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• July 18, 2022: Outdated photos from inside DarKastle leak online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

 

[cb0355]

I’m curious if the theme/name could be influenced by the wolves featured at the gates and courtyard for Darkastle. Seems a shame not too since they are so prominently showcased.

 

[Zachary]

The wolves have long since been removed sadly. Hopefully they'll return.

 

[cb0355]

The wolves have long since been removed sadly. Hopefully they'll return.

Really?!?!? That’s crummy! I was hoping for a good theme based on them... oh well... maybe we can get Drachen’s Lair or Der Albtraum / Nachtmahr

 

[Icer]

I'm sorry but if they do decide to put an ounce of effort into theming and don't go with the theme from DK, or at least a derivative from DK, they are absolute morons.

 

[warfelg]

I hope they go a Phantom/Phantom's Revenge route with it.

DarKastle, Return to DarKastle.

 

[pizzathieff]

I was starting to strongly suspect we were gonna end up with "Escape from DarKastle" until I remembered we already have an "Escape From" ride in the park

 

[Nicole]

I hope they just use the name BGWFans gave it. The park’s recent attempts at naming attractions have been unfortunate.

 

[tursiops]

It's going to be a spoof of other legitimate Dark Rides called "Not Another Darkastle"

 

[horsesboy]

I hope they just use the name BGWFans gave it. The park’s recent attempts at naming attractions have been unfortunate.

Copywrite it and offer to sell it for first ride perks.

 

[kmccarthy27]

Perhaps, I know very little about multiverse transport physics or literally anything about Quantum mechanics. imagine we are a few centuries off from that being on roller coasters.

I'm trying to think of potential theming ideas, one would be something along the lines of theming the first launch section to do something different each time (maybe even have it launch at a slightly faster speed if that's possible?). I definitely think the second loop should be some sort of themed surprise that most people won't see coming. Stuff like that is the stuff GP talk about in casual conversation (assuming theme parks in anyway came up organically to begin with and were not brought up by a thoosie). They should definitely do something cool with all the lighting at least. Just please not "small wave breaker in a box" but if that's what we get, then I will shut up and ride it between Verbolten and Alpengeist if the line isn't pervasive.

I think it would be fun (and probably not happen) to theme both loops to the fallen attractions. First loop being chased by a Big Bad Wolf (in a better way then the Verbolten effects) and then the second loop be something Drachen Fire related, like riding the back of a dragon, which leads to a fire effect at the end.

 

[Jonesta6]

I think it would be fun (and probably not happen) to theme both loops to the fallen attractions. First loop being chased by a Big Bad Wolf (in a better way then the Verbolten effects) and then the second loop be something Drachen Fire related, like riding the back of a dragon, which leads to a fire effect at the end.

How about riding a wolf chased by a dragon?

If I remember the BBW lore correctly, the rider was the wolf.

 

[Zachary]

I think it would be fun (and probably not happen) to theme both loops to the fallen attractions. First loop being chased by a Big Bad Wolf (in a better way then the Verbolten effects) and then the second loop be something Drachen Fire related, like riding the back of a dragon, which leads to a fire effect at the end.

The Wolf got its representation in Verbolten and Drachen Fire was planned to get its tribute in the form of the dragon-themed FHP coaster. DarKastle deserves the same from its successor.

 

[horsesboy]

A tall stockade fence is now present at DK's entrance could this be a sign that clearing out has begun?

 

[Zachary]

Work has begun—can confirm.

 

[Celticdog]

DarKoaster = Boo Blasters 2.0

 

[horsesboy]

DarKoaster = Boo Blasters 2.0

I actually rode a coaster in Pigeon Forge that had laser shooting targets so it's not entirely impossible.

 

[metalman]

My family and I are gearing up to go to Disney/Universal in a couple weeks. As we are looking at videos/reviews of the rides to get a game plan, this DarKoaster *could* look similar to the Slinky Dog coaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (aside from the whole indoors and theme differences)- Multiples launched, low, moderate speed, many S curves, banks, and bunny hills, fun family oriented.

Edit…wow autocorrect fail fixed.

 

[Zachary]

I expect DarKoaster to be A LOT snappier than Slinky Dog. Wave Breaker is a pretty large, drawn-out Intamin Family Launch coaster. DarKoaster's short trains, short launches, and tight turns and transitions may pack more of a punch than many people are imagining right now.

 

[snowman6996]

Any guesses on track color yet? Black, Grey, or BGW special Blue?

 

[Mwe BGW]

Since its indoors, probably black.