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Updated some outdated information about the new coaster that will be opening on the old Drachen Fire land.
 
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{{short description|Defunct roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg}}
{{short description|Defunct roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg}}
{{More citations needed|date=August 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox roller coaster
{{Infobox roller coaster
|name=Drachen Fire
|name=Drachen Fire
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|manufacturer = Arrow Dynamics
|manufacturer = Arrow Dynamics
|designer = [[Ron Toomer]]
|designer = [[Ron Toomer]]
|model = Custom Looping
|model = Custom Looping Coaster
|replacement=Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge
|track = custom
|lift = Chain [[lift hill]]
|lift = Chain [[lift hill]]
|height_ft = 150
|height_ft = 150
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|cost = $4,000,000
|cost = $4,000,000
|gforce = <!--Requires a source-->
|gforce = <!--Requires a source-->
|restriction_in = 48
|rcdb_number = 112
|rcdb_number = 112
|coordinates = {{Coord|37.230636|-76.644435|display=it}}
|coordinates = {{Coord|37.230636|-76.644435|display=it}}
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}}
}}


'''Drachen Fire''' was a [[steel roller coaster]] located at [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]] in [[Williamsburg, Virginia]]. Manufactured by [[Arrow Dynamics]] based on initial designs from industry newcomer [[Bolliger & Mabillard]], the ride opened to the public in 1992. Drachen Fire featured a {{Convert|150|ft|m|adj=mid|tall}} [[lift hill]], six inversions, and a zero-gravity [[Camelback (roller coaster element)|camelback]] element. One of the inversions was removed after the 1994 season to improve ride comfort. The track was light blue with silver supports, and it was located in the Oktoberfest portion of the park behind [[Big Bad Wolf (roller coaster)|Big Bad Wolf]] and Das Festhaus. It was originally configured with three trains, each consisting of red cars with grey seats, and featured red trim lights that illuminated the trains at night.<ref name="RCDB">{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Drachen Fire|location=Busch Gardens Williamsburg|rcdb_number=112|accessdate=May 19, 2020}}</ref> Drachen Fire was met with overwhelmingly negative reception from guests due to its rough ride experience. It closed in the middle of the 1998 and remained standing until its demolition in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKfSC3_LUtA|title=Defunctland: The History of Drachen Fire at Busch Gardens Williamsburg|website=YouTube|publisher=Defunctland}}</ref>
'''Drachen Fire''' was a [[steel roller coaster]] located at [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]] in [[Williamsburg, Virginia]]. Manufactured by [[Arrow Dynamics]], the ride opened to the public in 1992. Drachen Fire featured a {{Convert|150|ft|m|adj=mid|tall}} [[lift hill]], six inversions, and a zero-gravity [[Camelback (roller coaster element)|camelback]] element. One of the inversions was removed after the 1994 season to improve ride comfort. The track was light blue with silver supports, and it was located in the Oktoberfest portion of the park behind [[Verbolten]] and Das Festhaus. It was originally configured with three trains, each consisting of red cars with grey seats, and featured red trim lights that illuminated the trains at night.<ref name="RCDB">{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Drachen Fire|location=Busch Gardens Williamsburg|rcdb_number=112|accessdate=May 19, 2020}}</ref> Drachen Fire was closed in the middle of the 1998 season following a history of low ridership and complaints of roughness. It remained standing until its demolition in 2002.


== History ==
== History ==

=== Construction and opening ===
=== Construction and opening ===
On July 5, 1991, Busch Gardens Williamsburg announced that a new steel roller coaster would be added to the park in 1992. Built by [[Arrow Dynamics]], the ride would be located towards the back of the park next to [[Big Bad Wolf (roller coaster)|Big Bad Wolf]].<ref>{{cite news|date=July 6, 1991|title=Coasting along and more|work=Daily Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/59030276/coasting-along-and-more/|url-status=live|access-date=September 17, 2020|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> It would be later named Drachen Fire. That year, the [[SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment#Busch Entertainment|Anheuser-Busch Entertainment Corporation]] announced a myriad of upcoming rides for their various amusement parks. Keith M. Kasen, then General Manager for [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]], commented on the addition of Drachen Fire for the 1992 season stating, "[[Anheuser-Busch]] has shown a commitment to reinvestment and making a real strong quality statement."<ref name="LiftProfit-OrlandoSentinel" /> Construction of Drachen Fire began in the fall of 1991, which was filmed for its upcoming marketing campaign.<ref name="AdvertisingCampaign-RichmondTimes" /> Footage of the design, construction, and testing process of Drachen Fire was later documented in a 1993 [[PBS]] special of their NOVA program, titled "Roller Coaster".<ref>{{cite web|title=Roller Coaster|url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/education/programs/2016_rollerco.html|website=PBS NOVA|publisher=PBS}}</ref> Construction of the new coaster was completed in early 1992, placing it on schedule to open the same year on April 4.
On July 5, 1991, Busch Gardens Williamsburg announced that a new steel roller coaster would be added to the park in 1992. Built by Arrow Dynamics, the ride would be located towards the back of the park next to [[Big Bad Wolf (roller coaster)|Big Bad Wolf]].<ref>{{cite news|date=July 6, 1991|title=Coasting along and more|work=Daily Press|via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/59030276/coasting-along-and-more/|access-date=September 17, 2020}}</ref> The ride would be named Drachen Fire, after the word for "dragon" in German.<ref name="n108286623">{{Cite news |date=January 2, 1992 |title=Drachen Fire |pages=74 |work=Daily Press |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108286623/drachen-fire/ |access-date=August 25, 2022 }}</ref><ref name="n108287015">{{Cite news |last=Rosenberg |first=Patti |date=July 8, 1995 |title=Busch Gardens faces lawsuit |pages=9, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108287118/ 10] |work=Daily Press |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108287015/busch-gardens-faces-lawsuitpatti/ |access-date=August 25, 2022}}</ref> It would become the park's third major roller coaster. The attraction would feature six inversions,<ref name="n108286623" /> as well as other elements like a camelback hump and a cutback. The ride's {{convert|60|ft|m|adj=on}} trains would feature a sleek aerodynamic style design and wraparound bucket seats.<ref>{{cite news|date=September 4, 1991|title=The thrill of a lifetime|work=The Evening Sun|via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69696599/the-thrill-of-a-lifetime/|access-date=September 28, 2021}}</ref> That year, the [[SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment#Busch Entertainment|Anheuser-Busch Entertainment Corporation]] announced a myriad upcoming attractions for their various amusement parks. Keith M. Kasen, then General Manager for Busch Gardens Williamsburg, commented on the addition of Drachen Fire for the 1992 season stating, "[[Anheuser-Busch]] has shown a commitment to reinvestment and making a real strong quality statement."<ref name="LiftProfit-OrlandoSentinel" />


