Park Record Numbers
Our Day at the Park
If you had a chance to go to Kings Dominion this past Sunday, you most likely did not get a chance to do much. C
lint and I went down to the park after a friend called and said "there is a sign before entering the parking lot saying "Park is Crowded Today"". We had to see it for our selfs. Not that we did not believe the park was crowded. But that its so crowded that they had to put a sign up? We had to check it out. As we pulled of 95, we saw that it was indeed crowded. There was no parking left! We had to make our way to the soccer fields behind the campground for parking. In the main parking lot cars were parked in many places that were not intended to be parking spaces.
After our long walk to the front gate, we saw another sign that the park was going to be pretty busy. The front gate looked like it has just opened. People were lined up past the flag polls in the main entrance plaza. We arrived at 3:30PM. Every line at the front gate was open and very busy.
We only stayed a few hours to get some pictures and see the new "Feeling Groovy" show. Our sources tell us that the park was very close to the 40,000 people mark. It was also the first time in 11 years that they had to use the soccer fields for alternative parking. From what we heard, the park was so packed because it was the Bank of America day at the park. All in all it was great to see the park as busy as it was. I am sure when there is that many people at the park at once, it may not be the best experience. But it was still great to see the park so successful on a Sunday afternoon.Tips to a Great Day
I know every one has there own little tips and secrets to having fun at the park when its so busy. I thought I would share some of my ideas on how to avoider the lines. The first thing I do is make sure you get to the park at least a half hour before the front gates
open. You want to make sure you are close to the front of the line so you can get one or two rides in before every one else makes it through the gates. I always try to hit up the big attractions first, before the line gets to long. Most of the park does not open tell 10:30, but Dominator opens with the park at 10:00. So start the day with a nice rush on Dominator. You might be able to get on it twice before the line gets to long. Once you have had your fill of Dominator (or the line gets to long to wait in), then make your way down the "Pavilion Path" so you can get a good start to the Volcano when they drop the ropes. If you are a platinum pass member then you can go to the center gate by the Eiffel Tower and get in 10 minute early. Normally you can get at least one ride on Volcano and Backlot Stunt Coaster before the crowed find there way to the Congo section of the park. Its good to make sure you do what ever you can in the Congo section before it gets to packed, because that is typically the busiest part of the park.If you are going to enjoy the water park, you want to make sure you are over at the gates 10 minutes before the open. For platinum pass members that is 11:30 on weekends. For all others it opens at 12:00. The most popular slide (and longest wait time) is on the Tornado slide. So that is the one you want to hit first. After a few rides on the Tornado slide, go to the back of the water park and get your fill on the Pipeline Peak and Zoom Flume. The longest wait in the water park will be for Pipelilne peak. This is because its a low capacity ride and is so popular. So get on that ASAP.
Normally about this time you are thinking of food. Its a good idea to try to eat before 11:30 or after 2:00. If you try to eat in between those times, you will find some long lines. We normally eat at Victoria Pizza before going in to the water park. You have a nice selection of Italian treats. Pizza by the slice, whole pizzas, lasagna, cheese filled bread sticks, salads, and more. If we are traveling in a big group then we normally go for a whole pizza (witch I think is the best deal in the park). It will feed a family of 4 for under $24. Another great place to eat is the Outer Hanks. They have chicken strip baskets, and jumbo shrimp baskets. They also have frozen margaritas for those who like adult beverages. Both the Outer Hanks and Victoria Pizza have in door seating and its a nice break from the sun in some air conditioning.
Now you will find that most of the park is packed. Where ever you go it will be busy. Thats not true! If you were planing on doing some of the pay-per-ride attraction, now is a great time to do so. Kings Dominion offers a variate of options for the family and thrill seekers. The whole family can enjoy some Lazar Tag or Go Carts. The thrill seekers can enjoy a plunge on the Xtreme Skyflyer. For the up and coming thrill seekers there is the Launch Pad. Most of the pay-per-ride attractions don't have much of a line through out the day and if your willing to spend a few bucks you can keep the excitement going well the rest of the park is waiting in lines. This is also a great time to hit up the arcades and see a few shows.If you are really not interested in any of those tips for passing the time, there are a few rides in the park that you will almost never find a line over 10 minutes for. Eiffel Tower, Carousel, Spongbob 3D (Action Theater), and the Treasure Cave. If you are still in the water park then you can also enjoy Tidal Wave Bay, Surf City Splash House, and Big Wave Bay. Or you can do what I do when the lines are to long. SHOPPING! Best shops are on International Street. They also have my Starbucks there as well!
Now I bet you are saying "What about Rebel Yell, Hurler, Grizzly? When do we ride those?" Well if the people are packed in the park all day long, then they most likely are going to leave around 7PM. That gives you three hours to hit up most of the rides with little wait. That and we all know those wood coasters are better at night.
Having Fun
I hope for the most part, your busy day at the park turns in to a fun one. The best way to have fun at the park when its busy is to be in a group with good company. If every one is relaxed and has no worries, then every one is going to have a good time.
With that said if you ever see Clint Novak or my self at the park, please stop by and say "Hi". We always love meeting new people and there is always room in our group for a few more! Posted at 7/02/2008 03:15:00 PM
2 Comments:
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That is unreal on how many people where there !!!!! Glad to to see the park doing good . By the way Rose and all the guys great podcast . Enjoy the news on the Dominator !!!!!
That is unreal in the amount of cars at the park !!!!! I been there and seen the intire regular parkinglot full but never that much...