Not since the days of Hanna-Barbera has Kings Dominion seen such a colorful collection of characters and family-sized fun. The multi-million dollar expansion known as Planet Snoopy covers almost 14-acres and is the largest PEANUTS™-themed children’s area in the world. With a total of 18 rides, some re-themed from the former line-up and some completely new to the park, there are tons of opportunities for family fun time.
Snoopy and Woodstock welcome guests into Planet Snoopy with an all new water feature.
Welcome!
Woodstock’s Whirly Birds takes a cue from classic teacups with its spinning bird nests. Don’t worry, it’s not too dizzying of an experience. The cups (or rather, nests) don’t offer the option for guests to control the spin like other versions. I’m a big fan of teacup rides so this is easily one of my favorites. Comparing it to the rest of the rides that I was able to test out, I will put it at number two on my favorites list.
Woodstock’s Whirly Birds
Woodstock’s Whirly Birds and Snoopy’s Junction train ride from high atop the Rocket Express.
Since I like to mix things up a bit, and I’m not in such a neatly numerical mood today, I will immediately give you my number one pick. Snoopy’s Rocket Express. This space-age rocket ship zips around a track high above the ground. My only wish is that the ride lasted longer. I would love to see it soaring around throughout the whole space of Planet Snoopy, much like the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
I tend to have a fear of heights, but this ride was just right … not too high. Yeah, I know, a theme park writer/junkie that doesn’t like heights … go figure. Anyway, this one also got a big thumbs up from my nine-year-old.
The Rocket Express blasts off and zips around high above Plant Snoopy.
The Rocket Express.
The Rocket Express with a view of Joe Cool’s Driving School and the Dominator (the Dominator is not part of Planet Snoopy, by the way).
Shop for PEANUTS™-themed treasures at Snoopy’s Boutique.
Snoopy’s Junction train ride. This is the former site of Yogi’s Cave.
Beagle-shaped bushes greet Planet Snoopy guests.
Woodstock stands guard.
We did not get a chance to ride everything on our quick trip to the park. I really want to try out the Linus Launcher. Unfortunately, I did not even get a photo of it (if you know me, you know that me NOT getting a photo of something is very rare indeed). Basically, the rider lies on their stomach and “flies” through the air. From photos that I have seen, it looks really fun.
I will now let the photos speak for themselves.
Great Pumpkin Coaster – formerly the Taxi Jam
Charlie Brown’s Wind-Up swing ride.
Sweet! It’s a brand new Sweet Frog frozen yogurt shop.
Flying Ace Balloon Race
Lucy’s Tugboat – with the Woodstock Express in the background (formerly the Ghoster Coaster, which was formerly the Scooby-Doo).
Road Rally – formerly the 4×4 monster trucks
Snoopy vs. Red Baron – the Red Baron in its previous life.
Here are a few more of the new and re-themed Planet Snoopy rides …
- Snoopy’s Space Buggies
- Joe Cool’s Driving School
- Lucy’s Crabbie Cabbie – formerly the kiddie bumper cars
- Snoopy’s Moon Bounce – the big inflatable Snoopy “bouncy house”
- PEANUTS™ Turnpike – formerly the Junior Turnpike
- PEANUTS™ Road Rally
If you visit the Kings Dominion website, you can download a map of the park and get a feel for all that’s new and improved at Planet Snoopy.
There is a height requirement for several of the rides, and a responsible adult must accompany the child. But why wouldn’t you want to ride? Grown-ups should have fun too.
Speaking of fun, here are a few of the Snoopy-inspired shows:
- Charlie Brown’s All-Stars – a baseball-themed musical at the PEANUTS™ Playhouse.
- PEANUTS™ Rockin’ Party – at the Grande Bandstand, with character meet and greets afterwards.
- Schroeder’s Sing-Along – it’s a karaoke party at the PEANUTS™ Playhouse.
The Kings Dominion fountain backed by the Eiffel Tower is a welcoming reminder of the summer to come.
While I do miss the days of Scooby-Doo, Yogi Bear, the Flintstones and the rest of the Hanna-Barbera Land line-up (yes, we all miss Yogi’s Cave), I am a very big fan of Snoopy and the PEANUTS™ gang. I really like the way Cedar Fair and Kings Dominion have embraced the Snoopy/PEANUTS™ brand, bringing it back for the enjoyment of today’s kids. We will definitely be back for another shot of Planet Snoopy. Gotta get on that Linus Launcher!
Ride on.
My mother is a huge Snoopy and Peanuts fan — I’ll be passing along this info to her, so we can make plans to visit the next time we’re in the MD/VA area!
Thanks. She will love it!