Busch Gardens heavily marketed the new ride in what was identified as the park's biggest promotional campaign in over a decade dating back to [[Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster)|Loch Ness Monster]] in 1978.<ref name="AdvertisingCampaign-RichmondTimes">{{cite news |title=Park Pushing New Coaster |accessdate=May 20, 2020 |work=Richmond Times-Dispatch |date=February 29, 1992}}</ref> The tagline marketed for the ride was "Feel the Heat".<ref name="Soloman, Digby">{{cite news|last1=Soloman|first1=Digby|title=Going for a Joy Ride|url=http://articles.dailypress.com/1992-04-26/entertainment/9204260270_1_roller-coaster-drachen-fire-busch-gardens|agency=Daily Press|date=April 26, 1992}}</ref> The park hired comedian [[Dana Carvey]] to meet and greet visitors, as well as cut the ribbon at a special preview opening ceremony on April 3, 1992.<ref name="LiftProfit-OrlandoSentinel">{{cite news|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1992-03-22-9203200121-story.html |title=Busch Gardens Relies On Ride To Lift Profit |last=Hagstrom |first=Suzy |date=March 22, 1992 |work=Orlando Sentinel |accessdate=May 20, 2020}}</ref><ref name="OpeningDayFail-RichmondTimes" /> After six or seven successful runs during the preview event, a train stalled on the lift hill forcing passengers to evacuate.<ref name="OpeningDayFail-RichmondTimes" /> During the downtime, Carvey offered an impromptu stand-up comedy routine to entertain the crowd and keep guests occupied.<ref name="OpeningDayFail-RichmondTimes" /> When the ride resumed operation, another train stalled on the lift hill again forcing the park to close the ride for the remainder of the evening.<ref name="OpeningDayFail-RichmondTimes" /> For its official opening to the public the following day, Drachen Fire remained closed all morning and eventually opened midday.<ref name="OpeningDayFail-RichmondTimes">{{cite news|last=Wilford|first=Kate|title=Comedian Helps Save Rocky Day When Busch Coaster Fails To Roll|work=Richmond Times-Dispatch|date=April 5, 1992|accessdate=May 20, 2020}}</ref>
Construction of Drachen Fire began in the fall of 1991, which was filmed for its upcoming marketing campaign.<ref name="AdvertisingCampaign-RichmondTimes" /> Footage of the design, construction, and testing process of Drachen Fire was later documented in a 1993 [[PBS]] special of their NOVA program, titled "Roller Coaster".<ref>{{cite web|title=Roller Coaster|url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/education/programs/2016_rollerco.html|website=PBS NOVA|publisher=PBS}}</ref> Construction of the new coaster was completed in early 1992, placing it on schedule to open the same year on April 4.<ref name="n108286623" /> Busch Gardens heavily marketed the new ride in what was identified as the park's biggest promotional campaign in over a decade dating back to [[Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster)|Loch Ness Monster]] in 1978.<ref name="AdvertisingCampaign-RichmondTimes">{{cite news |title=Park Pushing New Coaster |work=Richmond Times-Dispatch |date=February 29, 1992}}</ref> The tagline marketed for the ride was "Feel the Heat".<ref name="Soloman, Digby">{{cite news |last1=Soloman |first1=Digby |date=April 26, 1992 |title=Going for a Joy Ride |agency=Daily Press |url=https://www.dailypress.com/1992/04/26/going-for-a-joy-ride/ |access-date=May 24, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821171006/http://articles.dailypress.com/1992-04-26/entertainment/9204260270_1_roller-coaster-drachen-fire-busch-gardens |archive-date=August 21, 2014}}</ref>

