Haunt_mistress09 Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 So i recently moved from Ohio to Virginia. Although Kings Dominion is now technically closer (still pretty far), i make the voyage back to Ohio to visit friends, family and Kings Island. I was told Kings Dominion is pretty junky compared to Kings Island and not worth my time. What are the major differences in Kings Dominion and Kings Island? Which one do you prefer? ps. Sorry if there is a similar old thread somewhere, i'm new to the forums. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback FOF Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 I know KD has some similar attractions like a Drop Tower, Eiffel Tower, BLSC. They have Anaconda instead of Vortex. They have a racing coaster, too. They have more launched coasters, like Volcano: The Blast Coaster. They have a floorless B&M. Oh, did I mention they are getting a Giga Coaster?! But, I really don't know much about the park, but I hope this helps a little. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HTCO Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 The big Giga coaster they are going to announce in a few days should give the park some more options! Which might be why I might go down to KD next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CincyMan98 Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 Ya know Kings Island is looking pretty small currently Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrill_Biscuit Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 Kings Dominion doesn't have as much urban sprawl inching up on it at the present time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KI FANATIC 37 Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 I think both of the parks are great! But I definitively like KI more than KD. Maybe just because I've been to KI and know more stuff about it. KI just fells like a better park to me and KD felt kinda unorganized, and like a maze. But I love both parks and don't mean to sound like I hate KD, because I don't. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaggy Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 Hi! I grew up in Eastern Virginia, and was lucky enough to visit KD many, many times. I was also fortunate that I had a sister that lived in Ohio and that allowed me to travel to KI many times in my youth/teen years. Later, after I graduated and moved out on my own, I ended up living in Cincinnati for a number of years where I was a KI regular (and still am to an extent.) I manage to get to KD every few years, although the last time I was there was 2003. I hold a soft spot for KD, as it was the place that I first rode a coaster... the Scooby Doo... in 1978. I was 7. How vividly I remember it... mostly because Lost World/Fantasy Mountain had just opened! The parks are remarkably similar, but remarkably different. Of course they both have many of the same attractions, but they also have unique ones. I personally give the edge to KI, mostly because of how it was the "original." KI seems larger to me, and I much prefer the layout of KI. KD has a "lop-sided" feel and has some areas that I find hard to manuever with much narrower paths etc. The whole kids area/congo access at KD is utterly confusing to me. KD's International Street was built much narrower than KI's. I think KI's is about 10 feet wider on each side. KD's trees have matured and parts of the park have a density to it. Heck, the trees on International Street almost obscure the view of the Tower base and International Street shops. KD is now looked upon as being "rough." It attracts a large amount of people from high-crime metro areas such as Richmond and DC. There's been a bit of publicity related to gang incidents and altercations at the park. KD was the first "KECO" park to have metal detectors, which were installed years before KI had them. From what I understand, CF has an initiative to overhaul KD. KD saw a dramatic decrease in family attendance over the years while the over-the-top amazing Busch Gardens down the highway soared in popularity and reputation. That's been the reason for the new coasters. They specifically want to revitalize the "feel" that's been tarnished by the crime and neglect the park saw in the 1990's and early 2000's. So I hope that KD is on the upswing. Speaking specifically about coasters/rides, KD seems to have the better collection of flats. -They have a superior, albeit ridiculously short, invert. -Their Fairly Odd Coaster (or whatever it's called there) is run better than KI's and retains it's final bunny hop. -Hurler is junk... -Grizzly is fun, but a shell of its former self. -KD's FOF has always braked trains mid-course. -Shockwave remains a fun standup, but KI's King Cobra was superior. -Anaconda has one of the worst jaw-breaking head jerks on any Arrow Dynamic looper. -KD has the legendary Rebel Yell featured in "Roller Coaster" the movie. - KD has the WONDERFUL Avalanche Bobsleds (best ride in the park! The Only Mack Bobsled ride located in North America!) However KD committed a horrific sin in the early 1990's. They drained "Lake Charles" and eliminated the ski show in leiu of.... a waterpark. ICK As if that weren't bad enough, they removed the "Old Dominion Line" train in leiu of "Waynes World." OY But I guess it's apples vs oranges since KI removed the Flying Eagles and the picturesque Antique cars in leiu of the piece of %$ junkyard Backlot Stunt Coaster. Something I've never forgiven them for, and doubt I ever will. Overall, you may be surprised at how much KD has to offer. But enter it without comparison... judge it on it's own merit. Honestly... I am more jealous of your being close to Busch Gardens. It is stunning, absolutely stunning and far superior an experience than any Cedar Fair Park. Shaggy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haunt_mistress09 Posted August 17, 2009 Author Share Posted August 17, 2009 Interesting, I have never been to kings dominion because of the rep. I have been to Busch gardens, it is a beautiful park but because i am spoiled on KI, Busch seems to lack variety in coasters. I'm a wooden/rough coaster fan (SOB!), Busch garden rides are so smooth i barely got a thrill. Maybe i am just spoiled by my coaster capitol homeland I looked up a few things regarding Halloween Haunt in KD. Haunt doesn't seem to be as extravagant as KI's. Am i wrong about this? Since i grew up in Fairborn, Halloween is one of my priorities! especially as we creep up on the scary season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Bombay Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 Shaggy, thanks for taking time to post your insight and those comparisons. I've always heard KD referred to as "ghetto Kings Island," but I'm glad to see that CF has put an initiative to try and improve it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaggy Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 I'm a wooden/rough coaster fan (SOB!), Busch garden rides are so smooth i barely got a thrill. Maybe i am just spoiled by my coaster capitol homeland Oh, if you like 'em rough then KD has plenty for you.... Hurler, Grizzly should suit your taste ;-) I've always heard KD referred to as "ghetto Kings Island," but I'm glad to see that CF has put an initiative to try and improve it. Well, again, I hold a soft spot of KD because of so many childhood memories. When I visit now, I desperately miss Lost World/Fantasy Mountain. