KD Tailgate 4/1

[DaveStroem]

For those of us that are going down they released a bit more detail on the KD Tailgate Party. The parking lot will open at 10:00 am on 4/1 and close at 11:00 pm that evening. They will have season pass processing open for a limited time on 4/1 but the hours have not been announced for that yet.

This will be the official start of the public line for I305. You must have a KD VIP or CF PP to get in line as KD has a 10 minute early VIP/PP perk instead of ERT.

For us it is just over 8 hours to get to KD and figure in stops for gas, meals & potty breaks I figure closer to 10 hours. That will mean pulling the kids out of school for 1/2 day or skipping the tailgate and dealing with the bigger mess the following morning.

Of course this is all dependent of them getting the ride going. We are 1 month out and I have not seen any word about I305 even starting to test. I know they have been doing the pull through, but seems to me that they have a lot of work in a little time.

[pkiboy]

Well that Screws everyting up for me. Now I have to Leave like at 7am to get to Doswell. Now I dont know ware to process my pass. I hope when I call KD tomorrow someone can help me lol.

[Dvo]

Pass processing was an easy decision for me this year... Go to Knott's Berry Farm in early January and your problem is solved!

[pkiboy]

Keep in mind Dvo That Knotts PP doenst scan at Kings Island Because Knotts still has the hard plastic passes and knotts has not swiched over to the new System yet they may have last I herd they were in the process of swiching. But you can Always go to GR and scan in.

[DaveStroem]

Clint just posted some of the details

• We will be at the front gate. Not the midway.
• Details we know so far.
• Line can start at 10AM
• Must register once you get there at the front gate.
• You can bring tents, coolers, food & and any other camp out stuff.
• There will be a line for I305! (must have a VIP or Platume pass to stand in line)
• The season pass office will open for a brief period for possessing. All we can tell you is be there! Cant tell you what time it will happen.
• The media will be there for media day so keep in mind they may be out showing us standing in line.
• Parking lot closes at 11PM If you are not in the parking lot and in line by that time you have to wait tell the park opens the next morning.
• You MUST be 18 or older (or be with an adult)
• Once you are registered (and in line) you must stay in the general area.
• We will have some fun and games going on, and you dont have to stand "in line" but you cant leave the area.
• We will have a nice size movie screen and we will be voting on G, PG, & PG-13 movies to show on the screen thro the night.

They said that everyone was welcome, but only those with VIP/PP can get in line early due to the 10 minute perk.

[violakat03]

The 11 pm cutoff time puts Nick and I in the same situation as you Dave - either miss the tailgate, or miss classes. That will be the first weekend of spring quarter for me and I'd have to miss an entire day of classes, and Nick would also. Looks like we'll be fighting the masses on opening day, as we really can't leave until 5 pm on Thursday.

[XGatorHead 8904]

You can bring tents, coolers, food & and any other camp out stuff.

And what are people to do with these items once the park opens?

[rotag]

You can bring tents, coolers, food & and any other camp out stuff.

And what are people to do with these items once the park opens?

i was wandering that myself.

[DaveStroem]

You can bring tents, coolers, food & and any other camp out stuff.

And what are people to do with these items once the park opens?

i was wandering that myself.

Put them back in your car.

[DaveStroem]

Ok standing in line works as follows:

• You register at the front gate.
• You get a number and have to sign a waiver.
• Once you have your number then you can set up what ever little camp site you want in the front gate plaza area.
• You can not leave the front gate plaza or the immediate surrounding parking lot (where frisbee and such will happen)
• There may be a requirement that you need to check in every hour at the table.
• You dont have to stand in the "line" constantly. We will be having fun, games, movies... its going to be a big party.
• Once the parking lot opens to the public on april 2nd, then we will be in our line from that point on.

Also no grills or alcohol.

[KIfan1980]

Of course this is all dependent of them getting the ride going. We are 1 month out and I have not seen any word about I305 even starting to test. I know they have been doing the pull through, but seems to me that they have a lot of work in a little time.

While I'm not going, the portion I bolded above would have to be the biggest concern for me if I was planning a trip. As I recall, Diamondback started testing about a month and a half before opening day. I've also heard references to Intamin not being as consistent as B&M at opening on schedule.

Is anyone on these forums knowledgeable and able to shed any light on what an approximate testing schedule would look like for this coaster and/or whether KD is "on-schedule" with I305?

EDIT: Oops - as I was catching up from being gone for a long weekend, I missed the thread discussing this topic found at this link.

[XGatorHead 8904]

You can bring tents, coolers, food & and any other camp out stuff.

And what are people to do with these items once the park opens?

i was wandering that myself.

Put them back in your car.

After I posted my question, I thought of that same answer. But then, I noticed this from your post:

Once you are registered (and in line) you must stay in the general area.

Is your car considered "the general area", and if so, couldn't you just sleep in your car to be better protected from the elements?

Hopefully they allow you all to put your things in your cars and not lose your place in line. Just something to think about...

[Diamondback FOF]

From DaveStorem's above post:

...You get a number and have to sign a waiver....

Since you get a number, I would assume you would not lose your place in line if you run to your car. I'll ask Clint for you, though.

