Editing Kings Dominion (section)

==History==
===Early history as Kings Dominion (1972–83)===
[[File:PKDEntrance.jpg|thumb|right|The park entrance as seen from the observation deck of the replica [[Eiffel Tower (Cedar Fair)|Eiffel Tower]]]]
Following the success of [[Kings Island]] in [[Mason, Ohio]], Family Leisure Centers (a partnership formed between Taft Broadcasting Company and Top Value Enterprises, owned by supermarket chain [[Kroger]]) decided to expand into a new region of the country by opening a second park. A {{convert|740|acre|km2|adj=on}} site was chosen in [[Doswell, Virginia]], with construction beginning on October 1, 1972.<ref name=AR2021>{{cite web|title=CEDAR FAIR, L.P. Form 10-K|url=https://s2.q4cdn.com/170666959/files/doc_financials/2021/ar/Cedar-Fair-2021-10-K.pdf|page=14|access-date=April 5, 2022}}</ref><ref name="history">{{cite web|url=http://www.coaster-net.com/kings-dominion.html|title=Kings Dominion|date=11 February 2011|publisher=COASTER-net}}</ref> The new park was designed with similar themes, rides, and activities as sister park Kings Island.

Following a limited preview of the park's Lion Country Safari, a drive-through animal zoo with 230 species of animals, and the Scooby-Doo rollercoaster in 1974,<ref>{{Citation|title=Funny Stories from Lion Country Safari at Kings Dominion| date=6 December 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9yp00j6buU|language=en|access-date=2021-04-19}}</ref> Kings Dominion officially opened on May 3, 1975,<ref name=bdarrfrKD/><ref name="facts">{{cite web|url=http://www.kingsdominion.com/news/detail.cfm?item_id=557 |title=Park Fun Facts |publisher=Kings Dominion |access-date=4 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713152553/http://www.kingsdominion.com/news/detail.cfm?item_id=557 |archive-date=July 13, 2011 }}</ref> offering fifteen attractions including the Rebel Yell (later renamed [[Racer 75]]), the Lion Country Safari Monorail, [[Galaxi]]e, and a junior wooden roller coaster known as [[Ghoster Coaster (Kings Dominion)|Scooby-Doo]]. Also present at the opening was a [[log flume]], [[steam train]], a collection of [[Amusement ride#Carnival or funfair rides|flat rides]] and a cable-car sky ride that transported visitors between Old Virginia and [[Hanna-Barbera theme parks|The Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera]].<ref name="history"/> In addition, Kings Dominion's [[Eiffel Tower (Cedar Fair)|1/3-scale replica]] of the [[Eiffel Tower]] and the International Street Fountain greet visitors near the main entrance to the park. Original themed areas included The Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera, International Street, Lion Country Safari, Old Virginia, and Coney Island.<ref name="timeline">{{cite web|url=http://timelines.home.insightbb.com/pkd_years.htm|title=Paramount's Kings Dominion|publisher=Theme Park Timelines|access-date=4 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713043926/http://timelines.home.insightbb.com/pkd_years.htm|archive-date=13 July 2011}}</ref> Daily admission price in 1975 was $7.50, and a dollar for parking.<ref name=bdarrfrKD/> Opening day of the park saw 50,000 guests, with an additional 50,000-60,000 guests waiting to enter.<ref>{{Cite web|title=IAAPA Oral History - Dennis Speigel {{!}} IAAPA|url=https://www.iaapa.org/node/30651|access-date=2021-04-19|website=www.iaapa.org|language=en}}</ref>

Kings Dominion added its fourth roller coaster, a [[Anton Schwarzkopf|Schwarzkopf]] [[Shuttle Loop|shuttle loop]] known as the King Kobra, in 1977. The King Kobra featured a 50-ton counterweight drop launch and was the park's first launched roller coaster. It was in the park for nine seasons before being relocated to [[Jolly Roger Amusement Park]] in [[Ocean City, Maryland]], [[Alton Towers]] in [[England]], and later to [[Hopi Hari]] in [[Brazil]] where it exists today as ''Katapul''.<ref name="kingkobra">{{cite web|title=Roller Coaster Database |work=King Kobra (Jolly Roger Amusement Park) |access-date=28 July 2006 |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id638.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060909051445/http://www.rcdb.com/id638.htm |archive-date=September 9, 2006 }}</ref> Also in 1977, Kings Dominion was one of several amusement parks serving as location for the film ''[[Rollercoaster (1977 film)|Rollercoaster]]''.

