Opened in April 2010, "Intimidator 305" is the largest roller coaster on the East Coast. The ride is a giga-coaster -- a full-circuit roller coaster with a first drop of 300 feet or more. Inspired by the late race car driver Dale Earnhardt, whose nickname was "The Intimidator," "Intimidator 305" includes three high-speed turns and travels at speeds of more than 90 mph.
"Dominator," another attraction at King's Dominion, also is a record-breaking Virginia roller coaster. The ride extends 4,210 feet and holds the world record for the longest floorless coaster. Riders experience five inversions, including corkscrews, a cobra roll and one of the biggest vertical loops in the world.
When "Volcano" debuted at King's Dominion in 1998, it boasted the tallest inversion in the world. The roller coaster begins by simulating an eruption as riders shoot out of a volcano-like mountain at 70 mph. Cars wind in and out of the mountain before traveling through several barrel rolls. The ride concludes with an 80-foot dive into the foot of the mountain.
According to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, "Apollo's Chariot" ranks as one of the top 10 steel roller coasters in the world. Traveling through several drops, riders dive a total of 825 feet. The train cars sit on an elevated platform, simulating the experience of flight.
Reputed to be the world's first floorless dive coaster, "Griffon" begins by taking passengers up a 205-foot incline before pausing at the top. After riders see how high up they are, the ride suddenly drops down a 90-degree angle at speeds of more than 70 mph.
The "Loch Ness Monster" is one of Busch Gardens Williamsburg's classic roller coasters, debuting more than 30 years ago. Despite its age, the ride remains unique as the only interlocking steel roller coaster with double loops. The coaster, nicknamed "Nessie," climbs to a height of 114 feet before plunging riders down at 60 mph.
