Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW BGE) Discussion Thread

[Jcoaster]

Did BGT ever do anything with the last of the Gwazi trains? Seems logical they'd come here if they didn't.

I have to assume this was part of the deciding factor to go with GCI.

 

In TPR's overview for BGW in the park index, you mention the park lacks a big "family" coaster. Do you think this could potentially fit the bill?

 

Yes seeing that most GCI's have the 42 inch height requirement. I'm hoping for something along the lines of Prowler.

[madmax]

While a new coaster is great for the park, I'm disappointed that they went with GCI... I always hope that the SeaWorld parks make the effort to push for unique coasters with first of its kind elements or forceful layouts, but I'm sure this will still end up being fun. I just don't see this ride being anything unique enough to make me rush back out for the ride alone.

 

The park is still one of the most visited in the country. They got high attendance even with only 4 roller coasters.

[TBpony414]

As of the information released, a 2,000 ft long wooden coaster isn't going to get me to race up to the park next year the same way Lightning Rod is calling us to drive all the way down to TN for the first time ever. We go to BGW once every 3-4 years and will ride it and probably enjoy it for what it is. Absolutely wish they would've picked a different manufacturer and taking the trains from Gwazi isn't giving me warm fuzzies, that's for sure. It'll add an easy coaster to the collection and the fact that it doesn't spin makes me happy!

[RollerManic]

The interaction with the log flume and the tunnel under the service road should make interesting.

I hope to see some headcopper and treechopper galore!

 

Virginia lacks a good wooden coaster. The fact that the ride is (or will hopefully be) in the woods and follow the terrian is why everyone is excited. No matter who you are, it's hard to deny that GCI doesn't make fun wooden coasters. Comfort is hit or miss but the MF trains make up with some softness goodiness!

[redfoot12]

I haven't come out of my winter hibernation to being in roller coaster/theme park mode but this news perked me up some (and also being a former Va resident).

I'm not a huge GCI guy and haven't been following this project at all (except for what was announced today). Are we thinking something like White Lightning but in a more woodsy setting?

Edited March 19, 2016 by redfoot12

[jarmor]

The interaction with the log flume and the tunnel under the service road should make interesting.

Virginia lacks a good wooden coaster.

Guess you've never been on grizzly

[robbalvey]

Did BGT ever do anything with the last of the Gwazi trains? Seems logical they'd come here if they didn't.

I have to assume this was part of the deciding factor to go with GCI.

 

In TPR's overview for BGW in the park index, you mention the park lacks a big "family" coaster. Do you think this could potentially fit the bill?

That needs to be updated. It was written before Verbolten was added which also perfectly fits that bill. It's like I said, I think the ride will do great for the park, I'm just not the biggest fan of GCI woodies so this announcement doesn't overly excite me personally. Will I ride it when I'm there? Sure. Will I *like* the ride? Absolutely. But GCI has never made a coaster that I *LOVE* - I "like" all of them, and in fact I'm super happy to have a fun ride like White Lightning down the street from me, but they've never made a ride that makes me go OMFG I *NEED* to go ride that!!!!

 

Considering that Joel Manby is that the helm of Busch/SeaWorld now, I guess I was just expecting this announcement to be the "Outlaw Run/Lightning Rod of 2017." So there is that...

 

Yes seeing that most GCI's have the 42 inch height requirement.

They are? I thought most GCI coasters were 48" - Anyone have some time to look into that?

Edited March 19, 2016 by robbalvey

[Jcoaster]

Sorry I mispoke its between 46 inch (White Lightening) and 48 inches. Still allows for kids to ride.

[DrachenfireOP]

The interaction with the log flume and the tunnel under the service road should make interesting.

Virginia lacks a good wooden coaster.

Guess you've never been on grizzly

 

Beat me to it. Grizzly is an amazing coaster!

[yay101]

^Grizzly is phenomenal. That drop was one of the best I have been on.

 

On a side note, the GP can choose between the name Battle Klash, InvadR, or Viking Raider. I think the choosing of the names are cool. Personally I'd go with Viking Raider or Battle Klash because I feel like they sound better than InvadR.

[Superbatboy]

Can't wait to see a ride animation! Interesting that they're advertising 9 airtime hills, most GCIs are more lateral G focused.

[Jcoaster]

Just saw some pictures of the craft beer room. Looks amazing!

[redfoot12]

^Grizzly is phenomenal. That drop was one of the best I have been on.

 

On a side note, the GP can choose between the name Battle Klash, InvadR, or Viking Raider. I think the choosing of the names are cool. Personally I'd go with Viking Raider or Battle Klash because I feel like they sound better than InvadR.

 

I'm not thrilled about any of those names but I'll go with Battle Klash. If it weren't for KD already laying claim to the name, I think I'd like Berserker as a possibility.

