KDfansite’s Big Bang Event 2012

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Michael Collier

KDfansite’s Big Bang Event 2012

On July 2, 2012, coaster enthusiasts celebrated America’s independence by doing what other than visiting their favorite amusement park!  Attendees flocked to Kings Dominion for a day full of fun and excitement!

The day started out with a few of the guests enjoying the 60+ rides and attractions that Kings Dominion has to offer. Once the 1:30 meeting time came around, everyone gathered under the Eiffel Tower for check-in.  Then it was time for the real fun to start!

Excited enthusiasts set off to take over some of Kings Dominion’s most popular rides including: Volcano, Intimidator 305, Drop Tower, WindSeeker, and even the Ghoster Coaster. That’s right! We filled a full train of Ghoster Coaster with ecstatic coaster enthusiasts!

 

After some ride take overs, it was time for lunch! At lunch we enjoyed delicious fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and so much more mouth watering food at The Country Kitchen.

Once lunch ended, we headed over to the Grove Arcade for a skee-ball tournament! Over 20 of us battled it out to be named the supreme skee-baller.

 

 

 

But only one person could be named the winner. We want to congratulate Eric Stehmer on proving his skill at skee-ball! (Don’t worry, he won a prize pack, not just some tickets.)

 

 

 

 

 

The left over tokens were distributed throughout the group, who dispersed throughout the arcade for more fun! Some played Dance Dance Revolution, some played Deal or No Deal, and some even battled it out in a very close game of air hockey. Clint ended up beating Jason by one point and scored himself a free Rita’s Italian Ice!

As the sun was setting we spent our time watching the shows, getting dinner and getting our night rides in. Then it was time to once again gathered under the Eiffel Tower for the most anticipated time of the day!

 

 

 

 

 

We all crammed into the tight elevator to get up to our exclusive Eiffel Tower deck to view Kings Dominion’s dazzling fireworks display!

 

 

 

The fireworks were fantastic and the view was incredible!

 

 

 

 

Just before our ERT on WindSeeker, we got a special treat! Everyone got some free Rita’s Italian Ice!

 

 

 

During ERT, everyone got to play with the special remote that controls WindSeeker’s amazing LED light package!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We want to thank everyone who came out to this event! We really had a blast (yes, that was a fireworks pun), and we hope all of you did also!

 

Posted in Kings Dominion | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Coasting for Kids 2012

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Michael Collier

Coasting for Kids 2012

Cedar Fair held their fourth annual Coasting for Kids event this passed Sunday, June 10, at 11 of the company’s amusement parks. The event benefits the Give Kids the World Village in Central Florida, which gives terminally ill children and their families an all expense paid trip to Central Florida. While staying in the village, the families get to participate in activities, such as meet and greets with their favorite characters, and even have ice cream for breakfast. Also, families will have the chance to visit some of Florida’s best theme parks. This year, Cedar Fair was able to raise over $110,000 to help out this amazing organization! $3,376.08 of that money was raised by Coaster Crew alone! Out of the 15 people who participated on Team Coaster Crew, our top fundraisers this year are:

  1. Nikki Feldman- $727.08
  2. Jason Balinskas- $651.00
  3. Eleana Jordan- $615.00

We want to thank everyone who participated in this amazing event and we hope to see you next year coasting along with us!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Virginia is for Coaster Lovers Day 1 – KD

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Michael Collier

Virginia is for Coaster Lovers Day 1 – KD

On June 2, 2012, enthusiasts flocked to the Mid-Atlantic from all over the country for one of the best and most anticipated coaster events of 2012, Virginia is for Coaster Lovers! They came from all over the country, from Michigan to Texas, and even from California! Attendees woke up bright and early to get to Kings Dominion for some insane ERT on Volcano and Intimidator 305.  Immediately after the ERT, we were treated to a behind the scenes look at Intimidator 305 – yes, the legend itself! The tour was fantastic and gave attendees a unique look at the coaster, as well as some fantastic photo opportunities.

This is just one of the many astonishing views we were able to take advantage of. Pretty awesome right?

