The Loch Ness Monster is a steel roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, noted at the time of its opening in 1978 as the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster, as well as the first coaster with two interlocking loops.The Loch Ness remains the only roller coaster with two interlocking loops — other similar designs having been dismantled. In addition to the loops, which link over one of the park's water features, the design includes a helix tunnel, two lift hills and a 114ft drop. The ride sits within the park's Scottish-themed Heatherdown, relates the legend of the Loch Ness monster and suggests the serpent inhabits its underwater caves.The ride is classified as Coaster Landmark by American Coaster Enthusiasts and marked its 35th anniversary in 2013.LayoutThe ride begins with a pre-recorded welcome, departs the station and ascends a 130ft lift hill with a small, tight turn before descending 114ft toward the park's Rhine River. A large upward hill crosses over the park's 'Land of the Dragons', bringing the ride to the first of two interlocking loops, after which the ride accelerates through a descending, spiraling tunnel.The train descends 2.75 spiraling revolutions before exiting the specially lit tunnel, subsequently ascending its second lift hill, making a wide turn and dropping into the second loop - ascending a last time before stopping. *The lights in the tunnel have not been turned on for years. Many of the current employees aren't even aware that there are lights in the tunnel yet many long time fans of the ride fondly recall them.
