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I liked Rip, Ride & Rockit, provided I wasn't sitting in the backseat. It's been a few years since I've ridden it, though.

A Holiday Stroll Around Christmas Town Ah, it 's that magical time of year again. The smell of fresh pine trees is in the air, the laughter of happy children is everywhere, and adults are downing copious amounts of holiday grog. Yes, Christmas Town has returned to Williamsburg. Care to take a stroll with me around the park to takes in the sights of the season? We start with the walk from the parking lot to the park entrance. Preferred parking, which is included with my membership, was full by the time I got there on Sunday, December 9, around 4:30 pm. I had to park in the outer reaches of the Ireland lot, which offers both tram service and a new path for those who care to hoof it. The tram line was huge, so I took the path. The walk took about ten minutes, and it gave me another view of this version of Santa. This used to be in Festa Italia (aka Holiday Hills), but it greets drivers as they enter the parking lots this year. Looks like Santa misplaced his reins and harness--or perhaps he's using invisible magic reins to keep his reindeer in line. The Enchanted Tree with the Big Balls greets you at the entrance to England. It wouldn't be Christmas Town without it. I've always liked England's traditional wreaths and garlands. On the left is the Globe Theatre, where you can take in BGW's musical version of Dickens's A Christmas Carol--Scrooge No More. It's probably the best of their holiday shows. How can you really go wrong with this Dickens classic? Some of the cast appear as carolers between shows and perform in front of the theatre. And keep an eye open for Father Christmas. It's always a "Blue Christmas" in the Scottish Highlands. Ireland, of course, stresses the green and gold. The Abbeystone Theatre is the home of Gloria, a show about the birth of Christ using traditional and contemporary music. Ireland is also where you can partake of Santa's Fireside Feast. This building has hosted a few other attractions over the years. The scrambler (aka Le Catapult) used to be in this building. It's also the former home of the Enchanted Laboratory and Castle O'Sullivan shows. Now it's Santa's buffet away from the North Pole, and Mrs. Claus always makes sure there are plenty of cookies. I like the path between Ireland and France. The luminaria are a nice touch, it always smell like freshly cut pine trees, and the gypsy wagon looks nice with its festive green lights. France is also looking very festive. The Palace Theatre hosts Twas the Night, a figure-skating show, if that's your thing. The Merry Misfits vocal group also performs on a stage next to the ice-cream parlor. Griffon was closed, as were Apollo's Chariot, Pantheon, and Tempesto. All the park's other coasters were operating. Fort New France (aka Canada) is where you board the Christmas Town Express for a grand circle tour of Busch Gardens and, if you're unlucky, a bunch of people singing off-key carols in your ear for 20 minutes. (This is just one of the hazards of the holiday season.) Still, it's a nice ride and on Quick Queue (seriously, the line for this can get very long on busy days during Christmas Town). They were running two trains last night, so the wait wasn't bad. I didn't get any decent photos of the trip, but I like these wreaths in the New Caribou Station. Here's Santa's Workshop in Germany--a nice meet-and-greet spot. The Burgermeister's Hideway speakeasy is running a Christmas-themed program with appropriate Christmas cocktails, but it fills up fast. Let's head to the Festhaus for a brew. During Howl-o-Scream, the Festhaus is full of fiends, but during Christmas Town it's home of O' Tannenbaum. a synchronized music-and-light show held on the Christmas tree above, and Up on the Haustop, with modern Christmas songs. It also has this cool chandelier and some magical theme-park snow. Hmm--looks like this Porsche might have crashed in the snow. The tow truck can't get here until spring, so we may as well decorate it. The view from the bridge between Germany and Italy. This is my favorite of the park's many Christmas trees. It also provides a nice backdrop to the freakishly large Santa heads of Holiday Hills (aka Festa Italia). The large Santa heads and candy canes remind of bit of the Christmas decorations of my hometown in California when I was a kid. Of course, we didn't have a spinning teacup ride, which is probably for the best. That about says it all. Let's move on to the the Polar Pathway. There's another synchronized music-and-light show here. They use some 1950s style Christmas music, including some rockabilly stuff. Never before has a natural disaster looked so festive. The Sesame Street Forest of Fun celebrates trees of all colors. Time to head home via blue Scotland . . . . . . and Merrie Olde England. Be sure to wish Father Christmas a "Happy Christmas" on your way out. "Ho, ho, ho! The president of the Claus Organization thanks you for visiting Christmas Town. Go home and continue to make merry!" Thanks for joining me on this stroll through Christmas Town.

