This roller coaster was important not only to its park, but also my upbringing as an enthusiast. Loch Ness Monster was the first inverting coaster I rode, and inversions were the last major hurdle I had to clear before I began to ride all coasters. In my most recent ride in the back row, the ejector airtime off the first drop is one of the moments I’ve been caught off guard the most on a coaster. While I’ve ridden many other superior coasters to Nessie, this ride will always hold a special place in my heart.
The sounds of the coaster echoing off of the water is one thing that scared me as a kid too. I can remember watching 2 trains navigating the course at the same time as well. I still have yet to make it back to ride since I've begun to ride coasters, hopefully this summer.
I don’t understand why everyone’s first inverting coaster is an arrow. Why not a b&m or something that an 8 year old kid can enjoy for being smooth and not something that will try to give you a concussion?
@@tdog8600 B&M's didn't exist until the 1990s. When I started riding, almost all inverting coasters in the US were Arrows, apart from a minority of Schwarzkopfs. When other manufacturers did get into it, at first, they'd compete to put the most inversions into a ride. So if you were timid about inversions, the ones you'd be more likely to go for would be older coasters that only had one or two inversions, and those were still likely to be from Arrow or occasionally Schwarzkopf.
@@MattMcIrvin I’m talking about people from the past 20 years. It’s still always a park’s arrow that’s the first. Back in the day it makes sense but in the current day? I don’t understand
Okay, so in defense of the mid section, that was likely done originally for timing so that you could sync two trains to go through the loops safely. And don't forget the helix originally had lighting effects. It's a shame they took those out. But again, I guess since those aren't there now and that the trains don't go through the loops at the same time anymore it is a badly placed "dead spot." But if that's the worst thing there is about it, I hope this ride stays around for a while longer as the Arrow loopers are definitely in danger of completely disappearing at some point.
Honestly Arrow Loopers seem easier to maintain if they're on the smaller side, which I'd argue Loch Ness Monster is, it may be on the taller side, but it doesn't do that much in comparison to the late Vortex. Plus S&S provided new trains for the ride, so I see this one sticking around for some time. Also the location would make replacing it quite difficult.
@@AceAviations2 When it opened it was the tallest complete-circuit roller coaster in the world--but that status only lasted for an instant and Arrow started building all these monster coasters that were much bigger and had many inversions. As I said on the off-ride video, I think a thing that helps this one is that its only inversions are vertical loops, its drops are straight and its transitions don't require a lot of rolling motion, so Arrow's refusal/inability to heartline anything isn't an issue.
It has been several decades since I rode this, but it was my first looper and a sentimental favorite. I have no idea how it rides now, but from sheer nostalgia I hope it can survive for much longer. Several of the coasters I rode in those days aren't around any more. I always liked the helix. There used to be strobe lights and mist effects in there. I don't suppose it was that forceful but everyone would start screaming in there just for laughs. I remember kids saying all the way back in the 1970s that it was a back-row ride for air on the first drop.
During my first visit to the park on my road trip last year, I think I spent a good 90 minutes just taking pictures and watching the trains go through the interlocking loops. It was impossible not to be mesmerized. Love this coaster.
The second loop and the drop leading into it being roughly the same height isn´t an illusion. Because of the curvature of the loop, the center of mass of the train is always several feet lower than the highest point of the loop whereas the center of mass is as high as the track (or even a bit higher) at the start of the drop. That´s why it preserves so much speed throughout the loop. Sorry for smartassing :D
I always have a special place in my heart for Arrow Dynamics looping coasters. I mean 45 years old, and Loch Ness Monster I think is still going strong today. I haven't ridden this, but just the fact that Busch Gardens still dedicates to maintaining this coaster with S&S shows that this coaster is still important for them. Going out of their way to repaint the ride and also purchase two trains from S&S that are pretty much a more modern version of the original Arrow trains for the 40th anniversary is a good example of this ride still being a significant icon for this park.
This is my second favorite Arrow Looper after Viper at Magic Mountain (sorry Tennessee Tornado.) Its really a fun ride with an absolutely classic steel coaster feel. And the setting for this coaster is really fantastic. I have little kids so I like to watch this go by while they play on the Land of Dragons. It's a real testament to the quality of Busch Gardens Williamsburg that this is their weakest thrill coaster. The park truly doesn't have a bad coaster.
@@AceAviations2 well I guess we're all entitled to our opinions. I find Verbolten to be a very fun coaster with some enjoyable thematic elements, an exciting drop track, a pretty aggressive launch for a family coaster and a good final drop if you're in the back row. I think it delivers. It isn't necessarily an extreme thrill machine but that's not what it's trying to be. That said, I like thematic elements and Cobra's Curse is my second favorite coaster at BGT after Iron Gwazi so take my opinion for what it's worth.
This was my first real coaster back in 1981 and you have to look at it in context of the time it was built, it was absolutely revolutionary. It is a timeless, classic, a unique layout, beautifully set in the forest, and if I could ride one ride forever, this would be it. From a critical perspective I understand your review, but sometimes you have to see it from the eyes of a child how phenomenal this coaster was 40 years ago I just wish they had somehow themed the helix tunnel with a Loch Ness monster. Another solid video.
I personally love this ride! Like you mentioned, pretty underrated ejector in the back, and the loops are good as well. It's also iconic and has a great location in the park. I always grab at least one back row ride on Nessie every time I visit BGW.
This is my favorite coaster of all time. You can't ignore the dead spots, but it is still a fun ride with a usually short queue line. Excellent breakdown!
at one point when I went to BG in the late 90's there were more lights in the cave, either blacklights or strobe lights, you could see the loch ness monster painted along side the track for a brief moment when the lights flashed, and I believe there was a nice fog effect that you drove through as well!
Loch Ness Monster is an icon and land mark not for just Busch Gardens but for the coaster industry as a whole. No other rollercoaster as in the world has been photographed the most then Loch Ness Monster.
