Williamsburg in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Ace Roller Coaster Landmark
Acknowledged as the world's first continuous track interlocking loop roller coaster, the ride opened on May 20, 1978. With its signature twin loops and structure rising 130-feet above the park's Rhine River, it features a 114-foot high drop and a double felix through the mountain-like 'Dragon's Lair'. Designed by Ronald Toomer for worldwide development of the tubular steel tracked coaster.
To promote the ride, Busch Gardens hosted the First National Roller Coaster Convention, Coaster Con I, on June 9-11, 1978. While ACE was formally organized during this event, the new club also enjoyed its first Exclusive Ride Time (ERT) on the Loch Ness Monster.
While it continues to appeal to riders of all ages, 'Nessie' remains the cornerstone of Busch Garden Williamsburg's impressive collection of roller coasters.
Erected 2003 by American Coaster Enthusiasts.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is May 20, 1978.
Location. 37° 14.088′ N, 76° 38.773′ W. Marker is in Williamsburg, Virginia, in James City County . Marker can be reached from Busch Gardens Boulevard. Marker is in Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Admission required. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Busch Gardens Boulevard, Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Loch Ness Coaster (within shouting distance of this marker); Whitaker's House (approx. 1.3 miles away); Community of Grove (approx. 1˝ miles away); Kingsmill (approx. 1.6 miles away); Trebell's Landing (approx. 2.3 miles away); Carter's Grove (approx. 2.3 miles away); Battle of Williamsburg (approx. 2.3 miles away); Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2023, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 80 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 15, 2023, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.