Virginia Trip in May 2004

For the 2004 senior trip, my HS will be going to Virginia for King's Dominion and Bush Gardens in May. When I heard about it, I had to sign up even though I'm not a senior.They'll still let me go. I would like to know what coasters and rides will have the longest waits and are they worth it? I know Hypersonic, Flight of Fear, Volcano, Apollo's Chariot, and Alpengeist are the main reasons I wanna go but what other things can you do in Virginia? I live in New York, so I'm use to the big cty adventures. Thanks for your time!

Every thing at Busch is worth the wait! You'll love the over all atmosphere there. Its an amazing place. Make sure you ride Nessy and all the 3D rides.

As for PKD I've only been there once. Go right to Volcano!!!

Have fun!!!

Lucky...you still get to go although your not a senior. *Argh* Anyway:

(By the way I have visited these parks MANY times therefore it's not like I'm offering my opinion being there only once)

BGW: 7/10

Alpengeist: 8.5/10: This ride is majestic and delivers quite a thrilling ride. Much intensity is lost though. The zero-g is by far immaculate and this ride is a must-ride while at BGW.

Apollo's Chariot: 6/10: This ride compared to Steel Eel, Goliath, S:ROS (SFA), and Desperado is not up to the high quality those listed above. The ride is way to smooth, minimal airtime, and no lats. The only time this is real fun is at night.

Big Bad Wolf: 5/10: Average, lackluster, boring, not fun and not worth more than a 10 minute wait. The ride is fairly fast for a suspened although it's not too much fun.

Lochness Monster: 10/10: I know your thinking. "The Lochness Monster's perfect?" Yes. Rough but not bumpy and jaw-busting. Airtime galore, Laterals to the fullest, a top-notch theming job...this is by far the best ride at BGW. Don't miss it! Also, it almost never has a line, so don't skip it! It's a great classic! Ride both front and back!

PKD: 8/10

I'm not gonna list all the coasters cause that'd take forever but I'll list the major ones.

Hypersonic XLC: 7/10: Now I know your thinking "What about that amazing launch?" Yes, the launch and hill are 10/10 but as a whole the ride is short and boring. The last little hop is filled with air and the launch is up to high standards. But with the boring turn, short ride duration it gets a 7. If you want to know about the launch and hill: 10/10

Volcano-The Blast Coaster: 8.5/10: Great launch, great inline rolls, slow turns, nice 1st inversion, good intensity. I recommend front seat. Not much more to say.

Flight Of Fear: 7/10: "It's better than that!" Nope, first the positive things: Great launch and inversions, lapbars,theming once again great, and intensity galore. 2 major flaws that each deduct 1.5 points. 1: The midcourse breaks just don't slow you down; they completely stop you and hold you for 5 seconds. Not fun at all. 2: This year towards the end of the ride, the ride had one curve that just did you for it. I mean it killed you, even with the lapbars. Still a good ride though. They said the bad turn may have something to do with the wheel needed to be replaced. Yet a month later it still happened. Oh well.

Anaconda: 8/10: Good speed, hangtime, inversions, and of course some old school Arrow intensity. Don't miss it either. Sit front.

If I didn't recommend a place to sit, I don't have a favorite or 'dynimate' spot. Also, all views are personal and I know I have a 'unique'viewpoint on things. Thanks, if you need another review for a coaster, just holla. Thanks. *** Edited 1/20/2004 9:44:54 PM UTC by EastCoastRider***

What about the three major woodies at PKD? Is metal all that is important anymore, or are they just too passe'??

WOOD - anything else is an imitation

I'm down with Hurler and Grizzley. I just recommended going to Volcano first cause the line gets a little out of hand! Hurler has to be one of my top 5 woodies!

These are my home parks I go to them alot every year. I will first of all say BGW is a great all day park. you will have time in May to ride everything, so take some time to look at the shops they are very nice. Eat in the Das Festhaus. BGW has some of the best park foods. Spend time at some of the shows they are nice, you should have time to do everything.

PKD is great for rides, but it lacks everything else. The food is not that great and the park has no theme at all. In May you should have time to do everything. I go in the afternoon after work in may and in 3 hours have time to ride most of the coasters. Go for Volcano first the lines gets long, overall geat ride, sit in the first car. Flight of fear is next to that so hit that next. I really like this ride, is all in the dark and has a great launch make sure you sit in the first seat. I have been in every seat on this coaster and the first one is the best. My advice would be after those two rides just work yourself around the park and hit the coasters in order as they come. Might be a little busy if your going on a weekend, but weekdays in May are not crowed at all. I would try to ride each coaster even the old ones. KD has a great collection of different kinds.

---

Thrillerman said:
What about the three major woodies at PKD? Is metal all that is important anymore, or are they just too passe'??

---

Referring specifically to PKD's wood, it's just not well-maintained....IMO, YMMV, etc.

I noticed that in April, BGW is open all day Fridays? Do you all think that that would be a good time to go. I was worried that they may like not even bother to open some of the rides and coasters.....maybe i'm crazy.

I/m going the first weekend in April with my family and we could either go to Busch Gardens on Fri. or Sat. and then Sunday we were gonna hit PKD.

Good plan?

I would say go Friday. I have been around that time of year both days should be ok. Just check and make sure nothing special is going on those days that would cause a huge crowd. I'm guess just because it's a weekday and early in the year Friday would be best.