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Discovery Kingdom's Opening Weekend |
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Written by Parker
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Monday, 26 March 2007 |
Discovery Kingdom officially opened its gates for the first time March 24, 2007. SFDKZone was there to catch the excitement. Read on to see all that has changed in the transformation from Marine World to Discovery Kingdom. Let's have a look. The first set of pictures were taken on March 23 before the park opened its gates to the public. Click an image to see a larger size.
One of the first things you'll notice as you drive up to the park is the new entrance sign. I have to say it looks really good and eye catching in person. This addition to the fencing around Medusa and really helps hide the pavement for this season. It also helps the theme flow from the entrance sign to the front gate. As you continue your way to the front gate, a lot of the transformations become even more apparent. The improved entrance is really inviting, and substantially improves the atmosphere. You'll also notice V2 in its striking new colors. Notice the Land, Sea, and Sky theme? A closer look at V2 towering over the entrance plaza. You might notice the lack of a net, which really opens the space up. Isn't it amazing what a little paint can do? The ticket booths look great. A closer look at the ticket booths. The new sign over the gates. I like how they left out Six Flags to keep it nice and clean. A number of news sources were at the park March 23 covering the transformation to Discovery Kingdom. Once inside the park, you'll notice the clock tower has been replaced with the Kingdom Stage, where animals will be on exhibit at all times. It makes a nice photo opportunity. Bugs and Daffy ask what we think of the changes. Check out their clothes! And now to introduce Captain Lee Munro! He is the Chief Explorer and Park Ambassador for Discovery Kingdom. Captain Lee being interviewed for the local news. Batman and Robin, as well as this Macaw also made it onto the news. Just showing off some to the diversity the park has to offer. Some grass being moved into place for opening day. This nice Caribbean backdrop can be found in Merlin's Dolphin Harbor. We were treated to a preview of the new show, Merlin's Island Party. Another overview of Merlin's Dolphin Harbor. Papa John's, the official pizza of Six Flags. Jambo is gone. There are two new baby giraffes this year. This one here, and the one in the back quarantine.  Medusa Plaza is now the Oasis Plaza. The large fountain has been removed and replaced by this stage. The new Kong entrance goes from the Oasis Plaza in an attempt to cause less confusion when navigating the park. This is also the exit and the on-ride photo booth in now on the midway as well. A closer look at the new Kong entrance. The views from line will be a lot better than before. Monsoon Falls did not open this weekend. The boats can be seen on stilts here.  V2's paint adds a new look to a familiar angle. This is the future site of Thomas Town. You'll notice 'Round the World (the ferris wheel) has been removed, but don't worry, it will find a new home in the park for the 2008 season. The former Starfish site will finally be used for something, Thomas Town! It should liven up this part of the park. Another view of the Thomas Town construction. This area should be ready for the little tikes by Memorial Day. White Water Safari tubes hanging around before opening day. Unfortunately, it did not open on Saturday, but it was fairly chilly. Some final touches being applied to Shark Experience's new sign. Before opening day. And now for opening day. Apparently lots of people heard about the park and wanted to check it out. Check out these lines- on opening day no less! There was even a DJ pumping the crowd up before they entered the park. Look at that! A large, obvious Guest Code of Conduct for everyone to read before they enter the park. From what I hear, the park is going to be very strict with enforcing these rules.  Unfortunately, V2 never opened. You can see there are a couple maintenance guys working away, but to no avail. Here we also see one of the few negatives I will point out in this update. Notice the V2 station and cover are not painted in the new colors - nor will it be. Unfortunately, the old station colors really don't match the new colors. The good news is the trains have been painted.  The new entrance plaza. Look how many people there are!  As I said before, there will always be an animal for people to pose with as they enter the park.  Right from the entrance plaza, it is easy to get a sense of direction. Here is Entry to Land.  Entry to Sea.  Entry to Sky. Sky represents the amusement rides.  In the entrance plaza you'll also find the new Explorer Outpost. Here you can sign up for "animal adventures and plan [your] day." Captain Lee will also be here when not performing in shows or parades. If you've ever wanted to have brunch with Bugs Bunny, you can also do that at the Explorer Outpost.  A new coffee shop in front of the Explorer Outpost. A new gift shop in front of the Explorer Outpost. An overview of Explorer Outpost.
 As we were in front of the Explorer Outpost, we saw Captain Lee (far right) and this alligator. I wonder how that guy with the 'gator hurt his leg.  It's interesting to note they are trying to make stars out of their animals, so that they are known on a first name basis. Jacko the walrus is just one example of this. Check out that nice new sign. Looney Tunes posing for the camera. A look at V2's back spike. This is the last V2 shot, I promise! It's just so different.
Now to the former Zonga location...  The area is being used to store junk and "stuff" from around the park. The station is still there, and the pad Zonga sat on was being used to park valeted cars. Yes, Discovery Kingdom has a valet parking option.  Sea Lion Stadium is open during construction, but the upper half closed off. Shade is being added!!!  Some nice temporary barriers. Notice the old benches laying on the stairs. Where there use to be a "Guess Your Weight" game there is now a nice opportunity to meet some Looney Tunes. The game has been moved near the Bumper Buggies. In Looney Tunes Seaport, you can now find this play area. Kids were loving it. Another view of the area. If you remember, there was a water conservation exhibit here before.
Meet some of the Justice League at the Justice League Meet and Greet Stage while you're eating lunch at the Lakeside Plaza.
There is now a Cold Stone at the Lakeside Plaza. Check out the Pacific Northwest makeover Shouka Stadium got this year! The new show is called The Spirit of Shouka Some new signage for the stadium as well. Merlin's Dolphin Harbor sign. Really nice, eye catching artwork here. The sign for the former 3D Motion Theater. It's getting a 4D makeover, and getting a new show, "Wilderness Adventure." It is suppose to open 3/31 if all goes well. They even had an employee at Kong's former entrance to help guide people and avoid frustration. Banners are now up throughout the park. This one is an advertisement for the Nintendo Wii. Speaking of the Wii, it is now the official game system of Six Flags. Here, next to Boomerang, you'll be able to experience the Wii first hand. The Jungle Theater is still being worked on for the new MaBoom Boom show coming June 16th. The show will feature Amazing Acrobats from Africa. For now they're just putting on little side shows to entertain the crowds. A colorful statue welcomes everyone to the back of the park, especially to Tava's Elephant Trails. Notice the trash can with a "Land" decoration. Back in Tava's Jungleland, Safari Jeep Tours will soon have couple tortoises added to the center.  Tiger Island is now "Odin's Tiger Island." It is also currently being refurbished and improved. To close off this big update, a nice picture of Shouka displaying her incredible strength as she gets ready to soak the audience. Some Notes... - Soon to debut are a baby camel, a zebra calf, and three new cougar cubs.
- There are two new parades, one in Land, The Animal Adventure Parade (2pm) and a character parade one hour before the park closes.
- Six Flags is rolling out a VIP program across the chain where you, with reservations, get "special access to rides, show and unlimited games and food." There is a four person minimum at $249 per person.
- It looks like it will be a great season! I can't wait to see where it goes from here. Hope you enjoyed the update!
- Ski Extreme is taking a break for the year.
- For those who are wondering, Tazmanian Devil, Voodoo, V2, Wave Swinger, Monsoon Falls, and White Water Safari were not open. I did not see Thrilla Gorilla or Monkey Business to check if they were open.
- Medusa was running 3 trains, everything else was one train operation.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 28 March 2007 )
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