A campground was completed in time for the 1978 season and the park's well-known Lost World mountain debuted in 1979. Originally, the Lost World featured three rides: a flume ride called ''Voyage to Atlantis'', a children's attraction mine ride known as ''Land of the Dooz'', and a [[rotor (ride)|rotor]] called ''Time Shaft''. Only a year later in 1980, the flume ride was rethemed ''Haunted River''. Kings Dominion later expanded Old Virginia with the addition of the park's third wooden roller coaster, the [[Grizzly (Kings Dominion)|Grizzly]], in 1982 and a river rapids ride called [[White Water Canyon]] in 1983.

Kings Dominion was also active in [[political lobbying]].  They and other entertainment businesses convinced Virginia to make it illegal for schools to start classes before the [[Labor Day]] holiday in early September.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Max |date=21 March 2019 |title=With repeal of Kings Dominion law, Va. schools can now start before Labor Day |work=[[WTOP-FM]] |url=https://wtop.com/virginia/2019/03/kings-dominion-law-repeal-means-virginia-schools-can-start-earlier/}}</ref>  They thought that if students were not able to attend school in August, then more families would spend money at Kings Dominion, and more teenagers would be able to provide a low-cost workforce to the amusement park.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Grose |first=Jessica |date=2022-09-03 |title=The End-of-Summer Child Care Crunch Is Here. I'm Not Amused. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/03/opinion/summer-child-care.html |access-date=2022-09-04 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>  This law, known as the ''Kings Dominion Law'' after the amusement park, stayed in force until 2019.<ref name=":0" />

===Growth under KECO management (1983–92)===
[[File:Kings Dominion Eiffel Tower.jpg|thumb|275px|right|The replica Eiffel Tower at Kings Dominion]]
Taft Broadcasting Company sold its theme park division in late 1983 for $167.5 million to [[Kings Entertainment Company]] (KECO), a new company formed by senior executives and general managers of Taft's Amusement Park Group.<ref name="kicentral">{{cite web|url=http://www.visitkingsisland.com/public/news/media/history/timeline.cfm |title=Timeline: A History of Kings Island |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=10 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723151917/http://www.visitkingsisland.com/public/news/media/history/timeline.cfm |archive-date=July 23, 2011 }}</ref>  Three parks were involved in the sale&nbsp;– Kings Island, Kings Dominion, and [[Carowinds]]&nbsp;– along with a 20-percent stake in [[Canada's Wonderland]]. [[American Financial Group]] later purchased KECO in 1987 but allowed KECO to continue to manage operations at the amusement parks.<ref name="kiarchive">{{cite web|url=http://kiarchive.webs.com/parkdevelopment.htm |title=Kings Island Development |publisher=Kings Island Archive |access-date=10 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326195504/http://kiarchive.webs.com/parkdevelopment.htm |archive-date=March 26, 2012 }}</ref>

One of the first additions under the new management group was Berserker&nbsp;– a [[Looping Starship|looping starship]] ride added to International Street in 1984.  Also that year, [[Smurf Mountain]] replaced the mine ride Land of the Dooz, transforming the Lost World into [[The Smurfs]] theme.  Kings Dominion unveiled a [[TOGO]] [[stand-up roller coaster]] in 1986 called [[Shockwave (Kings Dominion)|Shockwave]], the first of three roller coasters to be added under KECO.  Shockwave had one loop, similar to the older King Kobra but added a helix.  King Kobra was removed at the end of the season.  A water slide complex known as Racing Rivers opened in 1987, and [[Avalanche (Kings Dominion)|Avalanche]], which remains the only Mack [[bobsled roller coaster]] in the United States, debuted the following year in 1988.<ref name="rcdbmackbobsleds">{{cite web|title=Roller Coaster Database |work=Search Results (Mack Bobsleds) |access-date=28 July 2006 |url=http://www.rcdb.com/installationresult.htm?column=1,10,3,4,5&order=1,2&model=131 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041029134531/http://www.rcdb.com/installationresult.htm?column=1%2C10%2C3%2C4%2C5&order=1%2C2&model=131 |archive-date=29 October 2004 }}</ref> The trains of Avalanche now known as “Reptilian” were themed after bobsleds from various countries including the United States, France, Germany, Canada and Switzerland creating the experience of a bobsled race in the [[Winter Olympics]].<ref name="pkdplaceavalanche">{{cite web|title=PkdPlace |work=Avalanche |access-date=28 July 2006 |url=http://www.pkdplace.com/index.php?page=avalanche |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051222012328/http://www.pkdplace.com/index.php?page=avalanche |archive-date=December 22, 2005 }}</ref>

