263 replies to this topic

[steel-Rock]

I went over to Tampa last week. Montu, Kumba, and SheiKra rock as usual. Gwazi made my teeth shake around in my mouth. I hadn't ridden Scorpion since the beginning of the year. It was better this time than I remember it. Anyway, there seems to be some land being cleared out behind and to the right of Kumba. They also put up a rather large tent back in that area. This is a funny place to do this. #1, there is lots of water in that whole section; everything will have to be drained. #2, this is a part that is now almost impossible to get to by a guest. They will have to build something to allow people to get down a hill and cross a railroad track. Rcdb.com says that a family ride called Air Grover is "under construction" and will be open in 2010. This is a terrible place for that. Could it be something else?

[Brad]

^Nope it's Sesame Street Safari of Fun, a clone of BGW's Forest of Fun
Article

[BJ KoasterKooK]

I guess this is the "new" thread for BGA's future. Yep, that's what's going in...Sesame Street's Safari of Fun following on the heels of Jungala...yawn.

Naw, it's all good for the GP and families, but, from my perspective, I'll be more than glad when this next stage, or expansion, is behind us.

I cannot believe that SheiKra's been around for 4 1/2 years already, and it doesn't look like anything new or big (aka-coaster), will be in the works till 11' or more likely '12. Yeah, that's 6-7 years between coasters, including the loss of Python in that time.

The problem is and continues to be ROOM for a new coaster. Unless BGA wants to imprint on the Seregenti Plain, there doesn't seem to be enough of a footprint, at least for a "normal" sized B&M. Aerial views basically confirm this.

What would possibly fit would be a "fringe" park layout B&M Hyper, kinda like what BGE did with Apollos Chariot...that would work, imo, and I believe a few folks like Ryan(CoasterCrazy), myself and others have expounded on that in the past.

BGA, like it's sister in Williamsburg, is becoming even more "family friendly", let's just hope that the new ownership doesn't leave the enthusiasts wishing for the "good ol' days" because of full parks, or no new B&M models, or a continued focus away from "big" thrills...I hope not.

[Ryan Shrout]

Actually this could be a really good move. If the construction that steel-Rock is mentioning is indeed for SSS (sesame street safari) then that means that it will not be in the old Land of the Dragons location. Now most of the old Land of the Dragon attractions are being refurbished and rethemed for the new area which means they will be moved to this new location. The rest will probably be scrapped leaving a nice big open space next to Gwazi. There is actually quite a bit of room between Dragons and Gwazi that can't be gotten to with the kiddyland in the way. But with that moved elsewhere, BGA will have free space large enough to put a SheiKra-sized layout. And that's all inside the path. There is still the option (one that I would love) of building a fringe hyper and just putting the station and final helix there. But in general, removing Land of the Dragons and putting SSS out behind Kumba opens up all sorts of possibilities for BGA's next major coaster, whatever it may be.

[Brad]

^I really don't understand the logic behind removing Python (the park's classic coaster) for Jungala, and then 2 years later adding another kid's area. Truthfully I think BGT is going to suffice without a major coaster for a few more years, seeing as after Air Grover they will have 7 coasters, while BGW has only 5 and just lost one of their iconic coasters.

Hey if push comes to shove, I'm sure BGT could easily obtain a S:UF clone from B&M and theme it and none of the GP would know there's an exact copy of it 1 state north.

And what about a mini-floorless like Daemonen, that thing looks pretty insane to be in such a small space.

[BJ KoasterKooK]

^^ OK Ryan, if that's the way this area may be used, with the LoD attractions being moved to the new location, and if that leaves a min. 4-5 acre footprint opening, you may be onto something. As always, time will tell.

In picturing that area between Gwazi and LoD, there indeed would be a worthy sized "opening" right on the circuit path you mentioned...interesting.


^ Well Brad, I'm certainly going under the premise of BBW being replaced FIRST, with BGA then getting a new coaster perhaps the following year. Again, all this is assuming the new ownership stays committed and on the successful path they historically have. Along with having enough room that is.

With all due respect, Python was a "classic" in age only; with very, very few enthusiasts bemoaning its fate when she left us, and honestly, while I don't like to see any coaster "die", Python is at the bottom of my RIP list.

