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Does this ride live up to the legend of the Big Bad Wolf?

B&M is known for perfecting the inverted coaster model, as they have developed several across the world including “Alpengeist” a B&M inverted coaster that has been at Busch Gardens Williamsburg since 1997. Their rides are known for being very popular with the general public as most rides by the manufacturer are smooth , long, and reliable rides that owners, operators and guests enjoy. The family inverted coaster is a new model by the company which allows for younger guests to enjoy these inverted models as a lower intensity level than the standard inverted coaster model. These rides sit two across unlike the original model which sits four across, these rides also have no inversions which are a staple of the inverted coaster model. This ride would mimic the predecessor by implementing two separate lift hills giving the ride two drops like the original wolf. Construction for the coaster would begin in 2024 as the ride was built and theming elements would be placed all around the plaza and throughout the ride. Fake buildings would be placed during the journey of the ride to give the feeling of traveling through a German town as you are escaping the wolf in the village.

In 1984, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which was just nine years old at the time, opened Big Bad Wolf, an Arrow HUSS manufactured roller coaster that dangled riders underneath the track, something that had not really been seen before at the time. Big Bad Wolf was iconic to Busch Gardens Williamsburg becoming a fan favorite throughout the years as riders enjoyed the dramatic swinging motion of the cars, and drop down to the Rhine river of the park. In 2009 after 25 years of operation the park would decide to remove the attraction in favor of new development. Another ride Verbolten, developed by Zierer, would take the place of the Wolf, effectively becoming its replacement. The ride would feature multiple launches, a surprise drop track, and use the same supports to mimic the iconic drop down the Rhine river where the Wolf once stood. As great as a replacement Verbolten is for Busch Gardens, fans of the park still spoke highly of the Wolf, remembering what once stood in Verbolten’s place. 16 years after its closing Busch Gardens, now owned by the SeaWorld Entertainment Corporation, decided to build a Boliger and Mabilard (B&M) family invert in the former “Drachen Fire” plot of land for the 2025 season. After adding a similar coaster to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, “Phoenix Rsising.” To invoke the new ride Busch Gardens decided to name and theme this ride as the return of the wolf, dubbing it Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge.

Phoenix Rising, which opened in 2024, would unfortunately follow a recent trend for B&M as the ride has a rattle in some areas, which has been a confusing development for the company which has been known for producing some of the most smooth roller coasters in the industry. Much to the dismay of roller coaster enthusiasts B&M has gained a reputation of producing “shaky” rides recently which worried fans of the upcoming coaster coming to Williamsburg. The ride would open in May of 2025 to the public, rising to a height of 65 ft and reaching speeds up to 40 mph.

The ride has a lengthy ride time and impeccable theming compared to the recent additions at Busch Gardens Williamsburg such as “Pantheon” and “DarKoaster” two Intamin multi-launch coasters recently added by the park. Their are multiple theming elements including two entrance signs that are quite well designed, as well as barrels and tables underneath the second half of the ride as you make your way towards the final brakes. This coaster also features onboard audio throughout the entire train which plays during your whole journey through the layout. The lead car also features a Wolf which has eyes that will light up as the ride pulls into the station and they will stay on as nightfall lands on the park.

Unfortunately even though the ride was dressed up to an outstanding level, paying homage to the original Big Bad Wolf, it cannot escape the recent trend of being slightly uncomfortable to ride. The front of the train has been the noticeable part of the train experiencing the rattle. If you have expereniced rough roller coasters before, this ride does not have a harsh pain threshold that it will hold back people from being able to undergo the ride at all, however after taking on this ride I could see this becoming something that families and kids might not prioritize trying again compared to the other attractions inside of the park.

While I was able to enjoy the ride and appreciate the layout B&M and Busch Gardens were able to come up with, The ride would undoubtedly be better if the rattle was not present during the ride. The original Big Bad Wolf was a fan favorite that Busch Gardens decided to theme their new ride to the original and I fear that this may impact the reaction to this ride as a whole. Overall I think this is a good edition it provides family fun entertainment to a park that sees millions of visitors per year. It provides a fun ride throughout the whole layout with some surprising and fun moments as well as great theming. However, if this ride will gain the legacy that the original was able to create, it will be up to time to find out if that is possible.