WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) – Exciting news for fans of the Roman Rapids water ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. It’s coming back to the park!

Busch Gardens confirmed the news Tuesday afternoon, saying it is expected to reopen Memorial Day weekend.

The family favorite ride is set to return on Friday, May 26. This comes after the ride was closed in 2020 and 2021 due to capacity restrictions and staffing.

It remained closed in 2022 after the park decided to renovate the ride, which was built in 1988.

The Vice President of Ride Operations, Jeff Thomas, says the ride has all new boats that increase the capacity from six riders to nine.

The ride also went through general ride enhancements while it was closed, such as adding new ramps and white water rapids.

Thomas also told 10 On Your Side that the ride will be longer and there is a guarantee that more people will get wet.

Roman Rapids is one of three water rides at the park. The others are the Log Flume and Escape from Pompeii.

There’s a lot happening at Busch Gardens. The Williamsburg amusement park is also opening its newest roller coaster to the public on Friday, May 19. An opening ceremony will be held at 10:45 a.m. Members have had an opportunity to ride the new coaster first, sincen May 11.

DarKoaster™ is North America’s first all-indoor straddle coaster. The ride is meant to mimic a snowmobile, that takes guests on an adventure through total darkness.

Find out more information about Busch Gardens Williamsburg, including ticket pricing and park hours, at this link.