This is gonna be a long comment, so bear with me. I went on Nessie yesterday for the first time, and this is my review. The first drop has great floater airtime, so does the second. The second drop, though goes straight into the first loop, which doesn’t give much time to think, just GO. Also, the cave section is great, and cools you off on a hot day, and doesn’t have anything intense about it. The second loop is a tiny bit bigger than the first, but it is still great, but the loop is quite slow the second time around. The next drop has decent airtime and is quite smooth for a forty year old coaster, and then back in the station from what I remember. It was a great ride, and I’m a pretty short person, around 4.9-4.10, but because of the headrest design, I didn’t headband a single time. The ride was really comfortable and smooth for its age, and the over the shoulder restraints were pretty comfortable. The wait time went by really fast, and the load on was a nice pace as well, not trying to rush you out, being concerned for your safety and easing new riders into it, but it also didn’t hold the line up much. I would rate this ride a 9.8-10, my favorite ride in the park so far. (I’ve ridden Apollo’s Chariot, Verbolten, and Invadr, As well as and a lot of flat rides)
This is a classic to me and one of my favorite Arrow loopers. Great fit for the park and the interlocking loops are fantastic! Loch Ness Monster works great as a starting looping coaster because it isn't too intense or crazy.
I was wondering why the trains looked so different on this ride when I went to Busch Gardens in July 2022. I find it super cool that S&S used Arrow’s archives to build brand new trains for this ride. This is now my second favorite Arrow looper that I’ve ridden, and I found it to be very smooth for an Arrow.
it's as iconic as the statue of liberty. may not be as smooth...hey its an arrow.... but the architecture is a masterpiece over the water. One of my favorite screensavers is the fall photo of the loops.
Thanks for posting. My dad and I used to ride this together late 70’s-early 80’s. We liked it so much we rode many times in a row. Great memories, my dad is gone now, I’m in my 60’s…and still ride the Loch Ness!
I have a lot of experience at BGW. I found it funny how you phrased the first turn in the front as 'nice laterals'. I'd say it's more like getting punched, body slammed, or at least shoved. The back is a lot smoother and does not make you the target of a pro-wrestling slam. Also the first drop really is crazy. it's so bizarre that a drop so mild on paper could be so forceful in reality. you're right that the helix is basically just time padding the ride, but if you like to scream then it's a long and loud moment of revelry to share with your fellow riders.
Love this ride so much. I think if the helix was open air it would be pretty boring if it were outside but in the cave is pretty cool (always figuratively cool, literally cool in the summer). Also at BGW that is the only place I occasionally hear members of the GP screaming non-stop. I also am a sucker for arrow lift hills so sitting on a second one and hearing the rollbacks clicking is pure nostalgia for me. The coaster of my youth was Python at BGT so the fact that loch ness uses some of the cars from that ride gets me a little emotional about this ride.
I think there's something buried deep in the human consciousness that wants to scream in a dark tunnel, no matter how mild the experience is. Not necessarily that it's scary--more "it would be fun to scream in here".
I don't think it's an optical illusion. With several Arrow or Vekoma loopers the looping is about the height of the drop. But with the track design you're driving quite a bit lower on the inside of the loop as the train is under the track. And you have some speed from the predrop.
Arrow loops are intense even at that height, though twists are always the real headbangers. I wonder what coasters are actually going the right speed for that standardized element. Nessie was certainly the fastest when it opened, though not directly into the loop.
@@CanobieCoaster Im actually grateful Nessie isn't as inversion based. At this point it could be a nothing coaster like a Corkscrew clone or the equivalent of a boxing match like Drachen Fire. As is it survives as a 60mph looping Arrow and is probably the gentlest example of it's speed/size.
Timeless for sure. The setting. The beauty of it. Despite once being the tallest and fastest coaster in the world. Its great for young kids to start their journey into the world of the big coasters.
I haven't been to BGW since 2006 but I did get a ride on Nessie that day and really enjoyed it, as did everyone in my group. Sure it wasn't as aggressive as Alpengeist or Apollo's Chariot, but it still provided a good thrill. I'd really like to see them restore the roaring and lighting effects in the tunnel helix. I think that would make it much more exciting and they could take it to the next level compared to what it originally was.
This has probably the most unique arrow looper layout. With interlocking loops and a super spread out layout. So it has its photogenic loops and the rest of the ride is hidden as it goes through the woods. Definitely super unique in a good way, I see why Busch Gardens is keeping such a classic and unique ride running for so long.
I rode this for the first time back in August of 2019 in an effort to overcome my fear of the big coasters and let me just say, the first drop had me going “WOAH!!!!” because of speed. I will admit that I was expecting roughness out of it but after riding it, I can see why so many people go back to that ride and ride it today. Nessie is definitely one of the better Arrow Loopers out there and I honestly don’t see it leaving anytime soon especially since it still fits in very well with everything surrounding it.
Spot on. Arrow vertical loops are still bliss for me (but their corkscrews and batwings and cobra rolls are unbearable compared to other companies now). Rode this again last year for the first time in 15+ years. Griffon, Apollo, Alpi, Verbolten (R.I.P. Big Bad Wolf my first "big" coaster back in 1991), are all better than Loch Ness - but I hope they never get rid of it. It's an iconic historical coaster. Great review.
I don't care what anybody says the loch Ness monster has always and will always be the best roller coaster of all time. I use to ride this roller coaster when I was a kid and it's just as intense and just as fun I have ridden on many roller coaster but this one is still my favorite coaster of all time.
I think it's timeless because of its historical value. I also don't think it's fair to judge it by today's coasters. To me, I don't ride a coaster and compare it to 12 others while riding or even afterward. If it's fun, I like it. Haven't been on Alpengeist in a few years but last time I rode it, it was a rough ride.
