On Friday, September 11, Sam, Greg, and I made the 3.5 hour trip down to Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW) for their Taste of Busch Gardens event. We were meeting up with Chris D. and Carrie, for four hours of riding coasters. Not all the coasters were available due to limited operations, but it was still a fun time nonetheless. The coasters we were able to experience included Alpengeist, Griffon, and Invadr. Verbolten was supposed to be among those coasters, but sadly it went down for the night for technical reasons.
The rest of the park’s coaster line up would have to wait a month until this week’s trip back down south for Halloween Harvest. Thankfully Verbolten was included once again, but this time we would be able to ride Apollo’s Chariot, Grover’s Alpine Express, Loch Ness Monster, and Tempesto. As long as everything ran, Sam and Greg would be able to complete all the park’s credits.
Just like the previous BGW blog, “Summer of Sam – Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Wet, Yet Worthwhile,” I won’t be sticking to the normal sequential order of the day here. With just four hours at the park, we went ride to ride and grabbed multiple rides each time. Once we were done, we circled back around and did it again. I think it will just be easier to group our evening by ride.
Verbolten - Up & Running Through the Black Forest
4 Rides
Well, after three tries back in September, we were able to secure four rides on this Zierer launch coaster. Sam was so happy to finally be getting her first launch coaster too. The only thing that kind of sucked about our four rides was that we had the same indoor ride show all four times – the spirit. I was really hoping to get a wolf theme at least once. Chris, who had terrible luck for years getting the wolf theme, has gotten it countless times in 2020. No such luck for us on this day.
The drop track was certainly an element that Sam liked, startling her every single time, even though she knew it was coming. Being a coaster nerd, she learned of element before riding it because she watches too much YouTube! Usually, I always stay hush about the drop track letting my friends be in for utter shock when it happens. You know, just like I was on my first ride – not knowing about it previously.
One thing that also made Greg happy about this ride was that it was running its photo booth. He didn’t even know the ride offered keychains, but I assured him on the drive down that it did. Thankfully it was running for him too as he got himself his first new keychain of the day.
Apollo's Chariot - The First B&M Hyper
4 Rides
Last year, Renee, Kayla, Brad, and I all visited BGW for Howl-O-Scream in October. That was the first time we ever met Chris, although we were unable to ride with him that evening. During that day, however, we saw that Apollo’s Chariot was being repainted. At that time, it wasn’t quite finished, with entire portions still featuring faded track and supports.
Fast forward to 2020 and it is finally finished. I wasn’t able to get up close to it during our first visit, but with it open for this visit, I finally was. I must say, it looks so good! A fresh coat of paint sure can breathe some new life into a ride and it’s nice to see Apollo’s Chariot, along with Joker’s Jinx at Six Flags America (SFA) and Fahrenheit at Hersheypark, looking better than they have for years. Now if Six Flags Great Adventure (SFGAdv) can give Nitro the same treatment…
Just like with Verbolten, we rode Apollo’s Chariot in the front and back, along with a couple of other rows. We also rode twice during the day and twice at night. By far, my favorite ride was our front row night ride. It was so dark for most of the course. All that wind hitting us in the face was also amazing. I knew this ride would give a memorable night ride due to it location. It didn’t disappoint.
For the second time of the day, Greg found himself with a new keychain too. Talk about a good one to have – Bolliger & Mabillard’s (B&M’s) first hyper coaster. I’m sure he’ll treasure it among his ever-growing collection.
Tempesto - A Hometown Creation
4 Rides
When the day started, Sam had yet to ride a launch coaster. Funny how after getting her first, she got her second one two rides later. This ride was none other than Tempesto, a Premier Sky Rocket 2, and a ride from a company that is based out of our hometown of Baltimore.
Of all the rides at BGW, I figured Sam would be most hesitant to ride this. Even just last month, I think there would have been a strong chance that she could have talked herself out of Tempesto. It’s probably a good thing it was open for a second visit instead.
The amount of progress Sam has made since our first visit to BGW has been impressive. Coasters like Skyrush at Hersheypark, Batwing at Six Flags America (SFA), and just one day after this trip, Fahrenheit, also at Hershey, were all rides she would have easily talked herself out of. Not anymore.