Kings Dominion continued to expand over the next few seasons starting with Hanna-Barbera Land in 1990 with the addition of more children's flat rides. A new, looping roller coaster from [[Arrow Dynamics]] called [[Anaconda (Kings Dominion)|Anaconda]] was introduced the following year in 1991 featuring the world's first underwater tunnel which travels under part of Lake Charles.  Anaconda was also originally billed as having six loops,<ref name="anacondaad">{{cite web | title=Traveling Today | work=Calling All Thrill-Seekers! Welcome to Paramount's Kings Dominion | access-date=14 December 2006 | url=http://travelingtoday.com/resources/articles/kingsdominion.htm | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103200517/http://travelingtoday.com/resources/articles/kingsdominion.htm | archive-date=3 January 2007 }}</ref> but unlike Arrow's six-inversion coaster [[Drachen Fire]] that opened at [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]] the following year, the Anaconda actually has only four inversions: a [[vertical loop]], a sidewinder, and two consecutive [[corkscrew (roller coaster element)|corkscrews]].<ref name="rcdbanaconda">{{cite web|title=Roller Coaster Database |work=Anaconda (Paramount's Kings Dominion) |access-date=28 July 2006 |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id92.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060908045157/http://www.rcdb.com/id92.htm |archive-date=September 8, 2006 }}</ref>

A new {{convert|20|acre|m2|adj=on}} water park addition called Hurricane Reef opened in 1992. To build the water park, Kings Dominion filled in two-thirds of Lake Charles near the Candy Apple Grove region of the park.  Originally it featured the Monsoon Chutes (two pairs of free-fall body slides, at 70 and {{convert|50|ft|m}} high, respectively), the Torrential Twist (two enclosed body slides that wrapped around each other), the Pipeline (four open body slides), Cyclone (three enclosed body slides, the center of which was a free-fall), Tidal Wave (two open slides, which riders rode on [[inner tube]]s), Splash Island (an area for children with five water slides), and a [[lazy river]].<ref name="hurricanereef">{{cite web|title=Richmond.com |work=Don't let the heat and humidity of a Richmond summer keep you stuck to your vinyl car seats. |access-date=28 July 2006 |url=http://www.richmond.com/output.aspx?article_id=106 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070926213401/http://www.richmond.com/output.aspx?article_id=106 |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 September 2007 }}</ref>

===Paramount era (1993–2006)===
[[File:PKDParamountTheater.jpg|thumb|right|The Paramount Theatre (Now known as "Kings Dominion Theater")]]
Kings Dominion continued its growth when it became part of [[Paramount Parks]] in 1993 and switched its name to Paramount's Kings Dominion. New attractions and areas of the park themed to Paramount's television shows and films appeared at Paramount's Kings Dominion almost every season that they were under Paramount's ownership. In 1993, they added a [[motion simulator]] attraction, originally featuring the ''[[Days of Thunder]]'' film, and Lion County Safari was removed at the end of the season. Also in 1993, [[Smurf Mountain]] was removed, leaving only the Time Shaft and Haunted River remaining in The Lost World Mountain until 1995 when both rides were removed. The 1994 season saw the addition of a new area of the park themed to the 1992 Paramount motion picture ''[[Wayne's World (film)|Wayne's World]]'', which featured its third full-size wooden roller coaster, [[Hurler (roller coaster)|Hurler]], a shop called the Rock Shop, and a Stan Mikita's restaurant similar to the one featured in the film. Since then, the Wayne's World section has been merged into the Candy Apple Grove; the Stan Mikita's was converted to the Juke Box Diner, and the Hurler was converted into Twisted Timbers, the park's newest roller coaster, in 2018. In the next year, another children's area, known as Nickelodeon Splat City, opened near the Shockwave roller coaster, this was a product of [[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] purchasing Paramount in 1994. This was later converted into Nick Central. In the 1995 season, The Skyride and The Singing Mushrooms were removed.

