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^That sounds about right. Howl-o-Scream has been going on since 1998 (when it had one house, a couple of shows, and the Transylvania Express train ride).

This might be the weirdest B&M coaster since Daemonen at Tivoli Gardens--the cutest lil' ol' floorless coaster ever!

At least they're not putting comfort collars on Scorpion, right?

I remember liking Transdemonium. It had this bizarre "devil" character at the beginning that looked like a marionette.

I like Fire in the Hole and its Dollywood cousin, but the ride is very old, and I imagine it's difficult and expensive to maintain. I hope they replace with a nice updated version (like Knott's did with their mine train and log ride).

Yep--it's not even a decent preshow. Just a bad video of two actors "phoning it in" for a check.

OK, who's ready to let the good times roll at Busch Gardens? It's Mardi Gras season! Here's some information from the park about this year's event. The Big Easy Meets Big Thrills at Busch Gardens Mardi Gras with NEW Entertainment & NEW Flavors Mardi Gras returns to Busch Gardens Williamsburg on select dates now – Feb. 20 Enjoy the spirit of the season with the NEW Mardi Street Party, an interactive street parade with ribbon dancers, stilt walkers and Big Easy beats Guests are transported to a festive realm of French Quarter fanfare featuring over thirty Cajun culinary delights and spirited entertainment  Busch Gardens debuts a robust and exciting event lineup in 2023 with the return of Busch Gardens Mardi Gras on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays plus Presidents’ Day, now through February 26. Let the good times roll with the ALL-NEW Mardi Street Party, NEW bayou-inspired cuisine, and returning favorites from 2022 including Carnaval Imaginique, a captivating and electrifying cirque show in the Globe Theatre. Colorful entertainment fills Busch Gardens’ villages with an exciting New Orleans-style event for the whole family, featuring three world-class roller coasters, over fifteen rides and thirty mouth-watering Mardi Gras flavors. NEW! Mardi Street Party at Busch Gardens Mardi Gras The France village comes to life in this exciting NEW parade full of dazzling ribbon dancers and stunning stilt walkers. Wave hello to the King of Mardi Gras and collect beads as his jesters pass by. The spirit continues as the popular Carnaval Imaginique returns to the Globe Theatre, featuring thrilling acrobatics and stunning acts of balance and strength. Guests can also experience returning entertainment like the New Orleans Jazz Band in Das Festhaus, the Killarney Village Band in Abbey Stone Theatre and Samba Jamboree, everyone’s favorite wacky jester drummers, in Rhinefeld village. NEW! 30+ Authentic Mardi Gras Flavors Immerse yourself in the Big Easy with NEW culinary offerings straight from Bourbon Street. Indulge in classic New Orleans-style cuisine ranging from Chicken and Andouille Gumbo, Shrimp Étouffée, Banana Fosters Cheesecake, the fan favorite Crawfish Boil, and more. Let the good times roll with spirited cocktails including hurricanes, rum runners and the King Cake shot. New food and beverage offerings include: NEW! - Oyster Po’ Boy NEW! – Specialty Beignets NEW! – Passionfruit Hurricane NEW! – Cajun Bloody Mary The best way to taste your way through Mardi Gras is with a five or ten item sampler. Guests can mix and match entrees, desserts, beer, wine, cocktails and specialty non-alcoholic beverages at designated Mardi Gras kiosks throughout the park for only $40 for five punches, or $60 for ten punches. Sampler lanyards are available to purchase online or in-park.

I remember its big scare before you plunged into the green, disease-ridden water--a hobo mask on a stick!

My understanding was that they were just rebuilding/rehabbing the old trains.

Well, I wouldn't mess with a mandrill.

Apollo's Chariot last Monday Night at Christmas Town--nearly froze my face off.

So, a stand-up shoot-em-up? Interesting. The name is a bit awkward.

Don't forget to ride Peter Pan while you're at it.

Good question. "Preview" days can be a bit bumpy. I imagine the park will be pretty well decorated (Italy was "closed" last week for Christmas Town prep). Shows are supposed to be running according to their website, and I think you can count on attractions being open. But they always have to tweak these events after they start.

I was hoping for new trains, too, as the old ones were pretty uncomfortable (at least to me).