Holiday Magic Returns to Kings Dominion Winterfest November 29 DOSWELL, VA－Kings Dominion announced the details of its 2024 Winterfest event. The annual event features more than six million lights, ice skating, seasonal food items, and the return of everyone’s favorite merriment characters. Beginning Friday, November 29, winter’s seasonal magic will blanket Kings Dominion as the theme park transforms itself into a light-filled holiday village for one of Virginia’s best holiday experiences. Highlights include: Live Shows and Entertainment－Everyone’s favorite holiday characters will be roaming the park and interacting with guests. Sounds of the Nativity, featuring live animals, returns to the Jungle X-Pedition area, and Tinker’s Toy Factory will have multiple shows in the Kings Dominion Theater. Cool Yule Christmas takes place at the Grand Bandstand at the foot of the Eiffel Tower with regular nightly shows. The festivities kick off every evening with the ‘Tis the Season Tree Lighting Ceremony and shows start every 15 minutes around the park. Seasonal Treats－All of the favorite seasonal sweets return this year, including fried and regular cinnamon pull-apart bread; candy cane funnel cakes; holiday crepes; vanilla-frosted holiday pretzels and churros; Christmas cake; and Christmas cookie ice cream sandwiches. The savory holiday menu includes smoked turkey, Virginia ham, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, a hot brown sandwich, and a chicken alfredo pizza. Seasonal Beverages－Guests can cozy up with a mix of hot and cold cocktails and mocktails such as the Holly Jolly Hot Cocoa, Fireplace Cider, the Icy Winter Breeze, and Gingerbread Hot Chocolate. Regular hot chocolate will also be available throughout the park. Holiday Lights & Trees－More than six million lights glimmer for guests, along with over 450 decorated trees, including a 315-foot Eiffel Tower that becomes an enormous light-up tree. Ice Skating－Skate over the iconic fountains in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower on Snowflake Lake－one of North America’s largest outdoor skating rinks. Cookie Decorating－Mrs. Claus will host guests in her kitchen for decorating cookies. Letter Writing to Santa－Stop by the special post office and write a letter to Santa. Every letter sent receives a stamp certifying it was read at the North Pole. Pictures with Santa－Take pictures with the jolly old elf himself. Private Igloos－If relaxing in a personal heated lounge with an exclusive menu sounds appealing, private igloos underneath the lights of the Eiffel Tower return for that cozy holiday experience. Rides－Up to 25 rides will be operating during Winterfest, depending on the weather, including Twisted Timbers and the historic carousel. New Year’s Eve Celebration－Join us for a night of celebration as we ring in the new year. Kings Dominion opens at 5 p.m. on December 31 and closes at 1 a.m. on January 1. The night will feature live entertainment on the Grand Bandstand underneath the Eiffel Tower, along with a midnight countdown and a booming fireworks display. Winterfest runs from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. on select days starting November 29 and continuing through January 4. Please check https://www.kingsdominion.com/events/winterfest for the full calendar of events and ticket information. Guests can enjoy multiple entries to Winterfest for the 2024 and 2025 seasons with purchase of a Gold Season Pass.

That's the current rumor, which I think is correct.

Pretty much (especially for DarKoaster and LeScoot). I doubt that QQ will be essential on Friday (Saturday--definitely).

I think I'd go with Busch Gardens on Sunday and Kings Dominion on Monday.

Either park would be a good fit for Monday (shouldn't be all that busy). For BGW, I recommend getting on DarkKoaster first thing, as it'll draw long lines most of the day, followed by Pantheon. Loch Ness Monster is drawing decent crowds too, thanks to its rehab.

As a local, I've driven by that place many times, but I have yet to eat there. (I did have lunch at Basset's, the joint that used to be there, a few times.) But I'm always up for a good steak.

Here ya go.

But if you want to navigate a hedge maze, the Governor's Palace has you covered.

Old City Barbeque on Rt. 60 is good, too. It's not too far from the park.