In 1996, Kings Dominion introduced its second launched roller coaster, and first [[linear induction motor|LIM]]-launched roller coaster, [[Flight of Fear|The Outer Limits: Flight of Fear]]. The Outer Limits has a {{convert|54|mph}} launch, four inversions, and an identical "spaghetti bowl" layout to [[Flight of Fear]] at [[Kings Island]]. Almost as notable as the launch of The Outer Limits was the fact that the entire ride was in semi-darkness; the riders could not see where they were going. Five years after The Outer Limits opened, Paramount Parks' licensing agreement to use theming from [[The Outer Limits (1963 TV series)|the television show after which the ride was named]] expired; the ''Outer Limits'' theming in the ride and its queue was removed, and the ride was renamed Flight of Fear. Also after the 2000 season, Flight of Fear's trains received lap bars instead of shoulder restraints.<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Flight of Fear|location=Kings Dominion|url=https://rcdb.com/138.htm|accessdate=August 24, 2021}}</ref>

1997 featured the debut of KidZville, a re-theming of the Hanna-Barbera section. The park added the new Taxi Jam roller coaster, and Scooby's Playpark became a construction-themed playpen called Kidz Construction Company. Yogi's Cave was rethemed to Treasure Cave and many rides in KidZville, such as [[Woodstock Express (Kings Dominion)|Scooby-Doo's Ghoster Coaster]], George Jetson's Spaceport, and Huck's Hot Rods, continued to bear the names of Hanna-Barbera characters.

[[File:Volcano, The Blast Coaster (Kings Dominion) 02.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Overview of Volcano: The Blast Coaster and Flight of Fear in the background]]
Kings Dominion added another launched roller coaster in 1998, [[Volcano: The Blast Coaster]], in the former Lost World mountain. The mountain's previous rides had all been removed several years previously, and Volcano gave the mountain a major transformation. Volcano, which was manufactured by [[Intamin]], was the world's first LIM-launched inverted roller coaster. The ride featured two separate launch sections, a roll-out inversion on the top of the mountain, and three [[zero-g roll|heartline rolls]] on the way back down. Volcano was themed to the 1997 film ''[[Volcano (1997 film)|Volcano]]''; the other Paramount Parks added [[inverted roller coaster|inverted]] or [[suspended roller coaster|suspended]] roller coasters themed to ''[[Top Gun]]'' around the same time. During the next two seasons, Kings Dominion expanded Hurricane Reef behind the Rebel Yell and renamed it [[Soak City (Kings Dominion)|WaterWorks]]. The new portion of WaterWorks includes Pipeline Peak, a set of four enclosed water slides, one of which (the Night Slider) is the world's tallest dark free-fall slide. In 2000, Nick Central opened, replacing Nick Splat City and part of Kidzville.<ref name="waterworksofficial">{{cite web | title=Paramount's Kings Dominion | work=WaterWorks | access-date=14 December 2006 | url=http://www2.paramountparks.com/kingsdominion/attractions/category.cfm?ac_id=15 | archive-date=10 December 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210062453/http://www3.paramountparks.com/kingsdominion/attractions/category.cfm?ac_id=15 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

The park added its third launched roller coaster, [[Hypersonic XLC]], in 2001. Hypersonic XLC, a [[Thrust Air 2000]] air-launched coaster made by [[S&S Power]], launched riders from 0 to {{convert|80|mph}} in 1.5 seconds, taking them up an 87-degree incline and down an 87-degree drop.<ref name="hypersonicgallery">{{cite web | title=COASTER-net.com | work=Ride Gallery: Hypersonic XLC | access-date=14 December 2006 | url=http://www.coaster-net.com/hypersonic-xlc-xtreme-launch-coaster-defunct.html}}</ref> The entire ride's duration was about 25 seconds. Hypersonic XLC broke down frequently and was closed for the first three months of its second season; no other Paramount Parks installed a similar ride.<ref name="rcdbxlc">{{cite web | title=Roller Coaster Database | work=Search Results (Hypersonic XLC) | access-date=28 July 2006 | url=http://rcdb.com/qs.htm?quicksearch=hypersonic+xlc | archive-url=https://archive.today/20080201045217/http://rcdb.com/qs.htm?quicksearch=hypersonic+xlc | url-status=dead | archive-date=1 February 2008 }}</ref> Nevertheless, Hypersonic XLC helped establish Kings Dominion's reputation as "the launched coaster capital of the world".<ref name="coasternetxlc">{{cite web|title=COASTER-net.com |work=Hypersonic XLC |access-date=28 July 2006 |url=http://www.coaster-net.com/hypersonic-xlc-xtreme-launch-coaster-defunct.html}}</ref> Hypersonic XLC was removed after the 2007 season.

