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I have been visiting Kings Dominion since I was a kid, love the park and all the rides. Also a Nascar fan. My boyfriend and I decided to ride the I305 today...big mistake. I'm not at all scared of roller coasters and have been riding them for quite awhile however blacking out on one is not something a "thrill" ride should consist of. I too blacked out at the bottom of the hill and didn't regain conciousness until the ride was over. This was a terrifying expierence and completley ruined the rest of the day because I walked around feeling dizzy and just plain out of it. If they don't do something to stop the blackouts from happening, someone is going to get hurt on this ride. Blacking out on a roller coaster is dangerous and it certainly doesn't enhance a ride. Hey maybe it will live up to it's inspiration, Dale Earnhardt...he didn't really listen to anyone's suggestions either and look where he ended up.
I too blacked out on the Intimidator! I did not know it was such a common experience, or something that people WANT to happen. I for one did not expect or want it to happen. Had my eyes closed all the way up to the top. Opened them just as we were coming down the drop, and all I saw was blackness. My ears popped, I had trouble breathing. Not really a fun experience if you ask me. Do not plan to ride it anymore.
I just got back from Kings Dominion, and I black out on Intimidator 305 today also. I am 25 years old, and my favorite thing to do is ride coasters, but it is a scary feeling and kind of somewhat ruined the experience when you think you've just gone blind. This is only the 2nd coaster that this has happened to me. Very scary. I still think Cedar Point is better, and I didn't black out on Millenium Force.... hmm.
I just got back from Kings Dominion, and I black out on Intimidator 305 today also. I am 25 years old, and my favorite thing to do is ride coasters, but it is a scary feeling and kind of somewhat ruined the experience when you think you've just gone blind. This is only the 2nd coaster that this has happened to me. Very scary. I still think Cedar Point is better, and I didn't black out on Millenium Force.... hmm.
I just got back from Kings Dominion, and I black out on Intimidator 305 today also. I am 25 years old, and my favorite thing to do is ride coasters, but it is a scary feeling and kind of somewhat ruined the experience when you think you've just gone blind. This is only the 2nd coaster that this has happened to me. Very scary. I still think Cedar Point is better, and I didn't black out on Millenium Force.... hmm.
I was just on this ride yesterday, August 1st 2011. I was near the back of the coaster. My 15 year-old daughter rode with me. The only thing I remember on this ride is the first drop. The next thing I knew, I was waking up to my daughter screaming, "wake up Mom, wake up". I totally blacked out. My vision did not go grey, I was out. My neck is so sore now because I was llike a boneless chicken on this ride. I would be extremely cautious if you get on this ride. This is very intense. I have rode many rollercoasters and never had a problem. This is a first for me and has really scared me from getting on any rollercoasters.
I was just on this ride yesterday, August 1st 2011. I was near the back of the coaster. My 15 year-old daughter rode with me. The only thing I remember on this ride is the first drop. The next thing I knew, I was waking up to my daughter screaming, "wake up Mom, wake up". I totally blacked out. My vision did not go grey, I was out. My neck is so sore now because I was llike a boneless chicken on this ride. I would be extremely cautious if you get on this ride. This is very intense. I have rode many rollercoasters and never had a problem. This is a first for me and has really scared me from getting on any rollercoasters.
They don't get on it !!!!!!!! Don't make them slow it down just because your to sensitive!!
I was just on this ride yesterday, August 1st 2011. I was near the back of the coaster. My 15 year-old daughter rode with me. The only thing I remember on this ride is the first drop. The next thing I knew, I was waking up to my daughter screaming, "wake up Mom, wake up". I totally blacked out. My vision did not go grey, I was out. My neck is so sore now because I was llike a boneless chicken on this ride. I would be extremely cautious if you get on this ride. This is very intense. I have rode many rollercoasters and never had a problem. This is a first for me and has really scared me from getting on any rollercoasters.
They don't get on it !!!!!!!! Don't make them slow it down just because your to sensitive!!
This roller coaster is by far hands down the best roller coaster I ever been on in my life...I loved every minute of it. The drop, the turns, the ride period. To all of you whiners out there...stay off and get on the bumper cars or ferris wheel instead. This ride is awesome...I am a roller coaster lover and this ride is the cream of the crop.
I went on this roller coaster last week and the first drop was awesome, but thats all I remember. I was passed out the ENTIRE ride. talk about a headache.
