Earlier today, a new special event named “Spring Bloom” showed up on Kings Dominion’s website. The event is planned to take place in the park’s front plaza, International Street, and will feature unique dining and entertainment experiences as well as “a thousand blooms” which one can assume means there will be a large focus on flowers and other landscaping as well. While details are still quite sparse, we will keep you all posted as we have information to pass along.
Though the event itself does sound pretty great, the bigger story here is that it’s yet another step that shows that the park is actively trying to change their “coaster park” image in the local area. Perhaps even more shocking is that it shows that Kings Dominion is willing to attempt to provide experiences that put them in direct competition with other mid-Atlantic parks like Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Busch Gardens, which touts itself as “The World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park” has long been the choice for locals who are after a more pleasant, unique, and complete in-park experience, whereas Kings Dominion, at least over the past decade or so, has primarily been viewed as a place for rides. Spring Bloom seems to be another huge step by Kings Dominion to shed that reputation and focus more on the actual guest experience- something that seems to be a push throughout the Cedar Fair chain as of late. Last year brought a complete revitalization of the park’s children’s area, Planet Snoopy, and this year continues that upward trend with the #KD40 Anniversary Celebration which will bring back three previous themed areas and many smaller touches throughout the park as well.
While Spring Bloom itself might seem like a very small addition to Kings Dominion’s 2014 lineup, the story here is that it shows, once again, that Kings Dominion is very serious about stepping up its game and creating experiences that directly compete with those that can be found elsewhere- namely Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Kings Dominion is truly attempting to give people who opt for Busch Gardens based solely upon the park’s beauty and atmosphere something to think about and, after Planet Snoopy and the #KD40 announcement, it seems like they may have a real case to make. Spring Bloom in particular shows that Kings Dominion is remarkably confident with all the changes it has been making- even to the point of daring to take on Busch Gardens Williamsburg on their home turf: Culinary and landscaping. The next few years are shaping up to be very interesting for Virginia theme park fans.

There’s already a thread dedicated to the event on our forum with some interesting discussion about Spring Bloom already taking place. You can find said thread, here. Additionally, to stay up to date with any new information that comes out about Spring Bloom as well as other happenings at Kings Dominion, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Only 37 days to go till opening!