Big Bad Wolf (roller coaster)
| Company type | Amusement ride |
|---|---|
| Industry | Amusement parks / Entertainment |
| Founded | June 15, 1984 |
| Defunct | September 7, 2009 |
| Headquarters | Williamsburg, Virginia , United States |
| Products | Suspended roller coaster ride |
Big Bad Wolf was a suspended roller coaster located in the Oktoberfest area of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Crafted by Arrow Dynamics, it officially opened on June 15, 1984, and remained in operation for more than 25 years until its closure on September 7, 2009. The ride’s foundation, queue area, and station infrastructure were later adapted for Verbolten, which premiered in 2012.
History
Prior to the introduction of Big Bad Wolf, Busch Gardens had commissioned a prototype "Flying Coaster" from Anton Schwarzkopf, but this project was never completed. Subsequently, the contract was awarded to Arrow Dynamics, who enhanced their suspended coaster technology following challenges experienced with The Bat at Kings Island. These improvements incorporated banked turns and overhead braking systems.
On November 10, 1983, Busch Gardens revealed plans for Big Bad Wolf with an initial opening date set for March 1984, coinciding with the debut of XLR-8 at Six Flags AstroWorld. However, the launch was postponed until June.
After Arrow Dynamics filed for bankruptcy in 2002, obtaining replacement parts became increasingly expensive and difficult. The ride’s intense operational forces caused accelerated deterioration of both trains and track components, leading to rising maintenance costs. The expense of replacing essential parts would have run into millions, surpassing the park’s available budget.
Busch Gardens announced on July 24, 2009, that Big Bad Wolf would be retired after a quarter-century of service. The coaster ceased operations on September 7, with its train and signage subsequently donated to the National Roller Coaster Museum. The vacated location was later developed into Verbolten, which opened in 2012.
During the operational years of the Drachen Fire coaster (1992–1998), its queue line offered views of Big Bad Wolf’s village-themed surroundings. After Drachen Fire’s closure, access to this vantage point was restricted; nevertheless, portions of Big Bad Wolf remained visible near the Rhinefield Bridge area, now overlooking Verbolten.
In October 2024, Busch Gardens announced a new attraction named Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge, an inverted coaster designed by Bolliger & Mabillard that repurposes the former Drachen Fire station. This ride officially opened on May 23, 2025.
Layout
Following a safety briefing accompanied by a recorded message stating "Thank you and enjoy traveling at the speed of fright!", riders departed the station with two small dips before veering left and then right as they ascended the initial lift hill. After descending the first drop, the train passed through a simulated Bavarian village environment, narrowly skimming past buildings and storefronts. The course included three roughly 180-degree turns—first left, then right, followed by another left—before entering a straight segment that led into a helix winding through wooded terrain adjacent to the village.[1]
The ride then engaged block brakes before turning right and climbing a second lift hill approaching the park’s artificial Rhine River. At the summit of this lift hill, the track made a 90-degree left turn followed by a drop at , swooping close to the water's surface.
Originally augmented by mist effects to enhance the sensation of proximity to water, these features were removed during the early 1990s. After negotiating this section, the train executed a 180-degree right turn succeeded by a straight stretch where cars swung freely. Finally, it completed another 180-degree left turn leading into the brake run that returned riders to the station.[1]
Trains
The attraction utilized three separate trains, each consisting of seven cars. Every car accommodated four passengers, allowing each train to carry a total of 28 riders.
Incidents
On May 2, 1993, a fatal accident occurred when a park staff member was struck by a moving train while removing a fallen branch that was blocking a security camera in a restricted zone. Observers noted that the employee seemed unaware of the approaching train. The ride was temporarily shut down for one week to facilitate an investigation. The employee’s relatives pursued legal action against Busch Entertainment Inc., but the lawsuit was dismissed because state legislation prohibits civil claims for work-related injuries.
On March 1, 2003, a contractor lost his life after the high-reach vehicle he was operating overturned during painting work on the Big Bad Wolf. Emergency personnel confirmed his death upon arrival at the scene.
External links
- Articles with short description
- 1984 establishments in Virginia
- 2009 disestablishments in Virginia
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- Former roller coasters in Virginia
- Roller coasters in Virginia
- Roller coasters operated by United Parks & Resorts
- Roller coasters opened in 1984
- Roller coasters closed in 2009
- Pages with reference errors