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  • Writer's pictureSonya Feeser
    • Jul 14, 2021
    • 4 min read

Doswell, VA: Kings Dominion - A Destination For Both Foodies And Thrill-Seekers Alike

Updated: Nov 30, 2021

Kings Dominion has leveled up amusement park food and I am HERE for it! 🤩 While I am, of course, always excited for the thrill that comes with amusement park rollercoasters and water rides, I've recently come to realize how underrated the food is. Kings Dominion has been stepping up their game lately and have introduced a number of NEW dining experiences for the 2021 season. Last week on my visit, I made it my mission to try some of these places out, and let me say, I was not disappointed! Keep reading for more details on my experience including food, rides, and all the in-between...


Food!


🍖 First up, Grain & Grill, which is an all-new dining experience on International Street featuring fresh, savory, and local ingredients. I was excited to hear about this new restraurant featuring tons of mouthwatering meats and sides including veggies and mac and cheese. What I liked most was that they seemed to put a healthy twist on conventional comfort items without sacrificing flavor. Their crispy hoisin pork, scalloped potatoes au gratin, and naan were EXCELLENT and packed with juice and flavor! Not going to lie, this was probably the best amusement park food I’ve ever had! 🤯 Also pictured below is the shrimp kabob meal. Grain & Grill also has outdoor seating and even an outdoor bar where you can order alcoholic drinks to go with your meal. This restaurant is definitely one to bookmark for your visit and it can cater to pretty much any dietary restriction such as low-carb, paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, egg-free, vegan, vegetarian, and keto diets!



🍟 Next up is the World’s Famous Boardwalk Fries which is impossible to walk past without indulging in a bucket of fries and adding your own seasoning such as Cajun, garlic salt, or old bay spice. These delicious fries brought me right back to the beach and was the perfect comforting snack while chilling in Soak City. 😎 It would pair well with Rita's Italian Ice or an ICEE drink on a hot day which you can find nearby.



🌯 Lastly, I ate at Sharkey’s, also in Soak City, where I got a chicken tender platter and a chicken ranch wrap. There’s just something about amusement park chicken tenders that gets me and I don’t know what it is! 😋 This place is perfect for the kiddos (and parents) who need an energizing meal after running around Soak City all day!



Rides!


For my visit, I also made use of Kings Dominion's Fast Lane Plus add-on where you can skip the line on every ride! This was SO useful especially because it was 95 degrees out and the last thing I wanted was to wait in a line in the blistering heat when I could be on a ride with my hair blowing in the wind. Free AC amirite?! 😁 Below is a link (and picture) of the fast lane passes available for purchase online but you can also buy it once you are inside the park at the Upgrade Your Day stand which is directly to the right when you first walk into the park.


As far as rides, Intimidator 305 was definitely my favorite as well as the two half-water-half-land rides, Shenandoah Lumber Co and Twisted Timbers. They were perfect for cooling down during midday. Here are some pictures of the park and rides I captured.



The In Between!


Dining Pass Options:


Worried about food pricing? Not to worry, it is actually extremely reasonable! A single day meal is only $15.99 and includes a meal, side, and beverage. However, I did the all-day dining plan for $29.99 where you can eat a meal every 90 minutes so it’s more bang for your buck! Especially because you can just get one plan for yourself but split the meals with whoever you go with and still have plenty of food to fill you all day long! 🙌 Water can be refilled for free at any of the soda stations so all you have to do is bring a water bottle (I suggest an insulated one that will keep your drink cold).


Link to dining plan options:


Map of Where Each Restaurant Is:


Below is a map of Kings Dominion park with each of the restaurants labeled according to their location within the park (i.e. Soak City vs International Street). The Kings Dominion App was also very helpful for me because it uses Bluetooth and lets you type in where you want to go and it will show you the direction you need to walk to get there. This was also useful for places such as Boardwalk Fries where there are multiple locations throughout the park and so the app can help you find the nearest one to your current location.


Link to PDF with zoom feature:


Dietary Restrictions Accommodations:


The link below shows the dietary options available at each restaurant and includes egg-free, peanut oil and/or nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, soy-free, and vegan. So, essentially, all diets can be accommodated!


Here's a link to the meals and snacks available at each dining location for 2021: https://cpfoodblog.com/2021-kings-dominion-dining-plan-menus/


COVID policies (as of July 2021):


It is understandable to be cautious and weary of any public gatherings where there will be a generous number of people. Masks are required for those who didn't yet receive a full vaccination and are optional for everyone else. For me, because of how expansive the park is, I felt safe without a mask at all times, but I still brought one along just in case.


What you can expect:

  • Face coverings required: Unless fully vaccinated, face coverings are required indoors except while eating or drinking, and outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained.

  • Health Screenings: Health screenings will be required for all guests and associates.

  • Hand Sanitization: Hand sanitization stations have been added throughout the park.

  • Use of Location Services: Enabling the Location Services feature in the park app allows us to send you real-time updates.


Kings Dominion UNDOUBTEDLY has something for everyone to enjoy and is the perfect 'daycation' spot - regardless of whether you take your partner, kids, family, or friends! 🎢🎡🎠


📍: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047

Instagram: @kingsdominionva


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