originally posted on 6/16/2025
Photo: courtesy Busch Gardens Williamsburg. View full-sized image.
Longtime fans of Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia), local residents and thrill seekers alike all know that – for several decades, beginning in 1984 – the name “Big Bad Wolf” was associated with so much more than a child’s fairytale. Considered one of the most beloved coasters at the park, Big Bad Wolf was a classic Arrow Dynamics suspended coaster that took riders on an exciting journey through a Bavarian village before being removed in 2009 upon reaching the end of its service life.
Since its closure, guests and enthusiasts walking through the Oktoberfest area of Busch Gardens have been consistently heard expressing that Big Bad Wolf was their favorite ride in the park, their first “big” roller coaster or an attraction that they wished would return someday.
Those still saddened by 2009’s closure of Big Bad Wolf will be thrilled to discover the park’s newest coaster mimics the experience with trains below the track.
Photo: courtesy Busch Gardens Williamsburg. View full-sized image.
Photo: Paul Daley. View full-sized image.
In the fall of 2024, Busch Gardens Williamsburg took to social media after an extensive teasing campaign and announced that this wish was being granted: an immersive, Big Bad Wolf-themed coaster was returning to thrill riders of all ages in 2025. Three totally original names were proposed for the attraction and put up for a vote, but the overwhelming consensus in the guests’ responses was clear — why not simply name it after the original ride? The park ultimately agreed and added a tagline for a touch of flair. The new coaster’s full name became Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge.
The new coaster is completely fresh while hiding elements such as Drachen Fire’s long-abandoned loading station.
Photo: Paul Daley. View full-sized image.
Through the winter of 2024 and early spring of 2025, riders of the Busch Gardens Railway could watch up close as construction progressed in the plot of land behind Das Festhaus, soon to be occupied by this new coaster. At the same time, the park divulged more details about the exciting theming and storyline the coaster would convey: “Decades ago, a terrifying wolf swept through a Bavarian village, turning townsfolk into werewolves and leaving the town in ruins. Now, 40 years later, the annual Festival of the Silent Bells seeks to honor that haunting past. As the festival begins, the village is eerily quiet, but soon, unsettling sounds emerge—footsteps, low growls, and the glint of bright red eyes. The wolf has returned.”
It was clear that Busch Gardens was pulling out all the stops for this tribute to such a beloved coaster. As the opening date drew near, further construction revealed an entirely new Bavarian village, town square, protective fortress walls and maypole celebration area for the coaster to traverse. Landscaping was also clearly a focus, as trees and plants of countless variety dotted the scenes. A unique aspect of this construction site was the use of existing features: the long-empty Drachen Fire station was refurbished, repainted and retrofitted to accommodate the station and loading area for Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge.
Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge officially opened to much fanfare in late May 2025. Opening weekend saw queues stretching well into the ride area plaza and midway, but two-train operations and minimal downtime meant consistent movement and reasonable wait times. Initial reactions to the coaster were positive: it was smooth, family friendly, surprisingly dynamic and, most important, a fitting tribute to the original.
Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge is highlighted by architecture and signage that harkens back to its namesake and German roots.
Photo: Paul Daley. View full-sized image.
Photo: Paul Daley. View full-sized image.
Photo: Grayson Moon. View full-sized image.
Paying homage to its predecessor, the design of the new Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) coaster deliberately incorporates elements reminiscent of the former Arrow ride. While the coaster cars do not actually swing, strategic overbanking and underbanking of curves and drops create a sensation akin to swinging. Adding to the experience, an unexpected second lift hill — a first for B&M — extends the ride's duration beyond typical expectations. Although the coaster does not end with the famous large drop into the Rhine River like the original, guests are still welcome to enjoy Verbolten just a few hundred feet away, which uses the same footers and similar profile as the original Big Bad Wolf for its final drop.
Thrill seekers and less experienced riders alike will find enjoyment in Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge.
Photo: Paul Daley. View full-sized image.
Photo: Adam Brown. View full-sized image.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg has clearly poured immense dedication into creating this attraction. Countless details throughout the queue and ride experience (including a custom onboard audio soundtrack!) convey an exciting story, offering unique experiences during day and night rides. While this ride may not initially appeal to hard-core enthusiasts looking for record-breaking thrills, this family-focused coaster will undoubtedly fill a similar gap that the original did: an approachable stepping stone to much larger coasters enjoyable by all.
— Justin Barlow
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