"Of course it's mainly on King's Dominion" Doswell by b1bob

Doswell Travel Guide: 46 reviews and 63 photos

It includes a few things in Beaverdam too

Some folks have criticised this page as being only on King's Dominion amusement park. What else would they have me write it about? The neighbouring horse pastures? To be fair, there is the truck stop restaurant across the street and the hidden in plain sight restored Squashapenny Junction general cum antique store. For the most part, the undeniable truth is that King's Dominion is the number one attraction and the prime source of revenue for the locality and one of the top sources for Hanover County and Central Virginia on the whole. If you look at many of the pages on Orlando and Anaheim, for example, Disney World and Disneyland dominate those pages.

King's Dominion started out as Lion Country Safari in 1974. Back then, there was no park, just a drive-through sightseeing tour of the exotic animal park. When you bought your ticket, they gave you a recorded description of the exotic animals along the designated route. On 3 May 1975, King's Dominion, as it is known today, opened. Like most theme parks, it is divided into sections. International Street is where most shops and a good many restaurants are located. Hanna-Barbera land is for the kiddies and various cartoon characters visit them as they hop from miniature ride to miniature ride. Safari Land has a Darkest Africa theme. The monorail which runs through the wild life preserve is in there and later they built Lost World mountain with 3 rides. Candy Apple Grove looks like the midway at the average fun fair. My favourite section is Old Virginia. The rides are called things like Shenandoah Lumber Company log flume, Blue Ridge Parkway, Old Dominion Railroad, and the Rebel Yell roller coaster.

My family had season passes from 1978-1984, but we went quite a lot before 1978 and I have been a handful of times since 1984. The most common days of the week to make use of them were Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings (when there weren't enough people there to square dance).

The park has changed and not wholly for the better. I like the newer and wilder roller coasters such as the Anaconda. I don't like the fact that they took out some of my favourite rides like the Galaxy, the Apple Turnover, and the King Kobra. Some things are still there, however. The Rebel Yell is still thrilling people, only with a new and improved twist. One one track, it goes forwards as normal, on the other it goes backwards. My page has a lot of fond memories of the late '70s and early '80s, but there are still plenty of present-day must see activities and other helpful tips.

Pros and Cons

Pros:King's Dominion still draws the crowds with great rides and shows.
Cons:In order to make way for the new, they took away some good rides and attractions.
In a nutshell:Change for its own sake isn't necessarily a good thing.

Last visit to Doswell: May 2007
Intro Updated May 11, 2009
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Reviews (42)

Shrimp 'n Suds Feast Local Customs (2)

The Shrimp 'n Suds Feast is sponsored by the Hanover County Rotary Club to benefit local youth and family charities.... more travel advice

Scotchtown Off The Beaten Path (2)

Charles Chiswell acquired about 10000 acres in what is now western Hanover County in 1717. It was named Scotchtown... more travel advice

Everything old is new again Shopping (2)

Squashapenny Junction is one of the best-preserved rural stores in Hanover County. Its original run lasted 90 years up... more travel advice

Tired of the confiscatory King's... Restaurants (2)

As I've said before, a good indicator of the quality of food served at a restaurant is how many trucks are parked there.... more travel advice

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Tourist Traps (2)
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Comments (26)

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ATXtraveler Nov 2, 2008 at 12:51 PM

What is Sanford Fenne up to these days?
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volopolo Apr 14, 2008 at 7:32 AM

Great information! Always all your website are great!
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acemj May 11, 2007 at 3:03 PM

You liked the bread?!!!! Man, I should've been there to drink the beer and eat the spicy shrimp. Sounds great!
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chewy3326 Feb 15, 2006 at 6:35 PM

Great page. Unbelievably, I've never been to Kings Dominion before... too bad some of the good rides have been taken out.
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deecat May 7, 2005 at 10:54 AM

I live about 3 miles from Great America, which sounds very much like your park. Your explanations of each ride was vivid, & I enjoyed it. I loved that your grandmother went once! Sad when they update at the expense of great things. Fun tour, Nat.
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dr.firas Nov 10, 2004 at 3:25 AM

hee hee hee how many Eiffel Towers in our Planet! and also one in Tokoyo! LOL Nice Granny! :-) Yummy!
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Dumpymotel Sep 30, 2004 at 1:50 PM

I love log flume rides.... but I can't take the drop off. It's a reason NOT to go on it if you ask me.
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seamandrew Sep 27, 2004 at 10:32 AM

Gotta love the good old American Theme Parks. I haven't been to King's Dominion, but I'm sure it's as fun as the Six Flags parks.
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belgianchocolate Sep 25, 2004 at 2:47 PM

A real must do page here. And you captured your memories very well. Some really great (action)pictures as well.
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matcrazy0 Jan 9, 2004 at 4:56 AM

Great page!