When you say "Jamestown" do you mean the national historic site (that is, Jamestown Island)? You could do that in half-a-day (it's definitely worth a visit). Note that the Colonial Parkway, which connects Jamestown-Williamsburg-Yorktown, is a big construction zone. Sections of it are closed, but I think you can still take it from Rt. 199 to Jamestown Island. They have clearly marked detours, otherwise. As for Colonial Williamsburg, it all depends on what you want to see. The big draws are the Governor's Palace and the Capitol. You can walk around CW all you want without paying, but you need paid admission for the buildings. I think the only attraction with limited QQ access is DarKoaster (that's on QQ+). QQ will also be useful for Pantheon, Verbolten, and the Loch Ness Monster (it's been drawing fairly decent crowds since it reopened).

Thanks for the report. I've never heard of this park, either, but Germany is full of hidden gems. Plus, I'm always happy when a little park has a dark ride.

Yes--she does roar at the train.

Some Thoughts on the Loch Ness Monster: The Legend Lives On The Loch Ness Monster started thrilling riders the same year that I graduated from high school--1978. Although I think the word “icon” is overused to describe some theme-park attractions, I think it fits the Loch Ness Monster. It would be hard to imagine Busch Gardens without the sight of Nessie’s interlocking loops from Grimm’s Crossing or the bridge between Italy and Germany. Her nearest coaster neighbors, Alpengeist and Griffon, may be taller and faster, but the Loch Ness Monster really sets the scene. Plus, for many local residents (and their kids), it was their first “big coaster.” It made sense for Busch Gardens to restore and enhance this already classic ride. So, after replacing 900 feet of track (including the two loops) and adding to the theming in the ride’s queue, station, and helix cave (call it “Nessie’s Lair”), how did they do? I’d say quite well. The ride itself is still the Loch Ness Monster we remember, but it’s less clunky and janky than it had become during the last few years--about as smooth as a 1970s Arrow coaster can get. This retracking should ensure the coaster is around for a long time to come. The park has been building the ride’s backstory for a while, too. The Loch Ness Monster has been spotted for the first time in years, and there’s a contest and cash prize for the first person to provide any photographic evidence of its existence. They’ve been playing up this story on social media through a series of videos featuring “Duncan,” a Scotsman obsessed with spotting Nessie and winning the cash. The main queue is filled with artifacts, such as old photos and news stories, about Loch Ness. There’s a small radio room that offers a few hints at what you’ll encounter during the ride, and the station itself has been repainted and decorated to better resemble an old Scottish castle. There’s new train-dispatch music, and the safety spiel is now delivered in a Scottish brogue. As for the ride, you’ll encounter the first evidence of the monster’s existence as you round the turn to the lift hill. There’s a radio shack broadcasting a message about a “wee craft” they found washed up on the shore--a wrecked coaster car with what looks like a dragon’s tooth sticking out of it. Nessie’s Lair now boasts spooky lighting, roaring sound effects, and Nessie menacing you (via video) as you twist around the helix. She gets another shot at you right after the second loop before you return to the station. Busch Gardens managed to upgrade a classic ride while maintaining the experience of the original coaster when it opened back in 1978. Well done! Here's a look at the Loch Ness Monster's media day. Theme Park Review thanks Busch Gardens for inviting us to participate. Just hanging out with my new Scottish chum, Duncan, who assured me that he was going to win the big prize. Hmm--a harbinger of things to come, perhaps? How can Nessie hope to elude capture when they have all this high-tech gear? I've seen a craft like this before . . . but where? You might see a tooth like this again. Keep your eyes open. Here's your chance to win big money. But don't be taken in by clever fakes like this. I know that monster is around here somewhere. Maybe I'll have better luck from bridge between Italy and Germany. Wait a second! What's that? Aha! The big prize is mine, I tell you! Mine! How do you like that, Duncan? "Grr! Nessie eat you now!" Don't miss your chance to join the Loch Ness Expedition. Thanks for reading.

