Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (BGT Discussion Thread)

[coasterbill]

Cheetah Hunt was just closed because it's Cheetah Hunt.

 

Is that ride really unreliable or do we just have bad luck with it? Lol

[rcrider4]

No it's not just you. It does go down much more than the other rides at the park. Most likely because of the fact that it is the most complex ride there mixed with the fact that they don't go down for annual maintenance. Maybe once Cobra's Curse opens and CH isn't the newest coaster anymore they will be willing to let it go down for a few weeks a year for a refurb, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[Themonerd]

I also want to give a shoutout to Jambo Junction and Curiosity Caverns in Nairobi. People can overlook them while as they aren't exactly out in the open, but they both have a lot of cool animals in them.

 

 

Curiosity Caverns is such a nice hidden secret.

[larrygator]

Cheetah Hunt was just closed because it's Cheetah Hunt.

 

Is that ride really unreliable or do we just have bad luck with it? Lol

 

It's themeing, Cheetah's need to rest after a hunt.

[DoinItForTheFame]

Cheetah Hunt was just closed because it's Cheetah Hunt.

 

Is that ride really unreliable or do we just have bad luck with it? Lol

 

It's themeing, Cheetah's need to rest after a hunt.

 

 

[robbalvey]

Yesterday was the Mako backstage tour and today was Cobra's Curse! I have to be honest, as cool as Mako looks, and I know it will be a lot of fun, I'm really REALLY psyched about Cobra's Curse! And here's why...

 

It's not often that a park truly builds a "one-of-a-kind" roller coaster. And this is not your normal "spinning coaster" as a lot of times when you hear that term, you think about your typical "spinning wild mouse" but this is so....soooooo much more!

 

The coaster is broken up into three parts: forward facing, backward facing, and spinning! Add a vertical elevator lift on top of that, some amazing looking theming, and you've got a really unique ride! I can't think of any other coaster that mixes all of these elements together, and also has a unique ride vehicle for a spinning coaster.

 

Anyway, let's go to some photos & video...

 

Additional photos by Jack Crouse

Check out the ride vehicle! Watch the video to see it SPIN!

Here's an overview of the construction site. You can see the elevator lift just towers over the ride!

We love the theming...

I've always been impressed with the detail that goes into BGT's attractions. Cheetah Hunt, Falcon's Fury, now this one... Sooooo good!

Brian Morrow showing us some of the concept boards for the ride. He looks proud of them... He should be. They look FANTASTIC!

And yes...there will be snakes!

A new snake exhibit will open with the ride!

Who names these things? Seriously? Gaboon?!?!? That sounds like how you name a sound effect from a comic book or cartoon. "The two characters are running at each other and *GABOON!!!!* they crash together in an epic way!!!" Seriously...a snake named "Gaboon..." I will move on now....

Jeff speaks of spinning coasters and stuff. He's in the video. Watch him. This man knows his stuff!

Walking up to the construction site...the ride looks great! I love how it comes over the wall from Montu.

This lift here you will be going up...BACKWARDS! Yes! It's gonna be amazing!

In fact, this whole twisty helixy area you will be going backwards the entire time!

And in this trench here is part of the "spinning" section.

I love that this ride has three distinct sections to it: Forward, Backward, and Spinning!

And if you're not a fan of spinning rides, WATCH THE VIDEO! Brian will explain why you NEED to try this one out!

Yes, Snakes do jump over a wall.

I'm really pumped about the elevator lift! Two trains will be in this structure at the same time. One on the top and one on the bottom.

Dudes are still hard at work.

The bottom of the giant snake is in place! Can't wait to see the rest of it!

Another picture of the twisted backwards helix. This should be pretty damn cool!

Yup, you WILL be spinning through this section!

CLOSE UP TRACK SHOT!!!!

Hello Tower of Elevator...you are awesome!

Track, track...more track...