I road the intimidator 305 today and it was AWESOME! The hill was so high and going down I felt free and then at the bottom I did half black out but it wasn't bad. I felt weird but then the hills grabbed my attention with butterflies in my stomach. LOVED it!
The changes didn't help anything my daughter rode it today may 11,2013 she and her friends blacked out. This meds to be fixed !
I rode on 7/8 and it was pretty fun! After the drop and the first right turn, I had almost blacked out. I couldn't hear, see, or breathe all that much. The rest of the ride wasn't anything amazing after that. It was the only one I didn't ride more than once- but as long as you are in good physical condition I do recommend it! Kings Dominion was so much fun!
Girlfriend and I decided to go a second time around this past Thursday and that's when things turned black and gray for the both of us.. and well what do you know,, this Google search turns up.. needless to say the ride still produces black outs.
PS: Each coaster was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 and I think that most of the coasters should have gotten a 4 and the Intimidator should have gotten the only 5 because it was the most hardcore ride at KD. But still fun nonetheless- but I think they should have warned everyone a bit more how it rides because of the blackout- but still GREAT COASTER!
Rode the Intimidator 305 today (6/24/11) for the first time. Sat somewhere closer to the middle. I experienced a black-out at the bottom of the first large drop. I hadn't read any reviews on the coaster prior to riding it, wish I had! I probably still would have rode it, but wouldn't have been as afraid about the loss of vision afterward. I've rode many roller coasters, including the Millenium Force in Cedar Point and have never experienced this.
I think I'll wait and see if there are any more improvements made for the riders comfort before hopping back on the Intimidator 305. More power to the folks that enjoy it as is though!
Rode this ride today, after the first drop I don't know what happened. I just remember thinking, did I just pass out? Everything was black for a few seconds after I can too. Weirdest experience ever!
I rode the I305 for the first time today and if that was AFTER adjustments were made, I can't even imagine what it was like before because that was INTENSE!! I rode three times today: the first time I didn't experience any blackout (or at least didn't notice through the 95mph speeds). About an hour and a half later I rode again and definitely noticed the "blackout" sensation after the first drop. I didn't think it was scary at all...like someone said before, it's the same sensation you get when you're sitting and stand up too fast. It all goes away within seconds. I rode again immediately after the second time and felt the blackout sensation again even with my eyes closed. After the third ride I felt a little lightheaded and dizzy, but that's expected after riding any intense ride twice in a row...not just the I305. The "blackout" is an interesting sensation and I could see why it would scare some people into never riding again and giving bad reviews but at the end of the day you just have to know your own limits. Some people can handle thrill riding and adrenaline rushes more than others. As many have said, if it's not your thing, just don't ride...but don't bash the ride and create fear in the minds of those who have never tried it before. YOLO...take a deep breath, relax (lol) and give yourself a chance to enjoy one of the most exhilarating 2 minutes you will ever experience!
I sat closer to the back, and experienced tunnel vision and near blackout on the first turn after the drop. There was no braking at the top of the hill. Five of the six people I rode with experienced the same thing. I love thilling rides, but I prefer to remain completely conscious while on them. I will never get on this ride again. I am not sure that I trust this park's judgement when it comes to rider safety.
Parents...don't let your kids get on this ride.
In the many years of going to theme parks ( I love the thrill and can't never get enough of it ) I had never experienced a blackout. I went to KD in VA today and I got to know what it feels like. On the shockwave, my sister in law told us ( brother and cousins ) that her vision went black for a few seconds, that she didn't have strength to grab the metal bar and that she thought she was going to pass out.
It scared me for her because I know there is no roller coaster in the world that would make me black out- or so I believed. At the end of the day we went to the intimidator. We all sat down at the back. I had ridden this coaster last year many times with no problems. But today, in the curve following the drop hill my vision started to go black and white and I was feeling weak. It only lasted for 2 or 3 seconds but it shocked me.
All I kept thinking during the ride is please don't let me pass out, be unconscious or die right here!!!! As soon as it was over I immediately told her I had felt the same thing she did. To my surprise all of us but one blacked out.
I don't know what it is but as scared as I was I felt the urge to put my body through that again so we kept on going again and blacking out :) haha
Well, last one I didn't.
