WASHINGTON - Exciting news for roller coaster lovers: Busch Gardens Williamsburg is building a new roller coaster ride that is set to debut in 2012.
Busch Gardens says they plan in delivering a "world-class coaster experience like nothing before."
"This sleek launch coaster design utilizes electromagnetic technology to propel riders through a high-speed thrill packed with twists, turns, and plunges," park officials say in an email.
"The coaster will feature many 'first' when it debuts in the spring of 2012.'
Behind the thrills - a popular theme park news website -- reports that they've known the park "is going to be building a new coaster for their 2012 operating season since late 2010 when the park announced several new, major attractions to their season pass holders."
Photos show park officials have already begun clearing the land and modifying the site of the old 'Big Bad Wolf' roller coaster.
"We don't have anything solid, but our insiders have told us all kinds of information," says Eric Yates, editor of Behind the thrills. "We've heard it's going to be unlike anything at the park currently, or in the past."
Blueprints and technical mock-ups have leaked on the Busch Gardens fansite BGWFans.com. The plans show the coaster may actually funnel riders to an indoor track at one point.
The website Roller Coaster Database lists a sixth, unknown and yet-to-be-built roller coaster, slated to open 2012.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg opened in 1975 and is themed around the history and culture of old-world Europe. According to the park's website, the park hosts nearly 3 million visitors a year.
The park is already well known for its impressive roller coasters. The magazine Amusement Today listed Busch Garden Williamsburg's coaster, 'Apollo's Chariot,' among the top 10 best steel roller coasters of 2010.
"This is supposed to be a very big deal for Busch Gardens Williamsburg," Yates says.
Park visitors are also awaiting the launch of the newest roller coaster, Mach Tower. It was slated to open Memorial Day Weekend, but was postponed due to technical problems.