Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (BGT Discussion Thread)

[Erik Johnson]

^^ I did ask a question about the possibility of new GCI trains for Gwazi. I was told that there are no plans for it, and this is with a schedule that is planned out until 2010. The next big focus of the park is the Congo area.

[Erik Johnson]

Great job on the video and commentary, Erik. Quick question, did they happen to mention or hint at any new attractions for 2008 or 2009? ...other than what's being worked on right now. I'm assuming they didn't or you would have mentioned it, but I thought I would ask anyway.

 

Again, thanks for covering the event.

 

Pretty much the next big focus of the park is the Congo area. No word about specific attractions yet.

[thefitness]

^ I actually just read in the Tampa Tribune that BG should be announcing the new attraction this fall. I can scan the article later today if anyone would like to see it.

 

 

Awesome video and pictures! Must've been cool to be considered media!

[splzero]

The last time I rode it (about a week ago) it was pretty much the worst it has ever been, and until they get new trains, that WILL be the last time I ride it.

 

Just my two cents...

 

I Rode gwazi last night and i found it enjoyable. it had night pops of air and some laterals. we even did a re-ride. How much are MF trains?

[Tomizzle For Rizzle]

BGT is getting a B&M hyper in 09, go ahead, write that down.

[alpengeist04]

^God, I hope so.

[cfc]

Excellent, Erik--the "floorless experience" on BGE's Griffon is great, too (unless you're sitting in the middle seat, which has a little yellow platform under it). I like how the two ride's color schemes are reversed--red track/blue trains for Sheikra, blue track/red trains for Griffon.

 

I'm looking forward to taking a spin on the "new" Sheikra in October. The "old" one was pretty dang cool.

[KrakenKing]

I'll get there soon to ride it... It's not really a ride I'd rush out to ride now (Even though I was there for opening day of the floored SheiKra). After riding Griffon, this would seem less... but still fun.

[Golfie]

Ooh! Those bars that go out in front of the station look pretty sleek. I have to say, though, that Sheikra looks a little less like a beast with thinner trains. Oh well.

Was your head going to explode, Erik?

[Erik Johnson]

^^ I think the sun was in my eyes.

[Disney Dood]

Sweet! I think it will be my second floorless credit when I go in December.

[Cameron]

Awesome video Erik, thanks for putting that together .. Aside from the subject matter, I really enjoyed the lack of music - nice to see something different.

 

And SheiKra 2.0 looks fantastic .. I need to get back there. Those station gates are super sexy ..!

 

Cameron.

 

PS: Next time your there, please give it a big hug from me

[bucsboy93]

do they still do the 2 trains at a time or is it 1 now?

[Erik Johnson]

do they still do the 2 trains at a time or is it 1 now?

 

That is a really good question, I really do not know and forgot to ask. They were only running 2 trains for the event so they were only using the back section to load people onto the train. I have to admit that I never really paid attention to the front area, but I assume its there. If it is not, then SheiKra will have serious capacity problems.

[splzero]

they still have 2 train loading. The only thing i really dislike is they could have put a slope in for the station floor. you have to take a step up to get onto the metal platform to walk over the track in the station. i almost fell a few times walking onto the train.

 

 

they put orange tape on to warn people later in the afternoon.

[bucsboy93]

THats good cause like eric said it would make alot more wait time and sheikra gets long enough as it is! Im realy looking forward to it cause im going for my b-day on the 23

[Johnny Upsidedown]

do they still do the 2 trains at a time or is it 1 now?

 

That is a really good question, I really do not know and forgot to ask. They were only running 2 trains for the event so they were only using the back section to load people onto the train. I have to admit that I never really paid attention to the front area, but I assume its there. If it is not, then SheiKra will have serious capacity problems.

 

Its still setup for dual loading. Everything is in place and all the trains have been converted. The shed was open in the early morning and you could see the other trains are ready. Loading will be the same as before and literally you dont notice the floor coming up or the gates crossing it is a fast smooth operation. I wonder how the lines are today, if there is an increase or just the normal amount. I bet its pretty buisy over there.

Here is the front load bay.

[bucsboy93]

I wish they made it more like Griffon with 10 across while they were at it. Oh well, at least Sheikra is back open, I missed it much last week.

[TTD]

Here is one more of Eric before he got to take a spin on SheiKra. He's a really nice guy and we had a nice talk while waiting to board. BTW, I'm the kid from RCPro...

 

[Erik Johnson]

Hey, thanks for the picture.

[Gav-]

This coaster realy looks great, and even better with the new trains, I hope I can ride it some day

[CoasterWarriors]

Nice setup Erik! Camera, Lights, steady equipments to stablize the camera where it wouldn't be shaky! It must cost a fortunate!

 

Well done! I enjoyed it! It give a different outlook here!

[uwgbdork]

It looks almost if you would really get the shaft if you end up in the middle seats. Kinda takes away from the whole floorless ideal. I liked the ride when it opened but it was far from the best in the park. I would still have to give that honor to Montu. Too bad i am no longer living in Orlando and now it is a 23 hour drive to get there from here!

[crazydaveh]

Looks like you were having a lot of fun down I 75 away from the Swamp. The video was well done.

[figment1986]

Hey nice, I'm in multiple photos of yours... especially when King was talking to mark, and the NBC WFLA 8 live dive train.

 

great photos (I was snickering figuring i would end up in one photo here...)

 

I loved the experience.

 

edit:

looks like you also got our live dive in the shots of SheiKra falling...