BGT-Bill

No offense taken. It's the nature of rumors - it's all speculation until it's actually confirmed. I will say that over the past 6 + months, I've had multiple unconnected sources share with me that there is something on the table for 2019, and all signs are pointing towards Tidal Wave as the plot for it. I've also had a couple of sources say it's a Sky Rocket II, although admittedly I'm less confident in that part of the story at this point. With the new trademark filings, I felt it was worth pulling everything together in one post.

Hi, author of the article here. I'm sorry you interpreted the article that way, it's not at all meant to shit on the park. Those who know me are aware of just how passionate I am about BGT, spending the last five years covering everything at the park big and small. I don't discount that Vanish Point at Adventure Island is a great addition there, but it's not at BGT proper, that's all.

Falcon's Fury reopened last Tuesday, the 9th. It was closed the previous four days from a lightning strike on Thursday the 4th. It's been running fairly well since then from what I've seen.

Catching up on the last few pages... That coaster for sale isn't Scorpion - when that popped up last year I contacted the park directly and they said Scorpion isn't going anywhere. Falcon's Fury bad luck continues - struck by lightning late last week and has been closed since Friday. Really wish they could catch a break on this one. Definitely expect less things to see and do at this year's Christmas Town. With it being included in regular admission and closing earlier, there is no way we'll see the same level of quality as last year, sadly.

At least some of Rhino Rally's land will be used for the elephant habitat expansion/renovation. The goal is to have Spike, the new male the park acquired last year from the Calgary Zoo, be able to mate with the youngest female in the current herd and then also be able to be on display. The current habitat is not built to handle a bull elephant (he weights some 4 - 5 thousand pounds more than the females). The walls in some spots will need to be raised, the dry moat widened in spots, and the gate in the interaction area replaced/reinforced.

Officially, the park marketing team is sticking with "Late Summer" for Falcon's Fury opening. The Howl-O-Scream site lists FF as an attraction, so they're promoting it as being open by that point in time. When exactly it will actually open? Sources vary based on their level of optimism at this point.

One thing to keep in mind when speculating about Gwazi's future and possible "replacements" - whatever is coming next doesn't have to be limited to the current footprint Gwazi has.

Pantopia is another prime example, as is Walkabout Way. I spoke with Brian Morrow (Creative Director for SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment) about this earlier this year. He explained you'll see less and less emphasis on purely African theming moving forward, with more of a focus on world exploration, travel, and conservation as new attractions are added and areas are re-themed. It began with Jungala, and continues with Pantopia.

Some of the walls are back up (between Falcon's Fury and Twisted Tails) this week, to conceal a construction lift. First work (besides the painting) in quite awhile. This is a positive step.

Still waiting on the replacement parts, and painting of a design on the lower part of the tower has begun this week. They also pushed back the construction walls to just around the base/platform. Not a whole lot else going on with it recently.