You see it leaping out above all others as you come off I-95 to Kings Dominion. As you pull into the parking lot, you see it looming over Kings Dominion. Located in the Grove stands Drop Tower, a 305 foot scream machine manufactured by Intamin.
Drop Tower made its debut on Kings Dominion’s midway on March 22, 2003, under its Paramount name, Drop Zone: Stunt Tower. The name later changed after Cedar Fair’s purchase of the park in 2006, removing the Paramount names and theming. At the time of its opening, Drop Tower was North America’s tallest drop ride, only to be defeated by Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom standing tall at 415 feet.
Riders who dare to scale this gyro giant circle around the 56 seats are in for the ride, and view of a life time. After a thorough restraint check and an “Enjoy your drop from the top,” riders begin to ascend the 305 foot tower. You may feel nervous and shaky, but there is no turning back now! Upon reaching the top, the adrenaline is pumped to the max. There is a slight pause before realizing that what goes up must come…DOWN! Riders will travel at speeds up to 72 mph plummeting down a 272 foot drop. The ride carriage flys down the tower while passengers are screaming in terror and delight.
Think Drop Tower is great during the day? Stay after dark for a night-time ride, especially during the Haunt Season for an extra bonus: fog! Along with Eiffel Tower, Intimidator 305, and WindSeeker, Drop Tower makes itself a worthy member of Kings Dominion’s 300 Foot Club.
BEST DROP RIDE PERIOD!
I have to agree with Sam on this one, Drop Tower at KD is amazing. Its still one of the few rides that will tickle my tummy when it drops. I have to hold my hands and feet out to make it happen, but LOVE it!
Another reason I love this ride is Fran! I am a Fran-natic!
Drop Tower is my favorite ride in the park! One day they were only running 2 sides of the ride and Fran let me sit in one of the empty seats and let me ride until I wanted to get off or they had to fill the whole ride. And this was at 8 pm and I rode the ride until closing. My last ride was during the fireworks and it was my 32 ride without getting off!!!!! The record it 75, Drop Tower better prepare itself for 2013 when I geton that ride and ride it 76 plus times!!