Hattuchili Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 Yeah, great pictures, Scott! I also have never visited IOA, thats why I am really looking forward to go there and ride all the coaster! --Sören Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swimace Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 I love Universal Studios, the park is just so great, I had a season pass last year, but I didn't renew it this year since it was more about BGT this year for me (Umm, SheiKra rules BTW, CP needs to go for a 500 foot Dive Machine). I liked your pics, I agree with you about Hulk running out of steam in the end, but the ride is fantastic until after the second verticle loop IMO. "Oh yea where are you going to school anyway? If you say Georgia, I'd rather not know, but since you're from Gainesville I doubt it... I signed w/ Clemson during the early signing period, but I do kinda know a kid who signed with Georgia Tech. When I went on my recruiting trip to Clemson some guys were going to SFOG the day after I left and they said that it was about an equal drive to PC and SFOG from there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterEricHP Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 When I worked at Dragons.. I always told the Hulk people they need to alter the ride to .. Launch-Zero G-Cobra Roll-Loop-Brakerun.. However.. my personal favorite part of the ride is the drop off the midcourse in the backrow.. but you're right. The Hulk isnt even a must ride anymore for me when I go back down to visit. As far as Dragons goes it definately is the best ride there!! It's also supposed to be going down soon for 2 weeks to be repainted. It definately needs it. Glad you had a great time at Universal. Looking forward to your feelings on Sheikra! Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twistedmickey Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 I love the word Crikey!!! Any trip report with a Krispy Kreme pic in it is fine by me! Thanks for the pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shesaidboom Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 Great pictures. I really miss Florida now, and I'm even more upset that I missed out on Sea World while I was there. I would've only had a couple hours to spend there, and $68 to go in and get a ride on each coaster wasn't really worth it I was also surprised at how wet I got on Bilge Rat Barges. It says you'll get wet, but so many rides say this and all you get are a couple of drops. I wont ever be riding that thing again. I wasn't very impressed with USF either. Islands of Adventure was amazing, but there wasn't really much to do at USF and three of the attractions were down while I was there so that was even less to do. I look forward to seeing your Busch Gardens pictures Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scaparri Posted February 1, 2006 Author Share Posted February 1, 2006 Thanks for all the compliments guys! Glad you're enjoying the TR. Look for the Busch Gardens pics to be added later tonight! Tom and Soren, you guys are gonna love Orlando. I just came from there and I'm still jealous. Especially of Soren, 'cause you get to live there for a year. Have a blast guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bush985 Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 I agree with paying the $40 for the Skycoaster at Old Town. I'm a Site Controller for Skycoaster Inc so I get on any skycoaster for free, but I would never pay money for one. I rode that one twice in November 04, and it was a hell of a rush, but not $40 of a rush. -RD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swimace Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 The Hulk isnt even a must ride anymore for me when I go back down to visit. As far as Dragons goes it definately is the best ride there!! It's also supposed to be going down soon for 2 weeks to be repainted. It definately needs it. I love Hulk, but I get more rides on the Dragons whenever I go, I think they're more re-rideable since they keep most of their intensity throughout the ride, especially Fire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParkTrips Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 I signed w/ Clemson during the early signing period, but I do kinda know a kid who signed with Georgia Tech. When I went on my recruiting trip to Clemson some guys were going to SFOG the day after I left and they said that it was about an equal drive to PC and SFOG from there Cool, let me know what's up. I can at least handle Clemson And yea, its pretty much right in the middle. 2-2.5 hours tops to either park. // sorry for hijacking the thread :-\ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Johnson Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 Wow, you do take very nice pictures. Too bad you did not do MiB, its really a great attraction. What in the world was that car in front of The Mummy? As everyone knows I have been down to those parks quite a few times and I never have seen a car parked in front of The Mummy before. I am glad you enjoyed Sea World, its really a great park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scaparri Posted February 2, 2006 Author Share Posted February 2, 2006 ^Thanks a lot Eric! I really appreciate that. And thanks Joe for your comment earlier. What sucks is I have to go camera shopping now. My camera broke halfway through the day at Busch Gardens, and it's not worth it to get it fixed. By the way Eric, that car was some sort of Volkswagon advertisement. Was it sponsored by them before? Well, now it's time to start working on the BGT update, which will probably take a while like the others, thanks to dial up internet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USRoadTripper Posted February 2, 2006 Share Posted February 2, 2006 OMG I think the world is coming to and end...we both prefer Fire over Ice! hahaha And I can't believe you skipped MIB...that's my favorite ride in all of Orlando, and one that I *never* miss when I go there! But you did say that you were sort of underwhelmed by Mummy, so we are back on track...Mummy is one of the best coasters I've been on! That whole thing with both of us liking Fire must have just been a fluke! -Julie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scaparri Posted February 2, 2006 