Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion: A Thrilling Experience

Care to take a guess at how tall Intimidator 305 climbs? Yup, it’s 305 feet. That makes it one of the tallest and fastest coasters in the world.

However, instead of incorporating subsequent huge hills for big pops of airtime, this ride mostly hugs the ground. Its incredible pent-up energy is used to intimidate riders by sending them zooming—and I mean zooming—through over-banked turns and other wild maneuvers like a NASCAR racer gone loco.

• Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 9
  • No inversions, but insane height, wild speed, and extreme positive G-forces. This is about as intense as it gets.
• Type of coaster: Giga-Coaster
• Height: 305 feet
• First drop angle: 85 degrees (just shy of straight down)
• First drop: 300 feet
• Top speed: 90 mph
• Track length: 5100 feet
• Ride time: 3:00
• Manufacturer: Intamin Amusement Rides

Intimidator 305 Gets a Trim

With its gleaming red lift hill piercing the Kings Dominion skyline, it towers over nearby coasters, including Anaconda and Racer 75. The mere sight of Intimidator 305 quickens hearts, designed in homage to the late NASCAR legend, Dale “the Intimidator” Earnhardt, meant to prioritize speed over airtime. However, it was designed for potentially too much speed.

Similar to Millennium Force, the original Giga-Coaster located at sister park Cedar Point, Intimidator 305 aimed for a top speed of over 90 mph. Upon its debut at the start of the 2010 season, it hit a startling speed of 94 mph, leading to reports of passengers experiencing “graying out” (nearly blacking out) due to the ride’s intense positive G-forces.

Consequently, Kings Dominion alongside manufacturer Intamin AG of Switzerland installed trim brakes on the first drop, reportedly slowing the ride down to a more manageable 79 mph. While some passengers still encountered brief grayout experiences, modifications were made to the track after the first drop and the trim brakes were eliminated. The top speed has reverted back to 90 mph, significantly reducing reports of grayouts.

Characteristic of newer, non-inverting steel coasters, the trains feature open cars that leave riders somewhat exposed. When it first debuted, Intimidator 305’s over-the-shoulder restraints used a stiffer material, causing head impacts during wild transitions. These have since been replaced with restraints utilizing more pliable materials, ensuring passengers are snug and comfortable throughout the ride.

Gentlemen! Start Your Engines!

After the ride ops complete the necessary safety checks, a booming “Gentlemen! Start your engines,” resonates over the PA system, followed by revving racecar sounds. The train accelerates out of the station, utilizing an elevator cable instead of a conventional chain lift, climbing the steep lift hill at an astonishing pace. In a matter of seconds, riders are propelled to the 305-foot apex, staring down at the intimidating 300-foot, 85-degree drop. As anticipated, the descent induces a wildly intense thrill.

Upon reaching the bottom, Intimidator 305 takes a sharp banked turn heading back towards the station. Reports of grayouts had previously troubled passengers at this point, yet the trim brakes appear to be effectively functioning, and instances of fogginess during the turn have markedly decreased.

Intimidator 305: Surprisingly Smooth and Utterly Unique

Interestingly, although the second hill of Intimidator 305 surpasses the height of the neighboring Anaconda coaster’s lift hill, riders approach it at breathtaking speed, yet it fails to deliver significant airtime. Following a lengthy descent, the train initiates a series of abrupt banking moves. Consequently, riders are whipped left and right at runaway-train speed, providing a dizzying and unique motion. Two small, effective bunny hills finally present some brief bursts of airtime due to the swift transitions.

Following the bunny hills are additional rapid banking elements, meticulously designed to simulate the sensation of a NASCAR race. Regardless of intent, achieving one of the world’s tallest coasters and maintaining proximity to the ground while employing its vast energy for tight maneuvers creates a completely unique ride experience. Despite its jaw-dropping speed and eccentric track layout, Intimidator 305 proves to be surprisingly smooth.

Is it intimidating? Certainly. Is it intense enough to induce grayouts? Generally not any longer. Is it uniquely thrilling and incredibly fun? Absolutely. Gentlemen! (And ladies!) It’s time to make your way to Kings Dominion to experience Intimidator 305.