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Curse of DarKastle has been dressed up
My humps: Passengers on Apollo's Chariot at Busch Gardens experience nine humps and 26 seconds of weightlessness.
The Abbey Stone Theatre is home to the Guests take a spin on Der Wirbelwind at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, where rides range from tame to terrifically terrifying. |
By BEN SELLERS
WILLIAMSBURG--I pass through the turnstile into England and find my inner child.
True, the Loch Ness Monster seems smaller than before and the Big Bad Wolf isn't as scary as it used to be.
Then again, it's been about 15 years since my last visit to Busch Gardens.
Before arriving at the Williamsburg theme park for a season-opening media event, I'd had my reservations about the trip.
A day of riding on roller coasters, playing carnival games and shopping in European-themed boutiques is great for young families. But how would the park rank for someone old enough to enjoy all of parent company Anheuser-Busch's attractions, yet still too young to wear a fanny pack?
At any rate, I accepted the challenge and recruited my uncle to help take in everything Busch Gardens has to offer.
First-time visitors and those who haven't been in a while are sure to be impressed by how well- kept the park is. It boasts 15 consecutive "Most Beautiful Theme Park" awards from the National Amusement Park Historical Association.
When Uncle David and I pull off Interstate 64, the first thing that surprises us is the convenient access to the park, which now has its own exit.
Gone are the days of aching legs--we caught a tram from the parking lot, already anticipating the exciting rides that awaited.
Inside, we are awed by the giant-yet-friendly Clydesdale horses in the Scotland section.
Not to be outdone, Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve houses gray wolves performing tricks and injured bald eagles, which, though unable to survive in the wilderness, retain their spirited majesty.
We savor an array of international foods like authentic-tasting German bratwursts, Italian pasta and hickory-smoked beef brisket from the park's frontier-themed New France.
We are blown away by the grace and swagger of "Emerald Beat." The new Irish step-dance production at the park's Abbey Stone Theatre is a collaboration with O'Shea's School of Irish Dance in Dublin.
The show opened with the pulselike beat of a bodhran. It then carried viewers through a full range of emotions using projected backdrops and songs like Sting's "Fields of Gold," accompanied by live musicians.
Another new show this year is "Kinetix," an energetic, circus-like performance to a rock 'n' roll score in France's Royal Palace Theatre. And starting on Memorial Day, the park will resurrect its Summer Concert Series, which will include acts like Diamond Rio, Tracy Byrd, Beary Hobbs' Drifters, Cornell Gunther's Coasters, The Platters and Frankie Avalon.
Finally, there are the rides.
Some, like the three-dimensional Curse of DarKastle, are monuments to state-of-the-art technology. The ride opened last year in the Oktoberfest section. This season, it debuted enhanced features and extended visuals. (For more details, see sidebar.)
Though certain things about Busch Gardens have changed, the thrills are the same.
To reach BEN SELLERS:
Email: bsellers@freelancestar.com
Naturally, the five roller coasters are among the main attractions at Williamsburg's Busch Gardens. During off-peak hours, visitors can ride them all within a few hours. But in case you have to pick and choose, here is a rundown on what each has to offer. Apollo's ChariotBusch Gardens' hypercoaster, found in Italy, had a promising start. The initial drop sent us 210 feet down with only a lap restraint holding us in place. From there we travelled, hands in the air, across 4,882 feet of track, reaching speeds of 70 mph. Unfortunately, the ride, which the park touted as a frequent guest favorite, seemed slightly overhyped. Clocking in at around two minutes, it proved that there is such a thing as too fast when it comes to roller coasters. Or maybe it just left us wanting another turn. The Big Bad WolfEven those who avoid roller coasters are likely to enjoy this one. The 22-year-old ride appeals to all ages with its smooth run over scenic woods. But like the fairy tale that inspired it, the ride has a darker side, with dizzying twists and turns leading to a 99-foot plunge that passes over the park's Rhine River. Curse of DarKastle: The RideWhile Busch Gardens' newest attraction may not have taken us up in the air much, the simulated ride was as exciting as other coasters. Passengers enter a Gothic castle through a maze, put on a pair of 3-D glasses and hop into a golden sleigh to be transported into their own Dracula-like horror film. Ghosts, wolves and skeletons lurk around every corner. Knights launching arrows compelled me This ride, found in the park's Germany, was hands-down the biggest highlight of the day for two adult males. The premise of a ski-lift-ride-gone-wrong left our limbs dangling. At speeds of up to 67 mph, it wasn't the fastest coaster, but certainly felt like it with all the corkscrew turns. (Technical names included "cobra roll," During the 106-foot vertical loop on an early morning run, a robust blast of cold air made it feel all the more Alpine and exhilarating. Loch Ness MonsterA true classic, this 28-year-old ride never seems to grow old. The park described "Nessie" as the world's first and only interlocking, double-looping steel coaster. In addition to the two full loops, the ride passes over water and through a disorienting, pitch-dark tunnel. The best thing about the serpentine track, however, is that at 3,240 feet, it is long enough for even those with their eyes closed to thoroughly enjoy. |
This year, Virginia residents can purchase a "Fun Card" at the cost of a single day's admission ($51.95), and enjoy unlimited visits through Sept. 4. The cards are an "opportunity to thank Virginia residents for their support over the years," said Donnie Mills, the park's general manager and executive vice president. They are available through May 31, both online and As part of Anheuser-Busch's continuing "Here's to Heroes" tribute, the park also offers free admission to active-duty service members or reservists and up to three dependents. For more information, see buschgardens .com. |
