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Let's start with whether a visit to Paramounts Kings Dominion is right for you.
Recently, many people have complained that the park can be dirty. That the food is way overpriced.
Others have claimed that its workers are rude, and that it's not family-friendly (i.e., people wearing crass t-shirts and spouting even crasser language).
Others rave about the park, its cleanliness and fantastic rides.
What's the truth? It depends. Recognize that even the best theme park can get dirty on occasion, and that some people show appallingly poor taste in their language and fashion choices. (Although you'd probably run into similar individuals at your local mall.)
High-octane roller coaster lovers are probably more willing to overlook such "trash."
But if you're not one of them (not trash--a roller coaster lover), and you have a young family, Busch Gardens Williamsburg might be the more family-friendly choice for you.
One thing I will say is that the prices increases in recent years have been much steeper at Kings Dominion than they have been at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. I was really shocked. A family of four buying front gate admission tickets at KD had to pay almost $30 more last year just to get in.
That's why my discount ticket info is so crucial for 2010, so keep reading below.
But first, here's a really cool YouTube video of the park's coaster, Volcano, taken from a front row seat. It's awesome! (Click, wait a sec, then click again.)
Getting Discount Tickets
As I discussed on my main page on the park, your easiest ongoing option for getting discount Paramounts Kings Dominion tickets is to buy 3-day advance tickets online on the park's website. They can save you as much as $15 per ticket.
For adults, you'll pay $39.95 per ticket, versus @$55 if you buy your ticket at the box office. But remember, you'll have to buy them at least 3 days before you visit. Junior/Senior tickets (for kids and seniors) are the same price regardless of whether you buy them in advance or not. (Note: Advance tickets are only available in season, so you'll have to wait until the park opens in April.)
***Try this Deal: The Pay Once-Visit Twice Ticket - Two visits for only $54.99 (ages 3+)
Want an extra day to enjoy Paramounts Kings Dominion and Water Works? Try the Kings Dominion Pay Once, Visit Twice Ticket. This new ticket is valid for the same guest for a visit on any two public operating days during the 2009 season. It's just over $27 bucks per visit!
BUT, you can also get discounts through local parks & recreation departments.
Get a HUGE discount for a little extra effort!
Try a local Parks & Rec Center--Most Virginia Parks & Rec Departments sell Paramounts Kings Dominion discount tickets. For years, the best deal was found at the Richmond's Landmark Theater. BUT after making a year of increasingly making their website totally confusing and incomprehensible they've taken things a step further by deleting all discount ticket info from their site. Darn. Another victim of budget cuts. Too bad.
Still, other local Parks & Rec centers may continue to offer discount tickets good for certain summer days. Try Prince George County (call 804-733-2646 for details), Henrico County (http://www.co.henrico.va.us/departments/rec/theme-park-tickets/), and Albemarle County.
In the past, Albemarle County has offered deep discounts on KD Teen Days (usually the last week in June through the first week in July) and KD Park and Recreation Days (usually offered the last week in July through the first week in August). Call 434-296-5844 for details.
Check out local hotels
Local hotels sometimes offer Kings Dominion package deals which can save you money.
The Embassy Suites in Richmond, the Virginia Crossings Resort in Glen Allen, and the Days Inn in Ruther Glen are three hotels which offer park packages (the first two are a bit of a drive from the park, but the Days Inn is only 5 miles away).
When booking a local hotel, do your research.
For example, we've heard a slew of poor reviews about how dirty the Best Western Kings Quarters is...not worth the money, shady characters, etc. (We'll be adding hotel reviews later. Until then, check at sites like www.tripadvisor.com for recommendations.)
Other Money-Saving Ideas and Tips
- Food - Three words: Bring your own (when possible). The food in Paramounts Kings Dominion is very expensive, especially for the quality (or lack thereof).
So, eat a huge breakfast and/or bring a backpack of snacks (no chocolate--it'll melt). Keep in mind that the park says that "no food or drink is allowed in the park" (their way to try to force you to buy food there).
So make sure you, er, make them invisible. (I use a small backpack-sized purse that holds a bottle of water and a few snacks inconspicuously.)
Another option is to bring a picnic lunch in a cooler and leave it in the car for later. Get your hand stamped and you can take a break in the middle of the day to go out to your car and eat.
Another alternative: get your hand stamped and leave the park for lunch in nearby Ashland.
- Water - Drink lots and bring your own. Bottled water is equally expensive in the park, so bring your own in a backpack. Plan on three bottles per person at the height of the summer. Or, just bring one and fill it up at water fountains.
- Slather up with sunscreen and bug spray before you go -- You'll need both, and IF you can buy some in the park, you'll pay top dollar for it.
- Wear appropriate clothing -- Wear a hat and bring a light sweatshirt or jacket if you plan to stay during the cooler evening hours. Lockers are available to store them during the day. You may want to bring a pair of dry socks in case you get wet on the rides.
- Bring your own stroller -- While you may be able to rent one in Paramounts Kings Dominion, why not put the rental fee (@$10 or so) to better use?
- Take advantage of ParentSwap -- The park allows one parent of small children to wait in line while the other tends the kiddie. When you get to a certain point, the second one joins the line (with the kiddie) and all three ride!
To get a Parent Swap Pass (which you must have to do this), you must visit Guest Services. Parent Swap may not be available on all rides and is not applicable in WaterWorks.
Want to go again and again?
Paramounts Kings Dominion also offers a variety of season passes which are actually pretty good deals. And in 2010, all include free season parking. The cheapest prices are available if you buy four or more tickets.
For the best season pass prices at Paramounts Kings Dominion, click here.
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