Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster)

Loch Ness Monster
Pictured is the Loch Ness Monster roller coaster's interlocking loops from a ground-level view. A train is inverted in the top interlocking loop navigating from left to right on the bright yellow track.
The interlocking vertical loops
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
LocationBusch Gardens Williamsburg
Park sectionScotland
Coordinates37°14′03″N 76°38′46″W / 37.23417°N 76.64611°W / 37.23417; -76.64611
StatusOperating
Opening dateJune 2, 1978 (1978-06-02)
CostUSD$5 million
($23.4 million in 2023 dollars[1])
General statistics
TypeSteel
ManufacturerArrow Development
DesignerRon Toomer
ModelCustom Looping Coaster
Track layoutTerrain
Lift/launch systemTwo chain lift hills
Height130 ft (40 m)
Drop114.2 ft (34.8 m)
Length3,240 ft (990 m)
Speed60 mph (97 km/h)
Inversions2
Duration2:10
Max vertical angle55°
G-force3.5
Restraint styleOver-the-shoulder
ThemeLoch 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.

  1. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.