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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.

Part 17 Our Revels Now Are (Almost) Ended: Linnanmaki We have reached the most melancholy part of any trip report--the last park. Fortunately, it’s a good one: Linnanmaki in Helsinki. Although it’s not on the scale of Liseberg, Linnanmaki is a solid urban park, with a good assortment of attractions and some very aggressive seagulls (kind of like Liseberg). It’s also the home of my personal favorite “new-to-me” coaster of the trip: Taiga, a multi-launch Intamin creation. Taiga features not only forceful launches, but also a crazy, disorienting layout with equally crazy airtime. I was wondering if any ride could top Farup’s Fønix, but Taiga pulled it off; Taiga is even “Phoenix themed,” too. ERT on this ride was great! But there’s more to Linnanmaki than Taiga. They also have a classic wooden coaster with brake men and brake women; two dark rides--a “haunted hotel” for witches and a goofy circus ride with clowns and elephant feces; an “outer space” indoor coaster; Tulireki, a weird Mack coaster than makes no sense at all; and a ball of fire! Here’s a look at the finale of TPR’s 2023 Scandanavia Trip. My thanks to Robb and Elissa for making it all happen. This fountain is either adorable or frightening. Up to you. I’m having Tivoli Gardens/Bakken flashbacks here. So many serious faces! I guess being in the middle of a classic woodie is serious business. Are you "Oikopolu" or "Taigapolu"? Not to worry. We won't judge you. I'm Taigopolu and I'm proud! Intamin has done it again. With this, VelociCoaster, and Pantheon, I'm a happy man. You don’t know whether you’re coming or going in this layout. "What is happening to us? Save us, Jeebus!" Er, how does this work, exactly? Talk about “twisty.” If Taiga is too much for you, you can always play the Linnanmaki home game. Or perhaps you would rather challenge the Dark Forces? ”Yes, come a play a little game with us, dearie.” ”Roll the dice to see which demon you will invoke!” “You have summoned Tulireki! The most messed up demon of them all!” ”He has the power to cloud your mind and convince you that this is a good ride!” If Grona Lund’s Insane was a bit much for you, try Kirnu. ”Kirnu” is Finnish for “chum.” This ride just wants to be your Kirnu (not to throw you to the sharks). But maybe you’d rather have Ukko, the Finnish God of Thunder, as your Kirnu. Vuoristorata (“roller coaster”) might be a good Kirnu for you. it’s just not the same with computer-operated magnetic brakes. Linnanmaki and Tivoli Gardens are doing it right by sticking with brake men and brake women. Oh, lord--this ride still exists! It’s scarier and smellier than the hotel-for-witches ride! If they break into “Dancin’ Queen,” I’m outta here. When at Linnanmaki, take this sign seriously! Er, heads up, Jere! It’s Linnan-anarchy with these freakin’ birds! What out for your goodies there, guys! The gulls are hungry! Just about time to go. Here’s one last look at a classic from the past . . . . . . and Taiga, the classic of today. I leave you now with an old classic and a ball of fire! Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this look back at Scandinavia 2023. Once again, my thanks to Robb and Elissa for another great TPR trip!

Ultra Twister (Nagashima Spaland)

Nemesis has always been my favorite B&M inverted coaster. Looking forward to it being "reborn."

^I don't know for sure. I think the aquarium was under the observation tower, but I'm not certain.

It was ironic that the one reliable ride was the goofy S&S prototype (well, along with the train and the snake).