The park hired comedian [[Dana Carvey]] to meet and greet visitors, as well as cut the ribbon at a special preview opening ceremony on April 3, 1992.<ref name="LiftProfit-OrlandoSentinel">{{cite news |last=Hagstrom |first=Suzy |date=March 22, 1992 |title=Busch Gardens Relies On Ride To Lift Profit |work=Orlando Sentinel |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1992-03-22-9203200121-story.html |access-date=May 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520044059/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1992-03-22-9203200121-story.html |archive-date=May 20, 2020}}</ref><ref name="OpeningDayFail-RichmondTimes" /> After six or seven successful runs during the preview event, a train stalled on the lift hill forcing passengers to evacuate.<ref name="OpeningDayFail-RichmondTimes" /> During the downtime, Carvey offered an impromptu stand-up comedy routine to entertain the crowd and keep guests occupied.<ref name="OpeningDayFail-RichmondTimes" /> When the ride resumed operation, another train stalled on the lift hill again forcing the park to close the ride for the remainder of the evening.<ref name="OpeningDayFail-RichmondTimes" /> For its official opening to the public the following day, Drachen Fire remained closed all morning and eventually opened midday.<ref name="OpeningDayFail-RichmondTimes">{{cite news|last=Wilford|first=Kate|title=Comedian Helps Save Rocky Day When Busch Coaster Fails To Roll|work=Richmond Times-Dispatch|date=April 5, 1992}}</ref>


=== Operation ===
=== Operation ===
The ride drew large crowds and was initially well-received by many coaster enthusiasts.<ref name="BlastFromThePast-NPN" /> [[American Coaster Enthusiasts]] President Ray J. Ueberroth called the coaster "an outstanding ride", and the group's former president, Randy Geisler, stated, "I can just say it's spectacular."<ref name="OpeningDayFail-RichmondTimes" /> However, less than a month after opening, the coaster's popularity faded when it gained a reputation for its roughness.<ref name="Pain In The Neck - Petkofsky" /> Riders were routinely advised by announcers to remove any clip-on earrings before riding and keep their heads pressed against headrests during the ride.<ref name="Pain In The Neck - Petkofsky">{{cite news |work=[[The Richmond Times-Dispatch]] |title=Some Riders Rate Drachen Fire As Pain In The Neck – Official Says Park Content With Ride Safety, Comfort |first=Andrew |last=Petkofsky |page=8 |date=April 20, 1992}}</ref> This resulted ride operators in the station not only checking the train's restraints, but also checking riders' ears for earrings. The train would not dispatch unless these instructions were followed. After increasing complaints, the first corkscrew was replaced with a straight section for the 1995 season.<ref name="BlastFromThePast-NPN">{{cite web |title=A Blast From The Past - Busch Gardens Europe's Drachen Fire |url=http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2009/10/blast-from-past-busch-gardens-europes.html |website=NewsPlusNotes |accessdate=May 19, 2020}}</ref><ref name="O'Brien, Tim">{{cite journal |journal=[[Amusement Business]] |title=Extinguishing the fire: Work begins to dismantle ride at The Old Country |first=Tim |last=O'Brien |issn=0003-2344 |page=7 |volume=114 |issue=6 |date=February 11, 2002 |accessdate=December 11, 2010 |url=http://www.allbusiness.com/services/amusement-recreation-services/4579748-1.html}}</ref>
The ride drew large crowds and was initially well-received by many coaster enthusiasts.<ref name="BlastFromThePast-NPN" /> [[American Coaster Enthusiasts]] President Ray J. Ueberroth called the coaster "an outstanding ride", and the group's former president, Randy Geisler, stated, "I can just say it's spectacular."<ref name="OpeningDayFail-RichmondTimes" /> However, less than a month after opening, the coaster's popularity quickly faded when it gained a reputation for its roughness.<ref name="Pain In The Neck - Petkofsky" /> Just over a week after the ride had opened, the Newport News ''[[Daily Press (Virginia)|Daily Press]]'' reported that three riders were taken to the hospital because they had complained of neck pain. A spokesman for Busch Gardens Williamsburg said there was no problem with the coaster itself.<ref name="n108286862">{{Cite news |last=Blattner |first=Bob |date=April 13, 1992 |title=3 find new ride a pain in the neck |pages=10 |work=Daily Press |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108286862/3-find-new-ride-a-pain-in-the-neckbob/ |access-date=August 25, 2022}}</ref> In 1995, another guest sued Busch Gardens, Arrow Dynamics, and technical consultant William N. Carlson, alleging that he had received "severe permanent injuries" two years earlier because of the ride's restraint system.<ref name="n108287015" /> However, more than a year later, a Busch Gardens official said that the guest had never formally served the park with a lawsuit.<ref name="n108287269">{{Cite news |last=Freehling |first=Allison |date=September 22, 1996 |title=Busch Gardens' constant testing keeps thrills safe, officials say |pages=83, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108287293/ 84] |work=Daily Press |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108287269/busch-gardens-constant-testing-keeps/ |access-date=August 25, 2022}}</ref>