The early 2000s saw Kings Dominion opening new rides similar to existing rides at other Paramount Parks. In 2002, the park opened its new [[wild mouse roller coaster]], [[Ricochet (Kings Dominion)|Ricochet]] (Now known as Apple Zapple), [[Carowinds]] also installed its [[Ricochet (roller coaster)|Ricochet]] in 2002. Diamond Falls, the [[Shoot the Chute]] ride closed that season. The 2003 season saw Kings Dominion become the final of several of the Paramount Parks to open a Drop Zone: Stunt Tower, now Drop Tower: Scream Zone. The {{convert|305|ft|m|adj=mid|-high}} Drop Zone at Kings Dominion was the tallest freefall ride in the world at the time it opened. In 2004, Kings Dominion added [[Scooby-Doo! And the Haunted Mansion]]; similar Scooby-Doo-themed [[dark ride]]s had opened at three other Paramount Parks during the three previous seasons. In the next season, Kings Dominion added a Huss Top Spin called [[The Crypt (Kings Dominion)|Tomb Raider: Firefall]], and was named The Crypt, which was a standard size and outdoor version of a similar, but larger, ride named [[The Crypt (Kings Island)|Tomb Raider: The Ride]], also now The Crypt, at [[Kings Island]]. The differences between the two were that at Kings Dominion riders' feet dangle freely and at Kings Island, which installed a Giant Top Spin, there was a floor. In the 2006 season, Kings Dominion opened the [[Backlot Stunt Coaster|Italian Job Turbo Coaster]], its fourth launched roller coaster. Unlike the previously built launched coasters at Kings Dominion, each of which was faster than its predecessor, the Italian Job Turbo Coaster was designed more like a family ride and features multiple launches at {{convert|40|mph}}. The coaster was later renamed the ''Backlot Stunt Coaster'' in 2008. It is similar to the ''Backlot Stunt Coaster'' rides at [[Kings Island]] and [[Canada's Wonderland]], which both opened in 2005.

===Cedar Fair/Six Flags era (2006–present)===
On January 27, 2006, it was reported that [[CBS Corporation]] (successor of [[Viacom (1952–2006)|the original Viacom]]), and owner of Paramount Parks, was interested in selling all of its theme parks, including Paramount's Kings Dominion. CBS stated that amusement parks did not fit the company's new strategy. On May 14, 2006, [[Cedar Fair]] announced it was interested in acquiring the five [[Paramount Parks|Paramount theme parks]] from CBS Corporation. The acquisition was completed on June 30, 2006.<ref name="Cedar Fair sale">{{cite web| url=http://www3.paramountparks.com/CanadasWonderland/news/detail.cfm?item_id=387| title=Sale of Paramount Parks to Cedar Fair, L.P.| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071005110213/http://www1.paramountparks.com/canadaswonderland/news/detail.cfm?item_id=387| archive-date=5 October 2007| date=22 May 2006| access-date=12 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cedarfair.com/ir/press_releases/index.cfm?current_root=15&mode=story&story_id=77 |title=Press Releases :: Cedar Fair Entertainment Company |publisher=Cedarfair.com |access-date=2011-05-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060728185503/http://www.cedarfair.com/ir/press_releases/index.cfm?current_root=15&mode=story&story_id=77 |archive-date=2006-07-28 }}</ref>

Although Cedar Fair continued to use the Paramount's Kings Dominion name through the remainder of the 2006 season, and had a ten-year option to continue using the Paramount pre-fix,<ref name="SEC">{{Cite web |title=Meeting with potential lenders re: acquisition of Paramount Parks from CBS |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/811532/000119312506130576/dex99.htm |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=www.sec.gov}}</ref> it began to phase out the Paramount name in press releases, the park website, and signage within the park.