Part 16 Selfies, Hype, and a Tornado: Sarkanniemi About all I remembered about our second Finnish park, Sarkanniemi, from a previous TPR trip was that it had a dark ride, which was fun; the first Volare I’d ever ridden, which was not exactly fun; and an Intamin inverted coaster named Tornado, which was fun. Well, the dark ride is gone, which is too bad; the Volare is still there, which is also too bad; and Tornado is still there, which is very good. There used to be an Intamin Half-Pipe on top of a building, but it’s gone, too. I remember the park itself as being a bit generic, but it did have a nice setting on the water. It’s changed a bit since then. A parody of social media has seized the midway. It’s much more colorful now, and somewhat generic rides have been given names like “Hype” and “Boom.” There’s even a handy spot for taking a selfie, which helpfully sports a sign that says “Selfie Zone.” The social-media midway has the usual assortment of flats you might see in any European park, along with a Premier Sky Rocket 2 (the aforementioned Hype) and one of those Zamperla Moto Coasters. There’s a nice observation tower, a small aquarium, and even a “farm,” as well. A look at the park from the other side of the water. It amuses me that Hype (Sky Rocket 2) sits next to Boom (drop tower). We’re visiting the park tomorrow, so this is where we are for now. Let us now explore the city of Tempere and take in in this exquisite work of art. Now this is a tasty work of art. This pizza joint was a short walk from the hotel, and many of us ended up eating there, along with a lot of locals. It’s too bad that they haven’t build more of these Intamin inverts. I think the only other one is in Spain. This one even features a zero-g roll in a cave! This ERT session was a lot of fun, as Tornado is very smooth and re-rideable. (Photo by Elissa, I think.) I love the fluorescent yellow and orange trains. What sorcery is this? Fluorescent orange is the color of Zen rides. While fluorescent yellow is the color of “whee” . . . wait, that sounds wrong. To ensure safety, be sure to take all selfies in the designated Selfie Zone only. Let’s see what this is all about. About 150 feet, I think. We all felt magically transported to a Busch/SeaWorld park in the U.S. (I imagine Andy or AJ took this photo.) This is Trombi. I think this might be Finnish for “ouch,” “ow,” or perhaps “!!@#@$#@!!@@!.” “OK, who’s ready to become a social-media sensation?” Sarah was born ready! Is that Eric . . . or Dr. Strange? Hmm . . . I suspect that AI provided the name of this food stand. Robb shoots his most intense backseat POV ever. Either Elissa took this photo or I have an enormously long, invisible arm that’s holding my phone out for a selfie. Let’s check out the view topside. I wonder where the toilet fountain is? The park isn’t too big, but you really have to search to find the entrance to this rapids ride. Either the sea is calling me, or I really have to use the restroom. This is my best picture from the aquarium, which isn’t saying much. This is the only shot of the park’s “farm,” as I had to rush through it right before we left. I hope you like dog statues and sheep butts. We're off to Helsinki!

Part 15 An Identity Crisis and Dueling Infinity Coasters: Power Park Puzzled strangers are nothing new on Theme Park Review trips. Here’s a case in point. We flew to this rather small airport in northern Finland en route to the country’s (and I imagine the world’s) northern-most theme park--Power Park. The group was hanging out at baggage claim when I noticed this, I presume, Finnish gentlemen in a suit and tie staring at us in astonishment. It was as though he couldn’t believe that anyone who wasn’t Finnish would fly here unless they absolutely had to on business. Hey, fun is very serious business. Sometimes, fun requires you to wear a fire suit! So, off we went from the adorably cute little aerodrome to Power Park . . . or was that “Powerland”? The resort and park bear both names. From what I’ve gleaned, “Powerland” started out as the amusement section of the Power Park resort. However, over the years the “Powerland” name was dropped, and the whole place--hotel, go kart tracks, stables, and amusement park--became known as “Power Park.” But I could be mistaken. Power Park boasts two Gerstlaurer Infinity Coasters: Junker and Pitts Special. Junker is a launched ride with a sprawling layout, some inversions, and plenty of airtime. Pitts Special has a vertical chain lift, a twisty layout with no inversions, and some decent airtime. The rides are next-door neighbors. When you see all that green track from the park’s go-kart grandstands, it looks like it’s all one ride. Everyone seemed to love Junker, but were more indifferent to Pitts Special. I look at it this way: Junker is great ride, while Pitts Special is a good one. There was a TPR Gran Prix this year. I drove in the 2009 version and found that I wasn’t a “go-kart guy” (I also had the worst time of anyone on the track that day, as I’m far too cautious). But Power park had plenty of other attractions to offer, such as Thunderbird (an old GCI built in 2006) and a fun Wild West shooting dark ride in a haunted saloon. (Yes, like other Scandinavian parks, Power Park has its own western town.) Start your engines and come on in. The cleverly named “Park Hotel.” It’s actually quite nice. The photo of the photo session of the video session of the TPR Gran Prix. I’m dizzy just from writing that. See all that green, twisty Gerstlaurer track? It's two Infinity Coasters that seem to merge into one! Perhaps Power Park is a portal to the Multiverse! I think the train in the foreground (red stripe) is Pitts, while the train in the background is Junker. But it’s really hard to tell from this vantage point. Is "Powerland" the alternate-universe "Power Park"? We’re not talking “junker” as in your cousin’s old 1980 Chevette. This is “Junker” as in the old WWII German airplane. A dramatic shot of Junker in flight, diving out of the sun, strafing an enemy airfield . . . well, maybe not that. Pitts Special cannot do this. Reactions range from “whee” to “why did I get on this thing?” Put me in the “whee” group. I really liked this ride. Time to unleash the group on an unsuspecting park! (Photo by Robb Alvey.) Neo’s Twister is a ride that exists. The fact of its existence is neither “good” nor “bad.” It simply “is”--and that’s enough. Bill Maher in a cowboy hat doing a set in Vegas--Finnish style. “You gonna flip them flippers or whistle ‘Dixie’”? It’s a truck and a restaurant? O brave new world with such people in it! “I’m Jack Palance. And tonight, you’re going to ride a Vekoma Boomerang that doesn’t actually try to kill you! Believe it . . . or else!” Joyride. It too exists. Like Neo’s Twister. This gives you a good look at Pitts’s weird “treble clef” element, which reminded me of Fury at Carowinds. At least that's how it looks from this angle. Thunderbird runs surprisingly well for a 17-year-old GCI. I like its nice sign and waterfall, too. It does, indeed, have hair time--if you provide the hair. “This here’s the wildest ride in the Finnish wilderness!” OK, this was apparently a somewhat uncomfortable section of track. (Photo probably by AJ or Andy.) I vote for the front row on Thunderbird. (Photo probably by AJ or Andy. Or maybe Elissa. I forget.) So that’s what happened to WDW’s old Tower of Terror billboard. Let’s have another look at Pitts Special. It’s the best Infinity Coaster at Power Park that isn’t Junker. OK, I kid--it’s a fun ride. It’s also endearingly bowlegged. Here’s another ride that happened, but I’m not sure it exists as more than a hallucination. There’s this little indoor mall near the park with a collection of unusual cars--such as James Bond’s Lotus from The Spy Who Loved Me. You get a nice view of the park’s skyline on the walk back from the mall. Before we bid a fond farewell to Power Park . . . . . . here’s one last look at Junker.

