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What rides were at Kings Dominion in the 80s?

The early part of the decade saw two popular attractions added with the Grizzly roller coaster in 1982 and the White Water Canyon river rapids ride in 1983. These two rides remain as popular as ever today. In 1983, Taft Broadcasting sold its theme park division to Kings Entertainment Company (KECO).



The 1980s was a "Golden Age" for Kings Dominion in Virginia, marked by the debut of several legendary attractions. The skyline was dominated by The Rebel Yell (now Racer 75), a classic wooden racing coaster, and the Scooby-Doo (now Woodstock Express). In 1982, the park introduced The Grizzly, a massive wooden coaster hidden in the woods that became a fan favorite. Perhaps most iconic of the 80s was King Kobra, a "weight-drop" shuttle loop coaster that launched riders into a vertical loop, and The Lost World mountain, which housed multiple rides over the years, including the "Haunted River" and "Time Shaft." For those looking for thrills without tracks, the Diamond Falls log flume provided a massive splash. The park also featured the Eiffel Tower replica and the International Street fountains, which remain icons today. Many visitors of that era also fondly remember the "Smurf Mountain" attraction, which was a centerpiece of the kids' area before it was eventually rethemed.

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