Riders were routinely advised by announcers to remove any clip-on earrings before riding and keep their heads pressed against headrests during the ride.<ref name="Pain In The Neck - Petkofsky">{{cite news |work=[[The Richmond Times-Dispatch]] |title=Some Riders Rate Drachen Fire As Pain In The Neck – Official Says Park Content With Ride Safety, Comfort |first=Andrew |last=Petkofsky |page=8 |date=April 20, 1992}}</ref> This resulted in ride operators in the station not only checking the train's restraints, but also checking riders' ears for earrings. The train would not dispatch unless these instructions were followed. After increasing complaints, the first corkscrew was replaced with a straight section for the 1995 season.<ref name="BlastFromThePast-NPN">{{cite web |title=A Blast From The Past - Busch Gardens Europe's Drachen Fire |url=http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2009/10/blast-from-past-busch-gardens-europes.html |website=NewsPlusNotes |date=October 23, 2009 |access-date=May 19, 2020}}</ref><ref name="O'Brien, Tim">{{cite journal |last=O'Brien |first=Tim |date=February 11, 2002 |title=Extinguishing the fire: Work begins to dismantle ride at The Old Country |url=http://www.allbusiness.com/services/amusement-recreation-services/4579748-1.html |journal=[[Amusement Business]] |volume=114 |issue=6 |page=7 |issn=0003-2344 |id={{Gale|A83117275}} |access-date=December 7, 2022}}</ref>
Drachen Fire was featured on a 1996 edition of "Theme Parks a Go-Go" on the [[E! Network]]. The segment was hosted by actor [[Alex Winter]] who was shown riding the Drachen, at the time fastest coaster in the park, through some of its inversions. Upon completion of the ride, he stated that his [[vertebra]] was snapped like a twig. Although famous at that time for his comedic roles, this comment stands as a testimony to the Drachen Fire's reputation for being a rough experience.


=== Closure and demolition ===
=== Closure and demolition ===
The removal of the corkscrew after the mid-course brake run failed to resolve ongoing issues with ride safety and comfort.<ref name="BlastFromThePast-NPN" /> Busch Gardens Williamsburg had also added two more roller coasters after Drachen Fire: [[Sand Serpent|Wild Maus]] in 1996<ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Wild Maus|location=Busch Gardens Williamsburg|rcdb_number=455|accessdate=May 30, 2021}}</ref> and [[Alpengeist]] in 1997.<ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Alpengeist|location=Busch Gardens Williamsburg|rcdb_number=277|accessdate=May 30, 2021}}</ref> The opening of Alpengeist had made Drachen Fire obsolete, as guests preferred to ride Alpengeist.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sheppard |first=Nancy |date=June 3, 2021 |title=Landmark Lost: Busch Gardens' Drachen Fire |url=https://wydaily.com/our-community/series/landmark-lost/2021/06/03/landmark-lost-busch-gardens-drachen-fire/ |access-date=May 24, 2022 |website=Williamsburg Yorktown Daily |language=en-US}}</ref> Local residents also complained that the screams of riders on Drachen Fire were disturbing them.<ref name="n108287705">{{Cite news |last=Deacle |first=Robin |date=November 14, 1997 |title=New Busch ride hits high bump |pages=16, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108287746/ 17] |work=Daily Press |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108287705/new-busch-ride-hits-high-bumprobin/ |access-date=August 25, 2022}}</ref> Ultimately, the attraction was closed indefinitely in July 1998.<ref name="RCDB" /><ref name="BlastFromThePast-NPN" /> According to a ''Daily Press'' report, Busch Gardens shut down the ride after a 43-year-old guest had suffered a brain injury that month.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 17, 2002 |title=Congressman alleges thrill rides not safe |pages=31 |work=Daily Press |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108287868/congressman-alleges-thrill-rides-not/ |access-date=August 25, 2022}}</ref> The following year, the park would debut another Bolliger & Mabillard roller coaster, [[Apollo's Chariot]],<ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Apollo's Chariot|location=Busch Gardens Williamsburg|rcdb_number=531|accessdate=May 30, 2021}}</ref> while Drachen Fire sat abandoned.<ref name="n108287567">{{Cite news |last=Deacle |first=Robin |date=January 23, 1999 |title=Busch Gardens is putting finishing touches on 'Chariot' |pages=12, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108287584/ 13] |work=Daily Press |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108287567/busch-gardens-is-putting-finishing/ |access-date=August 25, 2022}}</ref>
The removal of the corkscrew after the mid-course brake run failed to resolve ongoing issues with ride safety and comfort.<ref name="BlastFromThePast-NPN" /> Drachen Fire became very obsolete after the debut of the much better [[Alpengeist]] roller coaster in 1997. With decreasing ridership and at least one lawsuit filed,<ref name="Lawsuit-DailyPress">{{cite news |last1=Rosenberg |first1=Patti |title=Busch Gardens Faces Lawsuit |url=https://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-xpm-19950708-1995-07-08-9507080005-story.html |accessdate=May 20, 2020 |work=Daily Press |date=July 8, 1995}}</ref> Busch Gardens closed Drachen Fire abruptly in July 1998.<ref name="RCDB" /><ref name="BlastFromThePast-NPN" /> Initially, the park had plans to modify the coaster, but it was ultimately listed for sale.<ref name="BlastFromThePast-NPN" /><ref name="O'Brien, Tim" /><ref name="Cohn, Meredith">{{cite news |newspaper=[[The Virginian-Pilot]] |title=Busch Gardens' Drachen Fire For Sale |first=Meredith |last=Cohn |page=D1 |date=August 15, 1999 |accessdate=December 11, 2010 |url=http://www2.richmond.com/news/1999/aug/17/busch-gardens-drachen-fire-for-sale-ar-609318/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720142836/http://www2.richmond.com/news/1999/aug/17/busch-gardens-drachen-fire-for-sale-ar-609318/ |archive-date=July 20, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The park had several offers but failed to reach agreements with prospective buyers.<ref name="O'Brien, Tim" /> It remained standing in an idle state until 2002, when the decision was made to dismantle the ride and recycle the steel.<ref name="BlastFromThePast-NPN" /><ref name="O'Brien, Tim" /> Director of public relations Cindy Sarko stated, "There had been a steady erosion of ridership ... That, combined with the high operating expenses of the ride, helped park officials make the decision to shut it down."<ref name="O'Brien, Tim" />

