Over the past 12 days, Kings Dominion has revealed some new information about next year’s 40th anniversary celebration on their Facebook page. A few of the things that were revealed had already been announced before, but pictures and a bit more insight were provided for them. So, without further-a-do… I present the 12 days of Christmas!
On the 1st day of Christmas, Kings Dominion gave to me…
The return of the iconic Floral Clock! The Floral Clock will be completely rebuilt in its original location at the end of Center Street near the historic park Carousel. Here’s a picture of the Floral Clock from the early 1980’s! Turn back the clock and tell us some of your favorite memories of Kings Dominion!
This old clock will be making its way back into the original spot located near the Carousel which is at the end of the Snoopy’s Starlight Spectacular walkway!
On the 2nd day of Christmas, Kings Dominion gave to me…
A 40th Celebration Collector Pin Trading Program! Be a part of the celebration by collecting all of the 40th Celebration pins! The commemorative pins will be released on select dates throughout the year for you to collect, trade and enjoy!
After recently picking up pin collecting myself, this is one of my favorite announcements. One thing that hasn’t been clarified is whether or not the pins will accumulate or if they will only be available for purchase on select days.
On the 3rd day of Christmas, Kings Dominion gave to me…
Unlimited Dinosaurs Alive visits for 2014 Gold and Platinum Passholders! Travel back 65 million years ago as many times as you’d like with your family now that Dinosaurs Alive will be included for free with your Gold and Platinum Season Pass beginning in 2014!
This is great news for pass holders, who will now get an extra benefit for having a gold or platinum pass.
On the 4th day of Christmas, Kings Dominion gave to me…
A look at Ruby, the 40th Celebration custom painted Carousel horse. We’re getting our first drawing of what Ruby will look like once she’s completely restored and added back to the park’s historic Carousel in April. A local Richmond artist is restoring Ruby, which is part of a multi-year project to restore and repaint all of the horses on the Carousel.
This is the second year of the Carousel restoration project! It’s nice that the park is using a local business in order to restore Ruby as opposed to sending the horse out of state.
On the 5th day of Christmas, Kings Dominion gave to me…
A fresh, new look to Border Café. The newly renovated restaurant on International Street will feature hand-crafted burritos, nachos, tacos, quesadilla and more next year. Which will be your favorite?
I feel like this restaurant is overlooked by many. It’s located to the left of the International Street fountains when walking in and is one of the first few shops. Hopefully the culinary department will excel next season!
On the 6th day of Christmas, Kings Dominion gave to me…
Our famous strolling Clown Band! Direct from the 80’s, the Clown Band – one of the most recognized entertainment groups – brings its shenanigans back to the streets of Kings Dominion!
This is something I leaked before from the Kings Dominion employment site (which has since been removed): the Clown Band’s return! This is yet another step in improving the entertainment department at Kings Dominion. This band used to to perform in front of the International Street fountains at the front of the park. For more information about the clown band, there is a site dedicated to those that performed for this show in the 80’s!
On the 7th day of Christmas, Kings Dominion gave to me…
A Walk of Memories from the 70’s to the 2000’s around the Eiffel Tower. Travel back in time and learn about the rich history of Kings Dominion with our Walk of Memories boards that will be located around the Eiffel Tower.
The park is not only making an effort change back to how it was in the past, but they will also educate those that do not about the history as they walk around the bottom of the Eiffel Tower!
On the 8th day of Christmas, Kings Dominion gave to me…
A 40th Celebration Merchandise Store! From retro items to t-shirts to coffee mugs, you’ll find all things KD40th in the Starlight Gift Shop, located on International Street near the main gate.
It seems that my wallet will be broken next season. These shirts look amazing, and I’m anxious to see the rest. So far nothing is disappointing for next season!
On the 9th day of Christmas, Kings Dominion gave to me…
The Return of the original Coca-Cola Pizza Parlor. Tower Pizza will be renovated and return to its original “Coca-Cola Pizza Parlor” – circa 1976. The restaurant interior will feature a whole new look and feel with more room inside to cool off during the dog days of summer and new limited time only pizza toppings.
This is another step in the right direction for the culinary department! Hopefully the look of this eatery is not the only change. Maybe the park is also working to improve the menu as well?
On the 10th day of Christmas, Kings Dominion gave to me…
Improvements to Volcano – The Blast Coaster. In 2014, guests will experience improved and enhanced entrance and exit lines resulting in more riders per hour who will be able to experience this signature park attraction. We will also begin a multi-year project to restore the look of Kings Dominion’s iconic mountain, which will include concrete replacement and fresh paint.
This is certainly an improvement, but I’m still a little unsure on how this will be achieved. Looking at the picture above, it seems that they are building a set of steps that will lead down in the Expedition Gear gift shop.
On the 11th day of Christmas, Kings Dominion gave to me…
A fresh paint job for the Anaconda! During the off-season, we’ll be sprucing up the look of the Anaconda roller coaster by repainting the entire ride. The lake below the ride is already drained and work is underway to have the ride ready for the 2014 operating season. And the colors? Well, the ride columns will be green, the supports for the track red and the train’s running rails yellow.
Even though the colors will be the same as before, it should brighten up Safari Village.
On the 12th day of Christmas, Kings Dominion gave to me…
Blue Ice Cream to be sold in Candy Apple Grove! This family favorite will be available at Sweet Tooth located near the Drop Tower. We’ll be offering guests two choices of the Blue Ice Cream: plain blue and blue-vanilla swirled.
And finally, the return of the old favorite treat, the Blue Ice Cream!
The park also stated this:
Continue to watch our Facebook page this winter for “First on Facebook” news updates, surprise announcements and special content related to the start of our 40th Celebration in April 2014!
So the news doesn’t stop here! Keep an eye out on the Kings Dominion page, as well as the KDFans Facebook Page!
Do you have any photos of the park during its “golden years?” The park is asking for people to send in photos to social@kingsdominion.com so that your photo can be displayed in an in-park mosaic!
Did you visit Kings Dominion years ago? Share some of your memories with us here!
Stay up to date with KDFans for more information as it becomes available. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and join in on the discussion for the 40th celebration on our forums or by leaving a comment below.