From April 3, 1992: The grand opening of Drachen Fire at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Original airdate: 4/3/1992. 13News' Joe Flanagan puts on a brave face and gets a taste of the newest roller coaster at Busch Gardens The Old Country: Drachen Fire! Despite positive opening day reviews, the attraction proved too rough and intense for many and the Drachen's fire was extinguished for good after only six years in 1998.
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[@FanOfVacuums2]

I think Drachen Fire was one of those rides that was either loved or hated. Some locals here still stand by that it was one of the best they had ridden, but others say that it beat them up too badly. It is unfortunate that it did not work out because the ride was beautiful and had a layout that was complex and far ahead of its time.

[@RB01.10]

If I had to guess I would say it wasn’t too popular though due to the fact it had a bad reputation for being extremely rough and also had low ridership which probably was due to its poor reception.
I can’t believe it only lasted six years (most coasters, even bad ones usually last over 10, Hercules at Dorney Park is a prime example; 1989 - 2003) though I am confused by the fact it closed after the 1998 season yet the coaster wasn’t demolished until 2002.

[@bdubs4036]

That laugh at 25 seconds is amazing. HAUUUUUHHHGGGHH

[@neverdunnthrifting9315]

I came here for this comment! 😂

[@tjsogmc]

It was a neck breaker and caused a lot of injuries in it's 6 short years of operation.

[@MattMcIrvin]

It was an exciting, fun layout, but it also beat you up bad.

[@cjones3710]

Here ye here calling all warriors to fight drachen fire.

[@Jaxymann]

It’s such a shame, Drachenfire had great speed, a brilliant layout and thrilling intensity, but the roughness of its manufacture was its ultimate downfall. If it had been built by B&M or Intamin with precision and computerised design, I’ve no doubt it would still be a world class coaster to this day.

[@m00nkinftw]

0:52 look at that neck snapping transition lol, the guy in the first row definitely got a migraine from that