Jungle X-Pedition: Kings Dominion’s Newest Area
Kings Dominion just opened for the season and our first stop at the park was Jungle X-Pedition. Formerly known as Safari Village, this section of the park is now a beautifully rethemed area that embraces wild fun!
The first thing I noticed was how light and outdoorsy the area felt. “Dried bamboo” is used extensively and the khaki color paired with the greens of trees and living bamboo throughout the area definitely evoke expedition vibes. I was delighted to see that there is no more asphalt! Instead, the ground is covered in beautiful pavers, which will definitely help in the high heat of summer.
Jungle X-Pedition includes three attractions, three eateries and a food truck, a gift shop, and a show space. While one attraction is brand-new, the majority of the area — the other two attractions, the eateries, and the gift shop — are rethemes of existing spaces.
This area features six different types of animals: birds, crocodiles, great cats, monkeys, snakes, and spiders. Minus the spiders, they’re exactly what I would hope to see on a jungle expedition!
Jungle X-Pedition Attractions
Tumbili is the area’s newest attraction and the one that’s sure to draw thrill-seekers. The word Tumbili is Swahili for monkey and this free spin coaster certainly spins around like a monkey gliding through the treetops! Riders are positioned in two rows of two pairs on either side of the track, half facing forward and half facing backward. As the coaster tumbles down the track, the cars spin freely.
The height requirement for this coaster is 48″, which means my 6-year-old was able to ride. I passed as I’m not a big fan of what I call dangly coasters, but I am happy to report that all of the riders in my family enjoyed it. The did report that it went higher and spun more aggressively than they expected.
While the attraction is the first thing you notice when you enter the area, it doesn’t seem large until you get close to it. Its height of 112 feet is certainly more intimidating from the base!
I think the best thing about Tumbili is its “bamboo” supports. Kings Dominion really considered everything when building this new attraction!
Arachnidia is a scrambler-style attraction. (I’m pretty sure it used to just be called “the Scrambler.”) Now it’s a spider! While I don’t care for arachnids, it’s a solid retheming that included a paint job.
Reptilian was closed on the day we visited, but Kings Dominion fans will recognize the former Avalanche, even though it has been repainted. Crocodile-style cars replaced the bobsleds. I can’t wait to ride a reptile’s back as he snakes down jungle ravines!
Frequent visitors to Kings Dominion will note that the former Safari Village area included Anaconda, the Backlot Stunt Coaster, and Intimidator 305. Whether or not they will eventually be incorporated into the Jungle X-Pedition family of attractions remains to be seen, but I think it’s a quite logical place for Anaconda at the very least.
I hope that the inclusion of snakes on the artwork and theming in this area is a hint!
Jungle X-Pedition Eateries
The buildings in the area have undergone extensive retheming as well! The retheming of this area included new rustic facades and thatched rooves. The supports for sunshades are now made of bamboo!
Outer Hanks is now the Outpost Café, an eatery that will open in late Spring 2022. Its menu will feature an assortment of meats and veggies.
The Jungle Market Eatery (formerly the Hungry Hippo) sells burgers and fries, salads, and cookies. The standout menu item here is the Chorizo Queso Cheeseburger, though we regret we didn’t have a chance to try it.
The options at Dig Site Bites Food Truck are very limited. It’s probably the best-looking food truck I’ve ever seen, though! Churros, pretzels, and sodas round out the offerings here.
We were most excited to try Excavator’s Taters, former funnel cake stand and new home to all things French fry! We were disappointed that it was not yet open, but we’ll return to try the poutine another day!
Everything Else in Jungle X-Pedition
More rustic faces and thatched rooves at X-Plorer’s Supplies, the area gift shop. Here you can find Jungle X-Pedition merchandise along with staple theme park memorabilia and necessities.
Flat Rock is a giant mural made of pavers. When the Jungle X show debuts in Summer 2022, you’ll find it right here!
The designs include a central maze and outer ring of animals and moon phases.
See the six animals I mentioned earlier? Perhaps we’re looking at a retheming of three more attractions!
Overall Impression
This area wowed me. I hope it is the first of many bright and bold changes to take place at Kings Dominion. I’m looking forward to summer visits, when more restaurants will be open and we’ll have the chance to try everything this new area has to offer.
Plan Your Visit
Kings Dominion
16000 Theme Park Way
Doswell, Virginia 23047
website
25 Comments
Tammy Horvath
I love the scambler, but I detest spiders. Why did they have to change it? I’ll still ride it, but not the Tumbili. The jungle expedition sounds like a hit. Can’t wait to visit Jungle X-Pedition at Kings Dominion.
Holly
I feel the same way 🙂
Susan
This sounds like a positive change made to the Kings Dominion offerings! Can’t wait to see the review from you once everything is open.
But now, a pressing question: do you have a knitting project you take with you, while waiting in the long lines? 🙂
Holly
You know I do! I’ve been working on the sleeves of the Garter Stitch Coat by Debbie Bliss and took them with me.
Nikki Wilder
Wow! I love hearing about places that are off my beaten path! I’ve always wanted to visit this state. Now I can’t wait to check out this park. That looks so fun!
Holly
If you do make the trip, another theme pack (Busch Gardens Williamsburg) is nearby and is excellent!
Lisa
I love amusement parks, I have been debating if we should visit this one on our East Coast trip.
Holly
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is about 60 miles away. You could hit both, but couldn’t see everything if you didn’t split it into a couple days (or more).
Tiffany
Though I lived in the area years back, I never got to visit. Sounds like they are still a great theme park!
Holly
Stop by on your next visit!
Alexis Farmer
I love a good theme park! This place looks awesome.
Holly
They really did a fantastic job with it!
Sabrina
I just love amusement parks. However I have never visited a King’s Dominion theme park. Adding this one to my list. Not too far from South Carolina so I am excited to check this one out.
Holly
It has a sister park in Ohio (Kings Island) if you’re ever out that way.
What do you have down in SC?
Danielle
Looks like fun! We love roller coasters, so this would be a great trip for my family. Thanks!
Holly
It even has a gigacoaster! I mean, I won’t go near it, but it has one 🙂
sandi
Your photos are great – I can almost feel myself losing my stomach – LOL
Holly
😂😂😂
Chelsea
Oh my gosh. The Tumbili attraction looks crazy intense! I’d have to muster up my courage to get on that one lol!
Melissa Jones
I love amusement parks and have never heard of this one! I definitely need to visit sometime!
Holly
They are a Cedar Fair park (formerly a Paramount park) and have several “sibling parks,” including Cedar Point 🙂
Cindy Moore
This park looks amazing! How have I never heard of it??
Holly
You’ll have to stop by if you’re ever near Richmond!
Sabrina DeWalt
We had season passes to King’s Dominion for years when the boys were teenagers. It’s nice to see they are keeping it fresh.
Holly
Absolutely! You’ve probably also been to Busch Gardens. They’ve made tons of changes recently.