Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster)
| Loch Ness Monster | |
|---|---|
The interlocking vertical loops | |
| Busch Gardens Williamsburg | |
| Location | Busch Gardens Williamsburg |
| Park section | Scotland |
| Coordinates | 37°14′03″N 76°38′46″W / 37.23417°N 76.64611°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | June 2, 1978 |
| Cost | USD$5 million ($24.1 million in 2024 dollars) |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel |
| Manufacturer | Arrow Development |
| Designer | Ron Toomer |
| Model | Custom Looping Coaster |
| Track layout | Terrain |
| Lift/launch system | Two chain lift hills |
| Height | 130 ft (40 m) |
| Drop | 114.2 ft (34.8 m) |
| Length | 3,240 ft (990 m) |
| Speed | 60 mph (97 km/h) |
| Inversions | 2 |
| Duration | 2:10 |
| Max vertical angle | 55° |
| G-force | 3.5 |
| Restraint style | Over-the-shoulder |
| Theme | Loch Ness Monster |
| Loch Ness Monster at RCDB | |
| Video | |
Loch Ness Monster is a steel roller coaster located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia. Manufactured by Arrow Development and designed by Ron Toomer, it was the first roller coaster in the world to feature interlocking loops. The roller coaster was opened within the park's Scottish hamlet, Heatherdowns, on June 2, 1978, and relates to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. The roller coaster reaches a maximum height of 130 ft (40 m), with a maximum speed of 60 mph (97 km/h), and a total track length of 3,240 ft (990 m).
The Loch Ness Monster is the only remaining roller coaster in the world with interlocking loops. In addition to the interlocking loops, located over one of the park's water features, the design includes a helix tunnel, two lift hills, and a 114.2 ft (34.8 m) drop. Upon opening, the Loch Ness Monster received generally positive reviews. The park has commemorated numerous anniversaries for the Loch Ness Monster and was designated as a Coaster Landmark by American Coaster Enthusiasts.