Verbolten: Forbidden Turn, the mid-Atlantic’s first and only drop track roller coaster, will open at Busch Gardens Williamsburg on May 30. The thrilling, family-friendly roller coaster features an all-new storyline, animatronics and immersive special effects. Offering surprises at every turn, visitors travel through the Black Forest at speeds of up to 53 miles per hour, while encountering over 2,800 feet of track, a surprise drop track element, and an 88-foot drop towards the Rhine River. With a 48-inch height requirement, Verbolten: Forbidden Turn is an attraction the whole family can conquer together.
The journey begins at the Visitor Center for Black Forest Motor Tours, now under new management, welcoming adventurers eager to explore Germany’s legendary countryside. The drive promises charm and folklore at every turn, but riders will soon discover all is not what it seems. Signs begin to appear; shadows start to move, and something dark lurks within the forest. Guests are cautioned not to stray from the road, as one wrong turn could awaken long-forgotten forces. On Verbolten: Forbidden Turn, the line between story and reality blurs, and escape is never certain.
“When creating this extraordinary experience, we invested in developing an all-new storyline for the attraction. The updates include new theming pieces and animatronics, including Frau Hexel, the enchanting host of Black Forest Motors,” said Kevin Lembke, president of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. “Guests are really going to love Verbolten: Forbidden Turn because it combines an immersive narrative with a thrilling roller coaster.”
Busch Gardens Members will get exclusive early access to Verbolten: Forbidden Turn on May 29, before the attraction opens to the public. On May 30 at 10:30 AM, park guests are invited to a Grand Opening Ceremony, featuring a ribbon cutting, special guests and more.
LIMITED-TIME MEMORIAL DAY SALE!
For a limited time, guests can save up to 50% on tickets, Fun Cards, and Membership during the Memorial Day sale.
- Fun Card: Unlimited visits to rides, shows, and seasonal events through November 2, 2026.
- Membership: Unlimited visits for 12 months, plus free parking, free guest tickets, and exclusive discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise.
For more information on Verbolten: Forbidden Turn and to see the latest offers, visit BuschGardens.com/Williamsburg and follow Busch Gardens on social media at @BuschGardensVA.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83