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Here's a quick InvadR update. I received a text yesterday from a TPR member saying some portions of the coaster's track had been removed in three spots. I went to the park today, and they are installing new wood. How this will affect the ride's scheduled opening day, I'm not sure. My best guess is probably not. They're were still telling people April 7. Here are some photos. But first, sorry Europe in the Air fans--the old ride's sign is gone. But, hey, Le Scoot is open. There was a crew working in front of the station. "Grr! I'll bite your head off! Grr, I say!" (I do like the look of the trains.) You can see two crews from the Alpengeist bridge. New wood and clamps being put to use. This crew is working by the railroad tracks. Here's the view from the train. The work up close. They have to apply the steel strip, too. Here's the other crew. New wood and clamps. That's all for now.

If it's as good as White Lightning, that works for me.

^Yep--variety is a good thing.

But do you want to ride "good," or ride a lot?

It does move at a pretty good clip.

To everyone engaging in pointless bickering and name calling in this thread . . . Knock it off. Now.

I like how the coaster interacts with the train--should a new dimension to an old attraction.

^I can confirm that Griffon was open because I rode it. They were having some technical issues earlier in the day.

Here are InvadR's sign and entrance, Larry.

There was a sign posted on Big Ben, but I don't recall the date. It's part of the Summer Nights promotion. So, how about some InvadR, eh? Look, Larry--a sign! This is the uber scary Viking war machine at the ride entrance, . . . . . . and this is Magnus, an uber scary Viking dude! Look how daintily he handles his spear. The theming for this ride is well done. Here's the entrance plaza from a distance. Behold the new skyline of Fort New France. They've done a lot of work since the February hard-hat tour. They area around the ride has been cleaned up nicely. Let's not forget the left side of the railroad tracks. I wonder what LeScoot thinks about its new neighbor? A piece of an airtime hill and a bit of GCI twistiness. Sorry about the goofy angle, but I wanted to show you the second tunnel. Still needs a few finishing touches. Here's what will greet you upon your return. The station looks good, but I hope the Vikings can't get to the propane tank--that could be trouble. The view from the bridge into Germany. InvadR is coming for you, LeScoot! Looks like you'll need loggers and security guards. Another look at the station. It really fits in well with Fort New France. So, how about some operating coaster photos? Alpengeist still isn't quite old enough to drink . . . . . . while Griffon is a precocious ten year old. That's all from Passholder Preview Day. Thanks for reading.

What's New at BGW for 2017?: Report from Passholder Preview Day Rain mixed with snow is falling on Williamsburg at the moment, but the weather for yesterday's Passholder Preview Day, depiste a drizzly beginning, was nearly perfect. The park uses these events for announcements both major (such as InvadR) and minor (such as new kiosks for the Food and Wine Festival). Here's a summary of what happened yesterday. 1. InvadR will open on April 7. This is one of the earliest openings for a new ride at BGW ever. They "unveiled" the ride's sign and entrance (both of which look great), and mentioned that "testing" had been going on. I didn't see any trains on the track, but they could've in the station and barn away from public view. 2. Virtual reality comes to Ireland in 2018. Europe in the Air is closed and being prepared to become a "virtual-reality motion-simulator" attraction. The park showed a brief teaser video about the new attraction. One good thing about this announcement is that Irish myth is returning to BGW after a long absence. [fbvideonew] [/fbvideonew] 3. The Food and Wine Festival will feature three new kiosks this year: India, Mediterranean, and Island Freeze Frozen Drinks. Nice to know that all your adult-frozen-beverage needs will be served in one spot. The festival runs from May 26 to July 2. 4. At this year's Howl-o-Scream, the park is going to try something it's never done before . . . but we'll have to wait to find out what that is. That being said, Count von Count will be returning in a Halloween show for kids. And while Europe in the Air itself is closed, the show building will still host an HOS maze. 5. Busch Gardens is taking "French fries to a whole new level this year." More on that later. 6. Two new shows debut this year: Britmania in the Globe Theatre and Octoberzest in the Festhaus (the latter opens on March 31). 7. Concerts return to the park this year as part of the Summer NIghts series. Acts include .38 Special, Kool and the Gang, and Cassadee Pope and Chase Bryant (more to be announced later). 8. Alpengeist turns 20 years old this year; it's younger sibling, Griffon, turns 10. Let's take a stroll around the park and see what's new--in addition to InvadR. The entrance was a bit backed up at 9:45 am. Guess I should've left a little earlier. It took about 15 minutes to get through the line. I amused myself watching test runs of Apollo's Chariot and Tempesto. The former was my first coaster of the season. I like noticing little new touches, such as this overhang for the wheelchair-and-stroller-rental building. No more turnstiles at the park exit. They count exiting guests electronically now. "Epic," eh? Much better than a more mundane quest, such as scoring a six pack or trying out a new breakfast cereal. Looks like England has broken out with a severe case of Britmania. The new show isn't open yet, but you can see Elmo Rocks in the Globe Theatre. This was the line for the park's annual presentation this year. Just hanging out in the Globe, waiting for the festivities to begin. Hmm--our first hint at what's coming in 2018. Park President David Cromwell welcomes BGW passholders, after the Official Presidential Tossing of the T-Shirts. He a very nice, personable guy. Let's see how well everyone follows instructions. Wait for it . . . Yes, VR is coming to Ireland. Helpful signage is, er, helpful. Goodbye, Throw Up, I mean, Europe in the Air. At least Irish mythology is coming back to the simulator ride. So, what about that "new level" of fries? Looks like a lot of people are interested. This is where the ice-cream parlor used to be. Choose your favorite cholesterol-laced enhancements! The line for this stand was pretty long, but the staff got through it pretty quickly. I tried the poutine and a nice pint of Alerwerks Chesapeake India Pale Ale. Both were quite nice. I'm intrigued by the Mediterranean-style fries with malt vinegar, feta cheese, and black olives. "But what about InvadR? What's happening over there?" Your patience is about to be rewarded--stay tuned!

It's coming along nicely. Good to see a new Intamin ride being built in the U.S.

There is no decent reason to ride Anaconda. Heresy! There's at least 2 reasons to ride, and they're both corkscrews! Your argument does not persuade.

I attended Passholder Preview Day. I won't be posting my report and photos until tomorrow, but I thought everyone would like to know that InvadR will be opening on April 7.

As long as they don't send it to Kings Dominion.

There is no decent reason to ride Anaconda.

I agree that Knott's log ride is best one out there--I like it more than the Splash Mountain rides. I found Voyage to the Iron Reef to be a pleasant surprise (better than I'd anticipated).

^Now that would be cool. I enjoyed Kanonen--not as overpowering as something like Kingda Ka, but lots of fun.

I've always been impressed with the way this park uses its space.

^Then you can apply them to the Dark Side of the Force.

I've been to Blizzard Beach, but not Typhoon Lagoon. This new raft ride sounds like fun, and I like how Disney is incorporating a story line into the ride (you don't see this at water parks).

Could be both.

Thanks for the report Caesar. I'm looking forward to riding Battle for Metropolis (here or elsewhere). Magic Mountain has always been lacking when it comes to dark rides.