Kings Dominion



Kings Dominion, located in Doswell, Virginia, is one of the East Coast’s premier coaster parks, offering more than 60 rides and attractions, including 12 roller coasters and a massive water park. Operated by Cedar Fair, it’s a regional favorite with something for everyone — from record-breaking thrills to family-friendly fun.
History & Background
The park opened in 1975, inspired by the success of Kings Island in Ohio. Originally owned by Taft Broadcasting (and later Paramount), it became part of the Cedar Fair family in 2006. Since then, Kings Dominion has evolved with new coaster technology, themed lands like Jungle X-Pedition, and seasonal events that make it a year-round attraction.
Ticket Prices & Packages
-
1-Day Tickets: ~$50–$75 depending on the day
-
Season Passes: Gold, Prestige, and All Park Passports are available
-
Fast Lane Passes: Skip-the-line access for top coasters
-
All-Day Dining and Drink Deals
-
Water park access (Soak City) is included with admission
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
Kings Dominion is open March through December, including Halloween Haunt and WinterFest events.
Typical hours: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, extended in summer.
Best times to visit:
-
Weekdays in May or September
-
Early November for light crowds during WinterFest
-
Mid-October weekdays for cooler weather and fall décor
Top Rides & Attractions
-
Intimidator 305 – 305-foot giga coaster with intense speed and banking
-
Twisted Timbers – Hybrid wood-steel coaster with airtime and inversions
-
Dominator – Longest floorless coaster on the East Coast
-
Flight of Fear – Indoor launch coaster through darkness
-
Grizzly – Rebuilt classic wooden coaster (refurbished in 2023)
-
Apple Zapple – Wild mouse-style family coaster
-
Backlot Stunt Coaster – Themed launch ride through action sequences
Family & Kids Rides
-
Snoopy’s Junction – Miniature train through Planet Snoopy
-
Woodstock Express – Gentle wooden coaster for kids
-
Flying Ace Balloon Race, Charlie Brown’s Wind Up – Pint-sized flat rides
-
Carousel & Ferris Wheel – Scenic views of the park
-
Playgrounds and interactive zones in Planet Snoopy
Soak City Water Park
Included with admission, open Memorial Day through Labor Day:
-
Tidal Wave Bay – Wave pool with beach entry
-
Pipeline Peak – Slide tower with high-speed chutes
-
Lazy Rider – Relaxing float through the park
-
Lil’ Barefoot Beach & Splash Island – For younger kids
-
Cabanas available for rent, with lockers and food service
Seasonal Events
-
Grand Carnivale (Summer) – International parade, food, and live music
-
Halloween Haunt (Fall) – Haunted houses, scare zones, and nighttime thrills
-
Tricks and Treats (Family Fall Festival) – Kid-friendly fall event during the day
-
WinterFest (Holiday Season) – Lights, ice skating, and seasonal entertainment
Dining Options
-
Grain & Grill – Cedar Fair’s signature modern kitchen
-
Border Burrito – Mexican-inspired quick service
-
The Mac Bowl – Build-your-own mac & cheese
-
Chick-fil-A and Panda Express – National brands available
-
Snack stands with funnel cakes, pretzels, and slushies throughout the park
All-Day Dining and Drink Plans are accepted at most locations.
Hotels & Accommodation
No official on-site hotel, but plenty of lodging nearby in Ashland, Doswell, and Richmond:
-
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Doswell – Closest walkable option
-
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Doswell – Family-friendly with breakfast
-
Best Western Kings Quarters – Seasonal discounts for park guests
-
RV Campground – Available adjacent to the park with hookups and restrooms
Getting There & Parking
Address: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
Located directly off I-95, about 30 minutes north of Richmond and 1.5 hours south of Washington, D.C.
-
General Parking: $25
-
Preferred Parking: $35–$45
-
RV and Bus parking available
-
Accessible parking near the front entrance
Tips for Visiting
-
Intimidator 305 is best ridden early — lines grow fast
-
Use the Kings Dominion app to check ride wait times and show schedules
-
Take advantage of mobile food ordering for faster lunch breaks
-
Visit Planet Snoopy early in the day if traveling with little ones
-
Twisted Timbers is a fan favorite for night rides