ALPENGEIST

ALPENGEIST, BUSH GARDENS, VA

An inverted coaster from B&M themed after a ski lift and located in the Germany section of Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Alpengeist operates with three trains consisting of eight rows seating four across for a total capacity of 32 riders. Upon dispatch the train ascends a 195-foot chain lift hill and drops 170 feet to the right before entering an Immelmann loop followed by a 106-foot vertical loop.  It then passes through a tunnel and cobra roll before hitting the block brake.  From that point it drops, racing along to the left over artificial snow, and goes through a zero-g roll.  The final elements are a corkscrew and helix.

The ride is very well paced, with the six inversions, and the train moves along at a good clip, reaching a maximum speed of 67 mph.  In addition it features great scenery, with the train passing along the side of the Rhine River and alongside Griffon.   It also comes close to the Loch Ness Monster; from a distance the three coasters appear to be almost intertwined.  The elements are really very good and I found the ride experience exhilarating. I also liked the fact that the ride duration is 3:10.  Alpengeist is one of the better inverts I’ve ridden. 4 out of 5 stars.  For more information about rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, visit https://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/