The ''Daily Press'' reported in January 1999 that the park planned to further modify the coaster.<ref name="n108287567" /> However, by that August, the coaster had been listed for sale for several months.<ref name="Cohn, Meredith">{{cite news |last=Cohn |first=Meredith |date=August 15, 1999 |title=Busch Gardens' Drachen Fire For Sale |page=D1 |newspaper=[[The Virginian-Pilot]] |url=http://www2.richmond.com/news/1999/aug/17/busch-gardens-drachen-fire-for-sale-ar-609318/ |url-status=dead |access-date=December 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720142836/http://www2.richmond.com/news/1999/aug/17/busch-gardens-drachen-fire-for-sale-ar-609318/ |archive-date=July 20, 2011}}</ref><ref name="n51614995">{{Cite news |date=August 21, 1999 |title=Busch Gardens thrill ride for sale |pages=29, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108287462/ 30] |work=Daily Press |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51614995/drachen-fire-for-sale/ |access-date=August 25, 2022}}</ref> The park had several offers but failed to reach agreements with prospective buyers.<ref name="O'Brien, Tim" /> It remained standing in an idle state until 2002, when the decision was made to dismantle the ride and recycle the steel.<ref name="BlastFromThePast-NPN" /><ref name="O'Brien, Tim" /> Director of public relations Cindy Sarko stated, "There had been a steady erosion of ridership ... That, combined with the high operating expenses of the ride, helped park officials make the decision to shut it down."<ref name="O'Brien, Tim" /> In June 2019, local network affiliate WAVY-TV reported that a plan was approved by local officials to construct a new ride in the former Drachen Fire location that would be approximately {{convert|355|ft}} in height.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Brett |date=June 12, 2019 |title=Busch Gardens gets OK to build tallest ride in park history |url=https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/williamsburg/busch-gardens-gets-ok-to-build-tallest-ride-in-park-history/ |access-date=June 13, 2019 |website=Wavy.com}}</ref> However, in September 2024, the park announced plans to build a Bolliger & Mabillard family inverted coaster on this plot instead. The new ride is to be named Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge, in homage to the former Big Bad Wolf suspended coaster that once operated next to Drachen Fire. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-13 |title=New Busch Gardens coaster to pay homage to Big Bad Wolf |url=https://www.wavy.com/living-local/new-busch-gardens-coaster-to-pay-homage-to-big-bad-wolf/ |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=WAVY.com |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Ride experience ==
== Ride experience ==
The ride had about {{Convert|3500|ft}} of track.<ref name="n108286623" />
⚫
After leaving the station, the ride made a small dip and turned 180 degrees to the left, where it entered the [[lift hill]]. At the top of the 150 foot lift, the ride made a shallow dive of around 50 feet, then entered a [[wraparound corkscrew]] which had an apex of 120 feet, before descending the remainder of a curving drop, ending up facing the opposite direction of the lift hill, and achieving a speed of 60 miles per hour. The ride then entered a first of a kind camel back hump hill, which was designed to balance the riders between positive and negative [[g-forces]], giving a feeling of weightlessness. The ride then entered the Batwing element ([[cobra roll]]), which featured two inversions in one element. The ride then turned up an ascending hill to the left, and entered a run of [[Brake run#Block brakes|Block Brakes]]. Next, the ride dove down into a [[Roller coaster elements#Corkscrew|corkscrew]], then a slight left turn over the park midway into a [[Cutback (design)|cutback]]. The ride then traversed back over the midway, under the first corkscrew and entered a second corkscrew. It then quickly entered a counter-clockwise helix. Exiting the helix, the ride made a right hand turn onto a final brake run, which would then lead straight into the ride station.<ref name="RCDB" /><ref name="LiftProfit-OrlandoSentinel" /><ref name="Soloman, Digby" />


