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• July 18, 2022: Outdated photos from inside DarKastle leak online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

 

[Bryzzo]

if I was to bring a friend when they do the members only thing would they be able to ride with me if they aren’t a member?

 

[Jahrules]

if I was to bring a friend when they do the members only thing would they be able to ride with me if they aren’t a member?

That is correct. They would not be allowed to ride.

 

[RollyCoaster]

Haven’t seen it posted yet and haven’t checked the website but a billboard in Richmond is saying member rides start May 11

 

[mikes]

Haven’t seen it posted yet and haven’t checked the website but a billboard in Richmond is saying member rides start May 11

It's been posted here and it's official DarKoaster - Opening May 19 2023 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg

 

[Thrills & Chills WQAQ]

Apparently from what I’ve heard, trains are going, way, way, wayyyyy too fast through the layout. I don’t know if this is true but something to look out for

 

[madmax]

BGW make a family coaster challenge

 

[bwick29]

Apparently from what I’ve heard, trains are going, way, way, wayyyyy too fast through the layout. I don’t know if this is true but something to look out for

Don't tempt me with a good time.

 

[CoasterAuditor]

I certainly have little to complain about when a family coaster is more intense than expected.

 

[Thrills & Chills WQAQ]

I certainly have little to complain about when a family coaster is more intense than expected.

Said speed is causing issues seeing show scenes and projections during the ride, leading to a confusing experience.

 

[warfelg]

Said speed is causing issues seeing show scenes and projections during the ride, leading to a confusing experience.

Given it’s a tire drive launch it shouldn’t be too hard to fix. Just a matter of programming. At least should be.

 

[bwick29]

I certainly have little to complain about when a family coaster is more intense than expected.

Same, especially considering that BGW seems to have zero interest in the 42in height mark, meaning this isn't a family ride for us for a few more years. There's very little ramp at BGW and while I was hoping that DK would change that, it didn't. Run it as fast as we can.

Given it’s a tire drive launch it shouldn’t be too hard to fix. Just a matter of programming. At least should be.

Unless it needs a faster launch to carry speed over possible valley points later in the circuit.

 

[madmax]

Said speed is causing issues seeing show scenes and projections during the ride, leading to a confusing experience.

If this was true there wouldn’t be an opening date yet

 

[Thrills & Chills WQAQ]

If this was true there wouldn’t be an opening date yet

I don’t know if it’s happening, but from what I have heard that was causing problems.

 

[Coolguy15]

BGW make a family coaster challenge

(IMPOSSIBLE)

 

[horsesboy]

Apparently from what I’ve heard, trains are going, way, way, wayyyyy too fast through the layout. I don’t know if this is true but something to look out for

I wouldn't describe it as that but I did have sources that reported early testing break issues but my understanding is that was fix a long time ago and all systems are good or at least as good as an Intamin can be for next next week.

 

[Thrills & Chills WQAQ]

I wouldn't describe it as that but I did have sources that reported early testing break issues but my understanding is that was fix a long time ago and all systems are good or at least as good as an Intamin can be for next next week.

Ah alright. Guess that news got to me late XD

 

[Rjohnston]

Do we have any details on some of the show scenes? Set pieces? Projections?

 

[Thrills & Chills WQAQ]

Do we have any details on some of the show scenes? Set pieces? Projections?

No but they will exist :troll-face:

 

[Zachary]

Do we have any details on some of the show scenes? Set pieces? Projections?

I have a pretty good understanding of the interior at this point I believe. Lighting and off-ride audio throughout, there are some 2D skrims in use at various points including launch 1/3. I think one or two of those skrims has projected media but I'm not positive at the moment. There are also 3D ghoul-like figures around launch 2/4 and some lightning lightboxes sprinkled about. Bypass track has the castle wall facade with some buttresses, but that has been seen in marketing footage already I believe. Each lap should see different lighting.

I'm under the impression that scenic plans have changed a fair bit since the ride was announced–which could possibly explain Holovis canceling their DarKoaster press event back at IAAPA...? That's just a guess on my part though.

 

[madmax]

I have a pretty good understanding of the interior at this point I believe. Lighting and off-ride audio throughout, there are some 2D skrims in use at various points including launch 1/3. I think one or two of those skrims has projected media but I'm not positive at the moment. There are also 3D ghoul-like figures around launch 2/4 and some lightning lightboxes sprinkled about. Bypass track has the castle wall facade with some buttresses, but that has been seen in marketing footage already I believe. Each lap should see different lighting.

I'm under the impression that scenic plans have changed a fair bit since the ride was announced–which could possibly explain Holovis canceling their DarKoaster press event back at IAAPA...? That's just a guess on my part though.

Wow that actually sounds cool if true