This weekend, I had such a blast at the Kia Ride and Drive event at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. This was an event that was open to the general public visiting the park and didn’t cost anything extra. In fact, if you test drove a Kia (or two or three), you even received $10 in park cash to spend on games, food, or merchandise, as well as two Flash Passes to get onto your favorite rides from the exit line. Which reminds me – did you all see the new Wonder Woman ride? More on that in a bit!
But first, let’s talk about Kia!
This post is part of a sponsored collaboration with Kia. As always, all opinions are my own and are never influenced by compensation.
My friend Jessica Doll from hejdoll.com chauffeured me around in the Kia Niro during our Ride and Drive (as you may remember from my Instagram Stories). During our drive, I couldn’t help but notice a few things about this hybrid crossover.
First of all, I was quite impressed with how roomy the back of the car was and could actually stretch my legs out. Granted, I’m only 5’3″, but I did not expect to be able to stretch out in a smaller car. I sat behind the driver because the seat next to me was folded down to allow for more room in the trunk of the car. This Niro could easily fit large luggage or a bicycle and some groceries, or a large double stroller and then some.
Secondly, the blue trim on the inside was such a fun touch. I pay attention to little details and I appreciate the little details that Kia has added to this vehicle. Also, did you know that the Niro won the Guinness World Record for best MPG? I’m pretty sure this makes the Niro the perfect road trip car!
Some of my favorite facts about the Kia Niro
- EPA-est. 50 mpg, near 600-mile range
- Highly responsive, smooth-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) instead of the typical CVT like most hybrids have.
- Combined horsepower (gas & electric) 139 hp @ 5700 rpm.
- Heated outside mirrors (some models)
- Harman/Kardon® Premium Sound System
- With UVO, Kia’s free infotainment system, you can send and receive texts, access your favorite apps, and connect to your smartphone via Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™—all through the Niro’s built-in 7” or 8” color touchscreen display. Plus, voice-activated technology gives you ultimate convenience with both hands on the wheel.
- Wireless phone charging system
- Learn more about the Kia Niro.
Here’s a picture of the Niro next to the all new Kia Rio that I took at the NYIAS a couple of months ago. Don’t you just love that sporty shape?
Inside the Park
During our Six Flags Discovery Kingdom adventure, we mostly stuck to the kid rides, but I did ride Medusa and the new Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth ride. I got right up to the front thanks to my Kia Flash Passes! Wonder Woman was AMAZING and was better than I hoped it would be.
Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth fits 40 passengers and sends you soaring up to 75 mph while spinning. It’s such a smooth ride that swings you 15 stories high, but doesn’t whip you around as much as I had anticipated. Such a blast!
Something unique about Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is the wildlife. It’s like theme park meets zoo with unique opportunities to meet animals truly up-close and personal. From your first step into the park, you might see exotic parrots and macaws on the Kingdom Stage; at the main plaza, see dolphins swimming through an underwater viewing window at Dolphin Harbor.
The butterfly exhibit has always been my one of my favorite attractions at Six Flags. My girls and I enjoyed learning about the stages of a butterfly’s life, which my oldest has been studying in class. We saw real live cocoons and many different varieties of butterflies. We also were able to get up close to a giraffe, a tiger, a lion, dolphins, sharks, a puma and even a bald eagle named Denali.
In the shark exhibit, one of the staff members showed us some shark teeth he had just found while diving in the tank, shared the names of each shark with us, along with what they eat, how they breath and more fun facts.
From my Instagram Stories
My Instagram page is probably the best way to keep up with my adventures. I love to share via Instagram Stories and keep you all in the loop as much as possible. Here are some of the captures from our Kia Six Flags adventure:
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a great activity for the summer break, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is perfect. With a variety of activities for most ages, it’s the ideal family theme park. I’m so glad I was able to get to know Kia a little better during the Ride and Drive, and I’m thankful for the extra freebies they offered before entering the park. We had a blast and can’t wait to get back to the park.
