PLEASE NOTE, THIS POST MAY INCLUDE AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING THAT IF YOU CLICK ON A LINK AND MAKE A PURCHASE, I'LL RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISION. THIS WILL COME AT NO COST TO YOU.
When people think Williamsburg, Virginia, theme parks, Busch Gardens is the place to be, but at little over an hour away, Kings Dominion, in Doswell, Virginia, is an often-overlooked option, on a Williamsburg itinerary.
I looked forward to visiting Busch Gardens, but it’s a park I’ve been to several times. Including my high school senior trip (yes, we went to Virginia instead of Florida).
Not on our original itinerary, we decide on an impromptu visit to Kings Dominion.
Rope droppers, I’m ecstatic within the first five minutes of our arrival.
I’ve always considered the Peanuts’ character Linus a kindred spirit. My childhood blanket’s (thermal fabric with silk ribbon trim. Beige) name was “Gucci.” Most likely named after a word I heard during Wheel of Fortune’s Shopper’s Bazaar.
Despite it being a Sunday, the early morning is uncrowded (most people do the water park first, but we skip the waterslides), so Shannon gets on some of the major roller coasters with barely a line.
King’s Dominion doesn’t have a signature park specific food item. It’s not a foodie destination. Our grilled chicken and scalloped potatoes at Grain and Grill is serviceable. Not bad, just meh.
There is a Chic-fil-a on property, but being a Sunday, it’s closed. I briefly consider getting a kids’ meal at one of the food stands, because it comes in an adorable Snoopy box.
If you’re main enjoyment is snacking around a park, Kings Dominion may not be for you.
Some great things about the park-
The Snoopy themed kids’ section is delightful.
As an adult, with no kids, it’s a blast to walk around.
I’m not big on the super thrill rides. I’m a moderate thrill kind of girl. I find that many theme parks either have crazy thrill rides, or rides that are fun, but little thrills. I appreciate Kings Dominion. They have an array of moderate thrill rides, including four roller coasters I can ride.
The grounds are pretty and more scenic than I expected.
They have entertaining bands to keep the non-riders occupied.
Ride arrangement is well thought-out. The scary coasters are perfectly spaced, with clusters of milder rides close-by. That means that while Shannon rides Twisted Timbers multiple times, I can take a spin or two on the Carousel.
Perhaps it’s because our visit is improvised and there were zero expectations, but we leave pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed a day at Kings Dominion. It’s not Disney or Universal, of course, but better than other theme parks we’ve visited.
If you engage in a Williamsburg, Virginia trip, and already plan to visit Busch Gardens, consider adding a day-trip to Kings Dominion.
Stay near King’s Dominion
Comments are closed.
Dawn Byrne
atNever heard of this pleasant place. Gotta tell hubby about the Peanuts. Thanks.