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Busch Gardens Williamsburg's CoastersApollo's ChariotThis hypercoaster was built, in 1999, by the Swiss master coaster builders, Bolliger and Mabillard. It has a height of 210 feet with a top speed of 70 mph, and nine drops, totaling 825 ft. Good speed, beautiful view, and lots of airtime. Back seat for improved airtime, front seat for the view. It will always be remembered for it's Media Day opening event, when the featured guest, Fabio, portraying the god Apollo, was hit in the face by a flying goose, while riding. He was not seriously injured, but the goose did not survive. They have since put a netting over the waters it crosses, to cut down on this risk. Voted #5, of Top 50 steel coasters, by Amusement Today Magazine, for 2004.
AlpengeistAlpengeist is a Bolliger and Mabillard steel inverted coaster, built in 1997, and heavily themed as a runaway ski lift. This one shattered all records, for an inverted coaster, dropping you 195 feet. We loved riding this inverted behemoth, and features a twisting spiral first drop. Though with it's height, its not our favorite inverted coaster, as I would have preferred a straight down drop. Still, its a great ride. Voted #19, of Top 50 steel coasters, by Amusement Today Magazine, for 2004.
Big Bad WolfThis is an Arrow Dynamics suspended coaster, that also takes advantage of the natural terrain drop to the river. This is one of the better suspended coasters built by Arrow, taking you, what seems like, inches from themed village buildings and the water. Built in 1984, it has a 100 ft. height and a 80 ft. maximum drop, at 48 mph. Voted #39, of Top 50 steel coasters, by Amusement Today Magazine, for 2004.
Loch Ness Monster"Nessie" is an older Arrow Dynamics steel looping coaster, with interesting inter-locking vertical loops. Again, taking advantage of the hilly terrain, this is a fun ride. Built in 1978, it has a 114 ft. drop towards the water, taking you to within inches. Less "head-banging" on Nessie, than with most Arrow steel loopers.
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Busch Gardens, Williamsburg is considered one of the prettiest Theme Parks in the world. Beautiful landscaping, flowers, animals, and coasters. The park is owned and operated by Anheuser-Busch, however you can no longer travel over to the brewery for a free sample of their products.
The park is situated over many steep hills and the "Rhine River", where several coasters take a deep plunge. The park is themed as various European villages, representing Germany, Italy, England, and Switzerland, and their newest, Ireland. Watch the park map closely, as for first time visitors it can be confusing. If you take the trail straight across the middle of the park, you will encounter how steep the hills really are. For the weaker hearts, go around, but even those directions can be tough. The employees are generally friendly.
Drachen Fire, a steel Arrow looper coaster, which was SBNO for a number of years, was removed in 2002.
2004 Admission Price: $46.95 Parking Fee: $8.00
Up-Charge Attractions:
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