Kings Dominion Review | Amusement Park in Doswell, Virginia

Kings Dominion is an absolute behemoth of an amusement park. Spread across 280 acres, it’s home to 48 attractions and 13 roller coasters with one of our favourite and one of our least favourite coasters in the world. We witnessed stunning views atop a replica of the Eiffel Tower, had our minds obliterated by one of the most aggressive coasters we’ve ever experienced and discovered what a theme park is like when it’s had multiple different owners and operated over its 48 years of operation. Kings Dominion is definitely a controversial theme park with some people loving it, and other people hating it, especially when compared to its sister park Kings Island, so we were incredibly interested in discovering whether it was worth a visit, and what we experienced certainly surprised us.
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[@ArtfulAmy]

@2:11 “We’re more themed entertainment people here at ReviewTyme rather than coaster enthusiasts” is what I really appreciate about your channel. While I definitely enjoy coasters (especially airtime!), some with high positive Gs (like 305) can be too intense for me and I value fun factor, theming and experience most.

[@vapoet]

For fun factor, Twisted Timbers is the best coaster ever put in the park.

[@ZM-jb6gc]

It's actually a backhanded compliment for KD. Like, "They actually have pretty intense, remarkable coasters, but frankly their theming isn't that bad."

[@RankingTheMouse]

The price here seriously astounds me. $65 for entrance to a water park, free parking, free dining, & one of the biggest theme/amusement parks in the world is ABSURD

[@dannymorgan7252]

Kings dominion is that park where everyone is welcome without killing your bank account

[@SaVaGeGmYbEaR]

This is my home park. Its cheap partly because they dont have a lot of top tier rides to offer. 305 is a monster and Twisted Timbers is a mid-high level RMC and once you get beyond that, there really isn't much worth going there for. Families with kids have tons of options and its a great park to bring the kiddos to for sure.

[@Pr0toPoTaT0]

Get that season pass fellas, you save so much money. Go for Halloween

[@Legggggg317]

@@SaVaGeGmYbEaRthis comment here. I guess I’ve been to much in the past years but it isn’t exciting like it used to be. And when you look at others state’s amusement park they make kings dominion look like a baby park

[@hamnertime]

Glad you all had a great time! It really is an under-rated park (with a free water park, too!). The chaperone policy is a welcome addition. I've always preferred Busch Gardens Williamsburg vs. Kings Dominion in the summer mainly because I knew I wouldn't have to deal with hordes of teenagers at KD.

[@Trainmaster909]

I love how, although you didn’t like Project 305, you respected it for what it does.

[@pauldannemann6113]

My home park! Haven’t been in years unfortunately, this video is why I will have to make a triumphant return very soon. I miss Volcano. Great content guys. Keep up the good work.

[@vapoet]

Volcano was best right at sunset. The line was usually shorter and coming out of the Volcano, "Oo! Pretty!"

[@TyrellDunn]

I live in Maryland. This is one of my favorite parks to visit. Glad you were able to come and visit the park. It’s was better back in the day as Paramount’s Kings Dominion. Project 305 is my favorite coaster there. Then Flight of Fear.

[@mcrclaire]

Had to stop and rewind I was laughing so hard after '... and of course Apple Zapple!' I failed in the battle for consciousness on 305, never ever again!

[@vapoet]

My daughter went on it with me in the first season, opening weekend.and tried it again several times over the summer. It wasn't until they put on brakes to slow it down that that she stayed conscious throughout the ride.

[@astroguster5522]

I loved Kings Dominion. I got to go on the volcano coaster, which blasted you straight out the volcano 🌋 and then looped backwards. It's gone now sadly.

[@liamcollinson5695]

I am so jealous I always wanted to ride that

[@TyrellDunn]

That was many years ago. I miss that roller coaster. It was my favorite in the park for years.

[@astroguster5522]

@@TyrellDunn I met some 80 year old lady on line who loved riding it too. She was a badass lady

[@TyrellDunn]

@@astroguster5522 she sounds like a LEGEND

[@GreyGunstar]

I miss Volcano 😢

[@maxwelld37]

One of my favorite parks I visited in my childhood!

[@ixedtea5302]

This park is a staple for people who live here! As a resident here Bush Gardens Williamsburg is still better no matter how expansive Kings Dominion is.

[@OttoBuns]

This is the park I grew up going to, so I’m a little biased, but I absolutely love Kings Dominion! Love how intense I305 & Tumbili are too

[@OttoBuns]

Also just saying.. I was here about a month ago and spent over $50 on 2 chicken tender meals and the tenders sucked lol

[@xenowrath]

I grew up going to Kings Dominion, through the Hanna-Barbera era, Paramount, and current. Its really interesting watching this theme park evolve throughout the years. The Berserker was always the first thing you saw from the road and the parking lot, and it was mandatory that that was the first and last ride of the day. Going as an adult, the park seems somehow, less, than it was, but that might just be a kids eyes vs an adults. I remember building up the courage to ride the Anaconda, always riding the Rebel Yell backwards, being terrified that the Grizzly was going to fall apart, and being a big fan of the Days of Thunder experience/ride.

