WJCC Voice

• Opening and Evolution:
  • Busch Gardens: The Old Country opened in May 1975 with eight rides on ~3,000 acres, owned by Anheuser-Busch.
  • Initially featured one roller coaster; now known as Busch Gardens Williamsburg with significant expansions.
  • Added attractions include Howl-O-Scream, Christmas Town, Sesame Street area, and a summer concert series.
• 50th Anniversary Celebration:
  • Celebrated on May 16, 2025, with a new coaster opening to members, marked by a presentation at the Globe Theatre.
  • Park president Kevin Lembke described the milestone as “momentous” and “surreal.”
• Historical Context:
  • Third Anheuser-Busch park in the U.S., after Tampa, Florida, and Los Angeles (closed 1979).
  • Sold to United Parks & Resorts Inc. in 2009.
• Notable Rides and Changes:
  • Loch Ness Monster (1978) was the first coaster with interlocking loops; recently refurbished.
  • Big Bad Wolf closed in 2009, relaunched in May 2025 as Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, a milder version.
  • Other retired rides: Le Mans Raceway, Drachen Fire, Corkscrew Hill, Mach Tower, and The Flying Machine (closed March 2025).
• Awards and Recognition:
  • Named the world’s Most Beautiful Theme Park for 35 years by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.
  • Celtic Fyre, an Irish dancing show, repeatedly voted best theme park entertainment by USA Today.
• Food and Events:
  • Themed food across park’s “countries” highlighted by former president Donnie Mills (2003–2007).
  • Annual Food & Wine Festival features global cuisines.
• Upcoming Attractions:
  • New stage show to debut in June 2025 at the German Festhaus.
  • Coasters After Dark event starts June 13, 2025, with Oktoberfest area and coasters open until midnight.
  • Water Country USA, also owned by United Parks & Resorts, will introduce Aqua Glow, a nighttime event.

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