Kings Dominion
4.4(28K)google
3.3(727)yelp
Roller CoasterFamilyKidsThrillingWater ParkOutdoor
Overview
Conveniently located in Doswell just a short drive north of Richmond, Kings Dominion Theme and Water Park has served as the mid-Atlantic's premier destination for high-octane family entertainment for over half a century. This massive four hundred-acre amusement park features an exhilarating selection of modern steel roller coasters, including the legendary Intimidator 305, family-friendly spinning rides, and a fully integrated water park filled with massive wave pools. With its iconic, one/third-scale replica Eiffel Tower structure and dazzling live seasonal shows, it delivers action-packed summer adventures.
Practical Info
Mon11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tue11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wed11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thu11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fri11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sat11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sun11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Suggested Duration1 day
Best TimeOperational seasonally from April to October. Arrive at the ticket barriers 30 minutes before the 10:00 AM opening on a hot July or August weekday; dash immediately to the record-breaking Intimidator 305 giga-coaster or Twisted Timbers hybrid coaster to ride with minimal queues before heavy afternoon crowds line up.
Getting TherePerfectly situated right off the I-95 corridor at 16001 Kings Dominion Blvd in Doswell. Driving is highly efficient: travel north from Richmond on Interstate 95 North for 20 miles to Exit 98, and follow the dedicated exit lanes straight into the amusement park's colossal toll parking lots. A rideshare from Richmond takes 25 minutes.
Travel Tips
- The theme park is 100% cashless; all dining, retail, and games accept only major credit cards, Apple Pay, or park prepaid cards converted at on-site Cash-to-Card kiosks. Physical cash bills are strictly rejected.
- Major coasters like Intimidator 305 and Twisted Timbers enforce zero-tolerance loose-item rules. Unzipped pockets containing phones or keys are banned; all loose bags must be secured in paid lockers prior to entering lines.
- Soak City Waterpark operates on shorter daily hours than the main park. Swimwear featuring sharp metal zippers, rivets, or metallic buckles is strictly banned on water slides due to safety and liner damage risks.
Reviews
Positive
- Featuring world-class coasters like Intimidator 305 and Twisted Timbers, the thrill factor is extremely high, truly a paradise for roller coaster fans.
- Park facilities are clearly laid out, restrooms are evenly distributed and cleaned frequently, and core queue areas feature large sun shades and misting fans, very thoughtful.
- The staff are very enthusiastic and energetic, ride order management is rigorous and efficient, and safety harness checks are done carefully, giving peace of mind.
- Transit is very convenient, located right off the I-95 highway exit; the massive parking lot has super ample spaces and huge signage, making driving hassle-free.
- A carnival mecca for hard-core thrill-seekers; the legendary Project 305 coaster is breathtaking, with ceiling-high speed and drop effects.
- The one-third scale replica of the Eiffel Tower at the main entry plaza is spectacular, serving as a highly iconic and fun landmark photo backdrop.
- The concourses are kept very clean with dense, modern restroom configurations; ample artificial shading canopies are provided under efficient crowd control.
- A single admission ticket grants access to both the theme park and the massive Soak City water park, packing high-value entertainment for summer road trips.
Heads up
- While regular admission and season passes have discounts, internal dining and souvenir spending are absurdly overpriced; a bottle of water or a basic burger combo feels like a total rip-off.
- Without spending big money on a Fast Lane pass wristband, lines for popular rides easily take 60-90 minutes on weekends, spending most of the day standing and looking at heads.
- Standard parking fees are extremely expensive (charging dozens of dollars per car), and the walk from the lot to the front gate is long, lacking free shuttle trams.
- The water park zone gets overcongested in mid-summer, locker rental fees are on the higher side, and some older rides close temporarily for technical maintenance in peak season.
- Certain aging historic coasters suffer extreme mechanical rattling and violent vibrations during tracking, feeling uncomfortable and prone to sudden breakdowns.
- In-park food, bottled water, and locker rentals carry exorbitant premium markups; daily parking fees are heavily inflated, showing clear commercial markups.
- Situated in Doswell's remote inland outskirts north of Richmond, it lacks Metro rail transit; visitors must drive down the long Interstate 95 corridor.