Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
On the morning of December 6, 2025, ACEers gathered at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia) for the Mid-Atlantic region’s annual Coastin’ Through the Snow event. A total of 98 attendees were granted complimentary access to the preferred parking lot, and, despite the chilly weather, spirits were high as event check-in began.
The chilly weather wasn’t a deterrent for attendees.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
As is customary for Mid-Atlantic events, an ACE mini-merchandise store was open for business during check-in. Stickers, bags, lanyards and other trinkets were available for purchase.
The behind-the-scenes tour of Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge began at the entrance.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
Park policy at Busch Gardens prevents any of the outdoor coasters from operating when ambient air temperature is below 40 degrees, and as it happened, temperatures hovered in the high 30s for most of the morning. However, instead of leaving attendees hanging, Busch Gardens graciously offered an impromptu behind-the-scenes look at the new-for-2025 roller coaster, Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
During the tour, attendees could see the coaster testing as well as many of the thematic props.
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
Park officials guided the group through the park’s backstage areas and even into the ride-restricted area of the coaster! Along the way, attendees heard trivia and anecdotes about the ride’s creation and history. A group photo was taken inside the ride area with the bold red Bolliger & Mabillard track occupying most of the foreground — certainly a unique photo opportunity.
InvadR.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
Following the behind-the-scenes tour, the temperature had warmed sufficiently to allow the park to grant attendees first-ride access to Invadr. Most were able to get multiple laps on the family-friendly Great Coasters International, Inc. coaster before the line began to lengthen.
The water-blasting game Flying Ravens was chosen for Coastin’ Through the Snow.
Another customary activity for Mid-Atlantic regional events is a midway game tournament. Dozens competed in Flying Ravens, the water-blasting target game near Verbolten, and Dan Northover was ultimately crowned champion.
Lunch was a time to catch up with friends, as well as meet and greet Santa and the elves.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the Santa’s Fireside Feast meal, which was included with event admission. Traditional holiday fare was offered in a buffet-style spread, along with plenty of treats. The food was both plentiful and delicious, and to accompany the meal was a visit and photo opportunity from the big man himself: Santa Claus and several of his elves! Holiday spirit was abundant throughout the meal as laughs were shared, memories made and scrumptious food enjoyed.
If the enormous buffet wasn’t enough, event attendees were also given a complimentary snack voucher that could be redeemed at many food stands throughout the park. Many took advantage of this and enjoyed popcorn, a churro or a funnel cake at some point during the day.
The group for the Grover’s ITOT was ready to ride.
Photo: Evangelos Ringas collection. View full-sized image.
Photo: Evangelos Ringas. View full-sized image.
The weather was warm enough for the coasters to remain open, so everyone gathered at both Grover’s Alpine Express and Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge for informal takeover times (ITOTs). The turnout for Grover’s was especially large — it’s always more fun to ride a “kiddy cred” when accompanied by fellow enthusiasts.
Photo: Ethan Robertson. View full-sized image.
Once temperatures began to cool down in the evening, the outdoor coasters unfortunately had to close. Undeterred from having a good time, attendees met for several impromptu show ITOTs. The holiday theatrical productions at Busch Gardens are some of the park’s best, made all the more enjoyable by the millions of holiday lights and decorations.
DarKoaster was a good choice for ERT.
Photo: Jessica Knouse. View full-sized image.
At the end of the night, attendees enjoyed ERT on the park’s indoor Intamin family coaster, DarKoaster. Normally DarKoaster has notoriously long wait times, especially on a busy Saturday, but its crew was able to cycle plenty of trains for attendees to enjoy multiple laps each.
As always, a special shout-out to Busch Garden’s Williamsburg park officials, ride operators, food service workers and everyone else involved with this incredibly successful wintertime event. Coastin’ Through the Snow would not be possible without these hard-working park employees and ACE volunteers, and attendees were grateful for their efforts.
ACE Mid-Atlantic will return to Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 2026 for the annual ACE Dives event!
— Justin Barlow, ACE Mid-Atlantic Assistant Regional Representative
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
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