Kings Dominion, a premier amusement park in Doswell, Virginia, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025 with significant updates, including the renaming of its tallest roller coaster. The ride formerly known as Intimidator 305 has been rebranded as “Pantherian,” aligning with the park’s Jungle X-Pedition theme.
From Intimidator 305 to Pantherian
Originally launched in 2010 as Intimidator 305, the coaster was named in honor of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. Standing at 305 feet tall with a 300-foot drop at an 85-degree angle, it quickly became one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters on the East Coast, reaching speeds up to 94 mph.
In 2024, Kings Dominion announced the coaster’s transformation to Pantherian, a move that included a new name, logo, and color scheme. The rebranding is part of the park’s effort to integrate the ride into the Jungle X-Pedition area, which features attractions themed around ancient jungle creatures and legends.
The Pantherian Experience
Pantherian offers riders an intense experience that emulates the speed, agility, and power of a panther. The ride begins with a 300-foot drop, followed by high-speed twists and turns that mimic the movements of a jungle predator. The coaster’s design includes a series of mind-bending maneuvers, providing an adrenaline-pumping adventure for thrill-seekers.
Enhancing the Jungle X-Pedition Theme
The renaming of Intimidator 305 to Pantherian is part of a broader initiative to enhance the Jungle X-Pedition area of Kings Dominion. This section of the park, established in 2022, immerses guests in a world inspired by ancient jungle cultures and creatures. Each attraction within Jungle X-Pedition is designed to tell a unique story, and Pantherian contributes to this narrative by embodying the spirit of a powerful jungle cat.
A Milestone in Kings Dominion’s History
The introduction of Pantherian coincides with Kings Dominion’s 50th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the park’s history. Alongside Pantherian, the park is also unveiling Rapterra, the world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster, further solidifying Kings Dominion’s reputation as a destination for cutting-edge thrill rides.
As Kings Dominion continues to evolve, the transformation of Intimidator 305 into Pantherian exemplifies the park’s commitment to innovation and immersive storytelling, offering guests new and exciting experiences The tallest roller coaster in a Virginia amusement park has a new moniker thanks to Kings Dominion.for years to come.