I understand that pacing is a significant aspect of why many enthusiasts like or dislike a coaster. However, pacing rarely means anything to me positive or negative. I recognize that the fast pace of the Batman clones is important and the Wild Mouse coasters with trims that hit too hard will dramatically hurt the rest of the layout, but most of the time a "dead spot" simply gives me more ride time (I love long coasters) and usually some great views...so it is not high on my list of important coaster features.
Still runs better than so many other arrows out there. So no reason to get rid of yet. I also laugh of how smooth it is. But how rough Magnum XL is. The excuse fir the 1989 coaster is, “well there wasn’t computers back then, they did it by hand”. While Loch Ness is still smooth.
Great review. Loch Ness Monster is a classic. I hope it gets the Python @ Efteling treatment. Smooth out the rough spots and enjoy the classic pacing for what it is.
Great choice of background music. I agree with everything you said. It's got it's good moments, but that commercial break is a killer. I'm at the perfect height for these & Arrow's OTSR to not be any issue at all for me. I certainly prefer the Arrows with 5-7 inversions & TN Tornado over Nessie, but I'll take this over Carolina Cyclone and the Corkscrews.
Love your videos but to me this is a true timeless classic and the helix is iconic and dose provide decent laterals. To me in would be a shame if they ever got rid of it because it is there timeless staple all the other coasters will come and go but I don't see them ever getting rid of it
Id love to see some new versions of Arrow loopers. With modern design and construction, they'd be buttery smooth and the inversions would be awesome. Both S&S or Vekoma could make them. Even retrack some old Arrows with better transitions. Classic ride with better tech. Like classic woodies, we need to save classic steel coasters too.
I personally don't mind some of the slow pacing because it allows me to take in the scenery, but I'm not a huge fan of the helix in the cave. I do appreciate that the helix adds ride duration, and it is unique. I also think this is a good coaster to introduce someone to inversions. SDL's loop felt way more intense to me. I appreciate SDL's intensity, but I don't know how I would feel if that was my first inversion.
The worst roughness is coming out of the loops, with a back-jarring bounce in the back rows. Never had a problem with the first drop though, with its sort of SFNE Thunderbolt super quick wild pop. Headbanging in the helix, and, in front rows, first turn.
Maybe to help with the boring helix, they should put the strobes, blacklights, and spooky Nessie audio back in. It used to be one of the best parts.... now its just dark and (relatively) quiet.
Not Dated At All Its Really Smooth And Regardless Of How Bad Some Arrow Loopers Can Be You Can't Deny Their Pretty Forceful Especiall In The Inversions
10/10. Best Arrow looper (yes, more than Tennessee Tornado), and it’s what got me into coasters! Favorite in the park, but second best. Why? Because it has multiple personalities with airtime, helixes and airtime!
Is this coaster timeless, yes. Is it dated also yes. I just rode this for the first time a few weeks ago and even though it is old it still was a really fun blast from the past.
This coaster had the biggest drop on any coaster in the world at 114' when it opened June 6th 1978 for 11 days (until Gemini opened at Cedar Point 11 days later with a drop of 118').
the helix use to be lighted on the left wall made to look like the lochness monster itself, it was really cool, but i think they got tired of maintaining all the bulbs it took to make the monster.
Hey Canobie this was my first big coaster I rode and I hated it I got the worst stomach dropping feeling cause no one told me you’re supposed to scream on the main big drop and I shut my eyes for the entire ride (ps this was before invadR was at the park)
It's a classic. People love this ride and it's one of the best looking rides in the park. It would be hard to replace. I just don't get why they didn't replace the trains with vekoma comfort collar trains. They really screwed up on that.
4:53 I might be the only one here that thinks this. But I actually like the helix, especially In the front (which is suprisngly my favorite row on this ride)
I like Nessie, as far as the Arrow Loopers go. I don’t think it packs much of a punch, but sure is a lot more smooth and pleasant than other rides that do more like Viper at Magic Mountain.
Lockness is so good it still stacks up to their new ones i really really hope they never get rid of it losing big bad wolf sucked but verbolten is a great coaster however if they remove loch ness ill be genuinely upset
From an aesthetic point of view. I love the way the interlock loops were supported by those graceful arches. Yep! The pacing is off. One "fix" to the tunnel might be a few effects. Lighting & mist at the mouth and exit of the tunnel. Also sound in the tunnel a screech or roar (Nessie is in there RIGHT?) These are certainly NOT expensive upgrades, but could really "plus" a beloved classic attraction.
Funny thing, the tunnel used to have both of these, the most was removed because someone claimed it caused eye irritation, and the other effects were fixed during the 40 years celebration, until they stopped after about 3 months
@@Specialguy29 Yep! The did the Six Flags "thing" Mist could be water rather than smoke. Not necessarily strobe, but red LED's. But, Yeah a lot of effects, Disney included or not always maintained or simply shut off for budget. racing coasters are a prime example.
@@Specialguy29 LOL! Likely it was psychosomatic. Smoke fog may trigger asthma. Water vapor should NOT be a trigger. but, when dealing w/ public. Sometimes these things happen. I work in a restaurant. many ppl. say they have an "allergy" It's a 'whole' procedure we must follow to CYA.
I'm still unhappy about the demise of the Wolf. If Nessy ever joined her in the boneyard I would probably riot. The helix was better before they put the trim brakes in that are just outside the cave. It was also improved by FX they used to run with monster growls, mist/fog , strobes and electronic monster board near the tunnel mouth. Even in it's current configuration I don't find it nearly as boring or troublesome as you do. For me it's the second lift hill that drags the ride down some. When there were no trim brakes before the helix tunnel the train used to exit the bottom of the helix so fast it would make it half way up that second lift hill before the chain caught it and dragged the train the rest of the way up. I hope she runs forever and I see no reason why she can't. If the Dahlonega Mine Train (which is utter shite as a coaster regardless of how historic it might be) can still be kept in operation and the Coney Island Cyclone can be kept running there is no reason why Nessy can't too.
