For many on the East Coast, a trip to Kings Dominion marks the unofficial start of summer. School’s out, the weather has turned, and the coasters in Doswell, Virginia, begin their familiar rhythm—climbing, plunging, screaming.
It’s been this way since 1975, when the park first opened just north of Richmond. Over the decades, Kings Dominion has become a fixture of mid-Atlantic tourism, drawing generations of families and thrill-seekers to its blend of towering steel, nostalgic wood, and cartoon-branded attractions.
This weekend, however, something changed.
Guests who arrived Saturday morning expecting a day of rides, water slides, and funnel cakes were instead met with locked gates and an apology.
Infrastructure Failure Halts Kings Dominion Operations
“Due to a nearby water main break that is impacting our water supply, Kings Dominion will not open today,” the park posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We apologize for the inconvenience. All tickets will be valid for any operating day during the 2025 season. Please check back for updates about Sunday’s operation.”
Later that day, the message was updated. The park would remain closed on Sunday, June 22, with a tentative plan to reopen Monday. “Please check back on Monday prior to visiting for any important updates,” it added.
Due to a nearby water main break that is impacting our water supply, Kings Dominion will not open today. We apologize for the inconvenience. All tickets will be valid for any operating day during the 2025 season. Please check back for updates about Sunday’s operation. pic.twitter.com/RBSUzv6MKs
— Kings Dominion (@KingsDominionVA) June 21, 2025
No further explanation was given, and the exact location or scope of the water main break remains unclear.
The closure comes during one of the park’s busiest stretches of the year, just as schools let out and peak tourist season begins. Kings Dominion had been operating without disruption since reopening for the season on March 29.
A Changing Park in a Consolidating Industry
Kings Dominion is no stranger to change. Once part of Paramount Parks, it became a Cedar Fair property in 2006 and, as of 2024, operates under the umbrella of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation following the merger of the two companies.
Its ride roster includes the towering giga coaster Pantherian (formerly Intimidator 305), the floorless Dominator, and two enduring wooden coasters: Racer 75 and Grizzly. Planet Snoopy and Soak City round out its family offerings, making it a draw across age groups.
Still, challenges remain. In 2023, a large-scale fight at the park drew national attention and prompted renewed focus on guest conduct and safety protocols. While this weekend’s closure is unrelated, the disruption adds pressure at a critical moment in the season.
Closures of This Kind Aren’t Isolated
Theme parks are increasingly contending with unplanned interruptions, whether from aging infrastructure or extreme weather.
In 2024, Dollywood also faced sudden closures—once in July for a water main issue and again in December amid severe cold. SeaWorld San Diego shut its gates during a storm. And in Florida, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando have seen closures in response to hurricanes.
Wildfires in California this year forced temporary shutdowns of Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Do you plan on visiting Kings Dominion this summer?
I find it appalling that in this day and age, Kings Dominion is playing racist songs. I was there today and they were playing carry me back to ole virginny
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