Cobra...meet Montu.... Montu...Cobra. Better get used to each other being here...you're roommates now!

Awesome panoramic view!

Jack & I had an awesome time hanging out at Busch Gardens today! Can't wait to come back later in the year to ride!!!

[Jcoaster]

^ Hell yes to everything I just laid eyes on in that post.

[livai]

then the station will not be covered?

[Philrad71]

Oh man....Cobra's Curse is just looking better and better.

 

As others have said, I think that this one is going to take a lot of people by surprise and/or be the sleeper hit of the new coaster season. A lot of enthusiasts see "family coaster" and think "meh", but I think that this is going to turn some heads once it opens.

 

And a snake exhibit to go with the ride???

 

Thanks for sharing, Robb!!

[Apollo von Sol]

From your commentary that the ride will have three sections, forward, backwards, and spinning, does this mean the ride will not be free spinning coaster similar to a spinning wild mouse but have a motor on the coaster to enable it to spin?

[RyanTPM]

Fantastic construction tour, great to see some close up pictures. Not sure if i like the car as much as i do the other Mack spinners, but it's certainly still nice.

[robbalvey]

From your commentary that the ride will have three sections, forward, backwards, and spinning, does this mean the ride will not be free spinning coaster similar to a spinning wild mouse but have a motor on the coaster to enable it to spin?

The final section will be free spinning.

[cfc]

This looks like the best spinning coaster since Winjas at Phantasialand. In fact, just a great looking coaster no matter what type it is.

[PVA62]

Man this is going to be great. I think my first trip to BGT this April will be too early for this coaster but I'll have to make a return trip! Looks really good!

[Skiebs]

The IAAPA model and the original concept art had two cars attached but the new art seems like there will be single cars only. Could be different but seems interesting.

[robbalvey]

The IAAPA model and the original concept art had two cars attached but the new art seems like there will be single cars only. Could be different but seems interesting.

It's still going to be two.

[PixelRush]

It's cool how they spent even more money to install some of those "tipi" supports that do nothing but look cool with the ride

Edited February 18, 2016 by PixelRush

[Pirate]

FAMILY. SPIN. COASTER.

[robbalvey]

It's cool how they spent even more money to install some of those "tipi" supports that do nothing but look cool with the ride

Ha! I actually told them this exact same thing!

[JRice92]

Cobra's curse is shaping up to be really awesome! To mirror what others have said the 3 distinct sections look great, I also loved watching the live stream Robb! Those supports also look great, sleeper hit for sure. I'll get to see it in person when I visit on March 2nd and I may be visiting Florida again in September to ride it!

[RAWKIN_coaster38]

This looks amazing It's a stunning coaster and it's going to be awesome going up that lift backwards right next to Montu like that. I agree with you, I think this will be so totally unique and exciting that it will definitely draw more attention than Mako!

 

I also just got an email about interviewing to work at BGT again this summer, so I might actually be riding this this year

 

Does anyone have any idea around when this might open?

[DrachenfireOP]

Wow great photos! I'm actually really pumped for this ride, and I normally don't like spinners. BGT has one of the best spreads of coasters out there (definitely in the south east for sure).

 

Also, those gaboon vipers are nothing to mess with. Their fangs are like 2 inches long and they deliver more venom than any other snake in the world. Fortunately the stupidity of their name reflects their demeanor. They're fat and lazy and often won't bite even if you poke it. Not a risk worth taking since they can and will totally kill you with one bite though.

[IndoorSurvivalist]

Wow I had no idea that where this was going. It's so close to Montu!

 

I guess this means the old original Montu queue and sign that was over on that side is now gone (looking at old photo on my wall).

[rcrider4]

^^^ Nothing official yet, but given BG's history of opening dates, they are probably shooting for a Memorial Day weekend opening, possibly with some soft opening before.

[snoflake15]

^ I'm planning to be there May 17th so likely to be horribly close. Got the same worries with Mako.