Even though the offseason just began, I want to plan a trip to either Kings Dominion or Carowinds next year or possibly both. I've never been to either (hence the poll), so if you've been or know anything good or bad about the parks I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

Bee,

Carowinds all the way! I went this year for the first time and had a blast. KD to me just looks like a run down KI. Plus Intimadator at Carowinds looks ten times better then Intimadator 305 at KD. This is just my opinion. But hey if gas prices stay low next summer, and you have the money, I say hit both parks up. Please excuse my grammer. I have been sick all of this week, and typing is just not my thing right now.

We were at both parks this year. If I could only choose one, it would be KD. They have a much deeper variety in coasters IMO. CW was great, but not nearly as deep when it came to coasters. The only nod would go to Afterburn. There stand up is better then KDs, but since I am not a big fan of stand up coasters for me this is meaningless.

I don't know. Right now Carowinds B&M is looking very tasty.

King's Dominion seems like it has a little more to offer, but at the same time seems very similar to KI. Either Intimidator looks nice, but I agree Carowinds' looks awesome.

I don't know. Right now Carowinds B&M is looking very tasty.

This is what I am thinking.

I've only been to KD, but I think I'd choose KD. If we're saying new coasters, Carowinds, easy. I said both though, cause it's pretty close.

Can't wait til 2010, I'm going on an epic trip to both! Yay!

While I have never been to either, I have to say there is one ride at a sister park which has changed my view on coasters forever. And right now, they're making another one.

I know it's more than just this that goes into a decision, but boy, if it were me, it'd sure as hell play a huge role in the decision making process!

While I have never been to either, I have to say there is one ride at a sister park which has changed my view on coasters forever. And right now, they're making another one.

I know it's more than just this that goes into a decision, but boy, if it were me, it'd sure as hell play a huge role in the decision making process!

Is it just me, or is building a coaster this close to a parking lot reminiscent of some "theming" at Six Flags?

Thats also like AC at BGW

^Meh, AC is next to the parking lot...it's better.

Really though, it's in grass, not concrete.

Good Question!

I prefer Carowinds but I am curious to ride I305. So I will go to both.

I would like to go to both but I think I'll only be able to go to KD next year! I have always wanted to go but never have had the chance too.

While I have never been to either, I have to say there is one ride at a sister park which has changed my view on coasters forever. And right now, they're making another one.

I know it's more than just this that goes into a decision, but boy, if it were me, it'd sure as hell play a huge role in the decision making process!

Is it just me, or is building a coaster this close to a parking lot reminiscent of some "theming" at Six Flags?

But in this case the theme has to do with cars. Thus being in the parking lot is appropriate.

I havnt been to either, but I would go to Carowinds, Indimidator seems to be a better choice over 305.

I have been to both and I want to return to KD more than I do Carowinds.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback. Although Carowinds will have Intimidator, Dominion has Dominator and Volcano, which I heard were two good coasters. Not to mention they have Shockwave which will help relive the King Cobra days.

Does anyone know if Dominion's Crypt is a better attraction than KI's (I would hope)?

Does anyone know if Dominion's Crypt is a better attraction than KI's (I would hope)?

Aha! I beat goodyellowkorn!

Oh yeah...Crypt at KD is everything you'd want in a top spin. Multiple, intense flips, hanging over a pit of fire, fountains shooting straight up at you...it's amazing.

Awe man! You're good, Kevin... My two cents!

Truthfully, the similarities between Kings Island and Kings Dominion stop at International Street (and they really aren't even similar there, either). I honestly would consider moving to Virginia, if only for the close proximity to Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens. Kings Dominion is a beautiful, beautiful park. Honestly, it feels as if the entire thing was built in a deep forest. International street is completely shaded by trees... BIG trees. Nick Universe is in a forest, The Congo actually looks like a jungle (and in all seriousness is unquestionably the best looking themed area at any amusement park I've ever been to outside of Florida / California). The only ride that the two parks have in common is Flight of Fear, and theirs is in the dark so it's a different experience anyway.

But really, Dominator, Volcano, Grizzly, Shockwave, The Crypt (which, by the way, theirs is in no danger of removal - it's absolutely the best flat there, and no one questions it... Remember back when Islanders laughed at Kings Dominion for getting an "outdoor, downgraded" version of Tomb Raider: The Ride? Joke's on us, folks...). It's a fantastic park, definitely a "destination" and someplace to travel for.

I've never been to Carowinds, but to me it feels like post-X-Flight Geauga Lake - somewhat of a local park, definitely fun for people who live in the Carolinas but not necessarily a destination. That being said, Intimidator seems to be changing that idea. However, to be realistic, I feel like Kings Dominion offers a greater variety and overall collection of coasters and other rides, and while Carowind's Intimidator looks fantastic, it doesn't merit a twelve-hour drive for me, only because to be fair, I've already ridden its older and bigger brother. Now, if I was five or so hours from Carowinds, I might hit it up, but if its only drawing factor is Intimidator... Well, it's a little crazy to go all that way for something you've essentially ridden.

Not sure if I'm allowed to link "between sites," but my trip report from Kings Dominion, broken down by each ride, is available here.

I have only been to KD, so I cant really give my opinion, but.....from what I have heard people say, Carowinds sounds much better. Even with another park to compare it to, the first visit to KD just seemed like a lesser version of KI..........(just my opinion)

I think 305 will be better but its just me I got to say im a sucker for high hills big and steep drops.

I think 305 will be better but its just me I got to say im a sucker for high hills big and steep drops.

Umm....

Big Hill Steep Drop Count: 2.

Big Hill Steep Drop Count: 8.

Intimidator doesn't just look better to me visually and ride experience wise, but it's also gonna have better capacity and much more up time.

What I would like to know is, which park usually opens first? Or are their opening days usually the same?

What I would like to know is, which park usually opens first? Or are their opening days usually the same?

I too want to know this.

But really, Dominator, Volcano, Grizzly, Shockwave, The Crypt (which, by the way, theirs is in no danger of removal - it's absolutely the best flat there, and no one questions it... Remember back when Islanders laughed at Kings Dominion for getting an "outdoor, downgraded" version of Tomb Raider: The Ride? Joke's on us, folks...). It's a fantastic park, definitely a "destination" and someplace to travel for.

i would have to agree, even though i havent been there, im making a trip to go there and try out Intimidator and ride (again when it was at geagua lake) Dominator. The floorless experience was amaizing in '02, and i think Diamondback is still amaizing!!

What I would like to know is, which park usually opens first? Or are their opening days usually the same?

I too want to know this.

I want to say there all the same except Cedar Point and Maybe Knott's but on KD calender there is an event on March 27 called Planet Snoopy and on Carowinds calender the event Planet Snoopy is on May 1. But I dont think those are opening days but maybe the the days its finished.