ACE Mid-Atlantic: Coastin’ Through the Snow

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originally posted on 1/13/2025

Photo: Will Rook. View full-sized image.

On December 7, a group of 116 people, including 20 non-ACE members, came from 12 states and the District of Columbia to Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia) for Coastin’ Through the Snow. The temperatures were so low that at least two people wore six layers of clothing for warmth, and for 18 people, it was their first ACE event (for six people, a first visit to the park.)

Upon arriving, attendees had an opportunity to shop for ACE merchandise, including items related to “The Legacy of Schwarzkopf” documentary.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.

InvadR opened for ERT after a short weather-related delay.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.

Before heading into the park, attendees shopped the mini-merch table for ACE merchandise and Schwarzkopf-related items celebrating the premier of “The Legacy of Schwarzkopf” documentary. Because of the cold, ERT on InvadR was delayed, but the park opened up the nearby Le Catapult for ACEers to enjoy. When InvadR finally opened, attendees learned that ERT was extended, and park operations generously offered a Quick Queue to participants to use later in the day on any attraction.

Photo: Joan Scott. View full-sized image.

Photo: Elaine Bailey. View full-sized image.

Evangelos Ringas, Julie Elms and Mark Nelson were crowned winners of the Bushel Basket game.
Photo: Joan Scott. View full-sized image.

The chilly weather also dictated a change to the planned midway game: instead of the Raven water squirt game, the venue switched to the Bushel Basket game in the Oktoberfest section. After trying to get balls to stay in baskets via multiple rounds, three winners were crowned: in first place was Evangelos Ringas, in second Julie Elms, and third place went to Mark Nelson.

Santa’s Fireside Feast provided an opportunity to dine, mingle with fellow coaster enthusiasts and visit with Santa Claus.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.

Photo: Evan Elms. View full-sized image.

Photo: Jill M. Ryan. View full-sized image.

Participants then met at the other side of the park in the Ireland section for Santa’s Fireside Feast. This buffet and show allowed ACE members and guests to eat, visit Santa for a photo and talk to one another. There was plenty of food, and members were entertained by elves Holly and Jolly. After distributing plenty of door prizes, Santa and the elves came back out to join everyone for a group photo.

One of the event’s special treats was a look at next year’s new coaster, Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge.
Photo: Indianna Scott. View full-sized image.

Photo: Jill M. Ryan. View full-sized image.

After the feast, it was time to head across the park to Germany for a behind-the-scenes look at Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge. According to Chad Blakeney, vice-president of marketing and sales, the Bolliger & Mabillard suspended coaster is scheduled to open in the spring (when the park will be co-hosting the ACE Spring Conference).

DarKoaster provided a respite from the cold weather as well as an enjoyable roller coaster experience.
Photo: Elaine Bailey. View full-sized image.

About half the group stuck around for ERT on the warm and indoor DarKoaster. The park allowed attendees to use a short cut to ride without having to go back into the cold. Throughout the day, the temperatures affected ride availability, but there were many shows and good fellowship.