Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW BGE) Discussion Thread

[ernierocker]

^That is a super deal.

[paiging_jen]

^That is a super deal.

 

The Fun Pass is an awesome deal for either the Florida parks or BGW. Before I had the platinum passport for these parks I did the Fun Pass and it was perfect. Definitely worthwhile if you think you will visit more than once but not often enough to warrant and passport.

 

And $67 for BGW really isn't a bad deal at all considering the park. I'd gladly pay that any day to visit there.

[Skycoastin Steve]

The only thing the Fun Pass doesn't cover is parking, but yes, it's a terrific deal.

[jedimaster1227]

http://themeparks.about.com/od/rollercoasternews/a/Verbolten-Busch-Gardens-Williamsburg.htm

 

Park fans mourned the loss of Big Bad Wolf, the beloved suspended coaster that Busch Gardens Williamsburg removed in 2009. Verbolten, the ride that will take its place in 2012, will be highly themed, have some compelling features (including a world's first), and just may be able to fill the paws of its predecessor.

 

Coaster Stats

 

Location: Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia

Type of coaster: LSM (magnetic) Launched

Drop: 88 feet

Top speed: 53 mph

Track length: 2835 feet

Height requirement: 48 inches

 

Enter the Forbidden Forest. What Could Go Wrong?

 

Located in the Germany/Octoberfest section of the European-themed park, Verbolten features Gerta and Gunter, the proprietors of a Bavarian touring and rental agency. In the ride's queue and loading station, passengers will be introduced to the siblings and learn about the forbidden Black Forest, a strange place where the agency's rental cars -- and the renters -- keep disappearing. With that reassuring overture, riders make their way to Gerta's and Gunter's roadsters (the coaster trains) and head into the forest.

 

The launch system will send the trains Verbolting out of the station. Multi-channel onboard audio will enhance the ride experience and support the story. After winding their way through the forest, the trains will enter a special effects building and come to a stop. This is where the ride will distinguish itself.

 

Achtung! SPOILER ALERT. Busch Gardens has incorporated some unique as well as pretty nifty effects and elements into the coaster. If you would prefer to remain in the dark (literally and figuratively) until you ride Verbolten, read no further.

 

Using props, set pieces, ultraviolet paint, strobe lights, and other effects, one of three different stories will take place during the indoor part of the ride. The multiple story lines are a first for a themed coaster and should help boost its popularity as passengers return for repeat rides to experience all three sequences, which will include:

 

• Lightening Storm: A fierce storm will engulf the train and threaten to destroy it.
  
• Spirit of the Forest: A spirit will lull passengers with a pleasant-sounding voice, but then turn malevolent and attempt to ensnare them in the forest.
  
• Wolf Attack: In homage to the Big Bad Wolf, a red-eyed pack of creatures will stalk the train.

A Wolf in Roadster's Clothing

 

Regardless of the story, they will all have the same ending. In total darkness, the train, along with its passengers and section of track, will freefall 16 feet straight down. This is the second coaster to incorporate a vertical freefall element (the first was Thirteen, which opened in 2010 at Alton Towers in England). The effect, which combines a drop tower ride (albeit in condensed form) such as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Busch Gardens' own Mach Tower, with a coaster, should be startling, especially to unsuspecting passengers.

 

When it hits the lower level of the building, the train will lurch and squeal as it attempts to escape the dangerous situation. A second magnetic launch will send it hightailing out of the forest. For its finale, the train will soar 80 feet down over the park's Rhine River, which mimics the ending of the Big Bad Wolf.

 

There aren't a heck of a lot of coasters that double as a dark ride and attempt to tell a coherent story. Some, such as Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios in Orlando and Hollywood handle it with aplomb. It remains to be seen whether Verbolten can pull it off. But with its dual launches, vertical drop element, multiple story lines, and strong finish, Busch Gardens certainly has me howling in anticipation. Awooo!

[QueerRudie]

I have to admit, this is looking like BGW did their homework- and did it right. I've been waiting for years for a park to take the concept that is put forth in Verbolten, and it really looks amazing at this point.