Author Share Posted February 2, 2006 Well folks, this is it. This will be my last TR ever because the apocalypse is now. Julie and I have found a second coaster that we both actually agree on. Seriously though, this is the last segment of the TR. Unfortunately, it'll be a little shorter as well because my camera broke halfway through the day. Plus, though the park is beautiful, it can be hard to get good coaster pictures with variation. There are lots of trees and buildings that block views, not that that is a bad thing. I might however post a few other random pictures that weren't included in the TR on a later date though. So here it is! After Wild Adventures, Old Town, IOA, USF, and SeaWorld, it was time for Busch Gardens Tampa. The day started off pretty bad. We got to the park to see a sign that said two rides were closed: Gwazi Lion (never would have guessed that one ) and Kumba ( ). Kumba and Hulk were the two rides I was most looking forward to. I would soon find out that it was going to be closed for the next two weeks. I wasn't aware before going that it was down for rehab. That had me bummed for a while. I eventually got over it when I realized the awesomeness that is the rest of the park. I really love these parks with wildlife sides to them. It's a really nice change. I mean sure, I love lots of other traditional parks, but let's face it, at least for me, it can be really monotonous waiting in line to ride the same flat I rode at the last park I was at. Maybe I just really enjoy seeing wild animals! BGT was a fun park. However, as hypocritical as this may sound, it really lacks in the flat department. They could really use a few around the park. The Phoenix (looping starship) was very cool though. The park was definately very nice and well maintained. Not to mention massive! I'm still not sure which Busch Gardens park I prefer. They are very different in many ways, yet have some similarities. Anyway, let's voice the opinion on some things: Montu- I didn't go in expecting much with this one. I have heard some people say it's the best invert they've been on, but I've heard a lot of people say it's not nearly as good as it once was because of the trims. I lean more towards the "best invert" side. I'm not sure I would quite call it that, but it is pretty much neck and neck. I was very impressed with the forces, particularly in the zero-g. I didn't really think the trims hurt it much. They seem to only affect the batwing, which was still pretty good. The ditches really add to the ride and the flat spin is super intense. I loved it. Definate top 5-10 ride. Rhino Rally- I wasn't sure what to expect. It was neat. Not really what I expected though. I definately enjoyed it, but I wouldn't wait in much of a line. I have no idea how they managed to flip one of those Land Rovers. The highlight of the ride was problem the joke made toward me. I was wearing a Florida Gators tee and the driver says "What's the difference between a gator and a crocodile? A crocodile can do something with its college degree." Sure, it was against me, but I give the guy credit. Cheetah Chase- Best mouse I've ever been on! The hairpins are taking at such a high speed, but yet your femurs don't get fractured like they do on Maurer Sohnes! Scorpion- It was "meh". Still, if this is the worst coaster Schwarzkopf ever did, then he had a hell of a career. Python- Tear it out now! Nicest looking Arrow Corkscrew though. Sheikra- Awesome! Just awesome! The first drop is what I imagine jumping out of a plane would be like. It's so cool to be falling front first toward the ground. The far sides really create a great ride. I even thought it was cool to be zooming over the water (if you are on the far side). The ride was a bit short and I like my coasters to have some pacing to them, but it was still an awesome ride. I absolutely loved it. Another top 10 coaster. Gwazi Tiger- Probably the "total surprise" of the trip. After hearing so much crap about it being so rough now, I didn't expect it to be that great. This was also my first GCI. I thought it was excellent! Yeah, it's quite bumpy, but I could name a slew of woodies that are rougher. I was just amazed by the gracefulness of the entire ride. Each turn, twist, and element flows so perfectly into the next, and it seems to never lose momentum. If all GCIs are like this, then I must say that transitions is an art to them, as opposed to a science because there isn't one rough moment due to a bad transition. Definately a top 15 woodie if not close to breaking into my top 10. Thanks for reading guys! Hope you enjoyed it. I certainly can't wait to go back to FL. Especially so I can ride Kumba and get my Flying Unicorn credit! I leave you the same way I began this segment...with a crapload of goofy lookin' pink things. Mmmm... pink things from SFOT. Thanks for reading guys! It was really hard to get a good pic of any ride except Montu and Sheikra, so here's another one I like. Has this thing been painted in the last couple years or is this the original paint? Another picture of Montu. I must say, outside of Python, there isn't a bad coaster in Florida. I really had a blast while in Orlando. This was the theme for the entire week. Nobody was there! The longest line I waited in the entire trip was 15-20 minutes for the Mummy. I really liked Gwazi a lot. I was still a little bummed about Kumba though, so a smile is absent. You really have to see this in person to understand just how big the plumes of water are. It's quite funny to see some oblivious schmuck get doused in water as he is walking by this part of the ride. Just tilt your head slightly to the right to get the effect of the picture (I never claimed to be a great photographer). It's definately one of the sickest looking rides I've seen. I feel this picture does the ride some justice. Compared to the rest of the park, SheiKra seems more massive than it already is. But like it always does in FL, the rain was left after about 20 mintues, therefore, it was SheiKra time! "This sucks! Kumba is down, and now it's pouring rain and I'm surrounded by a bunch of foreign tourists who don't understand what line jumping is or that you're not supposed to do it, I haven't ridden SheiKra yet, plus my funnel cake is all gone!" Damn you Busch Gardens and your lack of an off season to rehab your rides while nobody