BarryH Posted May 24, 2005 Posted May 24, 2005 I went to BGT today and rode SheiKra four times. I don't know who came up with the name of the coaster because it sounds like something a drunk guy would blurt out. That sounds like a Pyramid clue -- "SheiKra." Answer: "What a drunk guy would blurt out!" But I found this B&M creation to be an awesome ride and -- dare I say it -- with forces! Gasp! A new B&M with forces. How many of you fainted? I rode it four times in these seats: 1.) Back row, in the middle 2.) Second row, on the edge on the right 3.) Front row, on the edge on the right 4.) Front row, in the middle The best seats are either in the front or the back. The back doesn't give a good view of the drop, but it did give two good spots of airtime in the drop and the twist in the Immelman. It had forces too! The front gave a rather scary view of the drops and was intense due to the wind blowing in your face. The second row was OK and was the least forceful area. The most forceful parts of the coaster was the right edge. The splash didn't get you wet. If you sat in the back, you got hit with a few drops, but nothing too soaking. I arrived around 9:15 and the line was all the way back to the opening gates (where the old ticket booths used to be). I got in by 9:30. The walk from the front gate to SheiKra was a good 15 minute walk at a brisk pace. I wanted a drink so bad, but none of the drink stands were open. There was a stand by SheiKra that was selling 20 ounce Pepsis for $2. That's the best deal for sodas in any park I've visited. Knott's charged me $3! It wasn't hard to find the coaster. I think everyone that entered the park headed to SheiKra. There was a long line of guests. I didn't see any running of the bulls. The wait for SheiKra was a low of around 25 minutes to a high of 40 minutes. The line moved briskly and the ride ops were dispatching the trains on a very good basis. SFMM could learn a few lessons from the SheiKra ride ops! The initial wait was around 30 minutes, but around 2 pm, it died down to about 20-25 minutes. SheiKra has its own splash zone right after the huge wave. The water splashes right under the track. It even splashes to an area in the line! So if you are crossing underneath red track, you may want to stop and watch where the train is. If you step into the splash zone at the wrong time, you might get an early shower! The good thing is that with most guests at SheiKra, the other coasters had a short wait. At the top of SheiKra, I kept on seeing half full or empty Kumba and Scorpion trains running. Brake: The Ride, er, Cheetah Chase was running empty trains. Bottom line: SheiKra has a stupid name, but it is a cool coaster! Here are some photos for your enjoyment.
SharkTums Posted May 24, 2005 Posted May 24, 2005 So where exactly is the entrance? I guess you walk past Gwazi, past the Hospitality, beyond the Lorikeets, am I getting close? Elissa "not looking forward to that long walk in the morning!" Alvey
BarryH Posted May 24, 2005 Author Posted May 24, 2005 The big sign for the entrance is across from the entrance to the Log Flume, but the queue actually starts all the way back to the walled off area. For the first few weeks, follow the big crowd walking to Gwazi. But I believe if you walk past the aviary, the path will dead end to a handicapped ramp. Then you will see plastic barricades that start the queue all the way down by the walled off area.
jarmor Posted May 24, 2005 Posted May 24, 2005 the entrance is close to the flume ride. whats funny is that it isnt really a "que" because I guess they figures w/ 5 trains running a line wouldnt be build up. oh well, off to post my pics...
Guest Posted May 24, 2005 Posted May 24, 2005 I don't know why you don't like the name. It perfectly fits the ride. SheiKra- An African bird that dives down to get it's prey. How does it not fit? Katie
CoasterG Posted May 24, 2005 Posted May 24, 2005 The entrance is in Stanleyville, directly across from the Log Flume entrance. BTW, Sheikra is a variation on the name of the African bird so they can copyright/trademark it - not the actual name. On opening day, it had 4-5 hour lines. Not many people in the park on weekdays currently so if you want to get a few rides that's your best bet. The middle row "fat boy" seats actually deliver good airtime at all of the spots as well and a intense second of positive Gs at the exit of the immelman.
TheStig Posted May 25, 2005 Posted May 25, 2005 Nice pics Barry! Did you notice how some trains had little fins in the tubes, and some did not? And how when they hit the water, the ones with fins made a more solid upward shot of water than the ones without? Anyways the back row in general and the farthest outside seats in the front row are the best. I think the que house is to small, and the plywood floors and 2x4 handrails need to be replaced (which I sure hope they do!) before June, as thats when most FL schools get out. I loved Sheikra and am happy to have it so close to me. I think that the dive machine design is overlooked and with sheikra as an example, has great potential. Colin C
pianojohn Posted May 25, 2005 Posted May 25, 2005 Just got back from my day at BGT. Sheikra is AWESOME! I got to ride it 3 times before leaving around 3pm. It broke down a few times and they cycled quite a few empty trains when it started back up. Some thoughts: If you want to ride in the front, try it as soon as the ride opens. Once they got a crowd in the station, the line hostess AKA queue Nazi assigned your row. You would think this would mean maximum capacity, but no. There were many empty seats on each train including quite a few doubles. If BGT is going to assign seats, the least they could do would be to make sure every seat is filled and the line moves that much quicker. Better yet, have a single rider line. The drop has awesome air time especially in the back. You just float down the entire drop, loop, and 2nd drop. Very smooth too. And I love way the last row is so elevated it feels like a floorless car. I am sure they will finish theming the queue. Also, it was strange that the exit ramp criss-crossed with the entrance one. I am sure they will fix that. The splash looks awesome from the ground, but if you are on the actual ride, you don't feel a slow down or even notice it. However, in the back row you do get a light misting if you sit on the ends. The new Smokehouse looks great and is in the perfect location. Kudos to BGT for planning and design on that!
BarryH Posted May 25, 2005 Author Posted May 25, 2005 Has anyone found an easier way to get from the front to SheiKra? It's a long walk! I wonder if taking the skyride from Crown Colony to the Congo would be faster. It would save a lot of leg work!
SharkTums Posted May 25, 2005 Posted May 25, 2005 I guarantee it's not faster...but definitely easier! Elissa "it drops off like 2 minutes from the log flume entrance!" Alvey
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