Way out there, but Kings Dominion thoughts?

[d4est]

I know, I know, this is a Disney/Orlando board. But we all know how knowledgeable, friendly, & helpful Dissers are, so I thought I could get away with asking.

My son (9) and I are headed to the outer banks for spring break. We are driving-about 11 hours-so we are stopping in VA for the night. I was seriously thinking of hitting KD for a few hours before we get back on the road. Our destination is about 4 hours from KD.

If you have been, how crowded will it be on April 7th-a Saturday, day after Good Friday & day before Easter? We would only have a few hours. Park doesn't open until 10:30am either. Would we get to do much? We would only be interested in the big coasters & thrill rides.

Anyone have a clue? Our hotel is supposedly 5 miles from the park.

TIA, my Dis family!

 

[FLParadisevilla]

I havent been there in years but its alot smaller than Disney. I think if you can download a map of the park and plan what you want to go on, you should be fine!

 

[d4est]

Thanks for the thoughts! I am definitely leaning towards going.

Anyone else?

 

[luvmy3jewels]

I think that the crowds would probably be managable in April. We were there for a couple of days last July (it was hot!!). I think Kings Dominion has some great coasters (the Grizzly, Rebel Yell are both oldies but goodies). Kings Dominion is an older park and is beginning to show its age...not known as the cleanest park in the world, but I still enjoy going there occassionally.

BTW...I live close to the OBX. If you would like some suggestions on good places to eat (or things to see) while you are down there, I would be happy to make a few suggestions!

 

[d4est]

I think that the crowds would probably be managable in April. We were there for a couple of days last July (it was hot!!). I think Kings Dominion has some great coasters (the Grizzly, Rebel Yell are both oldies but goodies). Kings Dominion is an older park and is beginning to show its age...not known as the cleanest park in the world, but I still enjoy going there occassionally.

BTW...I live close to the OBX. If you would like some suggestions on good places to eat (or things to see) while you are down there, I would be happy to make a few suggestions!

Thank you so much for the imput. I think we are going to go for it! I am really looking forward to trying the tomb raider ride and the supersonic or hypersonic...something like that!

Yes...I would love tips for our vacation if you have any. We are going to be on the northern end...in Corolla.

 

[luvmy3jewels]

Corolla is one of my favorite areas on the beach! The Duck Deli is fairly close by and they serve a good breakfast and lunch.

Daredevils is probably my favorite place for pizza (in Kitty Hawk, I think). For a more upscale meal with seafood Kellys (Nags Head) and Basnight's Lone Cedar (Manteo) are great!! The best steak is at Prime Only on the main beach road (can't remember which town). Rundown Cafe is also a really good place to eat with a variety of differnent food. (Can you tell I love to eat?)

The NC Aquarium in Manteo is fairly small (compared to Atlanta's or Baltimore), but is kind of a neat place to visit with kids. There are also the lighthouses at Cape Hatteras and Corolla.

For a longer day trip, you can go to Ocracoke Island and have a nice stroll through their village (and you can also stop to see the Ocracoke wild ponies). If you and your son like to fish, you can probably catch a charter boat out of Oregon Inlet that would be fun.

Just a few ideas. My favorite time to stay at the beach is the off season. After May the traffic is really bad and it just isn't as enjoyable to me. Have a nice trip!! Hope the weather is nice for you guys!!

 

[d4est]

Awesome!! Thank you so much for the ideas. We love to eat too! Eating is DH's favorite part of the Disney experience.

I have a day planned with kitty hawk kites to do the air boat in Manteo. Very excited about this trip. It is my first solo (sans hubby, I mean).

 

[Straitlover]

KD Easter weekend will be packed. Unless you can get some seriously cheap tickets, I wouldn't waste the money.

Trivia - my mother used to waitress at the truckstop across the road from KD way before there was a KD. This was early-mid 60's.

 

[d4est]

No idea, as I have never been, lol.

Seriously...I should skip it? The tickets are 37 something-at least that's the cheapest I can find...

 

[DawnMarie]

KD Easter weekend will be packed. Unless you can get some seriously cheap tickets, I wouldn't waste the money.

Trivia - my mother used to waitress at the truckstop across the road from KD way before there was a KD. This was early-mid 60's.

I agree. It will be packed Easter weekend.

 

[d4est]

Ok, I guess I will skip it & save $80+ although I am sad to. It sounds like there are some great rides there...

 

[Renysmom]

I haven't been to KD in several years so I can't comment on that but I do want to give you a warning. You are traveling Southbound right?

Prepare yourself for major backups near Fredericksburg VA on Good Friday on I95. This is a terrible area any Friday afternoon but on a holiday weekend it can be brutal (one to 2 hour backup sometimes) so you should plan accordingly. There is only one way I am aware you can avoid it. Look at the map for 301 Southbound in MD. You can take 301 South to 295 in Richmond, where you can then head north to Kings Dominion about 20 minutes away or if you decide to skip KD, take 295 south 18 miles or so back onto 95 south.

Drive safe

 

[java]

Do you know that if you buy a Season Pass for Dorney Park it is also good at KD? We live in Central New Jersey and are going to buy season passes- and then hit KD for a day in the summer. If we go twice it pays for itself-(AAA Is also cheaper) We are going to stop on our way back from Kiawah-figure it will help make the leaving a little easier.....