Busch Gardens Williamsburg Project 2023: DarKoaster (Multi-Lap Intamin Straddle Coaster)

Important Articles:​

• BGWFans' full "Project DarKoaster" leak:
  
  

  Busch Gardens Williamsburg's New-for-2023 Roller Coaster

  BGWFans.com has exclusively obtained a bevy of information regarding a yet-to-be-announced, fully-indoor, multi-launch, family coaster currently in development for Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

  bgwfans.com
• BGWFans' summary of the DarKoaster: Escape the Storm announcement:
  
  

  DarKoaster: Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Indoor Roller Coaster

  Everything we know about Busch Gardens Williamsburg's officially-announced, new-for-2023, multi-launched, family roller coaster, DarKoaster

  bgwfans.com

Animated Pre-Creation:​

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Major Updates:​

• July 15th, 2021: ParkFans member, @horsesboy, posts a rumor regarding possible DarKastle redevelopment plans
• November 25th, 2021: BGWFans begins teasing a Curse of DarKastle replacement
• December 2nd, 2021: Building permit filed for "modifications to existing Germany village building" valued at $3.5 million
• December 6th, 2021: BGWFans confirms that the Curse of DarKastle replacement is a roller coaster
• December 30th, 2021: BGWFans leaks "Project DarKoaster"
• February 10th, 2022: @Jahrules discovers a utility markings request for the area around DarKastle
• February 16th, 2022: DarKastle has been cleared out
• February 18th, 2022: Photos from inside DarKastle
• April 7th, 2022: DarKoaster plumbing and electrical permits found
• April 20, 2022: @horsesboy reports that stagged construction materials have been decreasing suggesting ongoing construction
• June 1, 2022: BGWFans reports that DarKoaster track is on-site and subsequently posts the first photos
• June 2, 2022: Busch Gardens Williamsburg teases Project DarKoaster for the first time
• June 14, 2022: BGWFans publishes DarKoaster photo and locker building plans
• July 18, 2022: Outdated photos from inside DarKastle leak online
• September 6, 2022: Busch Gardens announces DarKoaster: Escape the Storm opening in 2023
• April 20, 2023: Busch Gardens announces May 19, 2023 as the opening day for DarKoaster, with a Members Only Preview starting May 11, 2023.

 

[Hamptonian]

I liked the members preview for pantheon it was nice to ride it early even if it was freezing cold the day I went!

 

[Murphy]

For anyone who is interested in taking a little sneak peek/semi spoiler at the Preview Center deal, there's a glimpse on the IoMGeek Youtube channel.

 

[I305Evan]

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[horsesboy]

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oddest looking snowmobile I have ever seen

 

[Coolguy15]

The only thing I'm worried about is if there's gonna be a height limit. My dad technically can't even ride Pantheon. (He's 6'6")

 

[Memles]

 

[RideThroughTime]

Here is a video of the tour/preview center from yesterday. It seems like DarKoaster might actually be well-themed.

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[Howl-O-Scream Fanatic]

View attachment 28465

Don't they have better things to do than complain about roller coasters?

 

[pizzathieff]

Here is a video of the tour/preview center from yesterday. It seems like DarKoaster might actually be well-themed.

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The video footage from the tour made me way more optimistic than I've been so far. The design details for the effects around Ludwig's face make me feel like the theming is actually gonna be really cool.

 

[Mwe BGW]

Interesting messages on this TV in the queue.

 

[Mwe BGW]

Here are some photos of the (hopefully) permanent props.

 

[Mwe BGW]

The shields from darkastle survived and are on display in the preview center.

 

[CoasterFan2735]

Interesting messages on this TV in the queue.

So it says 5/23…I wonder if they are implying that it will open in May. The 092022 at the top seems to hint at its announcement - made in September of 2022…the random string of letters might be significant too. Did @Zachary design this???

 

[CoasterFan2735]

So it says 5/23…I wonder if they are implying that it will open in May. The 092022 at the top seems to hint at its announcement - made in September of 2022…the random string of letters might be significant too. Did @Zachary design this???

So I jumped down the rabbit hole, to see if BGW is giving us any hints.

WEATHER NOTICE
BGW - Busch Gardens Williamsburg
092022Z - Sept. 2022 Announcement
36G27KT - 36 miles an hour, possibly something about the train weight
48SM - min. rider height is 48”
+BLTSFZSNICUPFG - Blowing, Thunderstorm, Frozen, Snow, Ice, Unknown Precipitation, and Fog (per flight plan weather abbreviations)
OVCCB - Oktoberfest Village, Covered Castle (or Cursed Castle) Building
5/23 FT - May ‘23 Final Touches/Timeline - MAY 1st was the original Curse of DK’s opening date so they may set that up.
Q2 - the ride will open in the fiscal 2nd quarter for SEAS
RMK storm warning - remarks, storm warning or hinting that there’s Really More [C]oming in 2024…

 

[Nicole]

Not sure why they tacked "Z" (ZULU / GMT) at the end of a date.

 

[GrantLee123]

Not sure why they tacked "Z" (ZULU / GMT) at the end of a date.

*Austin Powers voice* Because that’s Jazzy, baby

 

[Coasternerd]

Friend of mine sent me this. They saw this on their way out.

 

[Icer]

Damn was hoping they'd change that goofy ah font by now

 

[belsaas]

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I see no way this could go wrong.

 

[Jahrules]

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I see no way this could go wrong.

... Why do so many signatures look like phalluses?