And then, it was time for one of the best parts of any event: LUNCH! We were greeted by delicious buffet of BBQ and chicken sandwiches, coleslaw and much more. During the lunch, a few lucky attendees won some awesome prizes provided by Coaster Crew and Kings Dominion, while some unlucky attendees just waited to find out they won nothing – but it was still fun watching all the excitement! We were then treated to a Q&A with Gene Petriello, the new Communications Manager.

After lunch, the whole gang was treated to another Coaster Crew exclusive, a behind the scenes look of Rita’s Italian Ice!

We were given scrumptious samples of some of the most popular flavors of Italian ice, and then were invited into the shop to see how it’s all made. Did you know, that all of the Italian ice you eat is made in the park fresh daily? The two machines in the picture to the left are what make it all happen!

Once the tour ended, we were given complimentary admission to Dinosaurs Alive! This was a great time to enjoy time away from coasters and take a walk through Kings Dominion’s brand new animatronic dinosaur park.

As the sun began to set on the Kings Dominion skyline, there was time left to get another round of rides on a few more of Kings Dominion’s world class collection of coasters!

After the park closed, and the general public had to make their way to the exit terminals, we were making our way over to WindSeeker, (Kings Dominion’s newest ride) and Grizzly for one glorious hour of ERT!  During ERT, some of us were lucky enough to get to use the remote that controls the lights on this fantastic new ride! Attendees were able to change WindSeekers amazing LED light package while it was spinning 300 feet in the air!

Well, this wraps up day one of Virginia is for Coaster Lovers! We want to thank everyone who made it out to the event and helped make it a huge success! If you were not able to join us this year, do yourself a favor and get out here next year! You won’t regret it!

Posted in Kings Dominion | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Apocalypse Update

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Michael Collier

Apocalypse: Preparing for The Last Stand

Apocalypse is nearing completion at Six Flags America and we got you a few pictures of what is happening around the construction site! Teaser signs are still up and you can see straight through the fence! Thanks for using a chain link fence Six Flags!

 

The station is coming together and workers were working on the transfer track.

 

 

 

The track is now all complete and all of the supports are painted.

 

 

 

This fountain has been on the move. It was originally across the mid-way and has now been moved next to where guests will enter the queue line.

 

 

Trains are now onsite! They are to the left of Superman’s second hill along with some other construction equipment.

 

 

Also, we have an airplane on site! This airplane will be themed to make it look like it has crashed.

 

 

This is not Apocalypse…. but Rita’s Italian Ice has opened, and it is delicious!

Posted in Six Flags America | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Virginia is for Coaster Lovers

Posted on April 29, 2012 by KDFAN

Coaster Crew Announces Virginia is for Coaster Lovers 2012

There are just 12 days left to register for the event. Join the Coaster Crew and the Coaster Zombies for a two day event at the two best parks in Virginia! An event t-shirt is available with the event logo on it; plus sizes may have an up charge. You must be a member of the Coaster Crew or Coaster Zombies to attend, each membership card can bring one guest. For the most recent information see the topic in the forums.

Kings Dominion – June 2, 2012
$40 event fee includes lunch, ERT, and activities. Park admission is available for $29.99

  • ERT Volcano & I305 – Morning
  • Afternoon photo tour of I305
  • Pavilion Food – Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, and more – Lunch
  • Backstage tour of KD
  • Souvenier Cup Discounts
  • ERT Windseeker & Grizzly – Evening

Busch Gardens – June 3, 2012
$43 event fee includes lunch, ERT, and activities. Park admission is available for $43.99

  • ERT Apollo’s Chariot – Morning
  • Game’s and Prizes
  • Pavilion BBQ Ribs and Chicken – Lunch
  • ERT Verbolten – Evening
Posted in Coaster Crew News, Kings Dominion | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Live Blog from I305 Announcement

Posted on August 20, 2009 by KDFAN

Live Blog from Intimidator 305 Announcement

10:00am
Welcome to the project 2010 (hopefully we can replace this with an actual name soon) live blog!  Be sure to follow all of KD Fan Site’s coverage by listening to our live audio feed at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/In-the-Loop for the latest updates.  We will release infos we are able to do so.

10:06am
The stage has been set

10:09am
Live chat has started!

