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

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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• July 18, 2022: Outdated photos from inside DarKastle leak online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.

 

[CoasterFan2735]

I do have to say, after the Pantheon fiasco, it seems like the theming for this attraction is going to be good. And marketing is doing a great job of hyping up the addition. I’m impressed by what I see - it makes me happy to see DarKastle’s legacy coming to life.

 

[James]

It helps when you have a massive head start from a previously well themed attraction.

 

[Irishlad]

It helps when you have a massive head start from a previously well themed attraction.

This! I’m just glad they are doing the old girl right!

 

[CoasterFan2735]

This! I’m just glad they are doing the old girl right!

I don’t want to get a-HEAD of myself though…but this is my most anticipated ride of 2023. Inching ahead of HP’s Wildcat’s Revenge if only for nostalgia’s sake…I really think BGW has the *potential* to make this a don’t miss attraction. Theming is what made and makes the BG parks amazing, and I think they learned a lot from how Pantheon’s theming was received. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Festhaus park project was saved for its 50th anniversary and Festa Italia gets a nice Roman Rapids, Pantheon, theming overhaul. Probably not but it’s wishful thinking, especially seeing how Cedar Fair is amping up their theming game.

 

[Mushroom]

I just hope they don’t completely retcon the brilliant lore of the original DarKastle and dumb it down into a cheesy ghost hunting storyline.

 

[Franco]

I've been waiting long enough for just anything to fill the area left by DarKastle, so I'll be pretty happy with this regardless, especially if the original theming remains relatively intact. I do have some concerns with the capacity, though. I don't want another Tempesto situation.

 

[ControlsEE]

I just hope they don’t completely retcon the brilliant lore of the original DarKastle and dumb it down into a cheesy ghost hunting storyline.

But if they do that... who ya gonna call?

 

[Coolguy15]

But if they do that... who ya gonna call?

GHOSTBUSTERS!!

 

[belsaas]

I just hope they don’t completely retcon the brilliant lore of the original DarKastle and dumb it down into a cheesy ghost hunting storyline.

"Yo dawg! Think you can keep up with Ludvig's mad moves on the slopes? Hop on those snowmobiles and get ready to shreddy this fresh powpow"

 

[Jonesta6]

I just want to know what they're considering as record breaking when posting this:

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[pizzathieff]

I just want to know what they're considering as record breaking when posting this:

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Most straddles on an indoor launched coaster in the Eastern part of North America

 

[Coasterumor]

Most straddles on an indoor launched coaster in the Eastern part of North America

What kind of new record breaking indoor coaster?

 

[metalman]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but in the pic on the previous page that should the coaster seats, I didn’t see any straddling going on. Looked like a normal seat and lap bar to me.

 

[Mushroom]

Yeah, having ridden Wave Breaker at SWSA, I’m of the opinion that the “straddle” aspect of these coasters is way overhyped. It’s barely noticeable. The main difference in sensation is that the restrains force you to lean slightly farther forward than on a traditional sitdown coaster.

 

[CoasterAuditor]

Yeah I’d say the key difference I noticed was just feeling a bit more exposed. Which probably has a better effect gliding along the water. DarKoaster does have a snappier layout since it’s so compact so that may be interesting. That along with the theming potential. Sadly I won’t be yelling about how we’re on a mission to save the turtles with my niece on this one.

 

[CoasterFan2735]

In an unrelated note, I haven’t seen anything brought up about a preshow. I know BGT was updating the Cobra’s Curse preshow in January. Do we know if DarKoaster will have any kind of preshow/preshow designated area to set up the story of DarKastle/DarKoaster?

 

[horsesboy]

I just want to know what they're considering as record breaking when posting this:

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Most laps in one run on an indoor coaster? Most rapid switch tracks on an indoor coaster? Busch Gardens largest indoor coaster? Tallest ride in the Darkastle building. probably a few others. I mean anything can be "record breaking" if you get creative in defining the records.

 

[Zachary]

In an unrelated note, I haven’t seen anything brought up about a preshow. I know BGT was updating the Cobra’s Curse preshow in January. Do we know if DarKoaster will have any kind of preshow/preshow designated area to set up the story of DarKastle/DarKoaster?

It's my impression that the screen will be used. That said, from what I can tell, they're going to run the queue directly through the room rather than segmenting it off and batching guests up for preshow showings a la DarKastle.

 

[horsesboy]

locker and photo booth area is coming a long nicely.

 

[rollercoastercoaster]

I hope they bring the wolfs back. Does anyone know what they did with them after they were removed? Were they one of the items sold in an auction last year?