@@CanobieCoaster yeah me too. The mist sprayers were removed when some nut bag tried to sue the park and said the chemical in it gave her an allergic skin reaction. The park insisted the mist was nothing but water but they pulled it out anyway after that. I have no idea why they discontinued the audio and lighting effects. I assume they put the trims in to lesson the strain on all of the running gear (trains, track and second lift hill chain) but I don't know that for sure. I remember back in the early 2000s when a lot of those trims went in on Nessie and Alpengeist. People were calling the park Brakes Garden.
Nessie was my first looper so I have a strong sentimental connection to it. And as someone who is a ride or die Arrow fan, I should love it, but it just doesn't do it for me anymore. While it's certainly less jerky than others, the pacing is just bad, and outside the loops it's not very exciting. There are far better Arrow loopers out there, and I'd honestly take Anaconda over Nessie any day. That said, I hope it never gets replaced.
GREAT NEWS!!! Ol Nessie is currently going through another overhaul. All of the track is being replaced, and rumor has it, some new elements are being added. Should reopen 2024.
This ride badly needs the same treatment Phantom's Revenge received, but it's too timeless and historically important to remove completely. It needs to be remade rather than replaced.
Personally I have I like for for lochness I found it smoother than most b&ms and there was only one jarring moment the transition into the second lift I also love backseat night rides on lochness
Personally I think it deserves a 7.5 to an 8. I've never experienced any head banging or roughness anywhere on the ride but those who have tell me it's practically nothing compared to other Arrow or Vekoma looperd out there. The tunnel might not do much in there but I don't mind because I find being inside a pitch black tunnel exciting enough. Although after doing some thinking, I have to admit the second lift hill does look a bit unnecessary. They shouldn't designed it to where the train would go straight out of the tunnel and go down a small drop so that it picks up more speed as it goes into the final turn and drop.
Nessie is the face of Busch Gardens. It's iconic. Only pretentious coaster snobs will say bad things about it. Because it isn't 300ft tall and doesn't go 100 miles per hour.
@@CanobieCoaster I think Arrow, Vekoma, and Togo did this a lot. Many of their rides look awesome but they're just meh. Like Vortex, Anaconda, Desperado, NYNY Rollercoaster, Windjammer, all corkscrews and SLCs are all amazing looking. I always thought Schwarzkopf did it the best but he did fairs so they were pay per ride. Colossus at Lagoon is a great example with it's full lighting kit. Not only does it look amazing It really delivers on that promise.
This roller coaster was important not only to its park, but also my upbringing as an enthusiast. Loch Ness Monster was the first inverting coaster I rode, and inversions were the last major hurdle I had to clear before I began to ride all coasters. In my most recent ride in the back row, the ejector airtime off the first drop is one of the moments I’ve been caught off guard the most on a coaster. While I’ve ridden many other superior coasters to Nessie, this ride will always hold a special place in my heart.
The sounds of the coaster echoing off of the water is one thing that scared me as a kid too. I can remember watching 2 trains navigating the course at the same time as well. I still have yet to make it back to ride since I've begun to ride coasters, hopefully this summer.
I don’t understand why everyone’s first inverting coaster is an arrow. Why not a b&m or something that an 8 year old kid can enjoy for being smooth and not something that will try to give you a concussion?
Couldn't agree more Oland. I think it still stands up and it is one of the most iconic coasters of all time
@@tdog8600 B&M's didn't exist until the 1990s. When I started riding, almost all inverting coasters in the US were Arrows, apart from a minority of Schwarzkopfs.
When other manufacturers did get into it, at first, they'd compete to put the most inversions into a ride. So if you were timid about inversions, the ones you'd be more likely to go for would be older coasters that only had one or two inversions, and those were still likely to be from Arrow or occasionally Schwarzkopf.
@@MattMcIrvin I’m talking about people from the past 20 years. It’s still always a park’s arrow that’s the first. Back in the day it makes sense but in the current day? I don’t understand
I hope they keep this ride forever. I love it.
It's a classic.
Timeless! You touch it, we riot.
They did put new trains on it, but they're near identical.
@@CanobieCoaster thank God they didn't bastardize it the way that SFOG did to Mindbender...
Okay, so in defense of the mid section, that was likely done originally for timing so that you could sync two trains to go through the loops safely. And don't forget the helix originally had lighting effects. It's a shame they took those out. But again, I guess since those aren't there now and that the trains don't go through the loops at the same time anymore it is a badly placed "dead spot." But if that's the worst thing there is about it, I hope this ride stays around for a while longer as the Arrow loopers are definitely in danger of completely disappearing at some point.
Honestly Arrow Loopers seem easier to maintain if they're on the smaller side, which I'd argue Loch Ness Monster is, it may be on the taller side, but it doesn't do that much in comparison to the late Vortex. Plus S&S provided new trains for the ride, so I see this one sticking around for some time. Also the location would make replacing it quite difficult.
@@AceAviations2 When it opened it was the tallest complete-circuit roller coaster in the world--but that status only lasted for an instant and Arrow started building all these monster coasters that were much bigger and had many inversions. As I said on the off-ride video, I think a thing that helps this one is that its only inversions are vertical loops, its drops are straight and its transitions don't require a lot of rolling motion, so Arrow's refusal/inability to heartline anything isn't an issue.
That's a good point about the timing.
It has been several decades since I rode this, but it was my first looper and a sentimental favorite. I have no idea how it rides now, but from sheer nostalgia I hope it can survive for much longer. Several of the coasters I rode in those days aren't around any more.
I always liked the helix. There used to be strobe lights and mist effects in there. I don't suppose it was that forceful but everyone would start screaming in there just for laughs.
I remember kids saying all the way back in the 1970s that it was a back-row ride for air on the first drop.
I wish those effects were still in place.
Matt McIrvin Since I rode this back in August of 2019, I can tell you that Nessie still gives good rides today
Rode it two days ago. The airtime is still in the back row :)
During my first visit to the park on my road trip last year, I think I spent a good 90 minutes just taking pictures and watching the trains go through the interlocking loops. It was impossible not to be mesmerized. Love this coaster.
