Project 2021/Drachen Spire: Intamin Multi-Launch Shuttle Giga Coaster [Cancelled]

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General Information:​

"Project Drachen Spire," is a community-generated identifier for the Intamin-made, multi-launch, shuttle giga coaster that was originally slated to open at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 2021. The attraction is planned to utilize the currently-vacant land behind Verbolten, Festhaus Park—the former home of Drachen Fire.

The coaster's main layout—as leaked before the addition was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic—featured two launches, two spikes (one spiral, one vertical-ish), and a couple of banked turns. Drachen Spire was designed to run two trains by means of a pair of switch tracks connecting the primary, shuttle portion of the layout to the station platform.

Important Articles:​

  • Most Up-To-Date Understanding of the Layout:
    bgwfans.com

    Leaked Electrical Plan Depicts Busch Gardens Williamsburg's 2021 Roller Coaster in Detail – BGWFans

    If there’s a god, he’s up there laughing this afternoon. Why? Because BGWFans just had one of those classic sitcom moments. Yesterday, we published our painstakingly detailed analysis of the footer plan for what we believe is Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s 2021 roller coaster—seemingly a huge...
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  • Most Recent Status Update:
    bgwfans.com

    Drachen Spire Height Waiver Extension Details – BGWFans

    Just over a week ago, we reported on the renewal of the notorious 355 foot Festhaus Park height waiver that was originally requested for the controversial, Intamin-made, multi-launch, giga, shuttle coaster we’ve dubbed Drachen Spire. In last week’s article, we were very careful to leave the door...
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It is my understanding that a schedule hasn't been finalized. Internal discussions may have shifted towards a year delay, but from what I understand, nothing has been set in stone to facilitate that thus far.
 
Maybe a mack hyper like flash. Seems different enough from apollo. Maybe increase the height to 300 feet and busch would still get a giga for 2021 or 22
 
SEAS big issue financially is they're having to issue debt to pay current bills. The outflows to service those debt payments aren't going to be available in upcoming years to invest in capital projects.
 
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Where does the idea come from that parks "save up" for bigger coasters? Coasters are paid for by debt and their projected returns. This is what the park already determined was the profitable direction for investment. The only change we would see to the plans is outright cancellation in the face of a new conservative financial strategy.
 
Zachary said:
I’m a “one in the hand is better than two in the bush” kinda guy. I’ll happily take Drachen Spire over the real risk of nothing.
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I, for one, won't be happy with less than an S&S 4d spin giga dive coaster.
 
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Pompeiiboy said:
Maybe a mack hyper like flash. Seems different enough from apollo. Maybe increase the height to 300 feet and busch would still get a giga for 2021 or 22
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Y'now... I could see this happening and fitting really well. That ride looks really good, so seeing something similar to that would be great. Also, BGW has needed a new traditional looper for a while, IMO... this would be cool.
 
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madmax said:
Yeah fuck having coasters right?
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Busch Gardens Williamsburg used to innovate in ways beyond breaking tallest and fastest records. Not only were records broken but builds used to be beautiful, works of art even. Alpengeist and Loch Ness Monster are perfect examples that truly showcase what BGW is (when it comes to roller coasters), beautiful, record breaking attractions that meld wonderfully into the unique landscape and surroundings. While building these, the natural landscape is preserved but feels like the park was built around them, versus the other way around. The latest attractions built at BGW (Tempesto, InvadR, Finnegan's Flyer and Pantheon) have not proven to use the old methods of the park and are blatant disregards to the natural beauty of the park. Busch Gardens used to be known for having a large variety of world class attractions and entertainment that mixed so well with landscaping and natural beauty. If they're not careful, they may lose the most beautiful theme park awards they've been recieving for the past many years. I fear that adding "Drachen Spire" will create a huge problem in that regard. And, if what we've seen is what's happening, it will likely be a breathtaking ride. It is very original for sure but lacks in inspiration and will fit right in with the trend of latest attractions that just plop down to add another ride. Busch Gardens used to be above this and people recognized that and it's what made them special.
 
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Sorry, how is Pantheon a blatant disregard to the park’s beauty? That place was an empty field before and it now provides more photogenic shots.
 
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The fact is that BGW lost its privileged financial position many years ago now and has to play by the same rules of the game other regional parks do.

It also has not realistically been more beautiful than Animal Kingdom or Disneysea or the like, so that just depends on their relationship with the golden ticket awards leadership..

BGW is a terrific park and we are lucky in the grand scheme to have it as our home park, but it's not God's annointed theme park. They have to produce profit now and the way to do that is not always enthusiasts' no limits dream coasters and running expensive dark rides.
 
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AIR said:
Busch Gardens Williamsburg used to innovate in ways beyond breaking tallest and fastest records. Not only were records broken but builds used to be beautiful, works of art even. Alpengeist and Loch Ness Monster are perfect examples that truly showcase what BGW is (when it comes to roller coasters), beautiful, record breaking attractions that meld wonderfully into the unique landscape and surroundings. While building these, the natural landscape is preserved but feels like the park was built around them, versus the other way around. The latest attractions built at BGW (Tempesto, InvadR, Finnegan's Flyer and Pantheon) have not proven to use the old methods of the park and are blatant disregards to the natural beauty of the park. Busch Gardens used to be known for having a large variety of world class attractions and entertainment that mixed so well with landscaping and natural beauty. If they're not careful, they may lose the most beautiful theme park awards they've been recieving for the past many years. I fear that adding "Drachen Spire" will create a huge problem in that regard. And, if what we've seen is what's happening, it will likely be a breathtaking ride. It is very original for sure but lacks in inspiration and will fit right in with the trend of latest attractions that just plop down to add another ride. Busch Gardens used to be above this and people recognized that and it's what made them special.
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How exactly are you supposed to integrate something like tempesto or finnegans, though?
 
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