Busch Gardens Williamsburg Project 2024: Loch Ness Monster Renovation

[Zachary]

A launch on the second hill would be cool. Doesn’t sound like it’s in the cards tho

Definitely not happening.

This is very much a restoration and preservation project. The park is spending extra to improve theming and storytelling to make it more of a complete package, but the focus is definitely on restoring Nessie to its most ideal state and ensuring that it can continue to operate for decades to come.

 

[CoasterMac]

A note from the press release that I didn't see mentioned: Over 900ft of track is being replaced. A very respectable amount!

 

[Zachary]

I doubt anyone here was expecting this, but just to confirm:

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[bgw enthusiasts]

Just a thought bur the sky ride will probably close during the times sections of track under the cables are getting worked on

 

[CoastersRUS]

Just a thought bur the sky ride will probably close during the times sections of track under the cables are getting worked on

Maybe some, but I’d assume they’ll try and do most of the crane work on days where the park is closed. There are a ton of closed days in November and January/February where that could get done. Makes it easier to haul things in and out since it’s in the middle of the park. It should definitely affect RRC though.

 

[BG Fanatic]

Maybe some, but I’d assume they’ll try and do most of the crane work on days where the park is closed. There are a ton of closed days in November and January/February where that could get done. Makes it easier to haul things in and out since it’s in the middle of the park. It should definitely affect RRC though.

Rrc?

 

[CoastersRUS]

Rrc?

Rhine River Cruise

 

[Hamptonian]

I have a feeling the “sighting” will be something like bubbles or a water effect as a tease for what’s in the cave.

Speaking of the cave, what are the chances the cave will have to be completely rebuilt? Would make it easier to add any effects in there if you rebuild it from the ground up!

The cave effect could possibly be a static prop of the monster that has strobes and sound as you pass by similar to disco yeti on expedition Everest.

Ps: the tank in the queue could have a baby Nessie caught and that’s why Nessie is angry. Could be achieved via screens instead of an actual tank with water.

 

[horsesboy]

Just a thought bur the sky ride will probably close during the times sections of track under the cables are getting worked on

My understanding is that the plan calls for it to be done in such a way as to minimize the impact on the sky ride. Possibly a late opening on some days but not a complete shutdown.

Maybe some, but I’d assume they’ll try and do most of the crane work on days where the park is closed. There are a ton of closed days in November and January/February where that could get done. Makes it easier to haul things in and out since it’s in the middle of the park. It should definitely affect RRC though.

It shouldn't have much impact on RRC as they will already be in seasonal shutdown by the time work starts. You might see them pulled from the dock and tied up at the back deep part by the dam to allow for lowering the water level but that should be about all.

 

[Zachary]

Speaking of the cave, what are the chances the cave will have to be completely rebuilt?

The new effects are being built within the current structure from what I understand.

 

[horsesboy]

Speaking of the cave, what are the chances the cave will have to be completely rebuilt? Would make it easier to add any effects in there if you rebuild it from the ground up!

A permit is already on file with JCC for the cave and identifies as "alterantions to existing structure". Tearing it down and rebuilding it work require a demo permit and a new building permit.

https://comdev.jamescitycountyva.gov/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService/#/search?m=1&fm=2&ps=10&pn=1&em=true&st=Loch%20Ness

 

[nick]

I plan on riding the Monster to get a feel for where it’s most rough. I remember before getting off and thinking it was pretty fun, but the tunnel and transitions were memorably rough.

Without riding…I wonder if the lift noise will remain the same. That metal clinking sound is quite nice, especially compared to the machine gun hammering of Alpengeist.

I also dislike the “hops” right before the tunnels and the second lift hill, but assume those will remain.

Finally, we’re looking at a restoration here. So do we have a manufacturer in mind, or is this a “heavy polishing” being performed by Busch Gardens? Would this be a “Well, [Vekoma/some other favorite manufacturer] is already here working on [future X thing], let’s have them take a look at Loch Ness.”

I am hoping for noticeable smoothness. Loch Ness deserves it!

I’d sorta expect no loops change…they seemed smooth to me last time I went.

 

[VB06Hokie]

I plan on riding the Monster to get a feel for where it’s most rough. I remember before getting off and thinking it was pretty fun, but the tunnel and transitions were memorably rough.

Without riding…I wonder if the lift noise will remain the same. That metal clinking sound is quite nice, especially compared to the machine gun hammering of Alpengeist.

I also dislike the “hops” right before the tunnels and the second lift hill, but assume those will remain.

Finally, we’re looking at a restoration here. So do we have a manufacturer in mind, or is this a “heavy polishing” being performed by Busch Gardens? Would this be a “Well, [Vekoma/some other favorite manufacturer] is already here working on [future X thing], let’s have them take a look at Loch Ness.”

I am hoping for noticeable smoothness. Loch Ness deserves it!

I’d sorta expect no loops change…they seemed smooth to me last time I went.

I'd imagine they'll do something to at least lessen the lift noise, otherwise it defeats the purpose of adding a soundtrack to the lift hill.

 

[AlpenChariot]

I'd imagine they'll do something to at least lessen the lift noise, otherwise it defeats the purpose of adding a soundtrack to the lift hill.

Gonna be honest the lift noise on Nessie is one of the most charming sounds to come from a theme park. Long live the Arrow lift hill.

 

[VB06Hokie]

Gonna be honest the lift noise on Nessie is one of the most charming sounds to come from a theme park. Long live the Arrow lift hill.

I enjoy it as well, but unfortunately I can't see BGW leaving it as is and adding a soundtrack. Hoping they find a way to sync the tempo/rhythm of the chain noise to the new soundtrack so they complement each other.

 

[Zachary]

I don't expect changes to the lifts or the trains so I wouldn't be so sure about the lift clack going away.

 

[Jonesta6]

I mean, didn't arrow essentially stick an extra piece of rubber on the chain dogs of DF to quiet them? Not sure if that's what they actually did, but whatever it was wasn't a particularly difficult adjustment from my understanding... seems possible they could apply a similar technique here.

Honestly, I think between hearing the hamlet's bagpipe music mixed with the current anti-rollback clanking is perfect the way it is. No need to mess with it at all.

 

[nick]

Glorious lift hill sound: Coaster Force POV

Both photos from Coaster Force’s POV. This is where I expect we’ll see “something in the water.” You’ll notice the Rhine River path will also be able to see the same thing. Here’s hoping it’s a fantastic photo location!

 

[EdK]

Maybe asking too much but getting both trains in the loops at the same time would be nice. I have some amazing pictures with both trains in the loops and it would be great to see again.

 

[AIR]

Drachen Fire's antirollback system was different to say the least. At one point, I know it was tried to have the antirollback dog held up by an electromagnet when the train was moving. When the train stopped, it would drop to stop the train.

As for Loch Ness, it already has pads on the ARB dogs just like all the other rides with ARB dogs. When it doesn't have them, it's STUPID loud.

The lift is not changing besides probably adding new speakers and getting painted. As for the trains, they're not changing either but bodies are likely getting sent out for paint.