Busch Gardens's Loch Ness Monster resurfaces after restoration
AT: Pam Sherborne
psherborne@amusementtoday.com
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — After a six-month rest, the Loch Ness Monster: The Legend Lives On roared back to life on May 10 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia. The refurbished coaster, which first opened June 2, 1978, has satisfied both coaster enthusiasts and guests alike.
Premier Rides did the refurbishment on the coaster, and Jim Seay, Premier president, said Premier was honored to do just that.
"The Busch Gardens Williamsburg Loch Ness Monster project was a very special opportunity for Premier Rides," Seay said. "There are few other rides in the world that have such a historic pedigree and such a global fan base. The American Coaster Enthusiasts has recognized Loch Ness Monster as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historical significance.
"With that as a backdrop, Premier was extremely honored to have been chosen [by United Parks & Resorts] to be part of their team that would execute a dramatic restoration of the famed coaster," he said. "Premier’s contribution focused on the ride structure itself and included the replacement of almost 1,000 feet of track."
The layout of the coaster is the same, but the experience has been updated with sounds and special effects, in addition to the new track.
The adventure begins with an enhanced queue experience featuring new storytelling elements to peruse.
Busch Gardens enhanced the storyline where riders go on a journey through Scottish terrain. 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 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.
It is in this tunnel, which covers the double helix, where some of the biggest thematic changes have taken place. In "Nessie's" lair, there is all-new lighting and sound effects, along with LED screens that show the monster in action.
The new installation of track has smoothed out some of the rough spots, particularly entering and exiting the interlocking loops. Audio has also been added to the turn prior to the first lift where an exploration shack and a recently damaged expedition vehicle has been recovered. There is a soundtrack now on speakers mounted along the lengths of the hills.
"The challenge of the project was the critical importance to maintain the ride’s iconic dynamic experience, while at the same time using current advanced engineering and fabrication technologies to produce new structure that will perform for decades to come allowing new generations to experience Loch Ness Monster," Seay said.
The refurbished coaster reopened to the public with much fanfare during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony with bagpipers playing.
“It’s definitely something missing when this ride isn’t open. It’s just such an important part of the park," said Kevin Lembke, Busch Gardens Williamsburg park president. "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.”
Lembke said that for a lot of people, the Loch Ness ride is the nostalgia of being their first real coaster or the first coaster that they went upside down on.
“Those people are coming back and are now bringing their kids to ride it," Lembke said. "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.”
The background of the ride's story goes back to the year of 564 when the mythical Loch Ness Monster is believed to have been first spotted in the Highlands of Scotland. Centuries later in 1978, the Loch Ness Monster came alive in Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
Now in 2024, the Loch Ness Monster has resurfaced as a fully restored experience loaded with all-new thrilling elements, dramatic storytelling and innovative effects.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a European-themed adventure park, boasting more than 100 acres of family fun. It is home to world-class roller coasters, award-winning entertainment and more than 50 rides and attractions.
•buschgardens.com
•premier-rides.com
