Let’s take a trip back to 1973. Ground has broken on a new theme park and it’s the talk of the town…for practically everywhere in Virginia. Today, we know and love Kings Dominion as the place to go for out-of-this-world roller coasters and other fun attractions. If you’re anything like me, you may be a little timid to try any of the free fall or gravity-defying rides. Back in the 70s, the rides may not have reached the same speeds, but there were plenty of loops, twists, and exhibits to partake in. Whatever your stance may be on thrill seeking, it’s fascinating to peer into the history of this beloved amusement park. Here’s what Kings Dominion looked like over 40 years ago.
It all began in 1975…
WhetzelFamily/YouTube The 400-acre Kings Dominion opened on May 3rd, 1975 as Virginia’s first amusement park of that scale. The park’s name is a combination of its sister park in Cincinnati, Kings Island, and the nickname for Virginia, the “Old Dominion.”
This Scooby Doo ride opened as an early preview in 1974.
Kings Dominion There was an incredible amount of hype on opening day. It is estimated that 50,000 guests were in attendance, and more than 60,000 were turned away. Apparently there was traffic build-up from Washington D.C. all the way to Richmond!
The first season was a massive success.
WhetzelFamily/YouTube And the popularity continued to grow. In its first season, Kings Dominion saw over 1.5 million guests.
The rides looked wonderfully vintage.
Kings Dominion
WhetzelFamily/YouTube Rebel Yell was a twin-racing rollar coaster that flew down a series of 12 hills.
WhetzelFamily/YouTube There were 15 rides during that first season, including the Lion Country Safari Monorail, the Rebel Yell, Galaxie, a log flume, and steam train.
Cable cars would transport guests from “Old Virginia” to other themed areas.
Kings Dominion The five magical lands of the park were Coney Island, Old Virginia, International Street, Safari Village, and The Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera.
Lions and tigers…up close?
Kings Dominion The Lion Country Safari was a widely popular exhibit that originated in Florida in 1967. It was then featured as part of the preview attractions. At that point, cars could make the three-mile drive and observe these cats. Bengal tigers were even added to the mix in 1976. After the park implemented the Lion Country monorail, cars were no logger permitted.
The 332-ft Eiffel Tower replica was around during the park’s early years.
Wikipedia This was the place to go for the best views of the entire park.
The Apple Turnover was an instant hit.
Kings Dominion This ride spun over 7 million riders in its lifetime from 1976-1993. This gondola ride was modeled after the classic ferris wheel, except each pod would be turned over on itself when it reached the top.
The pictures may look older, but the smiles are definitely the same ones you’ll see there today.
WhetzelFamily/YouTube One thing’s for sure: the amusement of this park has not changed one bit.
What do you think of these pictures? Do you remember when Kings Dominion first opened? We’d love to hear about your experiences there!
WhetzelFamily/YouTube
The 400-acre Kings Dominion opened on May 3rd, 1975 as Virginia’s first amusement park of that scale. The park’s name is a combination of its sister park in Cincinnati, Kings Island, and the nickname for Virginia, the “Old Dominion.”
Kings Dominion
There was an incredible amount of hype on opening day. It is estimated that 50,000 guests were in attendance, and more than 60,000 were turned away. Apparently there was traffic build-up from Washington D.C. all the way to Richmond!
And the popularity continued to grow. In its first season, Kings Dominion saw over 1.5 million guests.
Rebel Yell was a twin-racing rollar coaster that flew down a series of 12 hills.
There were 15 rides during that first season, including the Lion Country Safari Monorail, the Rebel Yell, Galaxie, a log flume, and steam train.
The five magical lands of the park were Coney Island, Old Virginia, International Street, Safari Village, and The Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera.
The Lion Country Safari was a widely popular exhibit that originated in Florida in 1967. It was then featured as part of the preview attractions. At that point, cars could make the three-mile drive and observe these cats. Bengal tigers were even added to the mix in 1976. After the park implemented the Lion Country monorail, cars were no logger permitted.
Wikipedia
This was the place to go for the best views of the entire park.
This ride spun over 7 million riders in its lifetime from 1976-1993. This gondola ride was modeled after the classic ferris wheel, except each pod would be turned over on itself when it reached the top.
One thing’s for sure: the amusement of this park has not changed one bit.
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