originally posted on 5/27/2024
Photo: Chris Viola. View full-sized image.
When Busch Gardens: The Old Country (Williamsburg, Virginia) opened on May 16, 1975, the park had no clue what was lurking in its waters. It would soon discover a beast on June 2, 1978, when Loch Ness Monster opened as the world’s first interlocking looping coaster. Designed and constructed by Arrow Development, the coaster had a height of 130 feet, a top speed of 60 mph and a cave representing what was once thought to be the home of this famed monster of Scotland. Nessie — as she is referred to by many — is noteworthy in the history of ACE, as the coaster was central to the inaugural Coaster Con.
Owing to this, the coaster achieved ACE Roller Coaster Landmark status on June 17, 2003. As time passed, the park’s name changed a few times (eventually evolving into Busch Gardens Williamsburg), but Loch Ness Monster has remained popular among park guests and enthusiasts alike. Yet as it aged and other Arrow looping coasters were removed from their respective parks, its future became its own mystery. To plan properly for the years to come, the 2023 season ended with the coaster going into hiding until May 10, when Nessie reemerged, reenergized from an extensive overhaul courtesy of Premier Rides.
An icon since 1978, Busch Gardens Williamsburg understood the importance of investing in Loch Ness Monster so that it could be preserved for future generations.
Photos: Will Rook. View full-sized image.
As stated by Park President Kevin Lembke, “It’s such an iconic roller coaster and just so important to the park. When you see the views of the Rhine River, the yellow track, everything about it is just so iconic. It really is a part of the fabric of the park. We knew that it needed some work, so [we asked] how do we do the required maintenance of it but at the same time, offer it up in a way that you love the nostalgia? [Now] it’s the same great ride, same great track, but [has] some new and exciting things as well.”
As it has for 46 seasons, Loch Ness Monster’s familiar Arrow track continues crossing the Rhine River.
Photo: John C. Bennett. View full-sized image.
According to Lembke, Premier Rides was selected for the project owing to its status as a long-time partner of the park, along with the team at S&S Worldwide that represents the legacy of the Arrow brand.
“Premier was a great partner with the track installation and replacement, fabricated here in the U.S.,” said Lembke. “It is now a smoother ride. We’ve made some improvements [among which are] 900 feet of new track, including both interlocking loops, smoother transitions and [new] theming elements — some great audio not only on the lift, but in the cave as well.”
Busch Gardens Williamsburg was aware of guests’ fondness for the coaster, which is arguably its most recognizable ride.
Photos: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Another individual at the park responsible for maintaining the magic of Loch Ness Monster is Suzy Cheely, director of design and engineering for Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA.
“All coasters have a life span and materials wear out, and [parks tend to] remove those coasters,” said Cheely, defending the park’s decision to invest in its classic coaster.
“Loch Ness Monster was classic because it was the first coaster with interlocking loops, and it’s in all the pictures you see of Busch Gardens Williamsburg,” added Cheely. “We wanted to know if there [was] any way we could maintain it by replacing track, and we were able to do that. We were also able to add some theming, and that was the fun part.”
This included the cave, which was previously dark and visually uneventful. “I don’t want to spoil it,” said Cheely. “Hopefully everyone will come and enjoy the Loch Ness Monster refresh.”
New theme elements have been added to the coaster’s queue to enhance the experience of waiting to ride.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Photo: Chris Viola. View full-sized image.
Photo: Will Rook. View full-sized image.
The many changes include station railings that have been made to look weathered to fit the coaster’s theme, audio during the journey to see Nessie and some Easter eggs for those in line and on the ride to find (of which this author found a few). There are also some quality-of-life improvements, including a tent over the brake run to shield from the elements those waiting for the train in the station to finish loading. This will be a much-appreciated feature in both the rain and the heat of Virgina summers.
Guests wait in line for an opportunity to come face-to-face with Nessie.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
The iconic trains are now trimmed with Nessie’s golden yellow scales, and as they ascend the first hill, riders will hear a voice that appears to be a warning for those seeking to find the mysterious Loch Ness Monster. The ride experience remains the same, including the ascension to the top of the incline followed by a 130-foot drop and up a hill into a left turn that leads into the first of two interconnected loops. This is followed by Nessie’s lair, where the trains descend the depths of her underwater home. Exiting, the train ascends the second chain lift leading to the drop that goes into the second of the interlocking loops and the climb back into the station.
ACE members were present to celebrate the reopening of Loch Ness Monster, which figures prominently in the history of the organization.
Photo: Evangelos Ringas Collection. View full-sized image.
Loch Ness Monster remains an experience not as extreme as others at the park, but instead has a reputation that has made countless families coaster fanatics over the years. In 1978, it brought a group of people together that has grown exponentially, sharing a common love. Thanks to the park’s recent investment, Loch Ness Monster will always be the beating heart of Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
— Amanda Hilliard
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