gigacoaster2k Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Here it finally is.. a little late, but better than never! This may take several posts, but I'm not going to post every photo I took at every park for every PTR.. I will be making a different PTR for each park. I will try my best to only post the photos that showcase the trip. The rest of my photos can be seen on my Facebook photo albums. April 1, around noon, I had finished packing. Then it was off to Adam's (pkiboy) house to meet up with the crew: Tom (Tom76257) Shawn (BeastMan) Jared (rotag1299) Matt (gnomeprisoner) and Nick (DropZone99)! Once we all had our stuff packed into the van, we headed down to KI to process our platinum passes. We weren't allowed on the property quite yet, so we took some photos from the drop off area. I have a tiny DB. We were first in line for processing around 3 pm! Z0MG I CAN HAS PLATINUM PASS!! After everyone processed, we hit the van and it was off to KD!! Here is our ridiculous route from Cincy to KD to Carowinds to SFOG to Dollywood and back. Adam was having WAY too much fun scaring passing drivers with Jared's wig. We were all dying with laughter at the reactions we got! Before we knew it, we were in West Virginia! We were getting hungry around 8 pm, so we stopped here for some om noms. The staff were extremely friendly, and we even made friends with the people at the tables around us! My potato fries and bacon/ham/cheese omelet were amazingly delicious. I took one bite and said "Bob Evans, you're fired!" Our waitress enjoyed our company so much that she even invited us out for beers after she got off work, and we even got a photo with her and told her about KIC! We got back to the van, and Tom went to adjust his headrest. He yanked on it too hard, and the headrest popped off in his hand. It was quite amusing. After several phone calls, around 12 am, we met up with Rachel (StalkerChick) and her boyfriend Jack at an Exxon station close to the WV-VA border. We hung out for a bit, and then got back on the road. After several hours of a very tiring and slap happy road trip, we got to Doswell around 3 am. The sight of I305's lift hill glowing red and reaching high into the night sky woke me up faster than any cup of coffee ever has. We promptly went to bed in our hotel that was right next to KD's parking lot, and I believe we all got about 1 hour of sleep due to our extreme excitement. THE BIG DAY! Good morning, Kings Dominion. We went to Denny's for breakfast, which was right around the corner from our hotel. Then it was time to head to KD!! We got to the entrance around 8 am, one of the reasons being that we had been informed that the first 1,000 riders would get an I305 first rider shirt. We were one of the first at the gates! I also got to meet my friend James, who offered to be our tour guide and show us around since KD is his home park.. he goes almost every day! Dominator is testing! Our group was not happy about Shockwave being closed. I for one was not happy about Hurler being closed either. We also got to meet Pat, the GM of KD (?). She told us, and I quote, "Once you get on that ride, it delivers. It is stupidly great." HAHA I LOVE IT! STAY TUNED FOR MORE! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TH13TEEN Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 ^ Great PTR so far! That park looks stunning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gigacoaster2k Posted April 9, 2010 Author Share Posted April 9, 2010 The gates opened.. but there was a problem. Our passes weren't scanning, and they only had 2 metal detectors open to funnel the large throng of people that were shoulder to shoulder, spilling out from the entrance. Someone yelled at them to open more metal detectors, and they took notice and opened (I think) all of them. We started walking down I-Street for our 10 minute ERT on I305, and I had to take photos of the entrance. The front part of KD was like seeing KI again after so many months of being away from the park. It made my eyes get a little misty, walking with KICers and walking through a park that mirrors KI in so many ways.. <3 We were gated off, and then escorted by a security guard who told us to walk, not run. After what seemed like miles of speed-walking, my energy was rebooted and I screamed with joy when I saw THIS. I am surprised that my photos came out this clearly. I was literally shaking with excitement. As we got closer to the station, we heard a very loud and very definitive pre-recorded "GENTLEMEN!! START YOURRR ENGINNNNNESSS!!!!!!!!" and deafening screams and applause from the riders as they raced out of the station and up the incredibly fast, very smooth lift hill. I305 is extremely photogenic. I305 is Tom's 50th coaster! We didn't have to wait long for our first ride. I screamed so hard in the station when we were getting ready to go up the lift that my throat hurt! The lift is significantly faster than MF's lift. I'd heard of people blacking out on the first drop, but I only saw a few gray spots at the bottom of the first hill. The drop on this sucker is INSANE. Intense twists, crazy turns, and a