[@TheCoasterSerpent]

Kings Dominion is an amazing park and I-305 is my favorite coaster ever,

[@George_bonnaire]

Actually it’s project 305 now but it’s my favorite too!

[@Paolo_DLR]

I grew up on The Bush Beast and Beastie. RIP Australia's Wonderland.

[@erick2853]

KD is my home park and Backlot always has one of the biggest lines in the park. I attribute this to the small capacity per train.

[@XRROW_]

Its also pretty fun

[@blackmageswaltz9708]

I live about 20 minutes away from the park. Absolutely loved going and often took my niece there when she was little. The Halloween and Holiday events they have towards the end of the year were always great if not busy. Honestly I think their Holiday one is better then Busch Garden's. The only issue is getting out of the park when the Illuminate Light Show is going on just a few miles down the road between people visiting that and people getting off the interstate to go home. Be prepared to sit there for a while. Also, I still find it unforgivable that they took out Volcano for that new coaster.

[@dlfendel2844]

One of the points made in news coverage of the Cedar Fair/Six Flags merger is that because season or annual passes had already been sold for the year, major changes in those and other policies will probably take until 2025 to be fully implemented.

[@Cheezbat]

Decent park…but I hated Intimidator 305…I was so disappointed because I thought I would love it. Greying out on coasters and getting headaches isn’t fun. As for S&S free spins…I agree with you. I rode the original at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and got the living snot beaten out of me. I came off with shoulder cuts that stayed with me for weeks. These are NOT for taller people.

[@DavidCastro-wf8cl]

Baby

[@Cheezbat]

@@DavidCastro-wf8cl guessing you’re either a kid or don’t grey out on coasters. If you don’t, you’re lucky.

[@j-robspoketalk8054]

I love kings dominion ! I have lived about 30 minutes away my whole life so I’ve been there countless times. The Halloween stuff they do is actually pretty good.

[@kiayaoi]

as a dc native i performed many a band recital at the kings dominion theater lmfao

[@AMagicProduction]

Looking forward to seeing more US park reviews that aren’t Disney, Universal or Sea World

[@ParallelDiscover]

I am hoping to visit next week! You are making it sound like a great time

[@parqueteenteres]

Luke´s dance 😂😂😂

[@JUGGridesDIRTbikesFTW]

I'm proud to be able to call KD my home park. No offense here, but I'm glad P305 scares most people away. It's always a walk on, and that's great as it's currently my favorite ride.

[@slumpdogyt]

They fixed all the effects on Flight of Fear, and most of the effects work on Backlot, it's just they don't always seem to turn them on. The only thing that was removed was the moving helicopter. Also, in the early days of Kings Dominion, the park was more of a Themepark over thrill park. We had a whole lost world mountain that had 3 indoor dark rides and even a train and monorail. Sadly, paramount removed lake charles, the train, the monorail, the removed the dark rides in the mountain to add volcano. Glad you had a good visit though!

[@RobSomeone]

Yeah, but the Volcano was awesome! RIP my favorite coaster.

[@hudsonsheldrake530]

14:41 THIS IS SO FUNNY LOL

[@nicholasspinner638]

The Intimidator used to be even more intense the first season that they opened it. Guests (me sometimes included) would constantly black out at the bottom of the first drop. I always had a great time but I understand why they slowed it down.

[@vapoet]

Project 305 always has to be the last ride of the day. It is too intense to allow people to enjoy the rest of the day.

[@Annagator-ze8oo]

Alright, I’m just going to say that I LOVE kingsdominion SO much! And not really because of the food or entertainment or even rides, but because I’ll go there with some of my cousins about twice a year, and it’s just such a family place for me AND it’s quite affordable too. Also I defend the intimidater and tumbili!!!!!!! What’s crazy is that those along with twisted timbers are like my favorite rides!!!!!! Anyway I’m just a huge fan of it and I think you had a good observation! ( I think I would be biased and give almost everything like a 10/10)

[@Juuchan17]

I haven't been back to Kings Dominion for over a decade, and that was my 1st job (back when Paramount had all the branding there, & the kids section was themed on Nickelodeon & Hanna-Barbara cartoons. Boy, that was a time)! I'm surprised I haven't been back there, despite being so close by & very affordable, but lately... I've been a BGW fan, yet I kinda want to see how much KD has changed since my high school days.