I am with the hardcore fans with this though. I like the thrill and now the blackout of this roller coaster. If you are too weak or can't stand it don't complain!!!! Ride something else. God damn it people ruin it for everyone.
Same thing I'm saying....I was one of those ppl that had to ride it after they put the trim brakes...it was intense still but ppl complaining and stuff make things not fun no more....lol. Ppl are dumb and is like you say if you can't take it then DON'T GO ON IT!
I sat closer to the back, and experienced tunnel vision and near blackout on the first turn after the drop. There was no braking at the top of the hill. Five of the six people I rode with experienced the same thing. I love thilling rides, but I prefer to remain completely conscious while on them. I will never get on this ride again. I am not sure that I trust this park's judgement when it comes to rider safety.
Parents...don't let your kids get on this ride.
Come on if you dont like the experience stay off the ride... As for kids mine are 9 and 11 and loved every minute of it my 11 year old held her hands up the whole time.. The black out effect is normal and next time try to tighten your abdominal muscles through the first turn then youll be fine the rest of the ride..and for rider safety if you really thought about what could happen on every coaster youd probably stay off all of them sounds like you should stick to the scooby doo coaster
I don't blame you man...stick with snoopy park and the kiddie rides...I rode it today (first time) 9.1.12 and I can honestly say that I did felt lightheaded and couldn't breath on that first turn but man IT WAS AWESOME. The 2nd and 3rd time one guy told me to do the abdomen thing and it worked GREAT. Go for your kids man they are brave.
Dangit, I only live two hours away but unfortunately didn't get to make it to Kings Dominion this year. I really wish I got to go ride it before they slowed it down. I actually think that Blacking out would make it a lot more fun, but then again, I'm a thrill junkie!!!
o yeah i forgot DONT SLOW IT DOWN!!! SPEED IT UP take them sissy brakes off its a thrill ride!!
just rode the intimadator 305 five times every time after the first drop we blacked out...but let me tell you any coster that can do that is awesome in my book. we loved everything about it and would ride it 20 more times had the park not closed!! anybody thinking bout riding it DO it youll love it!!
I rode it on Sunday 8/22 and when I reached the bottom of the first turn my vision started to get darker and darker but finally when I got to the first hill everything went normal and I had a lot of fun!
this ride was really fun i went saturday 8/21 and they basically forced me to get on after we went around the first turn everything turned grey for like 10 seconds but it was cool. i wouldnt mind gettin on again.
I was fortunate to compete in the field of NASCAR for several years. I have raced at the fastest tracks on the curcuit and was a front running driver.
The sensation you get around the first corner of The Intimidator 305 is as real as it gets. The "blackout affect" everyone is feeling is normal. We as drivers commonly refer to the blurred vision as G-Blur. It's a momentary tunnel vision, or greyout/blackout. People seem to freak out because they have never experienced this sensation before. On this ride you don't pull enough g's, or hold the g-force long enough to pass out. It's just a momentary loss of vision for some.
A trick that we use in racing and pilots use in training, combats this problem with ease. When taking a corner with high g-forces, just simply flex your abdomen muscles. It keeps the blood flow in your lower extremeties. After the first corner you can relax. Your body should adjust and you should be able to enjoy the rest of the ride.
I went yesterday 7/28/11 and I blacked completely out. like the girl that was riding next to me started freaking out because she said I went from clenching the shoulder straps to sitting there completely limp. she said she was yellin my name and like grabbin.and shakin my hand. and I don't remember any of that. but when I came to I had kind of forgotten that I was on a rollercoaster and so that freaked me out even more. but it was still an awesome ride. but I don't want this guy goin around sayin you can't actually black out/pass out, because I did.
Me too. I lost consciousness and went completely limp. My head was even rolled forward and lolling around and I looked dead according to my friend. I woke up later on the ride and I was disoriented and my neck hurt from being jerked around while I wasnt holding it up. I felt sick after I got off and couldnt enjoy any of the other rollercoasters in the park after that.
I dont necessarily think they need to change the ride, but there need to be serious warnings on this thing. If someone can handle it, great, but im never getting on again. I dont need neck injuries or blackouts.