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 By comparison, KI removed the Flying Eagles and the picturesque Antique cars in leiu of the piece of %$ Backlot Stunt Coaster. Something I've never forgiven them for. KD's is in their CONGO (!!) area. THEMING FAIL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KI Kevin Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 ^And their FOF is in Congo too, and their Scrambler... Still though, that area is by far my favorite of their park. The best coaster (Volcano) and best flat (Crypt) in the whole park, IMO. Overall, I'd say Kings Island is better. Some of that has to do with the fact that I grew up here, but still the park layout is much better, and their wooden coasters are nowhere close to KI quality woodies. Grizzly's a good ride, but I found it to be extremely short, and pulling out of the station and going up the lift hill our car was actually rotating (yes, spinning a bit!). I'd take Hurler over Grizzly any day. And after riding Dominator, I realized that the whole "floorless coaster" deal was a bit of a gimmick unless you're sitting in the front. Volcano is a truly amazing coaster. If only they'd made it a bit longer. -Kevin, stating his opinions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 KD's sign in front of the fountains also looks a bit more like cardboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KI Kevin Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 ^Very true. While Kings Islands' is wide and grand, I found KD's to be much thinner, like their fountains. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 I can't believe the logo features three of the flag serifs. They could have just done one over the "i" in Kings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 I am in complete and total agreement with Shaggy's concise and complete assessment. That being said, I must add that Kings Dominion is an utterly stunningly beautiful park....unless compared to Busch Gardens! I also should add that it is home to the one steel coaster I add to my count other than hypers...(I only count wooden coasters, hypers and Volcano: The Blast Coaster...simply because it is so utterly, astoundingly wonderful it would not let me not count it! I adore that thing!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback FOF Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 Why don't you count coasters that aren't wooden, hyper, or Volcano: The Blast Coaster? Would there be too many? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 Years ago, I was told my coaster riding days were over for medical reasons. I sadly tossed my lists. Later, I was told the first telling was in error, and I could in fact safely ride. Re-creating the wood list was easy. Steel? No way. But some things just demand to be counted....and Volcano: The Blast Coaster, as I said, would not let me not count it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KI Kevin Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 ^I definitely agree with Terpy on the subject of Volcano. It is by far the best coaster there, and is one of the finest inverted coasters I've ridden.The barrel rolls keep you plastered into your seat the whole way through. Do you count Maverick as a coaster, since that is one of you favorites? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 No....it didn't make me, even though it is my favorite steel! Terpy, who isn't really accustomed to coasters that compel him to do things, but knew full well when Volcano did! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rustbucket Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 Kings Dominion was my home park. My first wooden coaster and my first coaster in the US was Grizzly in 1982. Shaggy, thank you for the memories and very accurate analysis of Kings Dominion. Like everyone said, Volcano is truly a unique inverted coaster. With 2 launches like Wicked Twister, this ride is the only full circuit invert I have ridden from Intamin. I am not sure why they have not built more of these. Shockwave was my first stand up. Rebel Yell was my first racing coaster. King Kobra was my first looper. I remember waiting 90 minutes for Ananconda in 1991. Man, I miss the Safari..... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster_Addict Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 I know this post is older, but would any of you change your answer now as it pertains to KD? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 I wouldn't. I still visit Kings Island more, even though it's 7-8 hours further away. My favorite steel is now in Sandusky, but ONLY in the front seat. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedevariouseffect Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Someone may have to ride alone then 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themuska11 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Ive visited KD once, i believe it was a year after I305 opened. The roller coasters all had bad capacity due to them only running one train, except Volcano. Despite that i was able to ride everything including I305 in both the front and back seats before 8 pm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster_Addict Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Would that be MF, the Interpreter? Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Heavens, no. Maverick. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster_Addict Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Well, I got the M part correct, huh? Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster_Addict Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 So, is 305 better than MF? Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themuska11 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 I would say I305 is more intense, i find Millennium Force boring after the lift hill. But i feel Millennium Force is way more scenic, being next to a great lake and all. Also i think Millennium Force has better restraints. I305 is in the back of the park overlooking trees. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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