We just visited Busch Gardens Williamsburg this weekend, so we were able to see some of the preview videos of DarKoaster while in line for various rides. As a fan of Curse of DarKastle, I love that they are paying homage to that beloved ride with this new iteration.
Even with the short length, I think this will be a great addition to the park. I've always felt BGW lacks a few "tween" rides that bridge the gap between Sesame Street Forest of Fun on the toddler end and the bigger coasters. This was particularly evident on this trip with my 10 year old. He did go on InvadR and loved it, but was still a bit too intimidated by the next step up, Verbolten. DarKoaster, like InvadR, may be a good family gateway ride.
As far as launched coasters, I'm a fan. It's a great way to get some thrills in a smaller footprint, and I love all the launched rides at BGW. This trip was my first time on Pantheon, and I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it looked rather boring from the POVs, but I had a blast actually riding it. Has some neat elements that come together in a "more than the sum of its parts" sort of way.
Quick dad brag - my daughter, who just turned 13, went on Apollo's Chariot twice (at night, no less). Not only was this her first hyper coaster, it was her first "big" coaster period. This from a kid who was terrified of the Mummy at Universal Studios just one year ago! I definitely foresee her becoming a future coaster addict.
I am also a fan of launched coasters. I think they are a great way to make a comparatively tame ride feel more thrilling–without scaring those averse to extreme thrills away. And yes, Pantheon is great!
Regarding Apollo's Chariot, what's your take? Not as glass-smooth as it used to be, right? But still a great ride. (Mike Collins and I will always defend it.) Congrats on your daughter's coaster conquests. See if she wants to subscribe to About Theme Parks!
I agree Apollo's Chariot is showing her age a bit, but I still enjoy the ride (preferably back row). My only "complaint" is that I think it lacks intensity on the airtime pops of similar rides. On the other hand, I think that lack of intensity (by coaster nerd standards) made it a great intro for my daughter.
Next stop - Intimidator at Carowinds, which I feel is at times a bit underrated. Will be interesting to see how she reacts to those bigger airtime hills.
Somewhat similar in that they are both B&M hypers. They have different layouts. And given that Diamondback is considerably younger, it's giving a smoother ride than AC now. Although the BGW ride, which was B&M's original hyper, sustained its remarkably smooth ride experience for many years. Another great B&M hyper is Mako at SeaWorld Orlando.
We just visited Busch Gardens Williamsburg this weekend, so we were able to see some of the preview videos of DarKoaster while in line for various rides. As a fan of Curse of DarKastle, I love that they are paying homage to that beloved ride with this new iteration.
Even with the short length, I think this will be a great addition to the park. I've always felt BGW lacks a few "tween" rides that bridge the gap between Sesame Street Forest of Fun on the toddler end and the bigger coasters. This was particularly evident on this trip with my 10 year old. He did go on InvadR and loved it, but was still a bit too intimidated by the next step up, Verbolten. DarKoaster, like InvadR, may be a good family gateway ride.
As far as launched coasters, I'm a fan. It's a great way to get some thrills in a smaller footprint, and I love all the launched rides at BGW. This trip was my first time on Pantheon, and I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it looked rather boring from the POVs, but I had a blast actually riding it. Has some neat elements that come together in a "more than the sum of its parts" sort of way.
Quick dad brag - my daughter, who just turned 13, went on Apollo's Chariot twice (at night, no less). Not only was this her first hyper coaster, it was her first "big" coaster period. This from a kid who was terrified of the Mummy at Universal Studios just one year ago! I definitely foresee her becoming a future coaster addict.
Great point about BGW's lack of family coasters.
I am also a fan of launched coasters. I think they are a great way to make a comparatively tame ride feel more thrilling–without scaring those averse to extreme thrills away. And yes, Pantheon is great!
Regarding Apollo's Chariot, what's your take? Not as glass-smooth as it used to be, right? But still a great ride. (Mike Collins and I will always defend it.) Congrats on your daughter's coaster conquests. See if she wants to subscribe to About Theme Parks!
I agree Apollo's Chariot is showing her age a bit, but I still enjoy the ride (preferably back row). My only "complaint" is that I think it lacks intensity on the airtime pops of similar rides. On the other hand, I think that lack of intensity (by coaster nerd standards) made it a great intro for my daughter.
Next stop - Intimidator at Carowinds, which I feel is at times a bit underrated. Will be interesting to see how she reacts to those bigger airtime hills.
It's been probably 10 years since I rode Apollo's Chariot. Do you think it is similar to Kings Islands' Diamondback?
Somewhat similar in that they are both B&M hypers. They have different layouts. And given that Diamondback is considerably younger, it's giving a smoother ride than AC now. Although the BGW ride, which was B&M's original hyper, sustained its remarkably smooth ride experience for many years. Another great B&M hyper is Mako at SeaWorld Orlando.