Understandable
The second loop and the drop leading into it being roughly the same height isn´t an illusion. Because of the curvature of the loop, the center of mass of the train is always several feet lower than the highest point of the loop whereas the center of mass is as high as the track (or even a bit higher) at the start of the drop. That´s why it preserves so much speed throughout the loop. Sorry for smartassing :D
Thank you!
I always have a special place in my heart for Arrow Dynamics looping coasters. I mean 45 years old, and Loch Ness Monster I think is still going strong today. I haven't ridden this, but just the fact that Busch Gardens still dedicates to maintaining this coaster with S&S shows that this coaster is still important for them. Going out of their way to repaint the ride and also purchase two trains from S&S that are pretty much a more modern version of the original Arrow trains for the 40th anniversary is a good example of this ride still being a significant icon for this park.
I'm glad they take good care of it.
This is my second favorite Arrow Looper after Viper at Magic Mountain (sorry Tennessee Tornado.) Its really a fun ride with an absolutely classic steel coaster feel. And the setting for this coaster is really fantastic. I have little kids so I like to watch this go by while they play on the Land of Dragons.
It's a real testament to the quality of Busch Gardens Williamsburg that this is their weakest thrill coaster. The park truly doesn't have a bad coaster.
I agree the park is quality top to bottom.
Honestly Verboten is trash, exclusively for how it wasted the amazing plot that BBW used with a glorified box coaster.
@@AceAviations2 well I guess we're all entitled to our opinions. I find Verbolten to be a very fun coaster with some enjoyable thematic elements, an exciting drop track, a pretty aggressive launch for a family coaster and a good final drop if you're in the back row. I think it delivers. It isn't necessarily an extreme thrill machine but that's not what it's trying to be.
That said, I like thematic elements and Cobra's Curse is my second favorite coaster at BGT after Iron Gwazi so take my opinion for what it's worth.
I cannot think or speak of this coaster objectively. ❤️
Understandable
This was my first real coaster back in 1981 and you have to look at it in context of the time it was built, it was absolutely revolutionary. It is a timeless, classic, a unique layout, beautifully set in the forest, and if I could ride one ride forever, this would be it. From a critical perspective I understand your review, but sometimes you have to see it from the eyes of a child how phenomenal this coaster was 40 years ago I just wish they had somehow themed the helix tunnel with a Loch Ness monster. Another solid video.
It was definitely a great ride when it came out.
I must've gone on a good day. Ride was smooth as glass and that helix had some forces.
Nice!
Oh Daniel you aren’t alone, I got a smooth ride on this back in August of 2019
I personally love this ride! Like you mentioned, pretty underrated ejector in the back, and the loops are good as well. It's also iconic and has a great location in the park. I always grab at least one back row ride on Nessie every time I visit BGW.
I try for the back usually too.
This is my favorite coaster of all time. You can't ignore the dead spots, but it is still a fun ride with a usually short queue line. Excellent breakdown!
That's fair.
at one point when I went to BG in the late 90's there were more lights in the cave, either blacklights or strobe lights, you could see the loch ness monster painted along side the track for a brief moment when the lights flashed, and I believe there was a nice fog effect that you drove through as well!
Interesting!
Loch Ness Monster is an icon and land mark not for just Busch Gardens but for the coaster industry as a whole. No other rollercoaster as in the world has been photographed the most then Loch Ness Monster.
It's so iconic.
This is gonna be a long comment, so bear with me. I went on Nessie yesterday for the first time, and this is my review. The first drop has great floater airtime, so does the second. The second drop, though goes straight into the first loop, which doesn’t give much time to think, just GO. Also, the cave section is great, and cools you off on a hot day, and doesn’t have anything intense about it. The second loop is a tiny bit bigger than the first, but it is still great, but the loop is quite slow the second time around. The next drop has decent airtime and is quite smooth for a forty year old coaster, and then back in the station from what I remember. It was a great ride, and I’m a pretty short person, around 4.9-4.10, but because of the headrest design, I didn’t headband a single time. The ride was really comfortable and smooth for its age, and the over the shoulder restraints were pretty comfortable. The wait time went by really fast, and the load on was a nice pace as well, not trying to rush you out, being concerned for your safety and easing new riders into it, but it also didn’t hold the line up much. I would rate this ride a 9.8-10, my favorite ride in the park so far. (I’ve ridden Apollo’s Chariot, Verbolten, and Invadr, As well as and a lot of flat rides)
Glad you loved it!
The nonstop bagpipes in the background made this one more memorable for sure 😂
You're welcome.
This is a classic to me and one of my favorite Arrow loopers. Great fit for the park and the interlocking loops are fantastic! Loch Ness Monster works great as a starting looping coaster because it isn't too intense or crazy.
That's a good point.
I was wondering why the trains looked so different on this ride when I went to Busch Gardens in July 2022. I find it super cool that S&S used Arrow’s archives to build brand new trains for this ride. This is now my second favorite Arrow looper that I’ve ridden, and I found it to be very smooth for an Arrow.
Definitely glad it got refurbished!
Nice one here. I like it. Looks like so much fun.
It is.
This ride is a total classic. May be my favorite arrow.
It is a classic.
it's as iconic as the statue of liberty. may not be as smooth...hey its an arrow....
but the architecture is a masterpiece over the water. One of my favorite screensavers is the fall photo of the loops.
It is so picturesque.
Thanks for posting. My dad and I used to ride this together late 70’s-early 80’s. We liked it so much we rode many times in a row. Great memories, my dad is gone now, I’m in my 60’s…and still ride the Loch Ness!
You're welcome
I have a lot of experience at BGW. I found it funny how you phrased the first turn in the front as 'nice laterals'. I'd say it's more like getting punched, body slammed, or at least shoved. The back is a lot smoother and does not make you the target of a pro-wrestling slam. Also the first drop really is crazy. it's so bizarre that a drop so mild on paper could be so forceful in reality. you're right that the helix is basically just time padding the ride, but if you like to scream then it's a long and loud moment of revelry to share with your fellow riders.