⚫
After leaving the station, the ride made a small dip and turned 180 degrees to the left, where it entered the [[lift hill]]. At the top of the 150 foot lift, the ride made a shallow dive of around 50 feet, then entered a [[wraparound corkscrew]] which had an apex of 120 feet, before descending the remainder of a curving drop, ending up facing the opposite direction of the lift hill, and achieving a speed of 60 miles per hour. The ride then entered a camel back hump hill, which was designed to balance the riders between positive and negative [[g-forces]], giving a feeling of weightlessness. The ride then entered the Batwing element ([[cobra roll]]), which featured two inversions in one element. The ride then turned up an ascending hill to the left, and engaged in a set of [[Brake run#Block brakes|block brakes]]. Next, the ride dove down into a [[Roller coaster elements#Corkscrew|corkscrew]], then a slight left turn over the park midway into a [[Cutback (design)|cutback]]. The ride then traversed back over the midway, under the first corkscrew and entered a second corkscrew. It then quickly entered a counter-clockwise helix. Exiting the helix, the ride made a right hand turn onto a final brake run, which would then lead straight into the ride station.<ref name="RCDB" /><ref name="LiftProfit-OrlandoSentinel" /><ref name="Soloman, Digby" />
==Ride location==
The majority of Drachen Fire’s track was located behind the present day [[Verbolten]] ride, in an area now called Festhaus Park. A large elevated curve in the ride did extend over the concrete walkway and into the area behind Das Festhaus, near the Black Forest Picnic Area, before looping riders back around again into a corkscrew.

To enter the ride area guests would pass through a metal framed gateway, whose arches held the Drachen Fire sign. Today that same passage leads to Festhaus Park, a multi-purpose area used sporadically as a concert venue and for various special events. While most attractions have a highly visible entrance that can be seen from quite a distance, this was not the case for Drachen Fire. Guests had to pass between the Der Autobahn ride, to the left, and the large Das Festhaus building, to the right. This may have made the ride more difficult to locate for some park guests and could offer an insight as to why no permanent major attraction exists in this location today, despite several rides being added to the park since the 2002 dismantling.

At least three of the major structures created for the ride still exist on the property today, all of which are located beyond the Festhaus Park gateway. A park map from 1997 shows the wooden building containing 5 metal roll up doors, which resides on the left side of the concrete walkway, was the Drachen Fire gift shop. The previous ride boarding station is the largest wooden building located inside the Festhaus Park area and a slightly smaller wooden building served as the maintenance facility. Some portions of all three buildings are visible during daylight hours, shortly after crossing the Rhine River, while looking right (towards the park) on the Busch Gardens Railway train ride. In June 2019, local network affiliate WAVY-TV reported that a plan was approved by local officials to construct a new ride in the former Drachen Fire location that would be approximately {{convert|355|ft}} in height.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Brett |title=Busch Gardens gets OK to build tallest ride in park history |url=https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/williamsburg/busch-gardens-gets-ok-to-build-tallest-ride-in-park-history/ |website=Wavy.com |accessdate=June 13, 2019 |date=June 12, 2019}}</ref>

==Later years==
In 2006, Busch Gardens began to use the former ''Drachen Fire'' site as a concert venue.

In 2009, Busch started holding the Glory at the Gardens concert series in Festhaus Park due to overflowing The Royal Palace Theatre in Aquitane.

In 2016, Busch Gardens began selling Drachen Fire T-shirts at the park for the first time since the ride's closure.

==Trivia==
In 1999, Arrow implemented the same B&M-style support structure used on Drachen Fire for the [[Tennessee Tornado]] at [[Dollywood]].


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}{{BGE Coasters}}

==External links==
*[http://www.bgwfans.com/?p=7 BGWfans.com], History of Drachen Fire
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060429204908/http://history.amusement-parks.com/drachenfire.htm History.amusement-parks.com], History of Amusement Parks: ''Drachen Fire''
{{BGE Coasters}}


[[Category:Former roller coasters in Virginia]]
[[Category:Former roller coasters in Virginia]]
[[Category:Busch Gardens Williamsburg]]
[[Category:Busch Gardens Williamsburg]]
[[Category:Roller coasters operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment]]
[[Category:Roller coasters operated by United Parks & Resorts]]
[[Category:1992 establishments in Virginia]]
[[Category:1992 establishments in Virginia]]
[[Category:1998 disestablishments in Virginia]]
[[Category:1998 disestablishments in Virginia]]

Latest revision as of 05:13, 19 December 2024

Drachen Fire
Drachen Fire in 1996
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
LocationBusch Gardens Williamsburg
Park sectionFesthaus Park
Coordinates37°13′50″N 76°38′40″W / 37.230636°N 76.644435°W / 37.230636; -76.644435
StatusRemoved
Soft opening dateApril 3, 1992 (1992-04-03)
Opening dateApril 4, 1992 (1992-04-04)
Closing dateJuly 1998 (1998-07)
Cost$4,000,000
Replaced byBig Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge
General statistics
TypeSteel
ManufacturerArrow Dynamics
DesignerRon Toomer
ModelCustom Looping Coaster
Lift/launch systemChain lift hill
Height150 ft (46 m)
Drop145 ft (44 m)
Length3,550 ft (1,080 m)
Speed60 mph (97 km/h)
Inversions5
Trains3 trains with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders per train.
Drachen Fire at RCDB

Drachen Fire was a steel roller coaster located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia. Manufactured by Arrow Dynamics, the ride opened to the public in 1992. Drachen Fire featured a 150-foot tall (46 m) lift hill, six inversions, and a zero-gravity camelback element. One of the inversions was removed after the 1994 season to improve ride comfort. The track was light blue with silver supports, and it was located in the Oktoberfest portion of the park behind Verbolten and Das Festhaus. It was originally configured with three trains, each consisting of red cars with grey seats, and featured red trim lights that illuminated the trains at night.[1] Drachen Fire was closed in the middle of the 1998 season following a history of low ridership and complaints of roughness. It remained standing until its demolition in 2002.