Also, when I count coasters at the A-B/InBev, (Blackstone/Merlin) parks, I focus on mainly B&M's, at least until they move on from their main manufacturer since 93'. BGE will get their "replacement" coaster first, then it would only make sense for BGA to be next in line...albeit probably 2-3 years down the road from today, unfortunately.

As far as shoving a "S:UF clone" in place at BGA, I'd say 100% never if the Busch family still ran things...that idea goes completely against everything they've done with their big three parks since inception of ownership...they just wouldn't compromise and go so far backwards just to put a B&M in. Would the new ownership consider such a foolish thing(?), I just don't know at this time, but I'd certainly hope not.

BGA went 9 years between B&M's (96'to 05'), and BGE went 8 years (99' to 07'). With SWO getting Manta, BGE getting a BBW replacement in 10' or 11', I still foresee one more B&M coming to BGA, I hope, in 2012.

That's just my limited thoughts and perspective...but until I see both the new ownership and the parks go in a different direction or have a completely new set of standards for the future, that's my best bet

PS, yeah, a mini-floorless like a Daemonen would be insane there, I like the idea.

[Ryan Shrout]

BGA will not get a B&M multi-looping floorless as they already Kumba. And SWO has Manta and BEC has been careful to not open similar coasters at their two FL parks. And please, go search BGA on Google Maps and just look at all that empty land next to Gwazi. I think you could fit any single coaster already at the park with the exception of Montu in that space. I have no doubt in my mind that that is where the next coaster at BGA will be placed.

[BJ KoasterKooK]

^ Yes, as I stated in my last post, and I think as history bears out, A-B's BEC was very careful with the planning of their coasters for their "big 3" parks.

But, with new ownership comes the questions of continuity and vision that I've mentioned in the various threads concerning these parks. No, one would not assume they would drop a previous generation Flyer in when they have a cutting age new generation one up the road an hour or so...and they certainly have never duplicated similar rides in the same park before.

So, if there is room and monies, I would agree with the potential B&M model we've discussed in the past.

And as far as actual room, IF what you perceive as you said before is accurate, then that would work, I would think. But that room next to Gwazi, while significant overall, is still an uknown actual amount when compared to most any coasters footprint. No, Montu, and probably Kumba even probably wouldn't fit there, and a Hyper needs great length, if not great width to pull off a superior layout, so I guess we'll see and continue to debate all this.

I certainly like the potential though

[Ryan Shrout]

Well of course a B&M Hyper couldn't fit entirely in that space. I was just using the size of BGA's other coasters a reference to the amount of free land. Just to throw this out there, I really like how the layout on SFoG's Goliath hops over some of the existing rides and paths of the park.

[JDcoasterConqueror]

You threw it out there all right...
And right into my head!

The space is big enough for a 250ft assent and decent, and can turn over part of the parking lot to impress awe-filled onlookers. It can shoot over some of Gwazi's track, and wind its way to SheiKra. Maybe it can be named "Pounce" or "Pride's Hunt". I'm thinking of something lion themed. Well, this probably won't happen at all, but if it does, it'll have to wait until, at least, 2012 (and until after BGE creates another coaster for it to compete with) but it's definitely a possibility for the future.

[The Deadman]

^Nope it's Sesame Street Safari of Fun, a clone of BGW's Forest of Fun
Article

gotta love Sesame Street, amiright?

[BJ KoasterKooK]

A couple of updates about the park; one is a rumor that has been spoken of on a number of sites, and the other some actual pics of some much needed improvements to a needy ride.

The "rumor" that's been circulating for some three weeks or so now is that "someone" reported seeing ballons that had been floated up for a height check of a proposed new attraction. Truthfully, only a very tall (ie-Hyper) coaster would need to have a ballon test (although I think all vertical rides have it done for code reasons), so perhaps this is the beginning of the groundwork for that much anticipated and discussed B&M Hyper for the park...perhaps. If so, 2011 would be the target year I would think at this late date. I am most definitely thinking positive on this one.

The pics were of Gwazi Tiger being down for refurbishment...some retracking as well as other wood replacement, yea! Just maybe some much needed new trains will follow this upgrade and maintenance


Yeah, I'm most certainly being overly optimistic, but why not until proven otherwise, eh?