I don't mind the lats but I can see how some may not like them.
@@CanobieCoaster I mean,Twister has laterals. Thunderbolt at Kennywood has laterals. Loch Ness has a sumo slam.
Love this ride so much. I think if the helix was open air it would be pretty boring if it were outside but in the cave is pretty cool (always figuratively cool, literally cool in the summer). Also at BGW that is the only place I occasionally hear members of the GP screaming non-stop.
I also am a sucker for arrow lift hills so sitting on a second one and hearing the rollbacks clicking is pure nostalgia for me.
The coaster of my youth was Python at BGT so the fact that loch ness uses some of the cars from that ride gets me a little emotional about this ride.
I think there's something buried deep in the human consciousness that wants to scream in a dark tunnel, no matter how mild the experience is. Not necessarily that it's scary--more "it would be fun to scream in here".
I agree the helix would be even worse outdoors.
I don't think it's an optical illusion. With several Arrow or Vekoma loopers the looping is about the height of the drop. But with the track design you're driving quite a bit lower on the inside of the loop as the train is under the track. And you have some speed from the predrop.
Arrow loops are intense even at that height, though twists are always the real headbangers. I wonder what coasters are actually going the right speed for that standardized element. Nessie was certainly the fastest when it opened, though not directly into the loop.
True!
@@CanobieCoaster Im actually grateful Nessie isn't as inversion based. At this point it could be a nothing coaster like a Corkscrew clone or the equivalent of a boxing match like Drachen Fire. As is it survives as a 60mph looping Arrow and is probably the gentlest example of it's speed/size.
Timeless for sure. The setting. The beauty of it. Despite once being the tallest and fastest coaster in the world. Its great for young kids to start their journey into the world of the big coasters.
Definitely a classic.
I haven't been to BGW since 2006 but I did get a ride on Nessie that day and really enjoyed it, as did everyone in my group. Sure it wasn't as aggressive as Alpengeist or Apollo's Chariot, but it still provided a good thrill. I'd really like to see them restore the roaring and lighting effects in the tunnel helix. I think that would make it much more exciting and they could take it to the next level compared to what it originally was.
Those effects would be sweet.
This has probably the most unique arrow looper layout. With interlocking loops and a super spread out layout. So it has its photogenic loops and the rest of the ride is hidden as it goes through the woods. Definitely super unique in a good way, I see why Busch Gardens is keeping such a classic and unique ride running for so long.
I hope it sticks around.
Me personally, that helix is hype because of that tunnel. So it's actually on of the highlights of the ride for me 😂
To each their own!
I rode this for the first time back in August of 2019 in an effort to overcome my fear of the big coasters and let me just say, the first drop had me going “WOAH!!!!” because of speed. I will admit that I was expecting roughness out of it but after riding it, I can see why so many people go back to that ride and ride it today. Nessie is definitely one of the better Arrow Loopers out there and I honestly don’t see it leaving anytime soon especially since it still fits in very well with everything surrounding it.
They also just refurbished it.
I wish more coasters had interlocking loops this is the only one with them left
Me too.
Spot on. Arrow vertical loops are still bliss for me (but their corkscrews and batwings and cobra rolls are unbearable compared to other companies now). Rode this again last year for the first time in 15+ years. Griffon, Apollo, Alpi, Verbolten (R.I.P. Big Bad Wolf my first "big" coaster back in 1991), are all better than Loch Ness - but I hope they never get rid of it. It's an iconic historical coaster. Great review.
Thanks!
I don't care what anybody says the loch Ness monster has always and will always be the best roller coaster of all time. I use to ride this roller coaster when I was a kid and it's just as intense and just as fun I have ridden on many roller coaster but this one is still my favorite coaster of all time.
It's certainly historic.
@@CanobieCoaster it's the all time classic
The valley of the first drop has just been fixed, and is very smooth!
I saw they did some work. Great news!
Very entertaining and fun to watch. Thanks for posting this.
You're welcome!
I think it's timeless because of its historical value. I also don't think it's fair to judge it by today's coasters. To me, I don't ride a coaster and compare it to 12 others while riding or even afterward. If it's fun, I like it. Haven't been on Alpengeist in a few years but last time I rode it, it was a rough ride.
It is historic.
I understand that pacing is a significant aspect of why many enthusiasts like or dislike a coaster. However, pacing rarely means anything to me positive or negative. I recognize that the fast pace of the Batman clones is important and the Wild Mouse coasters with trims that hit too hard will dramatically hurt the rest of the layout, but most of the time a "dead spot" simply gives me more ride time (I love long coasters) and usually some great views...so it is not high on my list of important coaster features.
For me, pacing is how engaged I am. I don't mind slow bits if they add to the ride in a meaningful way.
Still runs better than so many other arrows out there. So no reason to get rid of yet.
I also laugh of how smooth it is. But how rough Magnum XL is. The excuse fir the 1989 coaster is, “well there wasn’t computers back then, they did it by hand”. While Loch Ness is still smooth.
This ride has smarter transitions.
@@CanobieCoaster facts!
Great review. Loch Ness Monster is a classic. I hope it gets the Python @ Efteling treatment. Smooth out the rough spots and enjoy the classic pacing for what it is.
That would be nice.
This was my first roller coaster and will forever hold a special place at bgw
It is iconic.
Nessie is timeless for sure, I worked her during the 2003 season.. best first job you could ask for
Nice!
Nice touch with the faint bagpipes in the audio.
Thank you!
Great choice of background music. I agree with everything you said. It's got it's good moments, but that commercial break is a killer. I'm at the perfect height for these & Arrow's OTSR to not be any issue at all for me. I certainly prefer the Arrows with 5-7 inversions & TN Tornado over Nessie, but I'll take this over Carolina Cyclone and the Corkscrews.