is at the park! It looks much nicer though, doesn' it? Python is only worth one picture. Scorpion was a fun little ride with one of the strangest lift chains I've ever seen. These colors definately look better than the old ones. I really love the use of the ditches on this ride, especially during the flat spin. Since everybody else was heading straight to Sheikra, we were rebels and went to Montu. What a stellar ride! This was one of the first things we saw when we got into the park. A flock of flamingos being herded right by us. They walked by as if we weren't even there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParkTrips Posted February 2, 2006 Share Posted February 2, 2006 Scorpion- It was "meh". Still, if this is the worst coaster Schwarzkopf ever did, then he had a hell of a career. No joke. I don't think it's the worst myself, but for such a little ride its really sweet. Gwazi Tiger- Probably the "total surprise" of the trip. After hearing so much crap about it being so rough now, I didn't expect it to be that great. See, you shouldn't listen to Julie Oh yea, thanks for the photo of Sheikra's water splash, now I see how much they tame it compared to "the warm months" Great TR and you are right, you have to look hard to find bad things about Florida parks * * footnote: I have not been to Cypress Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shockwave Posted February 2, 2006 Share Posted February 2, 2006 Great TR and you are right, you have to look hard to find bad things about Florida parks * * footnote: I have not been to Cypress I'm doing Cypress Gardens in March! I reckon I'll be finished with the place after an hour. Glad you had a great time Scott, I'm gonna be on the plane to Orlando in exactly 6 weeks time today! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hattuchili Posted February 2, 2006 Share Posted February 2, 2006 Tom and Soren, you guys are gonna love Orlando. I just came from there and I'm still jealous. Especially of Soren, 'cause you get to live there for a year. Have a blast guys! First of all, thanks for the words. I hope I will have a good time there! I also hope I have the time to visit a few parks there! However, up to your last update! Bush Gardens looks really nice and I can´t wait to ride Kumba and Shaikra! Your pictures were great again! I really enjoyed your daily updates! --Sören Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s2pids2 Posted February 2, 2006 Share Posted February 2, 2006 Hey thanks for the awesome photos, I can't wait to go back there in June. Did you go on Rhino Rally at Bush Gardens? *$2* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScOtT k Posted February 3, 2006 Share Posted February 3, 2006 Well if you liked Kraken's zero-g roll just wait to ride Hulk! Hulk's first inversion is insane, although it's debatable which is the overall better ride between Kraken and Hulk. I actually liked krakens zero G roll much more than hulk's. Have you gone on both swimace? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scaparri Posted February 3, 2006 Author Share Posted February 3, 2006 ^Me too actually. I think Kraken's whips you around more, mainly because the track flattens back out at the end while Hulk's just flips back halfway and drops. s2pids2, yeah, I went on Rhino Rally. It was fun. I wouldn't ever wait more than 10-15 minute for it though. Anyway, for anybody curious, here is my list of the top 5 coasters I rode in FL: 1. Kraken 2. Dueling Dragons 3. Montu 4. Sheikra 5. Hulk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swimace Posted February 3, 2006 Share Posted February 3, 2006 ^ Sadly, not. I've lived about 2 hours away from Orlando for my whole life and the last time I've been to Sea World was before Journey to Atlantis started construction. I just think Hulk's roll after the launch is insane, the only inversion I like more is Storm Runner's Flying Snake Dive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smells_like_team_disney Posted February 3, 2006 Share Posted February 3, 2006 Awesome photo TR, Scott! IOA looks out of this world!! Seven years later and I'm still waiting for my day in the sun. Sea World in Florida seems to have so much more than the one here in Cali. I went in '94 and have no desire to return, even with the addition of Journey to Atlantis. I guess I was never big on marine life. I love your pics of BGT, especially Sheikra. That first drop looks killer! I can't imagine Gwazi being any worse than Psyclone or Ghostrider here in Cali, our wood just doesn't seem to age as well. Thanks for posting, hopefully there will be more TR's in the near future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willski Posted February 3, 2006 Share Posted February 3, 2006 Yeah, Kumba was about to go down for painting when we were there a few weeks ago. I think Kumba has the best 0-g roll that I've experienced, but Kraken's is also really good. Looks like an awesome trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s2pids2 Posted February 3, 2006 Share Posted February 3, 2006 In my opinion, Kumba stands as still being one of the best coasters around. Beautiful layout and theming, as well as being ultra smooth. The Zero-G Roll on that ride always takes my breath away. Montu blew me away as well, especially the use of ditches at the finale. Oh so good! I thought Rhino Rally was different, but at the same time I wouldn't wait that long to ride it. It's different, original, and is a good family ride. Havent been to BGT in over 4 years now, but hopefully I will get to go in June. Tampa is a little bit odd, but BGT will always hold a special place in my heart. Where else can you get attacked by a roaming Peacock or a Flamingo? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swimace Posted February 3, 2006 Share Posted February 3, 2006 I love BGT, especially now that it has SheiKra. I agree that Kumba is awsome, I think it's a prime example of how B&M can make intense rides that are out of control Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s2pids2 Posted February 4, 2006 Share Posted February 4, 2006 Sheikra looks really short to me for some reason, but it looks as if it packs a punch. Love the splash-down finale. I wonder when BGW will get some decent attention. Such a great park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now