History

[edit]

Construction and opening

[edit]

On July 5, 1991, Busch Gardens Williamsburg announced that a new steel roller coaster would be added to the park in 1992. Built by Arrow Dynamics, the ride would be located towards the back of the park next to Big Bad Wolf.[2] The ride would be named Drachen Fire, after the word for "dragon" in German.[3][4] It would become the park's third major roller coaster. The attraction would feature six inversions,[3] as well as other elements like a camelback hump and a cutback. The ride's 60-foot (18 m) trains would feature a sleek aerodynamic style design and wraparound bucket seats.[5] That year, the Anheuser-Busch Entertainment Corporation announced a myriad upcoming attractions for their various amusement parks. Keith M. Kasen, then General Manager for Busch Gardens Williamsburg, commented on the addition of Drachen Fire for the 1992 season stating, "Anheuser-Busch has shown a commitment to reinvestment and making a real strong quality statement."[6]

Construction of Drachen Fire began in the fall of 1991, which was filmed for its upcoming marketing campaign.[7] Footage of the design, construction, and testing process of Drachen Fire was later documented in a 1993 PBS special of their NOVA program, titled "Roller Coaster".[8] Construction of the new coaster was completed in early 1992, placing it on schedule to open the same year on April 4.[3] Busch Gardens heavily marketed the new ride in what was identified as the park's biggest promotional campaign in over a decade dating back to Loch Ness Monster in 1978.[7] The tagline marketed for the ride was "Feel the Heat".[9]

The park hired comedian Dana Carvey to meet and greet visitors, as well as cut the ribbon at a special preview opening ceremony on April 3, 1992.[6][10] After six or seven successful runs during the preview event, a train stalled on the lift hill forcing passengers to evacuate.[10] During the downtime, Carvey offered an impromptu stand-up comedy routine to entertain the crowd and keep guests occupied.[10] When the ride resumed operation, another train stalled on the lift hill again forcing the park to close the ride for the remainder of the evening.[10] For its official opening to the public the following day, Drachen Fire remained closed all morning and eventually opened midday.[10]

Operation

[edit]

The ride drew large crowds and was initially well-received by many coaster enthusiasts.[11] American Coaster Enthusiasts President Ray J. Ueberroth called the coaster "an outstanding ride", and the group's former president, Randy Geisler, stated, "I can just say it's spectacular."[10] However, less than a month after opening, the coaster's popularity quickly faded when it gained a reputation for its roughness.[12] Just over a week after the ride had opened, the Newport News Daily Press reported that three riders were taken to the hospital because they had complained of neck pain. A spokesman for Busch Gardens Williamsburg said there was no problem with the coaster itself.[13] In 1995, another guest sued Busch Gardens, Arrow Dynamics, and technical consultant William N. Carlson, alleging that he had received "severe permanent injuries" two years earlier because of the ride's restraint system.[4] However, more than a year later, a Busch Gardens official said that the guest had never formally served the park with a lawsuit.[14]

Riders were routinely advised by announcers to remove any clip-on earrings before riding and keep their heads pressed against headrests during the ride.[12] This resulted in ride operators in the station not only checking the train's restraints, but also checking riders' ears for earrings. The train would not dispatch unless these instructions were followed. After increasing complaints, the first corkscrew was replaced with a straight section for the 1995 season.[11][15]

Closure and demolition

[edit]

The removal of the corkscrew after the mid-course brake run failed to resolve ongoing issues with ride safety and comfort.[11] Busch Gardens Williamsburg had also added two more roller coasters after Drachen Fire: Wild Maus in 1996[16] and Alpengeist in 1997.[17] The opening of Alpengeist had made Drachen Fire obsolete, as guests preferred to ride Alpengeist.[18] Local residents also complained that the screams of riders on Drachen Fire were disturbing them.[19] Ultimately, the attraction was closed indefinitely in July 1998.[1][11] According to a Daily Press report, Busch Gardens shut down the ride after a 43-year-old guest had suffered a brain injury that month.[20] The following year, the park would debut another Bolliger & Mabillard roller coaster, Apollo's Chariot,[21] while Drachen Fire sat abandoned.[22]

