Behind the Screams of a Scaracter!

This past weekend I had the opportunity to be a character in one of the mazes at KD.

We got to KD about 6:30. We were directed to the costume shop. I was introduces to so many people I am sorry but I forgot everyones names. I do remember Tina. Tina pulled me a costume and sent me to the changing area. Her words "Go and put this on" They were putting me in Black Beards Revenge so I was a pirate wench. Once dressed Tina then cut up the costume. She said she could not send me out to the maze looking like I just put on a brand new costume. It looked really neat when she was done.

Once my outfit was perfect I was directed to make up. This is where the magic happens. I was transformed from my pretty sexy self to a horrible scary looking pirate wench. Makeup only took about 30 minutes but he did a very good job. He took half of my face and said this is the ugly side. He took this jar of goo. I am not sure what it was called. It was clear and smelled horrible. Then he took a hair dryer and as the goo dried my face. Once my outfit was perfect I was directed to make up. This is where the magic happens. I was transformed from my pretty sexy self to a horrible scary looking pirate wench. Makeup only took about 30 minutes but he did a tightened up and just like magic I had all these horrible ugly scars on one side of my face. He then air brushed the scars to give them a more real look. He took the other side of my face and said that would be my pretty side. I am not sure what he considers pretty but I didn't. He gave me eyeliner, blue eye shadow and red lips. I mean really red lips. He said since I was a pirate wench I probably put my makeup on while I was drunk. Well that's exactly what it looked like.

Now I am in costume and makeup all that is left is my hair. I went back to Tina. She told me to flip my hair upside down and she then teased and teased and teased. All the while saying “You are going to hate me in the morning”. Now I am complete a pirate wench getting ready to go in to Black Beards Revenge. Everyone said I looked great. Umm all I can say is thank goodness its Halloween.

So I was explained the rules and it is quit simple don’t touch the guests and they are not supposed to touch you. I was told if someone did touch me in an inappropriate way to “jump” the fence and find the supervisor. I was like OK.

This was my first time being a character and I had no idea what to do. I am scared of being scared. The first couple attempts were FLOPS. I did scare a kid but I felt bad. It was time to step up the game. I found some props and used them to my advantage. I hid behind a tree and as people passed I jumped out and screamed. It worked really well. It was awesome. I had such a great time. If there were a big group I would try and find someone who was really scared and I would follow them and block them in. I loved it.

Now being a character is HARD work. I was in the maze for about an hour and a half and I was DEAD tired when the came back for me. A lot of work goes into making sure that everything is perfect. You start at costume then makeup, hair and then work. It takes a lot to be able to keep up the stamina to do that for 5 hours. I give props to all of the characters. By the time they came back for me my feet hurt, my voice was gone, I was so hot, and completely worn out. But that was not the end of my night. The behind the screams crew had some tapping to do in the park and I was not allowed to walk the park in makeup. Here comes the hard part. They took me back to the costume shop where I changed and began to SCRUB and SCRUB my face to remove the makeup. It took me about 30 minutes to remove the makeup that was noticeable.

All in all it was a great experience and I want to thank KD for allowing me and the crew of Behind the Screams to take part in this great event. It was something that I have never experienced before and definitely something that I would love to experience again. I applaud all of the characters you guys go through so much to make the Halloween Haunt a spooky experience. I hope you enjoy KD’s Halloween Haunt this year and please make sure you watch the 3rd episode of the pod cast. Make sure to give us feedback and comments. Happy Halloween to all of you and remember

Before you get on the scene, you know what its like behind the screams


Posted at 10/16/2008 04:04:00 PM - 0 Comments

Ask Kings Dominion


Recently I had a chance to sit down with Kings Dominions Marketing Manager, John Pagel and ask him some questions that you, the fans turned in via the forum. This is what he had to say:

What was the reasoning behind flipping Rebel Yell backwards back to forwards? - Fergusonat

 It was recommended by the manufacturer, Philadelphia Toboggan Co., Philadelphia, PA, that we run both trains forward as it was designed.

Whats in the KD graveyard? I mean what old KD rides are still at KD? - kdman76

There isn't much "in the back." There is one ride of note though, XLC and maybe a few things slated for future expansion.

Why was Hypersonic removed? - yournamehere

XLC was a "high-profile" signature ride that was unreliable and had very low capacity. With the option of adding a coaster like Dominator or keeping XLC, the choice was clear!

Will Kings Dominion ever get a train ride? Will the old one come back? - yournamehere

We are always looking to expand the overall park experience, and there are many associates and guest that would love to see the train return, but at this time there are not any plans to bring back the train.

Why is hurler still at the park when no one is ever rideing it? - yournamehere

Typically, truly great rides, will not be removed from a park. There are many people who love wooden roller coaster and the unique ride that they provide. Steel is great but you must remain true to your coater roots!

When Cedar Point runs out of space for new coaster will Kings Dominion be the next roller coaster capitol of the world? - yournamehere

I can not speak for Cedar Point, but can I pose a rebuttal question? "Why can't we be the Roller Coaster Capital of the Mid-Atlantic, or even, The East Coast?" Every state/region needs a capital, Don't they?

Why do they never replace the trains on the older coasters? - cpmill1

If it's not broke, don't fix it!

Can you confirm rumors saying that Kings Dominion will be adding 3 flat rides in 2009? - KDFAN

I can confirm that Kings Dominion will be adding multiple attractions in 2009

Is there a chance you will bring back a systems like Disney's Fastpass? - KDFAN

The "fast-pass" conversation has come up many times, but for a park our size, it really doesn't work. We feel that everyone should have the unique experience of standing in line. Lines are the greatest example of social tolerance and harmony!

What determines how many trains to run on a ride? - KDFAN

Track length, safety blocks, and demand. For instance, Dominator can operate with 3 trains, but on weekdays when attendance is lower, we only operate 2 trains.

How often does Volcano shoot fire? - yournamehere

It usually fires for every train, but that isn't always the case. Weather and wind direction is always a concern too. We don't want to get a train back full of barbequed enthusiasts!

If you are interested in asking Kings Dominion a question please visit this forum where you can post your questions and they will be submitted to Kings Dominion!


Posted at 10/08/2008 06:42:00 PM - 0 Comments

The Best Ride In The Park, And We Cant Ride It.

A lot of coaster lovers know about the famous B&M Ball. Its a tool that allows Kings Dominion to inspect the tracks. Not a lot of coasters have this unique cart to help them with inspections. In fact there are only a hand full out there, and Dominator at Kings Dominion is one of the lucky few to have it.

Recently I had a chance to collect a few pictures of the "B&M Ball" out on a run on the track. Feel free to check out the pictures!

Link to pictures: B&M Ball



Posted at 10/04/2008 03:25:00 PM - 0 Comments