• Volcano, The Blast Coaster at Kings Dominion

  Written by The Coaster Critic 3 Comments
  Last Updated: April 29, 2006

  Virginia’s Only Active Volcano
  I was there the first day this coaster opened in the ummer of ‘98. Thanks to the LIMs (linear induction magnets) which have changed the face of roller coasters, the launch is one of the most amazing coaster experiences I’ve ever witnessed. The acceleration is so raw and powerful. Anyway, it’s indescribable how cool it feels. 0 to 70 in a matter of seconds! Don’t try that in your Jetta, trust me you won’t even come close. Some eight years later launch coasters are all over the country and world, but Volcano was one of the first and is still one of the best of this new breed.

  Unfortunately, after the launch, the ride is good, but not great. On the back side of the mountain there’s plenty of speed for another element or something more than just a banked turn back into the mountain. The climb up and out of the top is really cool, but the barrel rolls that follow are fun, but not breath-taking. You’re pretty high up there and one of the rolls makes you think you’ve just missed hitting the mountain.

  I’ve gotta give Kings Dominion some credit though. It is a very unique coaster and theming is a step forward for this park. They took the old Smurf Mountain and did a great job re-theming it. There’s even fire that erupts from the top of the volcano. The timing for those eruptions must be perfect, because it looks like they could fry some riders if the timing was off. I just wish they would’ve done a little more with it. I envisioned the track going through the mountain more, similar to how Montu spends time flying through those canyons. Still it’s a great ride and shouldn’t be missed. It currently sits precariously at number 10 in my Top Coasters. Final Rating – 8.5 (Great-Approaching Excellent)
  
  Want to know how good an 8.5 is? Check out the CCCS. Also, here’s an onride roller coaster video of Volcano: The Blast Coaster.
  
  Got a comment or question about Volcano? Leave it below.

  

  Related Posts:

  1. Volcano Coaster Causes UFO Over Kings Dominion
  2. Avalanche @ Kings Dominion | Coaster Reviews
  3. Volcano’s Powerful Rolling Launch | Coaster Moments

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3 Comments

1. #1 Anonymous says:
   July 6th, 2008 at 4:06 pm

   Love it!!!! Best in the front car!

   Reply
2. #2 Zach says:
   June 28th, 2009 at 10:08 am

   For a really unique ride, try getting to Kings Dominion as early as possible and be on the Volcano as soon as it opens. The first time I ever rode it, we had arrived at Kings Dominion early for a special event where they opened the coaster early for us so we were literally the first ride of the day (about a year after it opened). I was quite surprised by the takeoff, but even more surprised when half-way out of the top of the volcano, we lost all momentum and proceeded backwards back down through the inside of the mountain the the station!

   Upon arrival the induction magnets slowed us down – so much so that it took about 5 minutes of slowly drifting backwards to reach the beginning of the magnet array. Employees explained this happened sometimes when the magnets weren’t “warmed up yet.” Not sure how scientific of an explanation this is, or whether the coaster still does this, but it was quite exciting and a unique experience.

   Reply
3. #3 Rebeka says:
   November 12th, 2009 at 1:40 am

   I was so skiddish about riding it. But I rode it again and again and again. I think 5 o6 6 times. One of the best I’ve ever rode. One of the only inverted roller coasters I ever rode. Great review!

   Reply