DarKoaster Opening May 19th at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has announced that DarKoaster will open to the public on May 19, 2023. Members will have the opportunity to preview the ride beginning on May 11, 2023.

On social media, Busch Gardens shared a permission slip to excuse parkgoers from “work/school/all other commitments” on May 19th.

DarKoaster permission slip from King Ludwig (Image: Busch Gardens Williamsburg)

To commemorate the new coaster, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Virginia Beer Company teamed up to develop the DarKoaster Dark Lager, a 5.2% ABV traditional German-style Schwarzbier with hints of chocolate and coffee notes.

DarKoaster Dark Lager from Virginia Beer Co (Photo: Busch Gardens Williamsburg)

DarKoaster is North America’s first all-indoor straddle coaster. The steel coaster is an Intamin Family Launch Coaster, reaching a speed of 36mph on 2454 feet of track.

The ride’s backstory builds upon the former dark ride attraction Curse of DarKastle.

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.

In February 2023, Busch Gardens Williamsburg opened the DarKoaster Preview Center to park guests, featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new attraction. Check out our video on the DarKoaster Preview Center on YouTube. Busch Gardens Williamsburg has also shared a few inside-look videos on its official YouTube channel.