[netdvn]

What about a B&M Jr. Hyper (Goliath North/Hollywood Dream) with a Raging Bull-style layout?

That way they cover B&M Hypers and it won't take up as much room as a full-sized hypercoaster.

[JDcoasterConqueror]

I'm with ya dude. I can't wait to see something like Diamondback, Nitro, or Appolo's Chariot in BGT. If that happens, it might just take the place as best amusment park in Florida. I'm closer to BGW, but I like Tampa's better (and they're both plane rides for me, so it doesn't matter that much. my rule is no more than 5hrs in a car) due to it's better view, theming (arguable), and roller coasters, so if they get a new B&M Hyper, I'm flying there no matter what!

EDIT: this is, what, the 6th time I double posted.......

Edited by JDcoasterConqueror, 27 November 2009 - 01:45 PM.

[Ryan Shrout]

^Be warned that BJ may come back with a novel for you to read on why he completely prefers BGE over BGA in every regard. lol. Fun reading nonetheless.

Anyway, a BGA hyper would of necessity require a "fringe" layout with maybe a helix finale. As for Gwazi, I'm incredibly glad that it's being re-tracked. Knowing BEC's incredible staff and how much they cared for their rides, it always surprised me how rough it has been allowed to get. And while yes, some of it is due to the wood and all that humid air/torrential Florida rains, alot of the roughness is also due to the rolling stock. Last time I went the wheel assembly did not fit the track particularly snugly. New trains would certainly but I'm not gonna hold my breath on that front.

[BJ KoasterKooK]

^Ha and lol Ryan; naw, I won't write a novel on all the reasons for my fav park , in fact, it would more of a non-fiction writing I would think!

Actually, at this point in time, I would much rather have a day in Tampa's BG over Williamsburg's (regardless of weather) cause one, I haven't been there in a longer time, two, I haven't ridden SheiKra with the floorless trains, and three, Big Bad Wolf's demise seriously lowers the overall coaster enjoyment of the park.

Everyone who reads here knows my unqualified luv for BGE as the "best" out there (imo), but my top three or four parks are all under the same blanket as far as enjoyment rating. All this to say I fully understand why someone (like you Ryan) prefers BGA to BGE, Montu to Alpie, SheiKra to Griffon, and so forth.

Now BGA with a B&M Hyper would be a serious upgrade, but let's wait and see just what Blackstone and B&M (or Mack, or whomever) put in to replace the Wolf before I rate BG South over BG North quite yet.

Let's face it, Gwazi with retracking and replaced wood without new trains just isn't completing the upgrades as necessary to bring this woodie's performance back up where it needs to be. I just hope BEC with InBev/Blackstone at the helm completes the task properly.

[Ryan Shrout]

^If it makes you feel better, I prefer Apollo's Chariot over Kumba.

[Brad]

^If I'm correct Kumba is rather rough... not in the Arrow sense but vibrating and banging you around in a few spots.
That thing is just ugly. It needs paint, desperately.

I haven't been to BGT since I rode Python and nothing else... and there's a chance that I'm going again this year. I honestly say I much prefer BGW by comparing it to looks. BGW may have just lost an icon, and one of the most historic coasters, but BGW still has 4 other amazing coasters and one for children.

To see BGT get a Hyper would be great, even if it's just 150-200 feet tall. B&M has done it before and has still pulled off a pretty neat coaster. I don't remember much about what BGT's land is like... nor do I feel like looking right now, but I believe that a Hyper could fit somehow, over 200 feet or under 200 feet.

[Ryan Shrout]

Yes Kumba has gotten rather rough for a B&M. Its was the first sit-down looper they ever built. It hasn't been repainted since it opened I don't think and the wheel assembly has gotten kinda loose on the rails. Nothing some good TLC can't fix though. The thing with Kumba for me is that it's rather small for a 7 inversion ride. The first drop just seems tiny in comparison to the park's other B&Ms and the ellements are all intermediate sized - not epicly big, nor small and forcefull.

[drachenfirebgw]

Kumba was last repainted in 2006. Note this photo here. It just fades quickly due to the Florida rainfall, climate, and the plant heavy area where it's located. I last rode Kumba in 2007, and she was a little rough for a B&M. However, considering it was the first sit-down from B&M, I don't mind. If you know how to ride it though the roughness isn't nearly as much of an issue. It's still top 15 of the 84 roller coasters I've ridden.