Hmm--I think I want some chicken tamale fries.

Part 14 The Park with a Monster in a Subway: Grona Lund It’s been awhile since I updated this trip report, but before I get started about TPR’s latest visit to Grona Lund, I’d like to express my condolences to the families of the victims and to the park over the tragic accident on Jetline, which happened just a few days after our group had departed Stockholm. To the best of my knowledge, there hasn’t been a final report about what happened, and the ride remains closed. Like Kolmarden, I’ve written a lot about Grona Lund over the years. I’ve visited this park a few times with TPR, and I like the place quite a bit. Even so, there has been a big change at the park since my last visit: Monster, the park’s B&M inverted coaster. When I was there with TPR a few years ago, they gave us a construction tour when the ride station was just a concrete-lined, partly flooded hole in the ground. I’m happy to say that Monster is even better than I’d expected. I love how it swoops over the park, just barely missing the roofs of buildings. There’s even a surprising pop of airtime at one point (not something you expect in a B&M invert) and this cool little “carousel” bit it does at the park boundary. The concrete-lined hole from a few years ago now resembles an old-time subway platform. Monster was definitely worth a solo “Zen ride.” I took one during an ERT session. It was quite a nice experience with just the B&M “roar” for company and some great views of the Stockholm waterfront. Let’s move on to the photos of TPR’s day at Grona Lund. You may see guys in wet t shirts--you have been warned. Morning ERT is serious business, as you can tell from Steve and Big Mike’s expressions. In case you hadn’t heard, this park kind of likes towers. So, you have to walk upstairs to get into the subway to ride Monster? Makes perfect sense. This station needs a barbershop quartet, if they have such things in Sweden. Everyone can now claim that they have truly ridden a Monster. I can’t vouch for how much “stump thumping” occurred or who the “stump thumpers” were. All I know is that "stumps" were, indeed, "thumped." "Why don’t we call it ‘Soarin’ Over Grona Lund’”? “What the hell? A letter from Disney’s lawyers?” “Let’s stick with ‘Monster.’” This drop into the brakes before entering the station is pretty cool. Best final brake run anywhere. Intense, yes, but old geezers like me like it too. (Photo by Elissa, I think.) I don’t want any of you to be too nervous about Insane, but notice I’m not riding it. I think they kind of like it. “My god, what is happening?” Last known photo before they were spun into a different dimension. It appears we have a dissenting vote in the “Do you like Insane?” poll. “Really? We vote both vote ‘yes.’” How’s the Vilde Maus water challenge going, guys? Watch out for that hill! Yeah, that’s pretty much what happened to me, too. What? No water cups? Get the buckets ready. Welcome to one Insane workshop. Intamin in all its naked glory. “YOU THINK I AM INSANE? NO, IT IS YOU WHO ARE INSANE!” “OK, before you Insane guys start carving yourselves up with chainsaws, get your tickets and wristbands.” Er, lady? I don’t think you’re properly dressed for this particular fun-house obstacle. Good luck, men! I see you’re wearing appropriate attire. Eric nearly blends in. Soon he will be one with the FUN DIMENSION! This crazy slide/conveyor belt practically throws you over the side. Eric enters the Multiverse of Madness. When the Swedes build a “Tunnel of Love,” they build a real “Tunnel of Love.” I’ve always been impressed with how well they use space at Grona Lund. The harbor is pretty busy today. I’m glad the giraffe crane is still here . . . . . . as are the Swedish tacos. This Angry Bird went a bit off course. Twister is down for retracking, but I love the old-school sign and entrance. Look--it’s Sarah’s favorite attraction! Just knock on the door, Sarah. Your host will be with you shortly. The “troll tree” is still here, but I guess it doesn’t shoot out flames anymore. I love how Monster just flies over its entrance. Joey has two balls. He is very proud. Elissa was not victorious in this challenge. Another beautiful, old-school ride entrance. Watch the ground rise up to meet you on Ikaros. The sun sets on another beautiful day in Stockholm. We'll be heading to Finland soon.