Kings Dominion expanded WaterWorks for the 2007 season, adding a second wave pool called Tidal Wave Bay, a four-person family raft slide called Zoom Flume, and a [[ProSlide]] Tornado.<ref name="2007pressrelease">{{cite web | title=Paramount's Kings Dominion Press Room | work=Kings Dominion To Lower Daily Admission Price For the First Time | access-date=14 December 2006 | url=http://www2.paramountparks.com/KingsDominion/news/detail.cfm?item_id=462 | archive-date=8 February 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208174752/http://www2.paramountparks.com/KingsDominion/news/detail.cfm?item_id=462 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

During the Cedar Fair era, the park introduced [[Halloween Haunt (Kings Dominion)|Halloween Haunt]]. While the park had always had a Halloween event, the new HAUNT event has been received very well.

In December 2006, Kings Dominion put Hypersonic XLC up for sale.<ref name="italintlxlc">{{cite web | title=Ital International LLC | work=Launch Coaster: Reference Number 937 |  access-date=14 December 2006|url=http://www.italintl.com/detail_page.php?record_id=937}}</ref> The park announced plans to keep it running until a buyer was found. It remained in operation during the 2007 season and was closed and dismantled several weeks before the 2008 season started. Also during the 2007–2008 off-season, Cedar Fair renamed the park's last rides to open with Paramount theming. Drop Zone Stunt Tower became Drop Tower Scream Zone and The Italian Job: Turbo Coaster became Backlot Stunt Coaster. Tomb Raider: Firefall also received the name The Crypt. The Paramount Theater also changed its name to Kings Dominion Theater.<ref name="IJNameChange">{{cite web|title=Kings Dominion: Virginia's Premier Themed Amusement Park |work=Thrill Rides |access-date=13 December 2007 |url=http://www2.cedarfair.com/kingsdominion/attractions/category.cfm?ac_id=13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213060946/http://www3.cedarfair.com/kingsdominion/attractions/category.cfm?ac_id=13 |archive-date=December 13, 2007 }}</ref>

[[File:Dominator (Kings Dominion) 02 Full Layout.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Dominator, a [[Bolliger & Mabillard]] [[floorless roller coaster]] formerly located at [[Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom|Geauga Lake]], opened in 2008 in International Street. Dominator is the longest floorless roller coaster in the world]]
The 2008 and 2009 seasons saw Kings Dominion receive three rides that had operated at [[Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom|Geauga Lake]] during its dry amusement park's final season. On October 23, 2007, Kings Dominion announced that [[Dominator (roller coaster)|Dominator]], a [[floorless roller coaster]], would be moved to Kings Dominion and located in the International Street section.<ref name="dominator">[http://www1.cedarfair.com/kingsdominion/news/detail.cfm?item_id=651 Kings Dominion | Virginia's Premier Themed Amusement Park (Richmond)<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025041748/http://www1.cedarfair.com/kingsdominion/news/detail.cfm?item_id=651 |date=October 25, 2007 }}</ref> Dominator opened on May 24, 2008, becoming Kings Dominion's first roller coaster with five inversions. For the 2009 season, two flat rides once located at Geauga Lake, like Dominator, opened in 2008. Located near Rebel Yell, Americana became Kings Dominion's first Ferris wheel.<ref name="ferris wheel">{{cite web|url=http://www.kingsdominion.com/news/detail.cfm?item_id=802 |title=Kings Dominion Announces Two New Rides for 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630184849/http://www.kingsdominion.com/news/detail.cfm?item_id=802 |archive-date=June 30, 2009 }}</ref>

For the 2010 season, Kings Dominion opened [[Intimidator 305]], a {{convert|305|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} [[giga coaster]] by [[Intamin]].  The ride features a cable lift hill, an 85° first drop and a maximum speed of {{convert|90|mph|abbr=on}}. The ride, which is themed to [[NASCAR]] driver [[Dale Earnhardt]], was announced on August 20, 2009, and represents the park's largest-ever capital investment. It was opened to the public in April 2010.<ref name="Intimidator 305">{{cite web|url=http://www.intimidator305.com/ |title=Welcome to Virginia's Premier Themed Amusement Park &#124; Kings Dominion |publisher=Intimidator305.com |access-date=2013-03-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426013916/http://www.intimidator305.com/ |archive-date=April 26, 2015 }}</ref> Also for the 2010 season, the Kidzville and Nickelodeon Universe areas of the park began being re-themed to Planet Snoopy, as were the children's areas at [[Canada's Wonderland]] and [[Kings Island]]. The park has renamed the Hanna-Barbera-themed rides in Kidzville to match the Planet Snoopy theme, ending the park's 35-year run with Scooby-Doo and other Hanna-Barbera characters.

