Rapterra is an upcoming steel launched wing roller coaster at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia.[1] [2] Once open, it will become the world's tallest and longest-launched wing roller coaster.[3]
| Rapterra | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Kings Dominion | |
| Location | Kings Dominion |
| Park section | Jungle X-Pedition |
| Status | Under construction |
| Opening date | 2025 |
| Replaced | Volcano: The Blast Coaster |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel – Wing Coaster – Launched |
| Manufacturer | Bolliger & Mabillard |
| Model | Wing Coaster |
| Lift/launch system | LSM |
| Height | 145 ft (44 m) |
| Length | 3,086 ft (941 m) |
| Speed | 65 mph (105 km/h) |
| Inversions | 3 |
| Duration | 1:29 |
| Trains | 2 trains with 5 cars. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 20 riders per train. |
| Rapterra at RCDB | |
History
editRemoval of Volcano
editVolcano: The Blast Coaster was an inverted launched coaster that operated at the park from 1998 to early 2018, situated inside of the preceding Smurf Mountain structure. In February 2019, Kings Dominion announced that Volcano had been decommissioned, citing issues with reliability, rider capacity, and overall customer satisfaction.[4][5] By May of the same year, the entire attraction had been fully demolished.[6]
The removal of Volcano left a sizable empty site in the park, sparking discussions for a replacement as early as 2019; it was then that Bolliger & Mabillard first drafted a wing coaster layout for the land.[7] However, the park's closure during 2020 per the COVID-19 pandemic and retirement of The Crypt after the 2019 season contributed to Tumbili taking priority as a replacement for the latter. The coaster opened in March 2022, bringing with it the reimagining of Safari Village as Jungle X-Pedition and thematic foundation for future attractions.[8]
Preparation & Construction
editPlans were submitted to Hanover County, Virginia in December 2023 for the construction of Amendment 47, a new roller coaster project to be located where Volcano: The Blast Coaster previously stood.[9] Construction had already commenced when the park opened for the season in March 2023, with groundwork in full swing and the first concrete foundations being poured.[10]
Roller coaster steel – including track and supports – began arriving at the end of May, with the first piece of brake run being placed on June 18, 2024.[11] [12] The tallest point of the ride was topped off at 8:22am on July 28 and the final track piece set in place on September 6, eighty days after installation began.[13][14]
Announcement
editKings Dominion began promoting their mystery attraction during construction, with various teasers and clues gradually appearing around its work fences.[10] On July 31, 2024, Kings Dominion officially announced Rapterra for the 2025 season.[1][2]
Characteristics
editRapterra will be 145 feet (44 m) tall, 3,086 feet (941 m) long, and reaches a top speed of 65 mph (105 km/h) throughout the ride. The coaster will run two 20-passenger trains, arranging riders in 5 rows with a pair on each side.
References
edit- ^ a b Kolenich, Eric (2024-07-31). "Kings Dominion gets approval to build new roller coaster". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
- ^ a b Beckford, Patriceia (2024-08-02). "New Rapterra rollercoaster to open at Kings Dominion in 2025". WVEC. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
- ^ Weigand, Duncan (2024-08-01). "Rapterra Roller Coaster coming to Kings Dominion". WSLS-TV. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
- ^ "Park Update". Kings Dominion.
- ^ Tyree, Elizabeth (February 9, 2019). "Kings Dominion announces decision to remove Volcano: The Blast Coaster". WSET. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
- ^ Rdzanek, Austin (May 3, 2019). "Kings Dominion's "Volcano" is Almost Completely Gone!".
- ^ Zachary (November 5, 2019). "Leaked Draft Reveals Possible Plans for Kings Dominion's Next Major Roller Coaster". kdfans.com. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
- ^ Stilwell, Andrew (April 14, 2022). "The Not-So-Hidden Details of Jungle X-Pedition at Kings Dominion". Coaster101. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
- ^ LeMert, Marshall (2024-07-09). "New Roller Coaster to Debut in 2025 at Kings Dominion". Cville Right Now. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
- ^ a b @KDFansOnline (March 22, 2024). "Much of Jungle X-Pedition is behind walls in preparation for..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ @KDFanatics75 (May 30, 2024). "It looks like a support is being unloaded. ..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Kings Dominion (August 16, 2024). "Rapterra Report - Kings Dominion 2025 Update". YouTube. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
- ^ @briansterowski (July 28, 2024). "Sunday surprise! The first element after the launch is complete on the..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ WATCH as the final piece of #Rapterra is set into place! Keep your eye on the sky for our next Rapterra Report to see the moments leading up to this world-record setting occasion!, Kings Dominion, 2024-09-06