Ready to take on the BEST roller coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg!
If you’re planning a trip to Busch Gardens, you’re in for a treat.
This European-themed park in Virginia boasts some of the most exhilarating roller coasters on the East Coast.
Our team at ThemeParkHipster has ridden every coaster in the park (multiple times!) and am ready to break down which ones will give you the biggest adrenaline rush.
From family-friendly options to stomach-dropping behemoths, let’s dive into the complete ranking of Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s roller coaster collection!
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Key Takeaways
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers a diverse range of roller coasters, catering to both thrill-seekers and families.
- InvadR is a family-friendly wooden coaster, perfect for newcomers to the roller coaster experience.
- The transition from dark rides to coasters, like DarKoaster, reflects a trend towards enhancing thrill while maintaining family-friendly themes.
- The Big Bad Wolf coaster, set to open in 2025, promises an exhilarating experience inspired by a Bavarian legend.
- Pantheon, ranked as the top coaster, showcases the park’s commitment to innovative and thrilling attractions.
- Personally, Apollo’s Chariot and Verbolten are my favorite rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Keep reading to get the full breakdown on each roller coaster at this park!
#11 Grover’s Alpine Express (20-28 mph)
Starting this list is the adorable Grover’s Alpine Express, the perfect introduction to roller coasters for the little ones.
Located in the Sesame Street Forest of Fun, this kiddie coaster reaches with modest speeds a little over 20 mph (miles per hour) while standing at just 24 feet tall.
What makes this coaster special is its gentle turns and mild drops that give kids their first taste of roller coaster excitement without overwhelming them.
The colorful Sesame Street theming makes it extra appealing for young park-goers.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Ride this early in the day as the Sesame Street area tends to get crowded with families by midday.
#10 The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge (40 mph)
Though not yet open, the highly anticipated The Big Bad Wolf deserves a spot on our list.
Set to debut on May 23, 2025, this coaster is inspired by the legendary wolf that once terrorized a Bavarian village.
The original Big Bad Wolf was a beloved suspended coaster that closed in 2009, and fans have been howling for its return ever since.
The new version promises to be a modern reimagining with thrilling elements while honoring the nostalgia of the original with speeds reaching up to 40 miles per hour.
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#9 Invadr (48 mph)
InvadR holds a special place in the park as Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s first and only wooden roller coaster.
Standing at 74 feet with top speeds of almost 50 miles per hour, this Viking-themed coaster offers a classic wooden coaster experience with modern engineering.
What I love about InvadR is the ability to stand out with its accessibility for families.
It’s thrilling enough for coaster enthusiasts but gentle enough for those working their way up to the bigger rides.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Sit toward the back for maximum airtime on the 74-foot drop, or choose the front for the best views of the 2,118-foot track stretching before you.
#8 DarKoaster (36 mph)
The relatively new DarKoaster takes riders on a mysterious journey through an abandoned castle.
This indoor launch coaster reaches speeds of 36 mph and features multiple launches and special effects.
What makes this coaster unique is its immersive storytelling and the fact that it’s completely in the dark.
The ride replaced the former Curse of DarKastle dark ride, maintaining the spooky theme while adding thrilling coaster elements.
Honestly, I was more of a fan of the queue than the actual ride.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Be prepared for longer wait times as this coaster has a surprisingly low capacity. Visit early in the day or use Quick Queue if available.
#7 Tempesto (63 mph)
Tempesto packs a powerful punch despite its compact footprint.
This Premier Rides Sky Rocket II model launches riders from 0 to 63 mph almost instantly and sends them through a heart-pounding triple launch sequence.
Standing at 154 feet tall, Tempesto features a non-inverting loop where you climb vertically, slow nearly to a stop, and then race backward through the same track.
The intensity level is high, making this a favorite for adrenaline junkies.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Skip the lockers and leave loose items with a non-riding friend – the restraint system on Tempesto is tight, and you won’t want anything in your pockets.
#6 Loch Ness Monster (60 mph)
A true legend among coaster enthusiasts, the Loch Ness Monster has been thrilling guests since 1978 with a recent update that occured in 2024.
This iconic coaster features the world’s only interlocking vertical loops and reaches speeds of 60 mph.
