Busch Gardens previews new DarKoaster ride, set to launch this spring

Sian Wilkerson, Daily Press
Updated ·2 min read

Busch Gardens is inviting fans to see the latest on DarKoaster, which is set to launch this spring.

Though the official opening date has yet to be announced, there is lots to look forward to, according to Busch Gardens Williamsburg Director of Design and Engineering Suzy Cheely.

“It’s going to be scary but not too scary,” Cheely said during a sneak preview of the coaster on Friday.

Through March 12, the DarKoaster preview center will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30-5 p.m. Fans can see storyboard ideas, blueprints and other illustrations of the ride.

The ride builds on the story of King Ludwig, the mad king who was featured in the Curse of DarKastle attraction, which closed five years ago after more than a decade of operation, much to the dismay of fans.

The coaster is in the same building as Curse of DarKastle, in the park’s Octoberfest Village.

There are also huge benefits to having an indoor ride,” Busch Gardens Williamsburg President Kevin Lembke said. “With Virginia weather, it’s protected from the heat or rain, and also the ride experience with all of the lights and effects is enhanced being in the dark.”

Touted as North America’s first all-indoor straddle coaster, the coaster’s trains hold 10 riders, each sitting on their own “snowmobile.” The snowmobiles will move at up to 36 mph with four accelerating launches, with the ride lasting about 80 seconds, said Cheely.

The ride will be in the dark with various special effects, such as lightning, but is described as family-friendly. The height requirement will be 48 inches.

Before work began on DarKoaster in mid-2022, the space was used for special events, including Howl-O-scream haunted houses, and as a place for Santa Claus during Christmas Town.

Busch Gardens’ Mardi Gras celebration continues until Feb. 26. The park is open from 3-8 p.m. on Fridays and from noon-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays as well as on President’s Day. From March 3-26, the park’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will be held on select dates. Then beginning March 27, the park will be open seven days a week.

Sian Wilkerson, 757-342-6616, sian.wilkerson@pilotonline.com