originally posted on 5/19/2023 5:50:00 PM
Thrills and chills await riders at Busch Gardens Williamsburg as DarKoaster launches into the Octoberfest area. Occupying the former DarKastle building, DarKoaster is North America's first all-indoor straddle coaster and the 10th coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. A straddle coaster sits riders on top of one of two snowmobile-themed trains named Wild Wolf 9684 and FrostBite 17-19. The names were chosen via a social media-based vote earlier this year.
DarKoaster's ride entrance.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Riders step over the car to sit atop the car like a true snowmobile. A lap bar secures the rider, so one can lean forward to grab the handles of the snowmobile for a unique riding position.
Riders step over the car to sit atop the car like a true snowmobile.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Riders then experience four launches, propelling them through twists and turns integrated among themed elements that continue the story of King Ludwig, which began with The Curse of DarKastle, the previous ride housed in the space. Themed for a snowmobile, the twist and turns simulate swishing through snow-covered hills and moguls.
Riders return to the station after DarKoaster's four launches and 2,454 feet of track.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
The coaster, built by Intamin, completes two full circuits of the ride, utilizing a switch track that enables the coaster to bypass the station before completing the second circuit. Suzy Cheely, vice president design and engineering for Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA, shared that the ability to complete the circuit twice allowed the coaster to have a length equivalent to other rides at the park and fit into the tight space. During the second pass, themed elements are different to advance the full story of King Ludwig after he was banned from The Curse of DarKastle.
The entire family can enjoy this experience together, as it welcomes riders between 48 inches and 6 feet 5 inches.
— Elizabeth Ringas
ACE President
#ACE360