I prefer quite a few Arrows over this one.
Hey, Canobie Coaster! I need to go ride this attraction one day!
Hopefully!
Love your videos but to me this is a true timeless classic and the helix is iconic and dose provide decent laterals. To me in would be a shame if they ever got rid of it because it is there timeless staple all the other coasters will come and go but I don't see them ever getting rid of it
I still like it. I just prefer others.
And that's completely fair it's always fun to compare opinions
Id love to see some new versions of Arrow loopers. With modern design and construction, they'd be buttery smooth and the inversions would be awesome. Both S&S or Vekoma could make them. Even retrack some old Arrows with better transitions. Classic ride with better tech. Like classic woodies, we need to save classic steel coasters too.
S&S sort of tried their hand at a looper with Steel Curtain.
I personally don't mind some of the slow pacing because it allows me to take in the scenery, but I'm not a huge fan of the helix in the cave. I do appreciate that the helix adds ride duration, and it is unique. I also think this is a good coaster to introduce someone to inversions. SDL's loop felt way more intense to me. I appreciate SDL's intensity, but I don't know how I would feel if that was my first inversion.
That's a fair way to view the pacing.
Summer 1980….my first looping coaster at age of 7…..still most beautiful coaster in world
It looks iconic.
The worst roughness is coming out of the loops, with a back-jarring bounce in the back rows. Never had a problem with the first drop though, with its sort of SFNE Thunderbolt super quick wild pop. Headbanging in the helix, and, in front rows, first turn.
The helix never hurts me. It's just dull.
Maybe to help with the boring helix, they should put the strobes, blacklights, and spooky Nessie audio back in. It used to be one of the best parts.... now its just dark and (relatively) quiet.
I wish they still had that.
Not Dated At All Its Really Smooth And Regardless Of How Bad Some Arrow Loopers Can Be You Can't Deny Their Pretty Forceful Especiall In The Inversions
The current retrack should help with the smoothness.
arrow loopers with the OG trains can never date. especially this one.
They're classics.
There used to be a strobe light and audio in the tunnel. Wish they'd bring those effects back.
Cool!
10/10. Best Arrow looper (yes, more than Tennessee Tornado), and it’s what got me into coasters! Favorite in the park, but second best. Why? Because it has multiple personalities with airtime, helixes and airtime!
I prefer Tornado, but I agree this one is longer.
@@CanobieCoaster I meant inversions helixes and airtime. And I understand your position. Don’t get me wrong, Tornado’s hype is real!
It’s disappointing only one of these exist now
There are a few Arrow loopers left.
@@CanobieCoaster yeah but not with interlocking loops
Is this coaster timeless, yes. Is it dated also yes. I just rode this for the first time a few weeks ago and even though it is old it still was a really fun blast from the past.
Still fun for sure.
This coaster had the biggest drop on any coaster in the world at 114' when it opened June 6th 1978 for 11 days (until Gemini opened at Cedar Point 11 days later with a drop of 118').
Yup!
the helix use to be lighted on the left wall made to look like the lochness monster itself, it was really cool, but i think they got tired of maintaining all the bulbs it took to make the monster.
That sounds like a neat effect.
Hey Canobie this was my first big coaster I rode and I hated it I got the worst stomach dropping feeling cause no one told me you’re supposed to scream on the main big drop and I shut my eyes for the entire ride (ps this was before invadR was at the park)
I usually don't scream myself.
@@CanobieCoaster doesn’t your stomach drop though?
I have a soft spot for TLNM. went on it in summer 1981 when I turned 14.
Nice!
It's a classic. People love this ride and it's one of the best looking rides in the park. It would be hard to replace. I just don't get why they didn't replace the trains with vekoma comfort collar trains. They really screwed up on that.
I would enjoy those restraints more.
This is my second favorite ride at BGW 🤪
I prefer quite a few. This was my fiancee's least favorite ride lol
4:53 I might be the only one here that thinks this.
But I actually like the helix, especially In the front (which is suprisngly my favorite row on this ride)
Interesting
I like Nessie, as far as the Arrow Loopers go. I don’t think it packs much of a punch, but sure is a lot more smooth and pleasant than other rides that do more like Viper at Magic Mountain.
It does track better than others.
though it wasnt that great the interlocking loops are so cool and the setting is nice so i hope they dont get rid of it
It's so iconic.
Lockness is so good it still stacks up to their new ones i really really hope they never get rid of it losing big bad wolf sucked but verbolten is a great coaster however if they remove loch ness ill be genuinely upset
I think it just got a refurb to stick around.
@@CanobieCoaster thank goodness
From an aesthetic point of view. I love the way the interlock loops were supported by those graceful arches. Yep! The pacing is off. One "fix" to the tunnel might be a few effects. Lighting & mist at the mouth and exit of the tunnel. Also sound in the tunnel a screech or roar (Nessie is in there RIGHT?) These are certainly NOT expensive upgrades, but could really "plus" a beloved classic attraction.
Funny thing, the tunnel used to have both of these, the most was removed because someone claimed it caused eye irritation, and the other effects were fixed during the 40 years celebration, until they stopped after about 3 months
@@Specialguy29 Yep! The did the Six Flags "thing" Mist could be water rather than smoke. Not necessarily strobe, but red LED's. But, Yeah a lot of effects, Disney included or not always maintained or simply shut off for budget. racing coasters are a prime example.
@@michaeltaylor1603 it was mist, according to the park anyway, idk maybe someone is allergic to water
@@Specialguy29 LOL! Likely it was psychosomatic. Smoke fog may trigger asthma. Water vapor should NOT be a trigger. but, when dealing w/ public. Sometimes these things happen. I work in a restaurant. many ppl. say they have an "allergy" It's a 'whole' procedure we must follow to CYA.
Effects wouldn't hurt.
I disagree with you about the helix cave. I absolutely love that part of the ride.
To each their own!