[@liesecarey9494]

Lived in Virginia and went when it was just a safari. Kept going back as it grew up until I moved away from VA in 1982. I have great feeling for Kings Dominion. If I could build a theme park or amusement park I would absolutely demand lots of great trees and lots of great architecture. I've never been to a six flags park that was even half as nice an atmosphere. And I've spent a good bit of time at some six flags parks as a teen. They do not come close to measuring up for what I want in a park, despite the teen fun way they were for me.

[@TheNinjaDC]

Carowinds gets a lot more positive buzz, but Kings Dominion is really in the same tier of park. It has a fairly well rounded lineup and has excellent food options. The two things holding the park back are: (A) The park is rather disjointed. Some parts are peak Cedar Fair quality. While others feel abandoned. This is made very apparent with half the park's coasters being located in one section of the park, despite the park's massive size. (B) It lives in the shadow of other parks. It's made in the image of Kings Island, but never really matched it. Worse, is its regional rival. Put simply, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the better park in the region. It's award winning for its beauty and shows, and has a more balanced coaster lineup. This handicaps KD attendance in the region, which limits its investment budget from Cedar Fair.

[@ZM-jb6gc]

KD is much more convenient to DC than BG, but the I-95 traffic is more atrocious than ever. Though the traffic out to Williamsburg is pretty bad too. I know people that refuse to go to Six Flags America anymore.

[@M567dk]

I live near this Kings Dominion theme park in Virginia, but I do not go there often as I should. I have this uncanny fear of heights.

[@TheVloggerDude2018]

Local here. I’ve been to KD once since they took out volcano. The park hasnt felt the same since. Very empty. This is mostly a park of clone rides you can find at other cedar fair parks before dominator, (which was shipped to KD from another park) Intimidator 305, and twisted timbers. I suppose if you’ve never been you’ll have fun but if you want more coasters, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a just a little more down the Road. Hoping the next 10 years will see a lot more original additions to compete with BGW.

[@AuburnFanSince2010]

Kings Dominion is a top 3 park in the Cedar Fair chain.

[@kevinmorris6984]

That was a hilarious RCT Joke! Nice nostalgia touch

[@mikespeedfromspeedway2812]

Man, I still miss Volcano: The Blast Coaster… R.I.P. I really hope they haven’t canned the thought of adding a wing coaster in its space either. And 305 is pretty intense but that’s why I love it so much! 10 years from now I may have to start considering if it’ll be safe for my health though! 😆

[@lmb-wu6gd]

People who LIKE kings dominions.....hi your MY people MY!

[@AlexWeberg]

Ive went to kings island a bunch throughout my life. Seems like theres a lot of similarities with some differences. I recently went to cedar point again but always have a soft spot for kings island, idk maybe its nostalgia cause like this park, there's still stuff there that takes me back to years when paramount owned it.

[@jcdx87]

I love this place so much. I try to go at least once or twice year. I haven’t gone during Christmas which I’m hoping I can change this year & would love to go back during Halloween Haunt this year.

[@jeanschwartz7552]

I went during Christmas for the first time last year! It was the best! Get the unlimited hot cocoa - so worth it :)

[@jcdx87]

@@jeanschwartz7552 I can’t wait! Will definitely get the unlimited hot cocoa. thanks!

[@mitchellries256]

When I first came here in 2008, my experience was not that great as it was extremely busy resulting in very long lines for almost every ride, including the rides in Soak City, and every single ride broke down at the end of the day. When I came back in 2013, I had a much better experience. We went on less busier day making every single ride and slide a walk on, and every single thing mentioned in this video from the rides and operations to the atmosphere and staff friendliness make it worth visiting. I do prefer Busch Gardens Williamsburg more, but you can't visit Virginia without visiting both parks.

[@raisenox]

The scariest ride in that park is the Woodstock Express (known as the Scooby Doo coaster when I was a kid). Not because it was especially thrilling but because you can see and feel the entire structure shaking whenever cars make a turn and I don't know how much I trust 50 year old wooden beams

[@Joshua-dx7zn]

We live closer to Kings Dominion than Busch Gardens but had gone to BG a few times because of vacationing to Williamsburg. Several years ago KD had a good sale on the next year season passes where you also got a free visit the current season so we figured it would be a good activity for our family so we bought 4 season passes. Well we went the one time and absolutely hated it. The employees were rude and the lowest quality, the other guests were fairly trashy, and the park was dirty and the rides just seemed old. We hated it so much we never went back, just throwing away all that money.