10:14am
We are about 45 minutes away from the start of the announcement and the anticipation grows.  Will Dale Earnhart Sr.’s #3 car have anything to do with the ride?  Only time will tell.  This fall is shaping up to hold some of the most anticipated coaster announcements ever, Kings Dominion, Carowinds, and Cedar Point!

10:18am
Information about the ride has been leaked on an auto sports website

10:24am
Official ride website will be http://intimidator305.com/ according to KD staff it will launch at 11am.

10:36am
Well, the cat is out of the bag, 305ft with an 85 degree drop driving over 5,100ft of track.

10:45am
15 m until everything goes live!!!  Can’t wait!

10:51am
“From the forums: “Kinzel better have his running shoes on, to run from all the pi$$ed coaster geeks at the announcement.

11:00am 
We are waiting for KD to release the information before we do :)

11:10am
KD has released their website! http://www.intimidator305.com

11:25am
Sorry for the website slowness.  Getting over 50,000 hits. All of our information is up!!! http://kdfansite.com/attractions/intimidator305.shtml

11:45am
Thanks for signing on everyone.  Have a great day! From the forums: “Overall, i’m kinda disappointed, needs way more big airtime hills, could be longer, and of course OTSR’s are awful.”

Posted in Kings Dominion | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Hot Island Rhythms

Posted on June 30, 2009 by KDFAN

Hot Island Rhythms

This past Saturday evening we went to Kings Dominion.  We arrived around 7:15pm.  As we walked to the Congo area she saw a sign for Hot Island Rhythms and asked if we could watch the show, it started at 7:30.  That was fine with me I love the shows so we sat down and waited for the show to start.

The KD entertainers came out with a bang singing Hot Hot Hot.  The sound was great and the costumes were very nice.  Our KD singers turned Hot Hot Hot into Conga followed by Turn The Beat Around, Rhythm of the Night, and Get On Your Feet.  Talk about being in the islands,  nothing like Gloria Estefan to get you in the Hot Island mood.

Next was a montage of older songs Build Me Up Butter Cup, The Tide Is High and Heat Wave.  Wow now we are feeling the Rhythm.  The singers came out into the audience to try and get things pumped up.  It was great.  Lots of energy and great music.  Maleena and I were even singing and dancing along with the performers. The group finished strong with Everlasting Love, Brown Eyed Girl, and Celebration.  As the show ended we were Walking On Sunshine.

We recommend that you take 30 minutes of your buys day at Kings Dominion and stop and watch the show.  It is performed in front of the Eiffel Tower on the big stage outside.  It is a great way to start or end your day.  The only thing was I was singing Walking on Sunshine until we got home.

Great job to all the KD performers and make sure you go and see the Signed, Sealed and Delivered show.

Posted in Kings Dominion | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Looking Back at King Kobra

Posted on June 24, 2009 by KDFAN

Looking Back at King Kobra

In the off season Will and I were taken on a ride back stage, so John Pagel could give us a good view of Lake Charles drained. When we were back stage standing under the Anaconda we saw something interesting. Footers that are still there for the King Kobra roller coaster.

The King Kobra was a Schwarzkopf shuttle loop coaster that used to stand on the same spot as the Anaconda life hill on the shores of what used to be a very large Lake Charles. Kings Dominion opened in 1975 with 15 rides. Two years later in 1977 they opened the King Kobra. This was Kings Dominions fourth roller coaster. The coaster had a 9 year run, and closed in 1986. The spot remained empty until 1991 when Arrow Dynamics was hired to build the Anaconda roller coaster. When the coaster was removed from the park it moved around to several amusement parks like Jolly Rogers and Alton Towers. You can now find the coaster in Brazil at Hopi Hari, its name Katapul.

Kings Dominion has a very large back stage area that has a lot of different rides in what is called there ride grave yard. So when we were back at the Anaconda, it was really cool to be able to take a few picture of what is left of the Kings Kobra.

Pictures of King Kobra at Kings Dominion are from Roller Coaster Database

 

Posted in Kings Dominion | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Hurlfest 2009

Posted on June 14, 2009 by KDFAN

Hurlfest 2009

Thought I would stop by and tell everyone who did not have a chance to check out Hurlfest 2009 how great it was. I do have to say it was great to meet so many new faces from the website out at the park on Saturday. Had a great time.