At 130 feet tall, Nessie (as fans affectionately call it) offers beautiful views of the park and multiple underground tunnel sections.
The classic Arrow Dynamics design gives riders a nostalgic coaster experience that has stood the test of time.
To me, this is one of those classic amusement park rides that you have to add to your bucket list!
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Ride at sunset for a magical experience as the lights along the track illuminate the famous loops, creating a scene almost as mysterious as the legendary Scottish creature it’s named after.
#5 Verbolten (53 mph)
Verbolten combines storytelling and thrills in a way few coasters can match. This multi-launch coaster takes riders through the forbidden Black Forest at speeds up to 53 mph.
What makes Verbolten exceptional is its surprise free-fall track section (my favorite part) inside a dark building and a nearly 90-foot drop toward the Rhine River.
The ride features multiple storylines that can change with each ride, giving you a different experience each time.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Try to ride Verbolten both during day and night for completely different experiences. The forest theming takes on an even more ominous feel after dark.
#4 Alpengeist (67 mph)
Soaring above the Oktoberfest section of the park, Alpengeist is a massive inverted coaster that simulates an out-of-control ski lift.
With a 195-foot drop and speeds reaching 67 mph, this B&M masterpiece delivers intense inversions and sweeping turns similar to Montu at Busch Gardens Tampa, Florida.
What makes Alpengeist special is its alpine theming and six inversions that include a zero-g roll, cobra roll, and vertical loop.
The sensation of dangling beneath the track while racing through these elements is unmatched. Making it one of the best roller coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: For the most intense experience on Alpengeist, request the front row (my favorite spot) where you’ll feel every airtime moment and have unobstructed views of the ground rushing beneath your feet.
#3 Apollo’s Chariot (73 mph)
Often ranked among the world’s best steel coasters, Apollo’s Chariot delivers an experience worthy of the Greek gods.
This hyper coaster has a 210 foot drop, reaches speeds of 73 mph, and is famous for its incredible airtime moments.
What makes Apollo’s Chariot exceptional is its nine air-time hills that provide the sensation of weightlessness.
The smooth ride and beautiful setting make this a must-ride for any coaster enthusiast. Plus, it’s my favorite coaster in the park!
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Sit in the back row for maximum airtime on the hills, where you’ll be pulled over each crest with incredible force.
#2 Griffon (75 mph)
Prepare to face your fears on Griffon, a floorless dive coaster that will leave you breathless.
This 205-foot tall behemoth features a 90-degree drop while riders dangle face-down for several heart-stopping seconds before the plunge and is similar to SheiKra at Busch Gardens Tampa.
What makes Griffon unforgettable is its wide 10-across seating and the feeling of nothing beneath your feet as you dive at 75 mph.
The splashdown effect near the end adds a refreshing surprise, especially on hot summer days.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: The front row (on the edge) offers the most terrifying experience as you’ll have nothing obstructing your view during the drop, but every seat provides a unique thrill.
#1 Pantheon (73 mph)
Taking the top spot is Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s coaster masterpiece, Pantheon.
This multi-launch coaster reaches a top speed of 73 mph and features one of the steepest drops in North America at 95 degrees.
What makes Pantheon the ultimate coaster experience is its variety of thrilling elements:
- four launches (forward and backward)
- two inversions
- five air-time hills
- 180-foot tall spike with a beyond-vertical drop
The ride’s theme incorporates five Roman gods, each representing different elements of the coaster. Making it one of the best roller coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
It’s also similar to VelociCoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Pantheon’s queue can get lengthy, so head there first thing in the morning or use Quick Queue. The middle rows offer the best combination of forces throughout the ride.
My Final Thoughts
Busch Gardens Williamsburg truly offers one of the most diverse and thrilling coaster collections on the East Coast.
From the kid-friendly Grover’s Alpine Express to the record-breaking Pantheon, there’s something for every level of thrill-seeker.
My recommendation? Plan a two-day visit to fully appreciate these amazing machines. Start with the milder coasters and work your way up to the giants.
Which Busch Gardens Williamsburg coaster are you most excited to ride? Drop a comment below with your favorite or the one you’re most looking forward to experiencing!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
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