Yeah I rode the Intimidator 305 on August 10th 2010 with my dad and sister and we all blacked out the first time. IT WAS AWESOME! Idk it's something about the feeling of blacking out that is just so cool to me. it really adds more to the ride for me and pumps my adrenaline up even more. now i look forward to passing out on the rollercoaster :) i know it sounds strange to like that kind of thing, but i really am an adrenaline junkie
Me and my family rode it on 8/1 with no problems, but on 8/3 when it was much hotter my wife, daughter, brother-in-law and niece all blacked out a little. Me and my other daughter were fine. I've been back on a couple times with no problems and plan on going again today. The line has been short every time, the longest I've waited was 5 turns.
Great ride, but I wish I could have tried it before the trim brakes.
I rode this ride with my sister 5 times yesterday (8-6-10) Once in front, once in back, and 3 times somewhere in the middle. Neither of us had any black out feelings. You can tell on the hill somewhat that it slows it down, but its still a great ride. I never went on before the adjustments so I cant compare, but I still think its the best coaster I have ever been on!
Went on it a couple of times August 4th. Black outs every single time. But it wasn't a big deal. It's the same thing you get if you are bending down and stand up to fast and that's it.
So i went to KD yesterday, rode the intimidator for the first time and definitely blacked out. it kind of freaked me out. you go to the top so fast then just drop everything faded in and out.
I rode it yesterday towards the back and still blacked out for a few seconds. Definitely a lot of fun, but I won't ride it again and lose more brain cells.
My boyfriend, his friends and I went and rode it in April. It was the best experience I have had. I was scared at first to ride it. We waited in line for almost an hour but it was worth it. I was a little dizzy after I got off but that was about it. My boyfriend broke his camera on it but we got some video of the ride hehe.
I rode the coaster today 9.1.12 and it was a BLAST!!! I can honestly say that on that first turn I did felt lightheaded and couldn't breath properly but I LOVED IT, i ended up doing it 3 times. It does tell you at the beginning of the ride what are the chances and what can happen. Us as humans have the right to leave so if you "black-out" then don't go on it again or if you think you might DON'T GO on it. Don't blame the park or wanting them to slow it even more because you "blacked-out"...is as simple as DON'T RIDE IT! Is the best in the East coast and to KD..don't listen to these ppl man you have a GREAT coaster and it went from 92mph to 80mph that is a drop of 12mph for those who blacked-out, thanks ppl. Not trying to be and ass but is as simple as if you don't feel right or just don't think is the thing to ride just don't do it then. Good night ppl.
I went to kings dominion today and sure enough i blacked out 5 out of 6 times i rode it. still an AWSOME ride though!
i went on it on august 11th and during that first drop it felt like i was going to blackout and during the fifth airtime everything was like purple and black and i was scared i would go on it again again and again
I rode in the front the first time I went and didn't black out, but my daughter did. The second time we went, we rode in the middle and I blacked out (she didn't). Same point as everyone else for both of us...right at the bottom just as it's turning. I didn't mind, though and would go again and again! This is the best coaster I've ever been on!
forgot to mention we went on july 6, so the new trims haven't solved the problem.
I rode Intimidator today (Obviously after the re-built helix and airtime, as well as the removal of the trim brakes). I have to say: EPIC ride! I blacked out (By now I had expected it would happen) and LOVED the sensation. My friend next to me didn't blackout. We were in the middle row. I was in the inside seat. It was really a great ride. So fast I couldn't keep my hands up all the way; the forces pushed 'em halfway down! I loved the ride, save for my neck getting knocked around due to me not holding on. I will DEFINITELY have to return next year to ride it again and see what the new ride is that will be "Breaking records again."
PS: I'm 12, and I feel HAPPY to have blacked out 8D
Yea, I just went yesterday 6/21. I was expecting a slight pause at the top, but we just went straight down. I blacked out for a couple seconds. But it was fun.
Thanks for letting us know. Sounds like the trim brakes haven't slowed things down too much.
Great man......I almost did but felt GREAT!!!
I think it's important to note that it was in the nineties and humid, and dehydration could contribute to the headrush. I also went on 6/21, and experienced a momentary blackout at the bottom, also one of the end changes in direction wrenched my neck when my head slid to the left and it's still sore. I wonder if it was faster that wouldn't have happened? But then maybe I really would have been unconscious from the initial drop! Still love the Dominator the most at KD, it doesn't jerk you around and beat you up-- fun without the pain!
I just rode it today and its still awsome, you can feel every turn.
