Photo TR: The Quest For Missing Credits.

Erik Johnson · April 30, 2008

I had some vacation time last week so I decided a couple of months ago that I really wanted to head back to some of my favorite parks on the East Coast to try to earn those credits I missed on my big trip two years ago. You can find the trip report for that trip right here:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25853

Anyways, I went along with Chuck (cfc) and Will (WillMontu) for a four day whirlwind where we visited four parks: Busch Gardens Europe, King's Dominion, Six Flags America, and Six Flags Great Adventure. This was Will's first trip to any of these parks so all of this was new to him. It will take me a little time to finish posting everything. So I will post the pictures in batches:

Here is a closer look.

There was some kind of critter music show going on.

After the lodge, we went over to the Yankee Candle Factory. This is one of two flagship stores in the country.

As well as the customary indoor waterpark.

This one features Pocahontas.

Just us relaxing.

The one in the Wisconsin Dells was the first one.

There was a banner for each one of the hotels.

We went over to check out the Great Wolf Lodge.

You can not go wrong with BBQ.

As well as the local cusine.

I sampled some of the local Williamsburg brew.

Meet Chuck and Angus McNasty.

I think that Atlanta really has a cool airport.

On my way to Atlanta.

You have to walk out to your plane.

Its not the largest airport by any means.

This is one of the rare situations where it was actually cheaper to fly out of my home city.

I am happy to report that my mower has been working great this season.

Chuck showed where the special room was located.

Its a nice place, though it does have a little bit of a strange vibe to it.

Snows falls from this.

Though this place has Christmas 365 days of the year.

Not sure what planet this is from.

The old capitol building at night.

Historical Williamsburg at Night.

Just to let you East Coast trippers know. The Yankess Candle place and Carrabbas is around a 1/2 mile from your hotel.

Erik Johnson · April 30, 2008

Ok, onward to the park stuff. I honestly think that Busch Gardens Europe (BGE) is the nicest park in the Busch family. While I do not think its coasters are quite as good as the ones at Busch Gardens Africa/Tampa, I think its an overall better park. BGE actually has a bunch of flat rides, a dark ride, and is filled with all kinds of cool atmosphere. Griffon is the newest coaster for me. I liked the ride, but before I give you my review and the inevitable SheiKra vs Griffon discussion, I would like to start off with some pictures.

OK this looks like its the right place.

You know its crowded when Corkscrew Hill has a long line.

This looks like the right direction.

Ok, we need to find out where Griffon is located.

So this is what England is like.

We have entered the England section.

Entering the park. (Photo by WillMontu)

The Busch board.

Even before you enter the park, you witness a bunch of amazing theming and atmosphere.

Parlez vous francais?

The A-B logo greets us as we go park our car.

Parking is included with our passes.

Current parking prices.

Looks like we are at the right place.

At least you can watch coasters while you wait in line.

Looks like a lot of people had the same idea today.

You are greeted by Apollo's Chariot as you enter the parking lot.

This is where they make the beer.

Onward to Busch Gardens Europe.

lil jimmy norton · April 30, 2008

Nice, I knew one would be coming. I was in back of you guys in the que for El Toro on Sunday. As soon as you guys left the line, it re-opened. Don't worry, I wasn't stalking you guys or anything.

TheRapidsNerd · April 30, 2008

I am happy to report that my mower has been working great this season.

Gave me a good laugh right off the bat.

Man I loved that area. Enjoyed the morning work commute last year and my hotel was across the street from Water Country. Despite work, it was a fun trip to a great park.

Your're off to a great start and I'm looking forward to the rest.

Erik Johnson · April 30, 2008

Ok onto Griffon. I really like B&M Dive Coasters so naturally I liked Griffon. As for the whole SheiKra vs Griffon discussion. I think, hands down, the SheiKra beats Griffon in terms of its overall atmosphere and theming. The splash down area is very lackluster when compared to the one in Tampa. I also prefer the 2nd dive into the tunnel with SheiKra. As for the ride itself.....Hmmmmmm.... They are honestly very close. One thing that I do like about Griffon is that is wastes no time getting you from the first Immelmann to the 2nd drop. Griffon cuts out any of the extra turn arounds that SheiKra has, and wastes no time getting you to the coaster elements you want. I do prefer the back row on either coaster, with that in mind I have to say I prefer Griffon. There are a couple of extra pops of air that SheiKra does not have, plus I do like the whole "Let's get the rider to the better sections of the coaster quicker" better. As for a front row ride, I do prefer SheiKra. This is mainly to do with its overall theming.

Ok, let us head on over to other areas of the park. To be continued.

The 2nd Immelmann

Flying over the building.

This first Immelmann.

Each one of the trains creates a different splash effect.

You can find all kinds of cool stuff that was lost on the ride.

You have a great view of the brewery on the first drop.

Weeeeeeee!

Ready to drop 205 feet?

I always find these lift hills kind of scary.

I think our wait time was around ten minutes for any of our rides.

So Griffon has a great capacity for crowds.

They only load/unload one train at a time. Though these trains can hold 30 people.

I was surprised how small Griffon's station was. Plus its on ground level.

They do have a single rider line for Griffon.

I really do like the logo.

It has been 6 months since I earned my last credit. Griffon is #240

Erik Johnson · April 30, 2008

Nice, I knew one would be coming. I was in back of you guys in the que for El Toro on Sunday. As soon as you guys left the line, it re-opened. Don't worry, I wasn't stalking you guys or anything.

We really had to get on the road since we had a 5 hour drive back to Williamsburg. At least we got plenty of El Toro rides in earlier in the day.

