A common misconception about theme parks is that when they close for the season, there’s nothing going on at the park. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Recently, we had the chance to see what was happening during the off-season at Kings Dominion. 2020 is a big year for the park with the addition of Coconut Shores to the Soak City water park, and recently announced Grain & Grill restaurant replacing Panda Express on International Street.
Here’s a little of what we saw:
Off-Season Coaster/Train Maintenance
There were trains-a-plenty inside Kings Dominion’s maintenance shop, all undergoing various stages of off-season inspections and repair.
The lead train car for Snoopy’s Junction and the cars for the Great Pumpkin Coaster.
This Anaconda train was nearly complete with its off-season maintenance, and was going to head back out to the track soon.
A few shots for you coaster wheel assembly aficionados.
One of Dominator’s three trains in various stages of disassembly.
Even Apple Zapple receives some “TLC” in the off-season.
Work being done on Twisted Timbers’ Green Train.
A Twisted Timbers Train car without its shell.
Trains for Backlot Stunt Coaster, stripped to their chassis, with the blue train soon to follow.
One thing you may have never noticed about the Backlot Stunt Coaster cars is that each license plate on the back is unique.
International Street
While you may be thinking you’re actually ice skating on the frozen fountain at Kings Dominion during WinterFest, the ice rink is actually built on a platform, which was coming down in order to transform the area back into the fountain.
One last look at Panda Express, before it becomes Grain & Grill later this season!
Coconut Shores
When Soak City opens for the season on May 23, there will be three new experiences inside the water park in a new area called Coconut Shores. Progress was already being made on the new area.
A former water play structure has been cleared to make way for an all-new dining experience inside Soak City.
The former Big Wave Bay wave pool closed to make way for Lighthouse Landing and Sand Dune Lagoon. Aquatic Development Group (ADG) is working on the project.
Lots of concrete has been poured and filled in areas of the old wave pool to create a new wave pool geared more towards families, Sand Dune Lagoon (left side) and the new water play structure, Lighthouse Landing, will be constructed on the right side of the area.
These umbrellas will soon be providing shade to families excited for the new area!
Woodstock Express
Though not as extensive of a retracking as its neighbor to the south at Carowinds, Woodstock Express at Kings Dominion is receiving some fresh new wood on different areas of the coaster this off-season.
Drop Tower
Drop Tower will be receiving a fresh coat of paint in the off-season. Preparations were underway for the painting to begin.
Flying Eagles
The Flying Eagles were off their cables for a short winter’s nap. They’re currently be sheltered from the elements under the awning of the Kings Dominion Theater.
Miscellaneous
It wouldn’t be a Kings Dominion update without photos of the Eiffel Tower or some roller coasters, would it?
But what about Safari Village?
There has been a lot of speculation about Safari Village in the last two years. On the day we visited Kings Dominion, the park announced on their official blog that The Crypt (HUSS Top Spin formerly known as Tomb Raider: Firefall) had been “sealed” for good.
While we didn’t venture to that section of the park during our visit, the park advertised last year that Expeditions were on the Horizon following the closure of Volcano: The Blast Coaster.
Is sealing The Crypt another sign of these mysterious expeditions? What’s lurking in the jungle? Guess we’ll have to wait until later in 2020 to find out more!
For more information about what’s going on at Kings Dominion, be sure to visit the park’s website, and follow them on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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