[@brent_in_aussie]

Oh my god so loved Bush Beast back in the day …hope it lived up the the memory

[@dominicanheat2790]

OMG, lol. I grayed out a little on intimidator 305 too! LOL

[@davidnevolo4402]

So many trees. My home park outside chicago had such sparce landscaping compared to these east coast parks and their deep green forests. Kings dominion, great adventure, busch gardens for example

[@ZM-jb6gc]

Yeah and the trees really sell the "fair games and bumper cars" alley which has fewer trees, as a seperate and unique space. The Old Dominion section of the park (they were themed in the paramount days) is great like you're in a forest with gas lamps and Georgian architecture. It's the perfect place to tuck Grizzly and the rapids ride into AND it's one of the more fun and effective rapids rides out there. My favorite thing about the landscaping is this one tunnel made out of vines where they blast mist inside.

[@davidnevolo4402]

@@ZM-jb6gc beautiful

[@ScarTrek]

Helldivers 2 isn't 4th try, there's been no less than 10 videogame, boardgame and pinball adaptations of Starship Troopers. Including the game from last year that is still in early access!

[@ScarTrek]

Oh and all the weird Mormon movie sequels

[@KNGRCHRD]

i used to ride intimidator over and over and bet my one friend that he couldn’t stay awake on it. i always could but he never did. made for some GREAT pictures 😂

[@jacoboehler]

You should do a video on lagoon amusement park!

[@ZM-jb6gc]

The "action" theatre used to have iWerks motion seats with a cool proprietary James Bond film (Pierce Brosnan). Twisted Timbers used to be themed after Wayne's World 2 and the restaurant next to it was Stan Mikita's doughnuts. They had a mock up of the "Murthmobile" limo park out front.

[@jeanschwartz7552]

The Hurler was my favourite! Next to Stan Mikita's was The Rock Shop, where I remember getting lots of patches for my backpack. And the motion seat ride...I remember when it first opened as Days of Thunder with Tom Cruise. That was so fun.

[@ZM-jb6gc]

@@jeanschwartz7552 Oh, never rode Days of Thunder, awesome! Though License to Thrill was pretty cool. Yeah, Stan Mikita's, the Wayne's World III we never got. Can't believe they had a real murth mobile.

[@jeanschwartz7552]

@@ZM-jb6gc Yeah! The had the car from the first movie, then switched it out for the limo version from the second movie. I remember always going there to cool off, as it had 'crashed' into a fire hydrant and sprayed water. Was great on a mid-July afternoon :)

[@shawnmyers1880]

It was called the hurler

[@Calakapepe]

I can't imagine what more kd could do for affordability lol Definitely a 10 out of 10 in my book

[@ejd1984]

Though a really good and detailed review, it actually makes me a little sad to see the park these days. I grew up going to Kings Dominion, and I believe the best years were from 1975 thru 1991. When it still had the full Lake Charles, and more themed lands than today. You could easily see the Disneyland influence. International Street (Obviously inspired by Disney Main street, and the Eiffel Tower their kinda castle) Hanna Barbera (Yogi Bear's Cave was a near historical landmark) Candy Apple Grove (Styled after Coney Island) Safari Village (with a Monorail animal ride) Old Virginia (with three working Steam Trains, and regular shows in the theater) For me - What KD is today just feels a little cheap, and has lost its classy past. I wish you could have seen it then. I do suggest looking up Kings Dominion Historians, and searching for older maps from 1975 thru 1991. PS - LOVE You Channel!!!!! 🙂

[@drewpinsky3365]

I fucking love this channel

[@markcurry7945]

I live about an hour away from the park and everything you said was SPOT ON….but I will say Tumbili isn’t THAT bad 😅

[@ZontarDow]

305 used to be even more intense when it first opened if you can believe it.

[@sergioedhi1839]

the first thrill you will enjoy is I-95. Hold on tight!

[@remconet]

9:16 Okay, 5/10 for entertainment? You clearly missed that package.

[@jacksonseyl5255]

If you guys go to Magic Mountain can you please do X2?

[@johnfoltz8183]

I want to go on something more thrilling than Giga Coaster 1!

[@furmandoyle7178]

305 is absolutely best in park

[@RobSomeone]

I love Kings Dominion. In my opinion better rides than Busch Garden Williamsburg and a better park experience than Six Flags DC. A good sweet spot for a little of everything at a good price.

[@Annagator-ze8oo]

YEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!

[@mattcunningham5864]

Twisted Timbers is the worst hybrid I've been on 😂 Wildcat's Revenge and Iron Gwazi are so much better.

[@BBAERSTANCE1]

You look like Billy Corgan with hair

[@Legggggg317]

This park use to be fun but it legit went downhill. Removing rides with no better replacements. Holding onto the same old rides. And you’ll be lucky if the ride is even operational when you get there. And they show no care towards the water park. Same set up since I was kid and I’m about to be 30

[@just-dashin]

bruh

[@c87kim]

It’s too cheap… the crowd is super ratchet

[@NickBab]

С их ст мч 😅с😅тсс