Kings Dominion announce new name for tallest coaster in the park

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Kings Dominion has announced the new name of the tallest roller coaster in the park, the Pantherian. According to Kings Dominion, the name Pantherian comes from the legend of the jungle cat, fitting the theme of the Jungle X-Pedition area inside of the park. (Courtesy of Kings Dominion) The park shared that the Jungle X-Pedition area was established at Kings Dominion in 2022, with each ride in the area representing a Jungle animal from ancient cultures. "We've been eagerly anticipating revealing Pantherian as it joins the highly anticipated, record-breaking roller coaster Rapterra in filling out the adventures of our Jungle X-Pedition area of thepark,” said Bridgette Bywater vice president and general manager of Kings Dominion. "The 2025season promises to be a 50th anniversary celebration filled with new thrills, and unforgettableexperiences." During the 2024 season, the Pantherian operated under the placeholder name of "Project 305." It originally opened in 2010, as one of the tallest and fastest rollercoasters on the East Coast -- with a speed of 95 mph and the first drop being 305 feet. The transformation of the ride presents a new logo displaying the image of a jungle cat, as well as new paint colors. Park guests can expect the Pantherian to have intense speed, shifts and power, imitating a "panther on the hunt," according to Kings Dominion. For more information about Kings Dominion's upcoming 2025 season, visit the website.