Everyone who is saying that they need to slow it down because you keep blacking out on it are a bunch of pussys. I black out everytime I ride it and I LOVE the rush it gives me. Makes me want to ride it even more. If you complain about blacking out then don't ride it, don't ruin the ride for other people...
Do you know the time you guys waited to get on
Unfortunately we haven't been on Intimidator 305 yet, but I've heard that the maximum you are likely to wait is 30-45 minutes as the ride has a pretty decent capacity.
Let us know if you blackout!
Is the same shit I say man....all these ppl talking stupid is as simple as don't get on it!
I was there on opening weekend and rode it twice. Although I did experience a slight grey out period, I thought the ride was amazing and I am saddened to see that so many people have freaked out about it enough for them to slow down one of the best coasters in the states! It definitely had something on Millenium Force, but not so sure now.
Thrill seekers, enjoy your ride on KD Intimidator 305. Make sure you know your maker Jesus Christ first! There are fatalities on this ride!
yeah, i was one of those unfortunate riders! I rode it twice, sitting front row and middle. The first time i rode it, no problems, great rush, wanted to do it again! The second time towards the end of the day, sat in the middle, went down the drop, went on that turn, things started going purple and black!! It only lasted roughly 5 seconds, but long enough to freak me out!!! If they can make some adjustment to that one turn, it would attract me to get on again :)
That's stupid. The blackout sensation was awesome when I rode it. If you don't like it, then don't ride it! Why make a great ride that can make you experience things you never have before, into a ride just like every other one? Dumb.
I can see how that would put you off riding again!
By some estimates, the trim brakes have slowed the coaster down by 10-15mph so that should make a big difference to the first turn. Be really interested to hear how you get on if you try riding again.
I rode it sunday 8/8 and wow! my friend persuaded me to get on it and i started panicking as soon as we started up the steep hill i closed my eyes and opened them right when we were dropping i felt light headed and i couldnt breath and when i opened my eyes again everything was black. i experienced the black out sensation but near the end of the ride i wanted to do it again. im actually still feeling a little dizzy and i have a headache but i am proud to say i actually rode it!
I rode the imtimidator yesterday 7/5 and i rode it twice. the first time i sat in the middle and it was awesome fun. The second time i rode in the very back because a friend had told me you feel more G's in the back and I would black out. I am a thril seeker and had to see. After the first drop going around the first bend My vision went to black with little pinholes of light, then seconds later i came back to and I was freaked. But that didnt stop me from riding several times. The line was very short because people are too scared to ride it. But very fun ride. The best in Kings Dominion..with the Dominator close by.
See its people like u that screw the ride up for everybody else. Ive ridden it plenty of times and never had any problems. if its to intense stay off. Go ride the scooby doo but dont complain and eff it up for the rest of the ride warriors.
Ill have too agree with you . I also had a blackout but the ride was really good if you ask me . at a time they did kidna screw it up for the rest of the people who wanted tog et on it , full speed And what not . if it was tooitense for you go ride something else and stop all the complaining .
okay... EVERYONE!!!! we all have to admit that KD is cool as sh**. we also have to agree that if you do blackout, so what. if you dont like the blackout intense feeling, then dont ride the ride... we also have to agree that some of you are big pu**ies and are scared by the ride... just grow some nads and ride it. youll love it. if you dont well.... who gives a sh**!!! thank you!
yeah i just got back today from going to KD and I was excited to ride this ride. My fav ride is apollos chariot in BG just because of the drops not for speed or anything. i hadnt heard anything about I305 before getting on it. I guessed it would be pretty fast because of NASCAR Earnhardt theme so i was like alright lets go. after the drop and then that turn i almost blacked out completely...it scared me so bad i didnt enjoy the rest of the ride...i was worried i was the only one that experienced that and after i got off the ride with the people i went with they all said they experienced the grey out (3 other people other than myself). I am all about intense rides air time everything that comes with a roller coaster but i didnt think the G's you will experience on this ride were a good thing. i think someone is going to get hurt and its just a matter of time.
I rode the intemidatot today 6-23-14 with my niece and nephew in the 2nd car. We all three blacked out on the first turn. Kinda freaked us out because we didn't know that could happen. We all saw just a pin hole of light around that first turn then our vision came back as we started down the next hill. One heck of a ride. Don't change a thing, but maybe put a warning up so people don't think they're dying, lol. My niece told me she she thought she died and was going I to the light. Poor thing, but she loved it.