A B&M Hyper would be icing on the cake for BGA, as BGE declines interestingly enough. This was the turning point in both of the two parks history. Imagine us comparing a B&M Drachen Fire and Kumba today... BGA would required a fringe hyper design similar in style to Apollo's Chariot, Behemoth, and Goliath at La Ronde rather than Diamondback or Raging Bull, and probably run along the back of the park being from Kumba's general area going across. I think it's imminent that BGA will get a B&M Hyper; it's just a matter of when.

Remember, BGA has yet to have a major layoff between major roller coasters like BGE had between 2000 and 2006. If BGA was laid off for the same number of years, they would get a new thriller in 2012, which makes sense considering BGE would get their Flyer in 2011.

Another thing to consider is that BGE has two simulator rides compared to none at BGA. This is one due to BGE's climate and the fact that simulator attractions are popular at the park, BGA has Cheetah Chase, and because Rhino Rally is currently the closest thing they have to simulator. I would be surprised to see BGA open a simulator attraction using either Corkscrew Hill's or Curse of DarKastle's technology in the coming years after Sesame Street and before their next major roller coaster.

[BJ KoasterKooK]

I think Kumba is an exciting, amazing coaster that needs to be taken as she is... B&M's 1st major successful endeavor in a major park. She's going on 17 years old next year, and I find the seven inversion looper incredibly intense. Kumba certainly doesn't need to be any bigger to pack the punch she does.

Obviously, B&M has gone in a bit different overall direction in the years since she was built, but I kinda look at this coaster as a "bridge" from part of an old company that created something newer and better in the world of coasters...Kumba represents that to me. And I think most enthusiasts would agree, she's still a great ride overall.

As we've all discussed before, as the park is laid out now, even with that room on the main "path" near Gwazi, any decent size coaster would have to have an AC style "fringe" layout or perhaps an Golaith type "over, around, and outside" type layout. It shall be interesting, but the long awaited B&M Hyper would be ace, absolutely.

Kinda agree on the whole simulator deal you mentioned Matthew...but that option may work down the road after the next and most likely last new coaster, at least that makes sense to me...but I can convince myself of anything I want to, probably

PS, I think I was there just after Kumba's repainting in 06', I remember she looked sweet to me...

[Ryan Shrout]

^Now I highly disagree with you comment of the a BGA hyper being the next and probably last new coaster. Especially in the super competitive world of Florida theme parks, BGA will find a way to continue to grow, whether that means the removal of older rides somewhere down the line such as Gwazi or Kumba, or a more imaginative approach such as Hershey Park has taken when fitting in new rides.

[BJ KoasterKooK]

^Yea, I kinda knew someone would jump on that statement, and you were in the top 3 of those I thought who might...thanks for not letting me down !

I meant as far as there being no more room in the park as she is currently being used and set-up. Obviously I didn't mean replacement coasters or the possibility of infringing on the wild animal areas and such.

You know as well as I, by the aerial pictures we've all looked at, that BGA is about filled up. That "fringe" AC type Hyper, even if next to Gwazi for it's load station start would about max the place out...as we know it now.

Future "large" sized coaster growth would have to do just as you said, be replacements, or have interacting layouts with other parts of the park.

Are we more in agreement now Ryan?? I hope so 'cause your the Florida home-boy !

[at5626]

I am not sure if there is a topic for this project. I tried searching for one, but I did not find any matches, so here we go.

Screamscape has recently been talking about rumors of a new coaster heading to BG Tampa.

Some say B&M is behind it, and others say it is not.

Apparently the area in which the coaster could go is huge.

I do not know much about the layout of Busch Gardens and where everything is, but all I know is that there is quite a bit of room.

If it is a B&M, I would guess it is a B&M hyper.

If not, I would probably guess an intamin giga/hyper coaster. Given the new giga coaster concept, I would think that would be a great new coaster for Busch Gardens Tampa. They don't really have any coaster meant for airtime and height. A giga would fit the case. Any other ideas?

[Ryan Shrout]

I merged this into the BGA future topic. Once there is proof that they are getting a coaster, then we can start of thread in the Upcoming Rides forum. Until then, lets keep the rumors in Futures.