For the 2012 season, Kings Dominion installed [[WindSeeker]] in the Grove section of the park next to the Juke Box Diner. There are other versions of the ride in Cedar Fair parks such as Canada's Wonderland, Cedar Point, Kings Island, Knott's Berry Farm, and Carowinds. The ride stands {{convert|301|ft}} and gives riders a view of the surrounding area.<ref name="Richmond Times-Dispatch">{{cite web|url=http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/2011/sep/01/tdbiz01-kings-dominion-to-roll-out-two-attractions-ar-1277820/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205144255/http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/2011/sep/01/tdbiz01-kings-dominion-to-roll-out-two-attractions-ar-1277820/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-02-05 |title=Kings Dominion to roll out two attractions for coming year |publisher=.timesdispatch.com |date=2011-09-01 |access-date=2013-03-29}}</ref> Kings Dominion also added [[Dinosaurs Alive! (attraction)|Dinosaurs Alive!]], an upcharge dinosaur walkthrough exhibit, located in the Old Virginia section of the park. This attraction also appeared at Kings Island, Dorney Park, Cedar Point, and Canada's Wonderland.<ref name="Richmond Times-Dispatch"/>

For the 2013 season, [[Planet Snoopy]] merged with KidZville during a {{Convert|7|acre|adj=on}} expansion to form the largest Planet Snoopy in the Cedar Fair chain. There are now 18 attractions covering {{Convert|14|acre}}.<ref name="New Planet Snoopy">{{cite web|title = Kings Dominion announces expansion of Planet Snoopy|publisher = Richmond Times-Dispatch|url=http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2012/sep/12/kings-dominion-announces-major-expansion-childrens-ar-2199274/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102081106/http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2012/sep/12/kings-dominion-announces-major-expansion-childrens-ar-2199274/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 2, 2013|date=September 12, 2012|access-date =September 12, 2012}}</ref>

For the 2014 season, Kings Dominion commemorated the 40th anniversary of Lion Country Safari and the preview-opening of Kings Dominion by returning park icons from past eras. These icons included the return of the classic singing mushrooms, the repainting of Anaconda, an improved queue line for Volcano: The Blast Coaster, the return of classic blue ice cream, among other additions. They also returned the Rebel Yell roller coaster to its original red and blue colors. The 2014 season also saw the return of the iconic floral clock, the popular clown band, and the renaming of Johnny's and Trail's End Grill restaurants to the original names, Dinner Bell and Hungry Hippo, respectively. New lighting packages were added to the International Street fountains and Rebel Yell. The Congo and Grove sections of the park were returned to the original themes, Safari Village and Candy Apple Grove, respectively.

For the 2015 season, Kings Dominion continued in celebration of its 40th anniversary with a major expansion to WaterWorks. The expansion included a new 65-foot tall slide complex featuring three different attractions called Paradise Plunge, Aqua Blast, and Thunder Falls; a new children's area called Splash Island; expanded cabana areas, updated bathhouses, and other improvements to the area. As part of the major water park expansion, the area was renamed Soak City.<ref name="richmond.com">{{cite web|last1=Bacque|first1=Peter|title=Kings Dominion rebrands expanded water park as Soak City|url=http://www.richmond.com/business/local/article_d2439490-cac7-54c9-9f54-c0f24dc975cc.html|website=Richmond Times-Dispatch|date=5 February 2015 |access-date=February 5, 2015}}</ref> On August 9, 2015, Shockwave closed in Candy Apple Grove permanently, and a swinging pendulum ride titled "Delirium" was built in its place.<ref name="Shockwave closing-RichTimes">{{cite news|url=http://www.richmond.com/business/local/article_751d0234-a8bc-584c-b043-728a992a2502.html|title=Kings Dominion eliminating Shockwave roller coaster|last=Gilligan|first=Gregory J.|date=July 9, 2015|work=Richmond Times-Dispatch|access-date=July 11, 2015}}</ref> [[Hurler (roller coaster)|Hurler]] closed permanently at the end of the season on November 1, 2015.<ref name="facebook1">{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/kingsdominionva/videos/10153796391506875/ |title=Kings Dominion - It's official |publisher=[[Facebook]] |date=2016-10-15 |access-date=2017-03-05}}</ref> In 2017, Planet Snoopy was expanded with the addition of three new children's rides in the former Nickelodeon Central side of the area. On October 15, 2016, Kings Dominion announced that the Hurler wooden coaster would be permanently closed.<ref name="facebook1"/>

