WILLIAMSBURG — Coaster enthusiasts rejoice: The popular Loch Ness Monster roller coaster at Busch Gardens officially reopened on May 10.
The coaster first opened at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 1978, and earned so much attention for its original concept that it was enshrined by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) as a historical landmark in 2003. ACE selected Loch Ness as a landmark for her signature twin loops and iconic structure.
Originally designed by Arrow Dynamics, Coasterpedia says that at that time, it was one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters and cost $5 million to build.
Loch Ness Monster underwent a series of renovations earlier this year. The coaster now features new elements and theming, 900 feet of track replacement, new painting, storytelling and special effects. Riders might even catch a glimpse of Nessie under the water.
According to the Busch Gardens website, the experience begins with the line, where there are new items and thematic elements to peruse while riders wait. As riders begin to climb the first hill, a new specially-created Loch Ness Monster soundtrack awaits. During the first drop, riders can see a shadowy animal lurking beneath the water. Riders will head straight for the first drop and the first of two interlocking loops before plunging into a tunnel where they come face to face with Nessie herself.
The coaster reopened to the public with much fanfare during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony with bagpipers playing. The line to board for the first rides on the newly-renovated coaster was long.
“It’s definitely something missing when this ride isn’t open, it’s just such an important part of the park. Not only the ride itself, but visually and the energy it brings, the views, the yellow track, it’s just all iconic and it’s great to have the whole Scotland area alive again,” Kevin Lembke, Busch Gardens Williamsburg Park President, said.
Loch Ness will be open for riders to enjoy daily and will close one hour prior to park closing.
“For a lot of people, this coaster is the nostalgia of being their first real coaster or the first coaster that they went upside down on,” Lembke said. “Those people are coming back and are now bringing their kids to ride it. When it’s been around for that long, we’ve created so many memories for people, there’s an emotional attachment and a lot of passion around it and we’re glad to bring it back.”