[Diamondback FOF]

First off, the way I read it on KD Fansite, the a portion of the parking lot will be in the "general area." Also, I'm not sure if you can sleep in your car. I'm trying to get clarification on a couple things.

As of right now, you MUST have a VIP/Platinum season pass in order to come to the event. It does not have to be a processed pass! (Meaning that you can bring in your voucher that you printed off at home to the park and get in)

http://kdfansite.com...er=asc&start=45

Does this mean the voucher will get you into the tailgate only, will you be able to stay after the tailgate? It's not clear if you'll HAVE to get your pass processed before the official park opening.

The season pass office will open for a brief period for possessing. All we can tell you is be there! Cant tell you what time it will happen.

http://kdfansite.com...er=asc&start=60

As stated earlier, the pass processing center will be open for a short time. But, I don't know if to take this as you HAVE to get your pass processed before "officially" being in the park (after the tailgate is earlier).

Sorry I know I'm asking a million questions - so we will be allowed in front of the parking lot (frisbee ect.) and that will probably be where our cars are so we could drop stuff off and pick stuff up from the car or no?...

...

(from Clint): Yes. Where else are you going to put the tents after 8AM? In a back pack?

http://kdfansite.com...er=asc&start=60

So, I guess you can go to your car during the campout/tailgate.

this is going to be a blast. I am glad that kd has worked out all the details. Also want to say anyone who is caught with alcahol or anyother kind of illegal product will be asked to leave immediately. And anyone who breaks any rules will be asked to leave immediately. No exeptions to this.

http://kdfansite.com...er=asc&start=75

Just a heads up

Edit: I just asked the following questions. If you need any more asked/answered, just let me know

I know final details have not been released, but somethings that are being discussed aren't entirely clear. And I have a couple quick questions:

1. I know it was stated you could get in with a PP voucher. But, does this have to be processed before the park officially opens? Or does the voucher just get you into the tailgate?

2. Will you for sure be allowed to leave the general area before 8 am to put your stuff (tents, etc) in your cars, but still get your spot back in line?

3. Can you just sleep in your car for the tailgate instead of in a tent on the hard ground, and be better protected from the elements?

4. If it is supposed to rain, will the event be cancelled?

5. There are people that are up here in Ohio and are wanting to make the trip down for the tailgate. But, due to school and work, they can't leave until later in the afternoon, which would in turn prevent them from getting to the park by 11 pm. Is there anyway the gates can be opened/stay open later than 11 pm so these people can get in?

[Diamondback FOF]

Sorry for the...uhhh... triple post, but Clint answered my above questions:

Q1. I know it was stated you could get in with a PP voucher. But, does this have to be processed before the park officially opens? Or does the voucher just get you into the tailgate?

A1. I never said you could do that. That is something you have to talk to the park about. You also dont need anything to be a part of the Tail Gate party. But you do need a VIP or Platnum pass to get in line for I305

Q2. Will you for sure be allowed to leave the general area before 8 am to put your stuff (tents, etc) in your cars, but still get your spot back in line?

A2. You must be back in your spot befor the parking gates open in order to keep your spot in line. Once the General Public is in we must keep the line formed

Q3. Can you just sleep in your car for the tailgate instead of in a tent on the hard ground, and be better protected from the elements?

A3. Sleep? Who is really going to sleep?

Q4. If it is supposed to rain, will the event be cancelled?

A4. Rain or Shine! All movies, DJ stuff will not be set up in the rain.

Q5. There are people that are up here in Ohio and are wanting to make the trip down for the tailgate. But, due to school and work, they can't leave until later in the afternoon, which would in turn prevent them from getting to the park by 11 pm. Is there anyway the gates can be opened/stay open later than 11 pm so these people can get in?

A5. Security has to shut the gates because of croud control. At that point you will not be aloud in the parking lot with your car.

I'm still getting conflicting answers on it on unprocessed PP will get you into the park. I realize what has been stated before, but I'm trying to see if something has maybe changed.

[The Interpreter]

I've really tried to be quiet here. Kings Dominion has a reputation of late for not attracting the best behaved crowds. In fact, there have been several incidents in the parking lot that have required police action. I am not at all certain that I'd want to be spending the night with a bunch of strangers in a parking lot at a closed theme park. Who is going to sleep? A very good question, indeed. I think one should consider what may happen in such a setting, and whether it is wise to spend the night in a parking lot with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people with very little to do...It just doesn't seem the wisest of activities.

When Volcano: The Blast Coaster had its official opening, there was a camp out inside the park for a select group of people, who paid for the privilege. That would have seemed far wiser. Even the posts here mention security being concerned with crowd control. Just something to ponder...

[Diamondback FOF]

Interesting. Kinda a scary thought, too. But, is this "tailgate" being advertised in any other way, besides KD Fansite, that you know of? I don't see tons of people showing up, if this is only being done through KD Fansite (just talked about on there).

[The Interpreter]

It is my understanding the tailgate party is being widely publicized. And I remind you, Clint said you do not need anything to be a part of the tailgate party (I really doubt this will be the case).