ElToroExtreme · April 30, 2008

I still CANNOT Belive that i ran into you guys at GAdv that was awesome... it was great to see you again!!! Hope you had a blaast sunday... and im glad the lines were short as i had promised you!

knottslover77 · April 30, 2008

You are crazy, I would never ride on a propeller plane!

--Jay

TheRapidsNerd · April 30, 2008

^ So you're giving Erik his props? Sorry, couldn't resist.

pkdcoaster · April 30, 2008

Glad you guys had a great trip and it was great to finally meet you and Will.

I will just add some of my best pics here.

I had alot of fun hanging out with you guys.

JEFF

Chillin, waiting for the train

The Paparrazi follow Erik everywhere

Geez come on

not this ride again

I had to show them the VIP seating on the train

you know what it is by now

have to shoot some flowers

Erik's old ticker can't take all these hills anymore

I will fix that now

Apollo usually gets no photo love

ebl · April 30, 2008

"You have to walk out to your plane." (Erik Johnson)

It's like that at Bob Hope (Burbank) Airport here, too.

Nice TR. I really want to visit Busch Gardens Europe sometime.

Eric

Swimace · April 30, 2008

I am so jealous right now Erik. I love BGE, it's one of my favorite overall parks that I've been to. I can't wait to see your updates!

haha, Gainesville Regional Airport. Keeping it luxurious....

Erik Johnson · April 30, 2008

^^ Too bad the airport is all under construction right now.

I have camera envy right now Jeff, those pictures are simply amazing.

Next stop Alpengeist. During my last visit, I honestly thought that Alpengeist was an average B&M invert. It was running a lot better this visit. The forces in the cobra roll even got to me a bit after our second ride in the backrow. Maybe I am just getting old. Anyways, onto the photos:

I decided to take a short break.

As well as special "Chuck" theming. (Photo by WillMontu)

Alpengeist even has lifelike rodent theming.

Alpengeist track with train with Griffon.

Alpengeist track with train.

Alpengeist track

The MCBR was on very light today. We had some really good rides on Alpengeist today.

We waited for the front row. Well technically the second row due to the zero car.

Though Alpengeist still had its usual ride operations. Each diamond represents a minute of how long it takes to dispatch a train.

The line was actually not too bad today.

Doing its thing.

Since they no longer sell onride photos, I had to settle for this one.

It is the most themed coaster in the park.

Alpengeist was our next ride.

We stopped by to say Hello to Hummel boy.

Alpengeist with sun flair.

Will happened to find a package of Tums in our sky bucket.

This is what the handicapped sky bucket looks like.

Erik Johnson · April 30, 2008

Onward to more attractions and photos:

Yet another train of riders heading off out of the station towards the lift hill.

Through the final loop.

Into the helix of darkness and death.

The classic shot.

Its looks like they are.

Ready for the big drop?

Ready for dispatch.

I wonder how many old Python parts are now in these trains.

I guess this is where it all started.

Its time to get Will his Nessie credit.

If you sit in the back, you do not get too wet.

The same goes for water. Say hello to Jeff (pkdcoaster).

If you like fire, you will really like this one.

Apollo has his nightly gatherings here at night.

Its final brake run.

Apollo was running really well today. There were no trims other than the MCBR, which was on soft.

Its doing its thing, into the trees.

Big Bad Wolf had a huge line so we walked over to Apollo's Chariot.

As well as stuffed Yetis

They do have an Alpengeist model in the gift shop across from Darkastle.

Hey ladies, check out our stylish Darkastle glasses.

I guess its part of the backstory.

All about wolves.

Busch has spent some money on the front section of the building.

I still think this would look good in my front lawn.

Its like Spiderman, but only with werewolves.

VivaLaVibora · April 30, 2008

These are awesome. I can't wait until you get to SFA.

VegasCoaster · April 30, 2008

Great photos! Looks like you guys had fun and I can't wait for more updates.

thecoasterkid · April 30, 2008

Awesome TR so far Erik! I'd love to visit Euroberg some time soon. It looks like a great park with a nice balance of good rides and atmosphere.

Looking forward to the rest of your report!

Hilltopper39 · April 30, 2008

Ah, the Gainsville Airport, got a cool memory there. Nothing like getting off the plane and being met on the runway by busses and about 10 state troopers to escort you to your hotel before a game in the Swamp. To bad we got smoked by the Gators, but it was a pretty awesome experience.

Awesome trip report, Apollo gets no love, I love Apollo, great ride

stingrock23 · April 30, 2008

Great report so far, this is just getting me excited for the East Coast trip

Erik Johnson · April 30, 2008

More photos!

The Big Bad Wolf and More...

I think this was the old station.

Drachen Fire's old area.

But there is on this side.

There isn't much going on, on this side of the river.

For you train buffs.

The train is always fun.

Now that Will has all his credits. We decided to hit a few other attractions in the park.

The other Hill of Doom.

Any idea why they now have a second set on railings on this walkway?

This looks new.

Those people look familiar.

Heading back into the station.

The last section of the ride is quite awesome.

BBW is my favorite Arrow coaster. I just now need to go to Korea to ride Eagle's Fortress.

Another group of happy riders.

The Big Bad Wolf. It is still my favorite coaster in the park.

This used to lead to a coaster several years ago.

Corn Beef Sandwich....yum!

Let's get something to eat.

This is the plant version of Nessie.

One of two Hills Of Doom.

mcjaco · April 30, 2008

I love hot coupler action!

Team Thriller · April 30, 2008

Awesome pictures! BGE is still one of my favorite parks.

I found BBW kinda head-banging. It was good but I found Nessie better.

Is it only in the front seat that it's the best.

I rode it three times, two in the back, one in the 2 car. Are those good seats? I remember seating in the back and on the final drop, and freaking out.

Again. Great pictures. Probably one of the best TR's I've seen this season.

--James