couple of very nice airtime hills with FAR better "airtime" than MF, and I got no headbanging whatsoever. I don't even know how to begin to describe I305. It now sits proudly atop my steel coasters as number one. It is THAT good. I305 is maddeningly amazing, left me out of breath and wanting more, booing Millennium Force as I proudly threw on my I305 first rider shirt, shaking with adrenaline, excitement, and a thirst for more and more of I305. After that first mind blowing ride, we were going to get back in line, but my heart sank when I saw that the line for my beloved new #1 steel coaster had grown ridiculously long. I sighed a deep, sad sigh as I made myself walk away from that amazing ride. I305 OWNS MF. End of story. We went to Flight of Fear, and the line was almost nonexistent, but we were 3 trains away when it shut down. We decided to go to Volcano: The Blast Coaster! This was a very fun ride! I really liked the vertical launch! We sprinted back over to I305 to see if the line was still long. It had gotten even longer. *sighhh* Then it was off to Dominator! More Dominator! The wait was very long, and the line was jam packed full of line jumpers like you would not believe. The day was getting extremely hot at this point, and I would have done anything for a moment of shade or a drop of water. James informed us that he rode Dominator 1,503 times last year! Dominator is also very photogenic.. then again, what B&M isn't? It's about time someone implemented this. I'm not a person that needs a larger seat, but I absolutely hate watching people leave a ride they were excited about because they can't fit. Either way, we chose the very back row! Tom, James, and I were going up the lift when suddenly it ground slowly to a stop almost near the top of the hill. Several minutes passed, and everyone on the train started joking with each other. A voice came over an intercom to us and said someone would be with us shortly. I actually dozed off for a few minutes, regardless of the sun glaring in my face. Apparently, the kid in front of us wasn't tall enough to ride, so they had to evac him. After about half an hour of chilling out on Dominator's lift hill, we got going again with applause and cheers, and let me tell you something: Dominator is a pretty sweet ride. It was totally worth it. The supervisor met us back at the station with cups of cold water for everyone, which was appreciated. That sun got HOT up there! STAY TUNED FOR MORE! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gigacoaster2k Posted April 9, 2010 Author Share Posted April 9, 2010 ^ Great PTR so far! That park looks stunning! Dude, I'm not even close to done yet. The good stuff is coming, so chill out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyGuy4KI Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 On the edge of my seat, waiting for more!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyGuy4KI Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 ^ Great PTR so far! That park looks stunning! Dude, I'm not even close to done yet. The good stuff is coming, so chill out. But your so good at PTR's! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gigacoaster2k Posted April 9, 2010 Author Share Posted April 9, 2010 After fighting Dominator and winning, we went to Johnny's for some food. I believe I got a footlong chili dog and a bottle of water. At that point I was so, so hungry and so incredibly thirsty that I paid full price for my meal, caring far more about my health/blood sugar than my bank account. Then it was off to Rebel Yell, where a situation occurred. As Tom and I left Rebel Yell's station, we saw Adam. He yelled to us that his phone was destroyed. Only one side of Rebel Yell was running, but I like this a lot better than Racer.. as much as I love Racer, Rebel Yell overthrows it. We met back up with Adam, and he told us that Dominator smashed his phone and that Nick lost his phone to I305, and Jared's phone was dying, so I made a point of promising them and myself that I would not lose my phone too. We rode Grizzly, and saw pieces of HyperSonic XLC's track laying out in the woods! Then it was off to Anaconda. We went to go wait in line for I305, but the line was so very long and only running one train that we gave up. I took this opportunity to take a ton of I305 photos in the meantime. YUM. A photo I am very proud of. STAY TUNED! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gigacoaster2k Posted April 9, 2010 Author Share Posted April 9, 2010 Here is the line for I305 that we didn't want to wait in. We rode Ricochet, which was quite fun for a wild mouse! It has a pretty sweet first drop! And then finally, much to my excitement, something opened that had been down almost all day.. Drop Tower! I absolutely love their Drop Tower, it's crazy fast! We decided to get everyone together since the day was drawing to a close, and do a night ride on I305 together. Tom, James, Adam, Matt, Jared, Nick, Shawn, and I met up with Dave (DaveStroem) and his 2 daughters for the ride. Tom and I in our first rider shirts!! I'm PUMPED, and he is TIRED! I305 at night. All I have to say about that night ride is WOW. At night, I305 honestly had the intensity of Voyage.. no, I'm not exaggerating. That was one unbelievably amazing way to end our day at KD. James met up with us in the I305 gift shop, and handed me a small bag. In it were two I305 shot glasses, one for me and one for Tom. He said it was a thank you for making it one of the best days of his life at his home park. Several hours from home and thirsty, hot, tired, and somewhat frustrated from the day's events, I was touched by this gesture of friendship from someone I'd only met once. On our way toward the exit, I saw this and had to take a pic! My ride count: I305 - 2 Volcano: The Blast Coaster - 1 Rebel Yell - 1 Dominator - 1 Grizzly - 1 Ricochet - 1 Anaconda - 1 Though I didn't get all of my credits, I quickly lost concern with that, and tried to focus on having fun even in a blazing hot, jam packed park full of line jumpers. Operations could have went better, but it was the first day, and that is to be expected with any park.. that is not something I base a park on as far as what I like most. I REALLY like KD, and plan to go back at least one more time this year. I'd like to go back when they aren't so busy, and take time to see more of the park and what it has to offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yournamehere Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 I saw you there! I remember you you were like right by me in the line. great trip report! and btw I dont know where you were all day but there was no one in the single rider line so me and my friend got 8 rides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast1979 Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 Awesome PTR Angie! Kings Dominion looks great! Can't wait to see the rest of the trip, you've got skillz. Look forward to seeing you at KI next week! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corn4ahead Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 Great PTR, it seems as though I305 will be the #1 new ride of this year. I need to get on this bad boy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyGuy4KI Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 You always do a good job with your PTR's Angie! Thanks for sharing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TH13TEEN Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 ^ Great PTR so far! That park looks stunning! Dude, I'm not even close to done yet. The good stuff is coming, so chill out. My bad, I just really dislike the offseason? Yaa thats it. Bu But then again I still think it was a great PTR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gigacoaster2k Posted April 10, 2010 Author Share Posted April 10, 2010 Thanks 13. I try to put a lot of thought into my PTRs, and try to remember as much as I possibly can. Last year I had several people tell me that my PTRs made them feel as if they were there.. I take that as an extremely high compliment. I try to showcase the park I visit while being goofy and conveying the emotions I felt at the time.. even while compiling my PTRs sometimes, I get so excited remembering the great time I had that I get sidetracked! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIfan1980 Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Nice report - love the pics and have to give Tom some kudos for having I305 as a milestone coaster. Really looking forward to April 3rd, 4th, and especially the 5th. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Huh? Are you sure you mean April? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark6495 Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 nice pics and seemed like a great trip.... totally want to do something like that one day (where i just travel going from park to park) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIfan1980 Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Huh? Are you sure you mean April? Yes Giga went to KD on April 2nd, Carowinds on April 3rd, SFOG on April 4th, and Dollywood on April 5th. She indicated that she would have a separate PTR for each park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Ah, now I see. I thought you meant you couldn't wait for those days...(not the reports of what already has happened on those days!). Terpy, slow at times.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KI Kevin Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Dominator is also very photogenic.. then again, what B&M isn't? Ha! Though it is a fun ride, let's face it can't you at least paint over the lines on the ground? I've found that the whole floorless effect loses it's gusto unless you ride in the front. So now whenever I ride one, I make sure to ride front row. Congrats to Tom on #50! Anyways, as always, great TR so far, glad you had fun at KD. My favorite by far was Volcano when I was there. Can't wait to check out I305. And yes, I had Shoney's while I was there last summer before going to BGE. They had great food. Looking forward to the rest of the report! