JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — Friday will mark 50 years in business for Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and the theme park is celebrating with several special events and promotions.
On the park’s actual birthday, beers will be 75 cents, a commemorative t-shirt will cost $19.75 and anyone born in May 1975 can receive free entry to the park.
A 1970s cover band will play ahead of a fireworks finale, and special photo spots and historic signs will be placed near original park attractions.
In addition, Park President Kevin Lembke will host “50 Years of Busch Gardens Williamsburg: A Lookback Presentation” at 6 p.m. at the Globe Theater.
“This presentation will transport guests throughout the past 50 years and share more of what is in store for 2025,” a release from the park said. “The presentation will include historical photos, favorite stories and special guests.”
The first 1,000 guests will receive a limited-edition 50th anniversary “item.”
At 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 23, the park’s 11th coaster will open, paying homage to a former park favorite. The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge will open to the public with a ribbon cutting and DJ dance party.
“To be able to take that kind of brand and legacy and storytelling and now bring that to a whole new generation is just an opportunity,” Kevin Lembke, Busch Gardens President and General Manager, said. “You know, we couldn’t couldn’t pass up.”
The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, will be in the Oktoberfest section of the park. The coaster will pay homage to The Big Bad Wolf coaster, whose right of way ran nearby from 1984 to 2009, the ride will feature similar theming, even down to a recreated Bavarian village.
Billed as “North America’s longest inverted family coaster,” the ride will have distinct differences however from the original, chief among them will be the riders feet will dangle free. Riders will have to be at least 42 inches to ride with someone else of at least 48 inches tall.
