Credit: JoshuaXx, FlickrDid you know that one of Six Flags’ theme parks will be closed to guests this weekend?
While it is not common practice to see Six Flags shutter one of its theme parks for an entire weekend, it can happen from time to time. In the past, we have seen closures come up that are unexpected and due to weather. For example, we have seen Knott’s Berry Farm close multiple times this year due to heay storms that kept guests out of the theme parks.
There are also times when the entire theme park could be bought out, which means that it is not open to guests at all, unless they are a part of the company that rented out the theme park. This is something that rarely happens, and when we think about the theme park titans like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, an entire theme park closure for a whole day does not occur.
At Disney World, buyouts can happen before or after a park’s regular operating hours, and at Universal Orlando Resort, we have seen the park close earlier than usual on some days in order to accommodate a company.
Kings Dominion in Virginia has sent out a reminder that this weekened, the park will be closed for a private event.
“#KingsDominion Reminder: We are closed to the public for private events this weekend, Sept. 14 & 15. Our next public operating day is Friday, Sept. 20 – opening night of Halloween Haunt!”
🔔 #KingsDominion Reminder: We are closed to the public for private events this weekend, Sept. 14 & 15. Our next public operating day is Friday, Sept. 20 – opening night of Halloween Haunt! pic.twitter.com/KshA8hAroQ
— Kings Dominion (@KingsDominionVA) September 11, 2024
The park will reopen next weekend, and as the theme park is operating on seasonal hours, that means it will be closed on weekdays as well, marking an 11 day closure.
This closure comes after a majority of the Six Flags water parks around America also closed for the 2024 season due to cooler temperatures taking over.
Kings Dominion Makes Massive 2025 Announcement
While this is unfortunate news to the locals who enjoy their weekend visits to Kings Dominion, the theme park has recently been making some positive headlines due to a new attraction that will debut in 2025.
Kings Dominion has exciting news for thrill-seekers: the amusement park near Richmond, Virginia, is set to debut the world’s tallest and longest-launched wing coaster, according to a recent announcement. This means the ride will begin with an intense launch, with riders seated on either side of the track.
Named Rapterra, the new coaster will be the park’s 14th, replacing the Volcano: The Blast Coaster, an inverted launched coaster retired in 2018.
Rapterra will reach speeds of 65 mph and flip riders upside down three times, offering a sensation of flight throughout its 89-second journey. The coaster will stand 145 feet tall and span 3,086 feet.
Currently under construction in the park’s Jungle X-Pedition area, Rapterra is expected to be completed by fall and will open in 2025.
“We are excited to unveil Rapterra, the must-do ride of 2025, at Kings Dominion,” Vice President and General Manager Bridgette Bywater said in a statement. “This extraordinary addition promises new thrills for our guests, making it the perfect centerpiece for our 50th anniversary celebration and reaffirming why Kings Dominion is the ultimate destination for unforgettable memories and exhilarating excitement.”
Six Flags Takes Over Cedar Fair
While Kings Dominion now operates under the Six Flags name, a few months ago, it was a Cedar Fair park.
The recent merger between Six Flags and Cedar Fair has created the largest amusement park operator in the United States, operating 42 parks across 17 states. This merger has sparked both optimism and concerns among amusement park enthusiasts.
While some believe the merger will improve the condition of Six Flags parks, others worry about increased prices and a loss of park individuality. Many fans are passionate about the design and history of their favorite parks and fear that the merger could lead to a corporate sameness.
Bill Kneass, a longtime Six Flags season passholder, expressed concerns about potential changes to the parks’ unique character, per CNN. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the history and charm of each park while also introducing new attractions to appeal to a wider audience.
Chris Miller, a theme park enthusiast and YouTuber, is cautiously optimistic about the merger. He hopes that combining forces will lead to more diverse and exciting rides at various parks. However, he is also concerned about potential increases in season pass prices due to reduced competition.
The new company, Six Flags Entertainment Corp., has reassured fans that there will be no immediate changes to park operations, pricing, or ticket options. The company aims to deliver even more engaging experiences for guests by leveraging its combined resources.
The merger comes at a time when the amusement park industry faces significant challenges, including rising costs and extreme weather events. By combining forces, Six Flags and Cedar Fair can mitigate risks and explore new opportunities.
Fans can expect potential changes in areas such as season pass options, loyalty programs, and themed attractions. The companies may also combine their intellectual property licenses to create new rides and experiences.
While the merger offers potential benefits, there are also concerns about the impact on individual parks and their unique character. Some fans fear that the focus on profitability could lead to a decline in the overall experience. Ultimately, the success of the merger will depend on the company’s ability to balance financial goals with preserving the unique qualities of each park.
What is your favorite Six Flags theme park?