All started with some ERT on Dominator, Anaconda, Flight of Fear, and Rebel Yell (both sides). There were not a ton of people there for the morning ERT, but those who were there had a great time. Dominator was ready for a busy Saturday and had three trains on. The line was long from time to time, but overall it stood up to its reputation of being a people eater, and long lines did not last long.

It was fun to see the lights on Flight of Fear. Scratch that, it was nice to FIT on Flight of Fear! Thats right Clint Novak’s big butt was able to get on Flight of Fear, and had a chance to see what was going on with the lights on!

I skipped Anaconda because I was waiting for Big Al to catch up with the group. Then we all went over to Rebel Yell and had some fun on the North and South side of the ride. I think this may have been one of the first times they had both sides running with both trains on this year.

After that we all paid our respects to the coaster that was being celebrated, and thats the Hurler. Everyone stopped to sign the banner that will be hung in the ride station. After that some of the group hit up the ride.

When they were all riding Hurler, Will and I went to store the big camera and hit up a quick snack before meeting back up with the group. Well having our snack that the Congo Grill, we ran in to Joe & Josh as they made there daily rounds at the park.

Once we all got back together we headed in to the air conditioned Kings Dominion theater for the Sign, Sealed, Delivered show. The show was not bad. Singers were great and the music was fun. Rose had left us for the afternoon so we missed the beach balls that we normally had in the pre show. Will almost fell asleep during the show so after he walked to Seven Eleven to get some energy in a can. By this time we also met up with John Turner. Don’t worry we hid the rum so he could not drink it.

In the late afternoon we fought the crowds to get in to the lunch area where we did some Q&A and watch a 4 year old pee. Yup, he peed right on the side of the building. Oh and the Q&A was as expected. Lots of questions that could not be answered. But was still fun. Food was good too.

 

Posted in Kings Dominion | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Marco Andretti at KD

Posted on June 3, 2009 by KDFAN

Marco Andretti at Kings Dominion

Since I know nothing about sports or racing, my friend Will “The Thrill” Holder wrote this one for me.  I know what your saying… “Will has a blog?”  Take it away Will!

In sports, there are certain names that you can automatically attach to a specific contest.  You hear Michael Jordan and you automatically know its basketball.  Just like Ali is to boxing, Ruth to baseball, Farve to football, Beckham to soccer, Gretsky to hockey.  You get the idea.  In auto racing you hear names like Petty and Earnhardht and you know its NASCAR.  When you hear the names INDY cars or IRL, one word automatically comes to most minds….. Andretti.

Third generation IRL driver Marco Andretti sure has big shoes to fill when your father is Michael Andretti and your grandfather is Mario Andretti.  Marco recently made a pit stop so to speak, to Kings Dominion to promote the upcoming IRL race at the Richmond International Raceway.  Myself and Clint Novak had a chance to hang with the rising racing protege.

First Marco had a luncheon with members of the media inside the Old Country Kitchen to discuss the upcoming race and any other questions that were thrown his way.  Then we were all off to the Go-Kart track next to the Grizzly to get down to some real business.  Marco and a friend strapped themselves into those mean machines and took a couple of laps for the cameras that were snapping and rolling away.

From there Clint had a chance to join some lucky contest winners, as well as KDfansite members Jason Deane and Brian Mitchell, in a 12 laps exhibition race against Marco.   All drivers were given a head start followed by Marco.  It didn’t take long for the driver who is used to racing around tracks going speeds of 200mph to make short work of everybody else, passing them all.  Clint claims his weight would be an advantage.  I say keep dieting my friend.

After the race Marco signed autographs for everybody involved.  I really have to wonder if a guy like him would find the rides at Kings Dominion to be boring?  I wonder if he would let me drive his car around RIR a couple of laps?  I should have asked him.

If you would like to see Marco, Danica Patrick and the other stars of the IRL race in person, then head out to the Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, June 27th for the Sun Trust INDY Challenge.  You can purchase tickets by calling 866-INDYCAR or visit www.indycar.com  You can also catch the race that night, 8pm on the VERSUS network.

Posted in Kings Dominion | Tagged , , | Leave a comment