Kings Dominion lets go of employees, offers severance

The difference between KI and KD is about a million turnstile clicks, and a much less competitive market. They certainly could have all the nice things KI has but it would not be a wise investment.

LostKause, your reply brought a question to my mind. Im a huge fan of Halloween and haunted events. In your opinion how does Halloween at Kings Dominion compare to Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights or Knotts Scary Farm ? I have loved both events with vigorous zeal, but Id like to visit other parks to see their versions. Worth the effort comparatively ?

I have not been to KD but hound USF and KBF are the kings of Halloween and their events are miles above anything at any other park I have visited and I’ve been to over a dozen others. If you’ve only done HHN USH, you should first try to hit USF’s event. It’s superior to the USH version in every way.

You would think its proximity to Busch Gardens would motivate Kings Dominion to compete, but it's almost like they decided the BGW experience is so superior that they shouldn't even bother, instead going after the teens and young adults who want to ride as many coasters as possible and don't give a damn about theming or shows.

Coasterhound36:

In your opinion how does Halloween at Kings Dominion compare to Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights or Knotts Scary Farm ?

I think you've mistaken me for one of the many millionaires who post here.

Kings Dominion had some pretty elaborate haunts. The park had a really good vibe.

https://www.kingsdominion.com/events

No WinterFest listed for 2025.

With all the complaints about the lines and food stalls closed last season, no Winterfest is not shocking. Seems they had issues with staffing it.

Winterfest was an event that attracted non thrill riders. They have decided to triple down on their limited customer base of thrill riders and children and further decrease attendance.

super7*:

Winterfest was an event that attracted local season passholders who didn't pay admission and redeemed dining plan meals.

Fixed that for you.

You are right I should have said

“Winterfest should have been an event to attract paying non thrill riders and a new market of people to the park.”

But what was aimed at those people was poorly executed other than the fantastic lights Low quality production shows where the audience has to stand No major transport or dark rides Not much indoors The same reason year round failed The same reason it’s just now a park for locals

The park’s small target market only cares about rides. Not many coasters open at Winterfest for those people. And most are not spending because of their season pass dining

The place is so mismanaged .

I live near Philly.... Where is my pass home park next year? Kings Dominion. Why? It's the best run park in the chain near me with the lineup of coasters that I like even without Anaconda RIP.

I can't make opening day this year as it's a 4 hour drive for me to go there and I am on call for work. But damn sure if the weather isn't precipitation I'll be there the second weekend. I didn't rush to Dorney for Iron Menace. And I damn sure probably won't go to Great Adventure opening weekend even though I could go and still be on call there as I can make it to the office in my proper response time.

Uh oh.... someone mentioned precipitation in a CF thread within earshot of Super 7*

Well it is another reason they suffer from low attendance and it’s just a park for locals.

I don't think KD was intended to be a destination park. When you say "locals", are you including the DC area, or just Richmond/Fredericksburg?

Carowinds Layoffs

More synergies I'm afraid.

super7*:

Well it is another reason they suffer from low attendance and it’s just a park for locals.

Yet it's my home park and it's 4 hours away :)

Laying off countless employees at will without proper notice? I wonder if they learned that business model from a certain someone who in the White House right now ?

Don't give Big Orange credit for Jack Welch's baby.

I'm not sure "proper notice" is a common practice with layoffs in general. I've been a part of several layoffs and only once (Cisco) was I given a future date of termination (along with a nice severance package). Every other one was "go collect your stuff and leave the premises as soon as possible."

Yeah, that's how it goes. I've been there a ton of times.