I'm still unhappy about the demise of the Wolf. If Nessy ever joined her in the boneyard I would probably riot.
The helix was better before they put the trim brakes in that are just outside the cave. It was also improved by FX they used to run with monster growls, mist/fog , strobes and electronic monster board near the tunnel mouth. Even in it's current configuration I don't find it nearly as boring or troublesome as you do. For me it's the second lift hill that drags the ride down some. When there were no trim brakes before the helix tunnel the train used to exit the bottom of the helix so fast it would make it half way up that second lift hill before the chain caught it and dragged the train the rest of the way up.
I hope she runs forever and I see no reason why she can't. If the Dahlonega Mine Train (which is utter shite as a coaster regardless of how historic it might be) can still be kept in operation and the Coney Island Cyclone can be kept running there is no reason why Nessy can't too.
I wish they had all those effects.
@@CanobieCoaster yeah me too. The mist sprayers were removed when some nut bag tried to sue the park and said the chemical in it gave her an allergic skin reaction. The park insisted the mist was nothing but water but they pulled it out anyway after that. I have no idea why they discontinued the audio and lighting effects. I assume they put the trims in to lesson the strain on all of the running gear (trains, track and second lift hill chain) but I don't know that for sure. I remember back in the early 2000s when a lot of those trims went in on Nessie and Alpengeist. People were calling the park Brakes Garden.
Fantastic Video!!!!!!!!😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎
Thanks!
@@CanobieCoaster No Problem😎
When I was 10 this ride hurt my back soooo bad. like sharp excrutiatating pains when going on the loops. Have no idea why.
Oh no!
your not joking about the ejetor airtime i got some insane ejector in the very back at night
Arrows are good for that.
Question, I've heard you are able to film POV's at BGW but you need to go to guest services? Is that true?
Yes, you need to get a camera card from guest relations.
I have a feeling that Dated or not BGW will never scrap this coaster if they can help it
I think you're right
Nessie was my first looper so I have a strong sentimental connection to it. And as someone who is a ride or die Arrow fan, I should love it, but it just doesn't do it for me anymore. While it's certainly less jerky than others, the pacing is just bad, and outside the loops it's not very exciting. There are far better Arrow loopers out there, and I'd honestly take Anaconda over Nessie any day.
That said, I hope it never gets replaced.
It seems unlikely to leave anytime soon.
Great video! what camera do you use?
Usually a Canon G7X. Onride photos are with a Go Pro.
All arrows need the vekoma vest trains or, even better, the ones with lapbars, to preserve the airtime.
The vests are much more comfortable.
GREAT NEWS!!! Ol Nessie is currently going through another overhaul. All of the track is being replaced, and rumor has it, some new elements are being added. Should reopen 2024.
I'm glad they're taking good care of it.
Also, I have a personal vendetta against the trim brake before the first loop. I wish they could have placed it anywhere else.
I'd rather it at the bottom of the drop so you get the full pop.
@@CanobieCoaster Exactly, or mid-turnaround where there isn't much going on anyway.
What are the differences between a 5 out of 10, a 6 out of 10, a 6.5 out of 10, and a 7 out of 10?
Average to Good
This ride badly needs the same treatment Phantom's Revenge received, but it's too timeless and historically important to remove completely. It needs to be remade rather than replaced.
I'd rather BGW build new rides to compliment it.
Personally I have I like for for lochness I found it smoother than most b&ms and there was only one jarring moment the transition into the second lift I also love backseat night rides on lochness
I can see why it would be an awesome night ride.
It's timeless. It has the best setting.
The setting is great.
Personally I think it deserves a 7.5 to an 8. I've never experienced any head banging or roughness anywhere on the ride but those who have tell me it's practically nothing compared to other Arrow or Vekoma looperd out there. The tunnel might not do much in there but I don't mind because I find being inside a pitch black tunnel exciting enough. Although after doing some thinking, I have to admit the second lift hill does look a bit unnecessary. They shouldn't designed it to where the train would go straight out of the tunnel and go down a small drop so that it picks up more speed as it goes into the final turn and drop.
I would've just eliminated that helix and gone straight into the 2nd half.
I agree with you Mitchell, I never got a single bit of head banging on this either
I just rode this roller coaster not too long ago and I did not get any roughness or head banging. For an older roller coaster it was pretty smooth 👌
Nessie is the face of Busch Gardens. It's iconic. Only pretentious coaster snobs will say bad things about it. Because it isn't 300ft tall and doesn't go 100 miles per hour.
I agree it's iconic.
Honestly it's just one of those coasters that is way cooler to look at than ride, which I don't think is a bad thing.
That could be fair.
@@CanobieCoaster I think Arrow, Vekoma, and Togo did this a lot. Many of their rides look awesome but they're just meh. Like Vortex, Anaconda, Desperado, NYNY Rollercoaster, Windjammer, all corkscrews and SLCs are all amazing looking. I always thought Schwarzkopf did it the best but he did fairs so they were pay per ride. Colossus at Lagoon is a great example with it's full lighting kit. Not only does it look amazing It really delivers on that promise.
W ride
Yes
Timeless
And it just got a lot of love this offseason.
@@CanobieCoaster I suppose that's one way to see it 🤠
Timeless..
Indeed.
I disagree and say it’s a solid 8. I think if you consider the history, integration with the terrain, and coaster itself…you can rank it this high.
It's definitely historic, but my rating reflects how the ride experience rates to other loopers today.
ARROW WENT BANKRUPT
Sadly
This thing's got to go, my friend.
Why
No!! This thing is a classic!
I would rather it stay and they build something new elsewhere.
@@CanobieCoaster Yeah dude, it can stay haha. I had no idea this park was ten times the size of Knott's haha. Wow. Great review and video, as always.
Blasphemy and inaccurate
Sorry you weren't a fan.
loch ness monter?
More like LONG NECK MONSTER
ALSO FIRST
That doesn't make sense
Lol