For the 2018 season, Kings Dominion opened [[Twisted Timbers]] on March 24, 2018, three years after Hurler operated for the last time, converting the track from wood to steel. It was built by [[Rocky Mountain Construction]] utilizing many of the original wooden supports from Hurler. 2018 also marked the debut of WinterFest, a Christmas-themed holiday event, during the winter season. The Rebel Yell and Ricochet coasters were renamed Racer 75 and Apple Zapple, respectively. Tornado, Dinosaurs Alive, and Volcano: The Blast Coaster were all removed before the 2019 season.

In August 2019, Kings Dominion announced that Soak City would be expanded in 2020 to include a new sub-area called Coconut Shores, featuring a multi-level water play structure and a children's wave pool.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://xl102richmond.radio.com/blogs/liz/kings-dominion-renovating-and-expanding-soak-city-2020|title=Kings Dominion Is Renovating and Expanding Soak City for 2020|date=2019-08-18|website=XL102|language=en|access-date=2019-08-27}}</ref> In January 2020, the park also announced the removal of The Crypt to make room for future development in the Safari Village section of the park.

Kings Dominion did not open for its normal operating schedule in 2020 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. After restrictions were partially lifted by Virginia governor [[Ralph Northam]] in November 2020, the park opened for a limited capacity winter event titled "Taste of the Season" that operated for three weeks the following month in December.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kings Dominion Reopening in 2020 with New Limited-Capacity Event, Kings Dominion's Taste of the Season! - Kings Dominion|url=https://www.kingsdominion.com/blog/2020/introducing-taste-of-the-season|access-date=2021-04-19|website=www.kingsdominion.com|language=en}}</ref> The event featured specialty food trucks, seasonal decorations, a small selection of rides.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-04|title=Cedar Fair Updates Its Calendar for 2020 Park Operations|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200804005097/en/Cedar-Fair-Updates-Calendar-2020-Park-Operations|access-date=2020-08-10|website=www.businesswire.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=California's Great America, Carowinds, and other Cedar Fair parks to remain closed for 2020; Others closing early |website=Attractions Magazine |date=August 4, 2020 |url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/californias-great-america-carowinds-and-other-cedar-fair-parks-to-remain-closed-for-2020-others-closing-early/ |access-date=August 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://richmond.com/business/kings-dominion-to-open-in-december-on-limited-days-for-new-holiday-themed-event/article_4998a6e1-4a73-58b5-be90-39b04e633ec8.html|title=Kings Dominion to open in December on limited days for new holiday-themed event|date=10 November 2020 }}</ref>

Normal operation resumed for the 2021 season, and in August of that year, the park announced that Safari Village would receive a makeover for 2022. The upgraded section of the park, Jungle X-Pedition, is themed to an archeological research facility and dig site. The area received similarly themed restaurants and retail shops, as well as a new roller coaster named [[Tumbili]], a 4D Free Spin model manufactured by [[S&S – Sansei Technologies]].<ref name="Tumbili-KD">{{cite web |title=What's New in 2022 |url=https://www.kingsdominion.com/blog/2021/8.12-2022-announcement-recap |publisher=Kings Dominion |access-date=August 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813051635/https://www.kingsdominion.com/blog/2021/8.12-2022-announcement-recap |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |date=August 12, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Tumbili-Coaster101">{{cite web |last1=Stilwell |first1=Andrew |title=Kings Dominion Announces Tumbili Free Spin, Jungle X-Pedition Retheme to Safari Village |url=https://www.kingsdominion.com/blog/2021/8.12-2022-announcement-recap |website=Coaster101 |access-date=August 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813052022/https://www.coaster101.com/2021/08/12/kings-dominion-announces-tumbili-free-spin-jungle-x-pedition-retheme-to-safari-village/ |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |date=August 12, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 1, 2024, a merger of equals between [[Cedar Fair]] and [[Six Flags]] was completed, creating Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-01 |title=Cedar Fair and Six Flags Merger of Equals Successfully Completed, Creating a Leading Amusement Park Operator |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cedar-fair-six-flags-merger-200500080.html |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}}</ref>