[Diamondback FOF]

I was thinking it wasn't being widely publicized, that it would just be a smaller event mainly for that website. And yeah, I couldn't believe he said you didn't need anything to be a part.

[gigacoaster2k]

I am not at all certain that I'd want to be spending the night with a bunch of strangers in a parking lot at a closed theme park. Who is going to sleep? A very good question, indeed. I think one should consider what may happen in such a setting, and whether it is wise to spend the night in a parking lot with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people with very little to do...It just doesn't seem the wisest of activities.

You make an absolutely excellent point.

Tom and I have decided to purchase and process our passes at Kings Island on April 1, and then head down to KD. I am extremely wary of the way KD is handling things.. not just with pass processing, but with this tailgate party that just seems like disaster waiting to happen. We have also decided that we may not head to I305 first if the line is outrageous.. if it's anything like KI opening day, the line won't be as bad later on in the day (then again, from what I've noticed, it seems that B&Ms have far better capacity than Intamins).

I'm trying to plan some things, and trying to play other things by ear. I've never singlehandedly planned this large of a trip before, and I'm really not sure what to do right now. I feel like I'm shooting in the dark.

[The Interpreter]

I was thinking it wasn't being widely publicized, that it would just be a smaller event mainly for that website. And yeah, I couldn't believe he said you didn't need anything to be a part.

If the park wants a great deal of publicity for the opening of its coaster (and it does), why would you think this is not going to be widely publicized? I can just see the media shots of the "crazies" camped out over night to ride (which is why they do NOT want you sleeping in your car).

The good thing here is that the park also does NOT want a security incident in the parking lot the night before its coaster opens. It's just that, as has been stated here recently by others, the park has been getting a reputation for attracting a rather unseemly element...and to pretend that there is no problem with this set up does not make it so...

[DaveStroem]

Latest details

Details for the 2010 Tailgate Party

Date: April 1st & 2nd

Time: 12:00 (noon)

This is going to be an amazing over night at the front gates of Kings Dominion. Along with a camp out at the front gate this will also mark the beginning of the line for Intimidator 305's opening day.

This event is open to all. Anyone can join the tail gate party, but you must have a VIP/Platinum pass in order to get in line for Intimidator 305. Also keep in mind people under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The parking lot will open at noon for the Tailgate Party. At that point you will park in the designated parking area, and will check in at the registration table. When you check in you will get a wrist band that will have your number in line. At that point you can not leave the designated Tailgate Party area. You must bring all your food, non-alcoholic beverages, tents, canopies, and coolers.

Season Pass processing will open briefly for tailgaters. You must be in line by 2PM in order to have your pass processed. Also keep in mind that they will not be selling tickets or passes. You need to purchase your passes on line and bring the voucher in order to have your pass processed.

Movies, Games, DJ, and other events will be provided by KDfansite & Two Guys Productions.

The parking lot will close at 12:00 Midnight, and will not reopen until Friday morning. You will be able to leave, but you will not be able to re-enter. The gate can be closed at any point if the event hits its maximum capacity.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be allowed outside of the park gates. Food and beverages will not be allowed into the park.

At 8:00AM everything must be in your car, and you must be standing in line.

10:00AM the park will open and Tailgaters will enter the park in an orderly fashion. The line will then reform back at the Center walkway gate for early entry (with your VIP/Platume pass).

10:20 the line will be escorted to Intimidator 305 area. There will be no "running of the bull's" to get in line. You will get in line based on the number on your wrist band.

KD reserves the right to remove any person from park property for violation of any park rules or any other reason deemed necessary by park officials.

KD will limit the number of participants which will be determined by Kings Dominion staff.

At this time there will be no grilling.

If you have a tent or canopy you can not have in ground stakes.

Restrooms will be provided.

Standing in line at this event will not get you a ride before the First Rider Auction. Those riders will be riding before us.

If you have any questions you can email coasterclint@coastercrew.com

[The Interpreter]

I keep going back to what I said in post 16 of this thread. I see nothing in this most recent release that changes my opinion in any way. I really question the wisdom of this event, especially given where that park is located, the people it attracts and some recent incidents there.

For the sake of those involved, Kings Dominion, its associates and its fans, I hope and pray this goes well and without incident. I will not be on hand to personally observe. No way.

[TH13TEEN]

Thought I would let everyone know... Seems that I305 may not even open on opening day... Check out some of these post at the very bottom. Sateing that parts are on the way to fix something with the lift motor. I know this is not an oficial satement, but its not like the park has updated anything in 3/4 weeks.

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/news/response.cfm?ID=945506850

[StalkerChick]

Q5. There are people that are up here in Ohio and are wanting to make the trip down for the tailgate. But, due to school and work, they can't leave until later in the afternoon, which would in turn prevent them from getting to the park by 11 pm. Is there anyway the gates can be opened/stay open later than 11 pm so these people can get in?

A5. Security has to shut the gates because of croud control. At that point you will not be aloud in the parking lot with your car.

I'm still getting conflicting answers on it on unprocessed PP will get you into the park. I realize what has been stated before, but I'm trying to see if something has maybe changed.

Ok so you can't come in with your car. we're staying at the hotel across the street. Can we walk over from there?