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kawana Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 It looked like there was a led board under the main sign for I305. Did they use that for anything, and if not, did anyone find out what that'll be used for? Wait time would be a great idea for one of those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Dominator is also very photogenic.. then again, what B&M isn't? Ha! Though it is a fun ride, let's face it can't you at least paint over the lines on the ground? I've found that the whole floorless effect loses it's gusto unless you ride in the front. So now whenever I ride one, I make sure to ride front row.... Scream? Fun? Wow. I thought it was the least smooth B&M I had ever ridden...I could feel every track connection on the thing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureExpresser Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 I have to agree wholeheartedly that I305 has moved right up to the top of my favorite coasters list. The speed and the twists and turns had the adrenaline pumping in me like never before. I was there that entire week and believe me the line for I305 went from long and huge to basically a walkon starting on Monday to the point they took the second train off the track because they couldn't fill the trains. Monday and Tuesday, I felt like a kid in candy store, getting to ride everything as much as I wanted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KI Kevin Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Dominator is also very photogenic.. then again, what B&M isn't? Ha! Though it is a fun ride, let's face it can't you at least paint over the lines on the ground? I've found that the whole floorless effect loses it's gusto unless you ride in the front. So now whenever I ride one, I make sure to ride front row.... Scream? Fun? Wow. I thought it was the least smooth B&M I had ever ridden...I could feel every track connection on the thing... Really? I found it do be no rougher than Dominator (which IMO got kinda rough near the corkscrews), and a lot more intense/ fun. The only spot I really noticed was between the loop and dive loop I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom76257 Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Thank you, KIfan1980 and KI Kevin, for the congratulations on coaster #50 and it being I305. The first ride was good, but then the night ride was just AMAZING! How many people get to say that they got to ride a brand new gigacoaster as their 50th coaster? AND have it be a coaster from their favorite manufacturer of Intamin? Although, I still do like Maverick just BARELY more than I do I305. The sad part is that Maverick is no longer my favorite steel coaster. Dominator took me away and BLEW MY MIND on the only ride I got on it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveStroem Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Tom, as much as issues as I have with I305 the night ride was pretty amazing. I agree that Dominator is a fun ride, I wouldn't put it in my top 10 but I still enjoyed it quite a bit. Remember that when riding early in the season you are comparing to memories from past rides. These often are not fair comparisons as we can either inflate our memory of a past ride or let the enthusiasm of a new ride over rate the true experience. I can't wait for Saturday so I can compare all these new rides to Diamondback and not just my memory of Diamondback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom76257 Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Dave, I know what you mean. Part of me wants to rate I305 and Dominator as high as they are on my list JUST because they were new to me, but then again they were AMAZING rides. My top 5 steel (I can't do a top 10 anymore because it seems too hard to do one now.) might change a little on Saturday, but if it does then that means I'll have a ride I love in my top 5 steel again. Like you, I can't wait to ride Diamondback on Saturday. It'll be good to get ride #121 on something at the home park. Kawana, I believe they used the LED board on media day, but I don't recall them using it on Opening Day. Wait time would be a GREAT idea to use the board for. Intimidator at Carowinds also has an LED board and I have a pic of the sign with one word on the board. I'd share it on here, but I can't find the cable that goes to my computer from the camera and it won't read my memory card. Besides that, it's not too exciting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Millennium Posted May 23, 2010 Share Posted May 23, 2010 Good PTR even though now I want to go to Williamsburg! I have relatives there and visited 4 years ago, but little did I know then I was near Busch Gardens (which I hear is fabulous) and KD...With KD's addition of I305 it's certainly got a world class collection of coasters now. Volcano, Dominator, Avalanche, Hurler, and of course i305 all look great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TH13TEEN Posted May 23, 2010 Share Posted May 23, 2010 ^ InTRIMadator 305... Thought I would let you know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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