The Daily Press reported in January 1999 that the park planned to further modify the coaster.[22] However, by that August, the coaster had been listed for sale for several months.[23][24] The park had several offers but failed to reach agreements with prospective buyers.[15] It remained standing in an idle state until 2002, when the decision was made to dismantle the ride and recycle the steel.[11][15] Director of public relations Cindy Sarko stated, "There had been a steady erosion of ridership ... That, combined with the high operating expenses of the ride, helped park officials make the decision to shut it down."[15] In June 2019, local network affiliate WAVY-TV reported that a plan was approved by local officials to construct a new ride in the former Drachen Fire location that would be approximately 355 feet (108 m) in height.[25] However, in September 2024, the park announced plans to build a Bolliger & Mabillard family inverted coaster on this plot instead. The new ride is to be named Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge, in homage to the former Big Bad Wolf suspended coaster that once operated next to Drachen Fire. [26]

Ride experience

[edit]

The ride had about 3,500 feet (1,100 m) of track.[3]

After leaving the station, the ride made a small dip and turned 180 degrees to the left, where it entered the lift hill. At the top of the 150 foot lift, the ride made a shallow dive of around 50 feet, then entered a wraparound corkscrew which had an apex of 120 feet, before descending the remainder of a curving drop, ending up facing the opposite direction of the lift hill, and achieving a speed of 60 miles per hour. The ride then entered a camel back hump hill, which was designed to balance the riders between positive and negative g-forces, giving a feeling of weightlessness. The ride then entered the Batwing element (cobra roll), which featured two inversions in one element. The ride then turned up an ascending hill to the left, and engaged in a set of block brakes. Next, the ride dove down into a corkscrew, then a slight left turn over the park midway into a cutback. The ride then traversed back over the midway, under the first corkscrew and entered a second corkscrew. It then quickly entered a counter-clockwise helix. Exiting the helix, the ride made a right hand turn onto a final brake run, which would then lead straight into the ride station.[1][6][9]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Marden, Duane. "Drachen Fire  (Busch Gardens Williamsburg)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  2. ^ "Coasting along and more". Daily Press. July 6, 1991. Retrieved September 17, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b c d "Drachen Fire". Daily Press. January 2, 1992. p. 74. Retrieved August 25, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ a b Rosenberg, Patti (July 8, 1995). "Busch Gardens faces lawsuit". Daily Press. pp. 9, 10. Retrieved August 25, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "The thrill of a lifetime". The Evening Sun. September 4, 1991. Retrieved September 28, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ a b c Hagstrom, Suzy (March 22, 1992). "Busch Gardens Relies On Ride To Lift Profit". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on May 20, 2020. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  7. ^ a b "Park Pushing New Coaster". Richmond Times-Dispatch. February 29, 1992.
  8. ^ "Roller Coaster". PBS NOVA. PBS.
  9. ^ a b Soloman, Digby (April 26, 1992). "Going for a Joy Ride". Daily Press. Archived from the original on August 21, 2014. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  10. ^ a b c d e f Wilford, Kate (April 5, 1992). "Comedian Helps Save Rocky Day When Busch Coaster Fails To Roll". Richmond Times-Dispatch.
  11. ^ a b c d e "A Blast From The Past - Busch Gardens Europe's Drachen Fire". NewsPlusNotes. October 23, 2009. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  12. ^ a b Petkofsky, Andrew (April 20, 1992). "Some Riders Rate Drachen Fire As Pain In The Neck – Official Says Park Content With Ride Safety, Comfort". The Richmond Times-Dispatch. p. 8.
  13. ^ Blattner, Bob (April 13, 1992). "3 find new ride a pain in the neck". Daily Press. p. 10. Retrieved August 25, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ Freehling, Allison (September 22, 1996). "Busch Gardens' constant testing keeps thrills safe, officials say". Daily Press. pp. 83, 84. Retrieved August 25, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ a b c d O'Brien, Tim (February 11, 2002). "Extinguishing the fire: Work begins to dismantle ride at The Old Country". Amusement Business. 114 (6): 7. ISSN 0003-2344. Gale A83117275. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  16. ^ Marden, Duane. "Wild Maus  (Busch Gardens Williamsburg)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
  17. ^ Marden, Duane. "Alpengeist  (Busch Gardens Williamsburg)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
  18. ^ Sheppard, Nancy (June 3, 2021). "Landmark Lost: Busch Gardens' Drachen Fire". Williamsburg Yorktown Daily. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  19. ^ Deacle, Robin (November 14, 1997). "New Busch ride hits high bump". Daily Press. pp. 16, 17. Retrieved August 25, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ "Congressman alleges thrill rides not safe". Daily Press. May 17, 2002. p. 31. Retrieved August 25, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ Marden, Duane. "Apollo's Chariot  (Busch Gardens Williamsburg)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
  22. ^ a b Deacle, Robin (January 23, 1999). "Busch Gardens is putting finishing touches on 'Chariot'". Daily Press. pp. 12, 13. Retrieved August 25, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ Cohn, Meredith (August 15, 1999). "Busch Gardens' Drachen Fire For Sale". The Virginian-Pilot. p. D1. Archived from the original on July 20, 2011. Retrieved December 11, 2010.
  24. ^ "Busch Gardens thrill ride for sale". Daily Press. August 21, 1999. pp. 29, 30. Retrieved August 25, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ Hall, Brett (June 12, 2019). "Busch Gardens gets OK to build tallest ride in park history". Wavy.com. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  26. ^ "New Busch Gardens coaster to pay homage to Big Bad Wolf". WAVY.com. September 13, 2024. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
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