The Crypt (Kings Dominion)
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2021) |
| The Crypt | |
|---|---|
 The Crypt in the middle of a cycle | |
| Kings Dominion | |
| Area | Safari Village |
| Status | Removed |
| Opening date | March 19, 2005 |
| Closing date | 2019 |
| Replaced by | Tumbili |
| Ride statistics | |
| Attraction type | Top Spin |
| Manufacturer | HUSS Park Attractions |
| Model | Suspended Top Spin |
| Height restriction | 54–80 in (137–203 cm) |
| Previous names | Tomb Raider: Firefall |
The Crypt, formerly Tomb Raider: Firefall, was a Suspended Top Spin flat ride located at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia. Manufactured by HUSS Park Attractions, the ride opened to the public on March 19, 2005. An indoor version of the ride with heavier theming opened at Kings Island several years earlier as Tomb Raider: The Ride. Both rides were originally themed after the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, but all references to the film were removed in 2008 following Cedar Fair's acquisition of the parks in 2006.
History
Kings Dominion announced in 2004 that Tomb Raider: Firefall would be added to the park for the 2005 season.[1] HUSS Park Attractions designed the new ride as a variant of their Top Spin flat ride that they named Suspended Top Spin.[citation needed] The attraction was built near Volcano: The Blast Coaster in the Congo section of the park,[1] and it officially opened on March 19, 2005.[2]
Tomb Raider: Firefall became known as The Crypt for the 2008 season, following modifications that removed all references to Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.[3] On January 23, 2020, Kings Dominion announced the ride would be removed to make room for future development in the Safari Village section of the park.[4] Tumbili, a 4D Free Spin roller coaster, will be built in its place for the 2022 season.[5]
Ride
The ride begins when dramatic drum beats starts to play. Orchestral music starts to play as the top spin rotates backwards and the main gondola locks in position nearing the top. The ride rotates forwards and unlocks the gondola, inverting it two to three times as water bomb effects blast out. The top spin continues rotating forward and stops as the gondola locks in position at the top. The top spin slowly tips over as fire burst in the surrounding water and giant ancient head in front. Again, the top spin repeats the first section of the cycle while harsher fire and water bomb effects go on. The gondola inverts another five to six times until the music stops and you are let down.[citation needed]
Differences with the Kings Island version
- The Kings Island version was a Giant Top Spin, and the only one to ever exist.
- This version was an open area while Kings Island's was indoors.
- The props from the Tomb Raider film were removed in Kings Island while this version retained the replicated Monkey Warrior statues and the Griffin statues.
- The music, water fountains, fire, and smoke were also retained.
See also
References
- ^ a b "Tomb Raider Ride To Open At Kings Dominion In 2005". Ultimate Rollercoaster.
- ^ "Tomb Raider Ride Opening At Kings Dominion March 19". Ultimate Rollercoaster.
- ^ "WHAT'S IN A NAME? PART TWO".
- ^ "The Crypt is Sealed - Kings Dominion". www.kingsdominion.com. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
- ^ "WATCH NOW: New spin roller coaster that's 112 feet tall coming to Kings Dominion in 2022". Richmond Times-Dispatch.