Aside from a few neck chops from the comfort collars, she really enjoyed this ride and had no problems riding it four times. Greg loved the ride and was also big on the fact that it was created by our hometown coaster manufacturer, Premier Rides.
One day, I hope I can get everyone up to Lake Compounce for Phobia Phear Coaster, though. The lap bar restraints make a huge difference to me. One thing that’s still the same, however, is how tight it is to try to pass through these trains. It’s not at all spacious. Seriously Premier, move away from this train type.
Grover's Alpine Express
1 Ride
During all of our park visits kiddie coasters and/or smaller family coasters are must rides if someone in the group needs the credit. Since that was the case with this trip, a ride on Grover’s Alpine Express was in order. It’s been ages since I got on this ride, but it was open and Sam needed the credit. We made the stop on our way to Loch Ness Monster. No one was in that area of the park, so we were on and off. It’s a short ride and one I’m shocked they don’t send around twice. Credit earned and Greg even an unexpected keychain as the ride had a photo booth. None of us expected that.
Loch Ness Monster - Sam's 1st Non-Mine Train Arrow
2 Rides
While certainly not the most intense or flashy ride in the park, Loch Ness Monster is easily the park’s most iconic ride. Those interlocking loops are easily recognizable throughout the coaster community as is its scenic setting over the Rhine River. And Busch Gardens should be commended for keeping it in tip top shape for a ride 40 years old.
I have so many fond memories on this ride, as does Chris. Sam and Greg, however, had yet to experience it until this trip. As a matter of fact, the only other Arrow coasters Sam had been prior were of the mine train variety. This was her first true experience with an Arrow. Well, until she gets to Anaconda an hour away at Kings Dominion. I can’t wait to see if her reaction is the same as it was on this day. I’m betting it won’t be.
For the final time of the day, Greg was able to add a new keychain to his collection, making it four out of five on the day. Tempesto, sadly, does not sell them. If it did, Greg would have been sure to pick it up.
Finnegan's Flyer - Love that Airtime
1 Ride
The strong airtime on Finnegan’s Flyer made the ride a desirable stop after getting off Loch Ness. We were able to ride Finnegan’s during our last adventure, but on this day we were lucky enough to sit facing the line queue. The difference? Looking straight down into the water below on the back swing. It’s a crazy view and Busch Gardens couldn’t have picked better placement for this ride. Greg, Chris, and myself all loved it while Sam looked on from the walkway. These kinds of rides aren’t her thing. Well, yet anyhow. She’s been full of surprises, so maybe one day.
Last Visit Until 2021?
At the start of summer I couldn’t have said that I would have visited BGW once, let alone twice, in 2020. When they began unveiling their different events, with the four hour shifts, I wasn’t even sold on the idea of driving 3.5 up and back to attend one either. Now I sit here having gone twice and getting in more rides on the park’s coasters in a combined seven hours (lost one due to rain on first visit) than I ever have any visits in the past. In that regard, it was totally worth it and might have spoiled us for when things do go back to normal.
I am also happy that we decided to head down to the park and spend some time with Chris. Hopefully in 2021 we are able to do so again to get in some rides on Pantheon together. I’m so looking forward to that, especially after getting some good views of it on this visit. I’ll just have to learn to slow down a bit making these drives. The first trip down I managed a $200 speed camera ticket in Washington, D.C. heading down, and then one on the return trip in Maryland for $35. I’m pretty sure I’ll be having another $35 one coming in the mail here soon too from this trip. Seriously, why is the speed limit 55 mph?
CREW MANIFEST
The following flight crew members attended this park, & earned the respective credits below:
Patrick
CAG
New Credit(s): n/a
Sam
Commander
New Credit(s): Apollo's Chariot, Grover's Alpine Express, Loch Ness Monster, Tempesto, Verbolten
Greg
Lieutenant
New Credit(s): Apollo's Chariot, Grover's Alpine Express, Loch Ness Monster, Tempesto, Verbolten
Chris D.
Ensign
New Credit(s): n/a
