WILLIAMSBURG — In permit filings with James City County, there are hints that Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW) will open a new ride for the 2023 season.
On Thursday, April 7, BGW filed a for permit regarding an upcoming project. This particular application was to renovate the plumbing in the currently-existing structure that once housed the now-defunct dark ride, Curse of DarKastle. The description on the permit filing states, “Renovation to plumbing within Old Dark Castle Ride for new ride. Sanitary waste, domestic water and fixtures.”
Another permit, which was filed with JCC on March 9 and issued on March 22, describes the installation of an electrical system at the park. The description on this permit states, “Installation electrical system per plans For BG 2023 Ride.” It does not specify where this new electrical system would be installed in the park.
Rumors have persisted about another ride in the building since Curse of DarKastle closed in September 2017. While some of these rumors include a fully-dark roller coaster (which is a roller coaster that is entirely indoors, similar to Flight of Fear at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Va.), WYDaily cannot confirm anything at this time.
Since Curse of DarKastle’s closure, the building has housed a multitude of events to include a maze during Howl-O-Scream and a meet and greet with Santa Claus during ChristmasTown.
WYDaily is awaiting comment from BGW regarding a possible new ride.
Recently, BGW debuted its long-awaited multi-launch Intamin Amusement Rides roller coaster, Pantheon. Billed as the fastest multi-launch roller coaster in the world, it reaches a height of 180 feet and speeds of up to 73 mph.
For more information about Busch Gardens, please visit the park’s website.