 

As much as I miss BBW (For nostalgic reasons more than anything else), I think the finesse they're putting into the ride really shows a true spirit of the ride. The BBW 'effects show' will be, for me at least, a wonderful tribute to the ride that previously operated on that site.

[ernierocker]

Had no clue that the show building would have three alternating unique stories. That is amazing! Would this be two more than the new Star Tours at DHS?

[coasterfreak101]

Oh wow, the alternate ending aspect is just amazing! I really can't wait for this. Should be great at ECB too, plenty of rides to get all the stories!

[Pun_Machine]

On-board audio? I recall the leaked plans calling for speakers mounted at various points in the event building. Not sure which to believe. If it is on board audio there's potentially a lot of electronics to charge up in the station: On board video equipment for the souvenir videos, on-board audio system, and potentially working headlights.

 

The alternate storyline aspect just got me more excited than ever about this ride, that's enough to keep me in line all day next Friday to try and experience them all!

[DougMJr]

I cannot wait until ECB. The alternate ride stories is a pretty awesome concept. I'll have to ride it several times to make sure I get to experience each one.

[golfburner1]

Guys this sounds incredible. Hopefully someone from TPR will be at the opening so i can neard out on may 18th.

[golfburner1]

I cannot wait until ECB. The alternate ride stories is a pretty awesome concept. I'll have to ride it several times to make sure I get to experience each one.

sounds pretty darn incredible. I wonder if their are projectings of the wolfs running after you as you zoom through the sets.

[bull24471]

Can not wait till I head down to BGW at the end of the month. Going on a weekday though hope to get a few rides on Verbolten.

[mtavenger55]

Taking my girlfriend down on June 29th! Can't wait to ride Verbolten!

[coasterfreak101]

So it turns out the only day I'll be able to hit BGW before my summer internship starts is Friday the 25th. I know that's the beginning of Memorial Day weekend, and I think I remember schools actually being out that day (it was also opening day for Griffon) a few years ago. Does anyone have experience with going that Friday? The county schools are in session that day according to the calendar online, so that's good. I'm just curious as to how bad of lines we're looking at!

[Pun_Machine]

I will be there on the 18th bright and early, will be sure to post my report.

[cfc]

I had no idea that multiple storylines were planned--that's great! As for the audio, I was at the park for a while last Sunday while they were testing. They were using the sound of an engine revving up as the trains were dispatched, and you could hear all sorts of rumbling coming from the show building.

[CoasterLover]

So does that mean that the ride will be worth up to three credits?

[esvadj]

I will be there on the 18th also. Can't wait.

[australianalex]

This coaster is sounding more and more awesome each time I open this thread.

[Saldek]

So it turns out the only day I'll be able to hit BGW before my summer internship starts is Friday the 25th. I know that's the beginning of Memorial Day weekend, and I think I remember schools actually being out that day (it was also opening day for Griffon) a few years ago. Does anyone have experience with going that Friday? The county schools are in session that day according to the calendar online, so that's good. I'm just curious as to how bad of lines we're looking at!

 

I've gone on Fridays before Memorial Day before. The mornings aren't bad but it can get a bit busy in the late afternoon to evening hours. It's still nowhere as crowded as Saturday and Sunday that weekend. And I'm not sure how Verbolten will impact attendance that day.

[golfburner1]

I will be there on the 18th also. Can't wait.

Please take lots of videos and pictures!

[cfc]

At least the "Spirit of the Forest" storyline explains the odd t-shirt.

 

Edited May 10, 2012 by cfc

[Pun_Machine]

At least the "Spirit of the Forest" storyline explains the odd t-shirt.

 

 

 

In the spirit storyline i want to see this placid face turn into a freakish demon just before the train drops... how cool would that be?!

[cfc]

^We'll know soon enough. This ride is getting more and more intriguing.

[KDcoasterMAN]

I'll be there bright and early on the 18th.