Busch Gardens Williamsburg has confirmed the return of a fan-favourite attraction. Return to Corkscrew Hill is scheduled to open in 2027, taking visitors back into the enchanted world of Irish mythology with brand-new technology, updated special effects, and fresh storytelling.
A Classic Adventure Reimagined
The upcoming attraction will occupy the simulator space in the park's Ireland themed area. According to the park's official announcement, the story picks up the legend of the original ride while elevating the experience for modern audiences:
Step back into the enchanted world of Corkscrew Hill, where a seemingly innocent tour of an old Irish castle becomes a race to escape a witch's trap. Miniaturised to the size of the wee people, you'll speed across the Irish countryside, soar through the Dark Forest past legendary creatures, and come face to face with some old friends (and foes).
In a social media announcement, Busch Gardens promised behind-the-scenes updates throughout the development process, highlighting all-new immersive storytelling, new physical effects, and cutting-edge projection technology.
History of the Ireland Simulator Theatre
The simulator building in the Ireland section has undergone several transformations since the turn of the century.
- 2001 – 2010: Corkscrew Hill
The original Corkscrew Hill simulator ride opened in 2001, earning a loyal fan base for its quirky story, atmospheric Irish folklore, and memorable creature designs. - 2010 – 2017: Europe in the Air
The building was repurposed for Europe in the Air, a high-definition flight simulator taking riders across famous European landmarks. It operated for seven seasons. - 2018 – 2020: Battle for Eire
The park adapted the motion theatre for virtual reality (VR) headsets with the debut of Battle for Eire. The attraction permanently closed in 2020, leaving the venue standing empty. - 2027: Return to Corkscrew Hill
Busch Gardens brings back the fan-favourite concept, updated with modern visual systems and state-of-the-art simulator hardware.
What to Expect for 2027
Theme park fans have long speculated on the future of the vacant Ireland building. The decision to bring back Corkscrew Hill aligns with a growing theme park trend of tapping into nostalgic, fan-favourite intellectual properties while applying current attraction engineering.
Theme Parks US will continue to monitor development, permit filings, and share updates as Busch Gardens Williamsburg reveals more details during construction.