Sheep? Hedgehog? For my money, the park is all about Fønix (and maybe the insane obstacle course and haunted funhouse).

I just asked if they were replacing the trains during the Q&A, and they said they were sticking with the current trains. The trains they have now were made by S&S Worldwide according to the Roller Coaster Database.

Busch Gardens’ Media Town Hall: Loch Ness Monster--The Legend Lives On & More The Loch Ness Monster has been thrilling park guests since 1978. For many Virginia locals, this was the first “big” coaster they ever rode. If any ride can be considered an “icon” for Busch Gardens, it’s the Loch Ness Monster, with its interlocking loops and cave helix. This weekend, BGW’s pass members have a chance to take a last ride on Nessie before she shuts down for a big makeover. Park president Kevin Lembke discussed some of these changes at a “Media Town Hall” on Friday, November 3. Here’s a glimpse at what’s being planned for the ride when it reopens in spring 2024: “All-new theming and innovative effects throughout ride experience.” Innovative Studios will be providing the new thematic elements. “Over 900 feet of steel track replaced (3,240 ft. total).” Premier provided the new track. BGW is working on a way to provide “souvenir pieces” of the old track in 2024. “Enhanced queue experience with added storytelling.” This won’t be the first time the park has “beefed up” the queue. The lower queue section, used on busy days, has been sporting an expedition camp for years now. It’ll be interesting to see how they expand on this concept. The park also put new trains on the Loch Ness Monster in 2018. But there’s more than just the Loch Ness Monster renovation going on at Busch Gardens--Christmas Town begins on Friday, November 10! Here are a few details about how the park plans to ring in the holidays this year: “Gloria” will returning to the Abbeystone Theatre in Killarney. “Wiseman,” a new singing trio, will be performing at the theatre in Italy. The “Polar Pathway” (Escape from Pompeii) will feature synchronized lights and music, and the “O Tanenbaum” show in Germany is getting an upgrade, too. A “Build a Bear” shop will be open in England. The Virginia Beer Company is brewing a Christmas Town Stout. All this, in addition to the millions of lights, classic holiday shows, and special Christmas fare the park offers each season. The Squire’s Grill in England is also being renovated. When this work is finished, the old “buffeteria” will resemble a rustic, old-time English tavern. A new food venue, the Catalina Grill, is also coming to Water Country USA. And lest we forget, 2024 will mark the 15th anniversary of Christmas Town and the 25th anniversary of Howl-o-Scream. We’ll hear more about this later. Busch Gardens Williamsburg in early November, when Howl-o-Scream and Christmas Town collide! HOS closed on Halloween, so there are still a few traces of the "Jack Is Back" show in Killarney. The park's presentation was in the Abbeystone Theatre. Park president Kevin Lembke looks ready for Christmas Town. I took my "last ride" on Friday. Drumroll please. This is the only piece of "concept art" they showed us. The rest is still under wraps, but they are planning something for the big cave helix. Pantheon will be running during Christmas Town, as will four other coasters. The new Christmas Town Shows. Time for a quick photo with the Big Guy . . . . . . before taking a "last ride." Up they go to whatever fate awaits them! The first drop to the "loch." Loop # 1! Emerging from the cave . . . . . . and into loop #2. Back to the station. Don't forget--Christmas Town starts next Friday! You can't ride the Loch Ness Monster during Christmas Town, but you can hang it on your Christmas tree. Thanks for reading.

Confirmed!

That ride never appealed to me.