originally posted on 4/8/2022
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
When The Crypt (a Top Spin built by HUSS) and Volcano: The Blast Coaster (the beloved invert by Intamin) surprisingly closed at Kings Dominion (Doswell, Virginia) after numerous seasons in operation, Cedar Fair announced that it was making way for improvements — the first of which would be an S&S Sansei 4D FreeSpin named Tumbili (pronounced Toom-bee-lee). It is the first in the Mid-Atlantic region. After much speculation about how the ride would fit into the dynamics of the existing Safari Village, Tumbili debuted on March 12 as a part of the newly rebranded Jungle X-Pedition, which includes rethemes of Avalanche (now Reptilian and sporting an orange-brown track) and the park's scrambler (now Arachnidia, with similar color schemes).
Photo: Corey Brown. View full-sized image.
Photos: Corey Brown. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
It's clear from the moment one reaches the new area (by going through either Candy Apple Grove or Planet Snoopy) that Kings Dominion has big plans for Jungle X-Pedition. Numerous rethemed restaurants and eateries line the entrance (with much excitement for Outpost Café, headed by Executive Chef Denis Callinan), while appropriately decorated restrooms, retail shops and signage fill in the landscape. Anaconda has not been rethemed; however, it sits eagerly adjacent to the corner that contains Tumbili and, from the markings that can be found across Jungle X-Pedition, is most likely here to stay, as the revitalization of this section has been shown to be a phased approach. The remnants of the mountain that housed Volcano remain closed off; however, considerable theming (including maps and expedition gear) has been applied around it and on nearby Tumbili to showcase what’s to come.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Photo: Corey Brown. View full-sized image.
Standing at 112 feet tall and with a top speed of 34 mph, Tumbili sports a green track with complementary bamboo-like supports. At first glance, one might mistake this smaller model for simply another drab clone, but Tumbili makes up for its shorter size in thematic elements only present on this particular installation, including a rhythmical drum beat that booms whenever a train leaves the station as well as a queue and exit line that harken back to its predecessor, The Crypt. In addition, as the train nears the peak, additional sounds remind riders why the ride is named Tumbili (Swahilli for “monkey”), after which a glance out is interrupted by sudden dips and dramatic turns before riders gently reach the bottom to disembark.
The bamboo motif of the supports gives Tumbili a signature look.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Detailed touches help set the stage.
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Photos: Corey Brown. View full-sized image.
While The Crypt was notorious for its hangtime, Tumbili successfully scratches that itch by giving riders numerous opportunities to be flipped over. Vice President and General Manager Bridgette Bywater stated in 2021 that "riders will want to ride Tumbili again and again because, depending on the weight, position and rider interaction, it provides a different ride experience every time.” Enthusiasts have noted that the coaster keeps this promise as it spins extremely well, especially on the backside wing.
The whole ride lasts under a minute, but the quick and satisfying nature of a unique experience will surely give this coaster a long shelf life in pleasing guests. Owing to its respectable height requirement of only 48 inches and highly accommodating restraints, families will find Tumbili a win in their books. Older teens and adults will enjoy the thrill of freely spinning around, while the younger crowd will get a rush from tackling the ride’s erratic but not too intimidating nature. One can anticipate that this will be a first coaster for the latter group, to accompany neighboring Backlot Stunt Coaster (which may or may not be rethemed to fit the new area).
The handful of changes and updates to Jungle X-Pedition are a welcome addition, as the area is one of the oldest in the park, dating back to Kings Dominion’s opening when it was used as a part of Lion Country Safari, one of the park’s earliest attractions. To see it continue to evolve bodes well for things to come.
— Corey Brown
“Travel” posters in the area are Easter eggs giving a nod to former Kings Dominion attractions.
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Photos: Corey Brown. View full-sized image.
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