Press Release from Busch Gardens Williamsburg
WILLIAMSBURG, VA. (September 6, 2022) – DarKoasterTM, the world’s first all-indoor straddle coaster, will open in 2023 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The new attraction is the park’s tenth coaster and an unprecedented, family-friendly addition to Busch Gardens’ thrill ride portfolio. The new coaster will be housed in the iconic Curse of DarKastle building, paying homage to the previous ride with subtle theming nods for loyal park fans.
King Ludwig’s abandoned fortress resurfaces as strange weather patterns have been recorded near the cursed castle grounds. Only the bravest souls will embark on snowmobiles in this dark expedition to discover the mysterious phenomenon. A supernatural force is imminent as explorers discover that they are evading more than just a raging storm.
Escape the storm on the ALL-NEW DarKoasterTM, the world’s first all-indoor straddle coaster, launching in 2023 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Traveling on snowmobiles across 2,454 feet of track, daring explorers race through total darkness while changing course to avoid the elements. As the weather strikes, riders encounter four accelerating launches and speed through the storm on this family-friendly dark ride experience.
“DarKoaster will be an exciting and unique addition to our world class lineup of coasters,” said Kevin Lembke, Busch Gardens Williamsburg Park President. “As an indoor attraction, DarKoaster complements our collection of thrill rides and offers a new experience to enjoy throughout the year. Plus, with only a 48-inch height requirement, DarKoaster is a ride for the whole family to conquer together.
Manufactured by Intamin Worldwide, Busch Gardens’ newest family thrill is a steel coaster design with four launches and over 1,400 feet of track. Riders will experience a total of 2,454 feet of track.
NEW 2023 Membership Plans Feature Unlimited Visits & Unbeatable Benefits
Busch Gardens is launching another incredible year for Membership as the BEST VALUE annual theme park pass in Virginia with monthly rewards and amazing benefits, ranging from unlimited admission, FREE parking, FREE guest tickets, in-park discounts and exclusive Member events. Plus, Busch Gardens Members will be among the first to ride DarKoaster in 2023!
Membership is organized in easy-to-use tiers and includes one-park and two-park Busch Gardens and Water Country USA® Memberships. Busch Garden’s sister park, Water Country USA, is a seasonal water park with over 40 state-of-the-art water slides, kids’ play areas, lazy rivers and a mega wave pool. With a two-park Membership, visitors can enjoy thrills at the world’s most beautiful theme park and fun in the sun at Virginia’s largest water park, Water Country USA. The flexibility allows guests to choose the Membership, benefits, and parks that are the best fit. Membership plans are as low as an affordable $12.25 per month, plus tax, with no down payment required. For a full overview of the Membership lineup, visit: buschgardens.com/williamsburg/annual-pass/
NEW Amazing Monthly Rewards
Busch Gardens shows appreciation and love to our Members year-round with extra rewards every month like bonus tickets, early access and FREE exclusive merchandise. In addition to all the amazing benefits and rewards, Members also have access to special monthly discounts and offers throughout the year. For a preview of upcoming 2023 offers, visit: buschgardens.com/williamsburg/annual-pass/monthly-offers/
Events All Year Long
With an event-filled lineup throughout the year, Members have countless reasons to visit Busch Gardens and Water Country USA at the end of 2022 and throughout 2023. The park’s 2023 event calendar features family-friendly offerings from January to December, from Summer Celebration and Christmas Town to fan-favorites like Howl-O-Scream, Food & Wine Festival and Bier Fest. Plus, enjoy expanded experiences during Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, the park’s newest events. For a calendar of upcoming 2022 and 2023 events, visit: https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/events/
Busch Gardens Williamsburg was voted one of the best theme parks of 2022 by USA Today. To be the first to know about event details and specials, follow Busch Gardens Williamsburg on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.