[MIAfan88]

The view will definitely be nice, I just want to know why Drachen Fire's spot still hasn't been used again.

[Fooz]

Will the view be nice? The ride is right up against the brewery parking lot and warehouses. I'm sort of baffled by the location.

[larrygator]

^Grizzly is phenomenal. That drop was one of the best I have been on.

 

On a side note, the GP can choose between the name Battle Klash, InvadR, or Viking Raider. I think the choosing of the names are cool. Personally I'd go with Viking Raider or Battle Klash because I feel like they sound better than InvadR.

 

I'm not thrilled about any of those names but I'll go with Battle Klash. If it weren't for KD already laying claim to the name, I think I'd like Berserker as a possibility.

 

Unfortunately, Kings Dominion has a ride named Berserker probably preventing its use at BGW

[robbalvey]

Sorry I mispoke its between 46 inch (White Lightening) and 48 inches. Still allows for kids to ride.

Actually, I just noticed something, that update on the TPR park index was after Verbolten was opened. I forgot that ride is also 48" which replaced the 42" Big Bad Wolf. So if this new GCI woodie also ends up being 48 or even 46" then they still have not filled that gap that Big Bad Wolf left when it closed.

 

And sorry, but your comment comes off as little ignorant to how parks should balance their attractions. Sure, "kids" can ride, but slightly older kids. If it ends up being 48" that means there is still no coaster for kids to ride between 38" and 48" and IMO that's a horrible balance for the park.

 

Even BGT has Scorpion & Sand Serpent for 42" kids and they will be adding another 42" ride Cobra's Curse this year. If this new woodie ends up being 42" then I would agree it's a perfect fit for the park, but at 46" or 48" sorry but that's dumb.

 

If you're going to build a 48" woodie in 2016 and you actually want to get people excited when their other choices are rides like Loch Ness Monster & Verbolten, a 45MPH cute family woodie isn't going to do it. You put a 42" height restriction on that ride, and it suddenly becomes the best thing that's ever happened to kids ages 4-8 years old. And the parents will appreciate it too because they aren't stuck in the "kiddie area" and have their child's "first big coaster" they can ride with them. Brothers or sisters will have a cool fun ride they can take their younger, shorter sibling on, etc.

 

That's the only way this ride makes sense to me, IMO.

 

Think about this for a moment. You know I'm right.

Edited March 19, 2016 by robbalvey

[cfc]

Will the view be nice? The ride is right up against the brewery parking lot and warehouses. I'm sort of baffled by the location.

 

New France is on the other side of the park away from the brewery.

[blk_mamba]

Three observations:

 

1. This ride if done correctly will fill two voids A. If it is for families it should have that 42in requirement and B. The park does not have a wooden roller coaster.

 

2. It looks like RMC has not cornered the market and some parks are willing to be a wooden coaster.

 

3. It seems like it will have alot of moments that will throw you our of your seat, I am wondering how many of the hills will be floater vs. injector.

[Fooz]

Will the view be nice? The ride is right up against the brewery parking lot and warehouses. I'm sort of baffled by the location.

 

New France is on the other side of the park away from the brewery.

 

This stuff on the left anyways, is going to be really visible from the lift and turnaround.

[robbalvey]

I am wondering how many of the hills will be floater vs. injector.

GCI have built 22 different roller coasters. How many of them have ejector airtime? Zero.

 

I think that answers your question!

[coasterkid124]

Well, I would take this over a spinner, but I'm not overly impressed. Lightning Run is the only GCI coaster that I really like, the rest range from bad to meh for me. I don't necessarily think that this is a bad move for the park, but there are better options. With Tempesto being on the cheaper side, I was expecting something bigger this time around.

 

Plus, a lot of people are already saying "Wow, 9 airtime hills!", but are these going to be Lightning Run style semi-ejector hills, airtime hills into curves that don't do anything, or something in-between? I'll give GCI the benefit of the doubt here and at least see the layout, but I won't get too excited considering their history.

 

I was planning to return to the park soon, and was debating pushing the trip back a year if something big was being built, but after seeing this, I'll likely visit this year instead. If this is the traditional GCI, I won't be missing too much, and that's okay with me.

[redfoot12]

Will the view be nice? The ride is right up against the brewery parking lot and warehouses. I'm sort of baffled by the location.

 

New France is on the other side of the park away from the brewery.

 

This stuff on the left anyways, is going to be really visible from the lift and turnaround.

 

Could be. Depends on how many trees get taken out.

[FutureMan2]

Well, I would take this over a spinner, but I'm not overly impressed. Lightning Run is the only GCI coaster that I really like, the rest range from bad to meh for me. .

 

Which ones have you been on?

[I love pie]

I am wondering how many of the hills will be floater vs. injector.

GCI have built 22 different roller coasters. How many of them have ejector airtime? Zero.

 

I think that answers your question!

I experienced ejector airtime on White Lightning.