Media Day: A Sneak Peek at the Loch Ness Monster & More The steep plunge, interlocking loops, and dark cavern helix of Busch Gardens’ Loch Ness Monster have been thrilling riders since 1978. For many Virginia locals, it was the first “big” coaster their kids could ride, and the park takes a lot of pride in it. But age, metal fatigue, and maintenance issues can catch up with any coaster, and the Monster was no exception. But anyone worried about the ride’s future can relax when the Loch Ness Monster: The Legend Lives On opens this May. The park shutdown the ride last year and started a major renovation project. The coaster’s classic profile now boasts 900 feet of shiny new track fabricated by Premier in Utah--this includes the signature loops. But the track isn’t the only part getting some love. New thematic elements are being added to the queue and station, along with a new sound system, to help tell the story of the hunt for the legendary sea serpent. New special effects, especially in the cavern, will give riders the chance to see the Loch Ness Monster “very vividly,” according to Kevin Lembke, the park president--but that’s a story for another day (I presume next month). Busch Gardens invited Theme Park Review for a first look at the Loch Ness Monster Sighting Center and the refreshed queue and station. They also shared what they’ve been doing to bring the 50-year-old Squire’s Grill restaurant up-to-date and let us sample a bit of the new fare for this year’s Food and Wine Festival. I didn’t see the Monster today--maybe I should’ve brought binoculars--but I can give you a look at the queue, station, and some other things. Come on in. Theme Park Review thanks Busch Gardens Williamsburg for inviting us to their media event. See you in May! EDIT: May 10 is the official opening date. Platinum and Premier members will have exclusive early ride time on May 2. All members have early ride time May 3-5. Welcome to Scotland! Nessie's entrance is looking quite spiffy. Kevin Lembke, park president, and Suzy Cheely, vice president, design and engineering, fill us in on how the legend will be living on. OK, adventurers--follow Suzy! The station now looks more like an old castle than it used to--complete with with rather medieval looking winches. They've added more "texture" to the walls and floors, too--along with a new Quick Queue entrance. I like that the transfer track is covered now. A little shade will help on hot, sunny days. They added an office to the queue, with plenty of high-tech (well, for the early 1900s) gadgetry. Photograph the Monster of Loch Ness! Win money, money money! (Well, if they allow you to take your camera on the ride.) Richard Smith, of Guernsey Tingle Architects in Williamsburg, tells us a bit about the coaster's back story: Nessie has finally been seen again after a long absence, and guests now have a chance to join the expedition searching for her. They're still adding thematic elements to the queue, as well. About 50% of the contractors working on the ride are local, and companies from Orlando and elsewhere are also involved in the Loch Ness Monster renovation. Here's the lower queue installed for the ride's 40th anniversary. It's pretty much the same. Look at those shiny new loops. Who wants to dine at the new Squire's Grill? They're upgrading the menu, too. Plans call for some seasonal burgers, with a chili-cheese burger to start. Hmm--I wonder what sorts of burgers they have planned for Howl-o-Scream and Christmas Town. Hungry guests will enter through this door and order and pay for their food. Guests pick up their food in here--under the watchful lords of the House of Spork. Here's what interior will look like. Seating will be outdoors, and there's a new covered seating area off to the left as you face the restaurant (around the corner). It should be a big improvement over the old facility. Big Ben is getting some love too--including a new motor. The Loch Ness Monster: The Legend Lives On Sighting Center opens "officially" this Friday (April 5). Read all about the history of this classic coaster here . . . . . . and see some classic photos, such as the "Flying Elvi." I think Nessie is related to Mega Shark. Speaking of "chomp," here's a sample of what to expect at this year's Food and Wine Festival: Peri Peri Chicken (Africa), Dalgona Korean Coffee (South Korea), Simit (a savory bread ring from Turkey), Bourbon Chocolate Tart (BarKastle), and Coban Salatasi (Turkey). There will be 85 new food items this year--these are 5 of them. "See you in May--GRRR! ROAR! GROWL!" Thanks for reading.

The prophecy is fulfilled! Or maybe not. But isn't it pretty to think so?

I have a piece of friendly advice. Go to Dollywood, ride it. and decide for yourself. Another piece of friendly advice: Saying "I'm certainly not one to cause problems or throw shade" is just a signal that you plan to do exactly that. If Robb said he "couldn't tell one bit of difference," he's giving you his true opinion.

Looks great, and I'm intrigued by the "roast beef" popcorn.

This is very sad news. I always liked those Schwarzkopf shuttles, but most of them are gone.

I was thinking the same thing.

It's good to see a park adding a skyride. I'm always in favor of transportation rides to help guests get around.

I've always been fond of Montezooma's Revenge. My older brother and I rode it numerous times back when it was new. It's too bad that this classic type of coaster has disappeared in the the U.S.

Yep--exactly! That weird boat ride could be an effective "haunt," too. It was pretty creepy.

I am not surprised by this revelation.