all accounts, attendance is actually DOWN from a year ago!

I think it is great that KD is getting a new coaster, however if they don't do something about the rest of the park experience, then KD will continue to play second fiddle to BGW for the foreseeable future. If the 13 coasters already in place aren't enough to win over the Virginia fans, then I am not sure how one more pile of steel is gonna make a difference.

From James Rao
Posted June 25, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Incidentally, BGW is consistently pulling about 1.5 million more visitors per year than Kings Dominion. So, for this new coaster to make a real difference, about 16,500 ADDITIONAL customers would have to come to Kings Dominion EACH day for 90 days just to match what BGW is pulling right now.

Wow...that is some coaster they are building!

From mike joyner
Posted June 25, 2009 at 7:07 PM
that james guy is annoying and doesnt realize that this coaster will blow anything busch has away and busch will never ever have a coaster like this. never

From mike joyner
Posted June 25, 2009 at 7:09 PM
CP is only open from may till october and the florida parks are open year round. this guy needs to get his GED.....

From Brandon S
Posted June 25, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Calm down Mike, James does know what he's talking about, and in fact is one of the better members of Theme Park Insider. He's stating good points like how much more attendance BGE has than Kings Dominion, because quite frankly they do. You just have to get over the fact that some people may like BGE less than Kings Dominion...

From Jason Jackson
Posted June 25, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Both BG and KD have their fans. Busch has chosen to cater to the family market mainly because that is where the money is, something Disney has known for years. KD has its market as well...maybe not as lucrative...yes teenagers do spend money, but the families are the big spenders.

From James Rao
Posted June 25, 2009 at 8:25 PM
Mike, according to your statement, if CP were open just six more months, it would rival the attendance of the Magic Kingdom which pulled 17 million last year.

Well, okay, then.

For the sake of argument, let's presume that CP was indeed open year round -- that's six more months than today, based on my non GED skills (6 + 6 = 12 = one year).

Now, here's the tricky part: for CP to surpass Disney's flagship, the park would need to pull in 6 times as many guests as it does today (6 * 3 million = 18 million).

Still with me?

CP is drawing roughly 16K a day right now. In order to meet YOUR goal, the self proclaimed coaster capital of the world would need to draw in 80,000 guests each and every day for six additional months.

Wow! Even without my GED those are incredible numbers! Go CP, Go!

Thankfully, in 9 more posts I will no longer be subjected to the inane ramblings of someone who obviously knows almost nothing about theme parks.

Good night, Mike. Does your Mommy know you are staying up this late when you have Summer School tomorrow?

From James Rao
Posted June 25, 2009 at 8:45 PM
BTW, thanks Brandon for your kind words. I have nothing against Kings Dominion. In fact, I was going to KD back when the Grizzly was new and I will be going again this year toward the tail end of summer. I always take time for a KD Coaster Run when I make my annual pilgrimage to my old stomping grounds in Annandale, VA.

However, I do understand attendance, and there is no doubt that BGW, despite its comparatively low number of roller coasters, draws in significantly more customers each year than does KD. And if 13 coasters are not enough to bridge the gap, what will one more accomplish?

Having said that....I can't wait to take the new coaster for a spin late next year! If I time my visit right, I can get to KD in time for the park to open, ride NEW GIGA a few times, then drive over to BGW for lunch and a pleasant afternoon at a real theme park! ;)

8 posts to go....

From mike joyner
Posted June 25, 2009 at 8:24 PM
homeboy is jealous cuz he don't live in va like i do. im halfway between kd and bge so i'm lucky but i prefer kd a lot more mainly because of the more fun atmosphere and more variety of coasters and the water park is inside the park which kicks major ass. james old man lives in a place that sucks. must be nice to be him......

From James Rao
Posted June 25, 2009 at 8:56 PM
By the way, Mike, you do know that name-calling is the main defense mechanism of someone with an indefensible position, don't you?

6....

From James Rao
Posted June 25, 2009 at 8:58 PM
Incidentally, welcome to the site, Mike! I did not realize this post was your first on TPI after joining up on June 9th.

I look forward to your KD trip reports as well as your break down of the new giga each and every step of the way.

Again, welcome.

5....

(FYI - every discussion thread is limited to about 100 posts, hence the countdown to the end of this scintillating thread).

From James Rao
Posted June 25, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Oh...

From James Rao
Posted June 25, 2009 at 8:37 PM
...well...

From James Rao
Posted June 25, 2009 at 8:38 PM
...why delay it...

From James Rao
Posted June 25, 2009 at 8:50 PM
...any longer?

From James Rao
Posted June 25, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Homeboy out!!!

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