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Anaconda (roller coaster) facts for kids

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Anaconda
PKD-Anaconda.jpg
The double-corkscrew element
Kings Dominion
Location Kings Dominion
Park section Safari Village
Coordinates 37°50′21.23″N 77°26′24.79″W / 37.8392306°N 77.4402194°W / 37.8392306; -77.4402194
Status Operating
Opening date March 23, 1991
Cost $5,000,000
Replaced King Kobra
General statistics
Type Steel
Manufacturer Arrow Dynamics
Designer Ron Toomer
Model Custom Looping Coaster
Height 128 ft (39 m)
Drop 144 ft (44 m)
Length 2,700 ft (820 m)
Speed 50 mph (80 km/h)
Inversions 4
Duration 1:50
Capacity 1,400 riders per hour
G-force 5.1
Height restriction 48 in (122 cm)
Trains 2 trains with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders per train.
Anaconda at RCDB

Anaconda is an exciting steel roller coaster located at Kings Dominion, a popular amusement park. This thrilling ride was built by a company called Arrow Dynamics and designed by Ron Toomer. When Anaconda opened in 1991, it was special because it was the first looping roller coaster to go through an underwater tunnel! It was also the first coaster at Kings Dominion to have more than one inversion (where you go upside down).

History of Anaconda

To build Anaconda, the park chose a spot over Lake Charles at Kings Dominion. The designers at Arrow Dynamics made sure the coaster would include a cool underwater tunnel. They also planned for most of the ride to be right over the water.

Construction started in late 1990. Parts of the lift hill were even built where an older ride, called King Kobra, used to be. Finally, Anaconda opened its gates to the public on March 23, 1991, ready for riders!

What's the Ride Like?

Ready for a wild ride? Here's what happens when you hop on Anaconda!

Climbing High and Diving Down

First, your train leaves the station and starts climbing the 128-foot (39 m) tall lift hill. From the top, riders plunge 144 feet (44 m) down, twisting to the right. Then, get ready for a splash! You'll zoom into an awesome underwater tunnel.

Loops and Twists

After bursting out of the tunnel, the train immediately goes into a huge 360-degree vertical loop. That means you go completely upside down! Next, you'll experience a "sidewinder inversion." This is like a half-loop that uses a corkscrew twist at the top to change your direction. After a small hill, the train slows down on a brake run.

The Second Half of the Adventure

The second part of the ride begins with a "butterfly figure-eight" element. This section has lots of sharp twists and turns, making you feel like you're flying! The last turn to the right leads you into a double corkscrew. This part is super cool because you're only 20 feet (6.1 m) above the water! Right after that, there's a small "bunny hill" that gives you a quick pop of airtime. You then dive under the lift hill and turn left into the final brake run. After a U-turn, your train pulls back into the station. What a ride!


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