cfc Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 BGE opened "officially" for the season on Saturday, March 25, so I made my standard, sad-and-pathetic solo visit to mark the occasion. T'was a cold, damp, drizzly November in my soul, matched by a cold, damp, drizzly March day as I sallied forth, camera in hand, a lone traveler out to find a warm light to thaw the frozen reaches of my spirit. Was there no balm in Gilead? Would the laughter and screaming of the masses lighten the heavy places in my heart? Was there still joy following the long off-season? Well, yes. I enjoyed myself as I usually do at BGEburg, and there was only a light drizzle that day, hardly enough to dampen what's left of my hair much less my spirit, even though the coasters (particularly Alpengeist) roared to the tune of "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out." (Nothing on the Alvey's sojourn to Blackpool, though.) A pretty normal "day at the park," otherwise, but here are a few specific comments: In their enhancements to Curse of DarKastle, Busch has made an already great ride better. The upgraded show scenes are definite improvements, and that much-touted "fall" sequence has more force. Keep it up, Busch! The entrance to the train station at Heatherdowns is now through the gift shop. The big shop in Rhinefeld (with its Black Forest cookoo clocks, beer steins, and Hummel figurines) has been quite nicely reorganized and redecorated, with an expanded Christmas shop (well, if this is the South, ya gotta have a Christmas shop). Never, ever wait in line for the front seat of Alpengeist behind three 14-year-old girls in matching pick jackets who are busy eating green, plastic-looking, sugar infused glop when they're not punching each other in the arm or yakking on their cell phones. And now a bizarre interlude: While trying to get a picture of the Big Bad Wolf near the old Drachen Fire entrance, I had a rather strange encounter with some rather freaky looking old dude in an NRA ball cap. As I stood there, clinging to the black iron fence, waiting for the train to swoop by: FREAKY NRA DUDE: They shore do make it awful tough to take a pitchur, don' they? Y'all been on this'un yet? ME: Yep. Hello--I must be going. What this fellow was doing hanging out all by himself by the side of the Festhaus was beyond me. Perhaps he was another "sad and pathetic" solo rider. And now, in my obvious appeal for attention and sympathy, some pictures, with appropriately sad-and-pathetic captions. At the last, he returns to the one friend he can count on--Huge Hummel Boy. He confronts the towering Apollo's Chariot, the very size of which humbles him and confirms his lot as an insignficant speck in the eye of God! (And it's fun to ride, too.) and sweet Irish music. But the fiddler's rolling eyes speak volumes. In Ireland, they try to cheer him with a boatload of beer . . . But DarKastle beckons, and he considers leasing a garret in the topmost tower to forever join King Ludwig in his Dance of the Damned. But the rent is too high. The fluffiness of the lemon mousse in Aquitaine serves to, er, "enfluffen" his soul somewhat. At long last lunch, and his first ribs of the season. He is urged on by John, a TPR member, at his post. (When in Euroburg, y'all go and say "hi" to John.) He eundured 35 minutes of the antics of three obnoxious teenage girls in matching jackets, merely to ride in the front seat, while the monster mocked him: "Ha! No sad-and-pathetic, single rider line for you! Bwa-ha-ha-ha!" Next, he faced the cold claws of Alpengeist. only to face the tyranny of Father Christmas. ("Be good this year, or I will so beat you with this bundle of sticks!") He seeks the light of Yuletide next . . . Next up is the Big Bad Wolf--but his attempts at a new photo are shrouded in shadow and darkness, and disturbed by the presence of the freaky NRA dude. He takes the traditional first ride of the season on the Loch Ness Monster. Nessie's rough embrace serves to shake him from his lethargy--for a time. but his cheer is dashed on the rocks of despair when he sees this summer's concert line up. (Anybody up for a TPR meet to see Frankie Avalon? Didn't think so.) For a moment, his heart is cheered by the park's pretty new signage . . . The clock of Banbury Cross merely reminds him of the inexorable forces of time and decay--and that there's still two hours until lunch. Here, we see the sad-and-pathetic solo rider, after begging a cast member to take his picture, smiling sadly in an attempt to cover the desperation in his soul. Either that, or he feels hungry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECZenith Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 Nice TR bro, nothing sad and pathetic about it. I must have that boatfull of beer... Can't-get-used-to-BGE ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharkTums Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 I've been waiting for this trip report since you said you were going!!! Nice!! I really should get back to BGE (ahhh, I can't stand that!!!) at some point! You sad and patheticness was quite awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhishyBrewer Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 Foshizzle!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DATman Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 Why is it BGE??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhishyBrewer Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 ^The changed the names; It's now Busch Gardens Europe and Busch Gardens Africa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CP_RULES Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 ^^Both BG parks changed names. BGW has a Europe theme and changed its name to BG Europe. BGT has an African theme and changed its name to BG Africa. Hence the BGE and BGA Personally, I hate it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DATman Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 That's pretty stupid, as most people are still going to sall them BGW and BGT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted March 26, 2006 Author Share Posted March 26, 2006 ^When I first moved to the 'Burg (about 20 years ago) they were Busch Gardens: The Old Country and Busch Gardens: The Dark Continent. But political correctness made those terms unfashionable. Will the "new names" catch on? We shall see. That boat-of-beer pic was for you, Wally! I did sample this new "wheat" concoction while listening to the musicians in Grogan's--not bad beer, actually, but a bit on the weak side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slacking Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Nice PTR cfc! I wanna go back to BGE! I went for a few hours last June and rode what was new for me but lines were too long for BBW and Nessie. Awesome pics and great captions! Nothing wrong with being "sad and pathetic!" Justin "Often sad and pathetic" King Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niiicolaaah Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 It's a PTR with a story! This PTR gets the Nicole stamp of approval.. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollermonkey Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 CFC, You have reminded me that this sad and pathetic soul is not alone in the world of attending amusement parks solo. These places cause small sparks of enjoyment along with crushing depression of no one to share the experience with. You have inspired me to put forth my own sad photo tales in this forum. First shall be a sadder than normal experience at a closed amusement park in Korea. Then a construction update from Fuji-Q methinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisFL Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 I've been waiting for this trip report since you said you were going!!! Nice!! I really should get back to BGE (ahhh, I can't stand that!!!) at some point! You sad and patheticness was quite awesome! So if we all hate the new names, why should we change what we call them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy T. Koepp Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 I feel for you! I too empathize with your sad and patheticness. I often have to travel the midways with only my children in a stroller. I look like the divorced/widower father that has the kids for the weekend. I can only imagine the thoughts that cross the minions of themepark attendees as I stroll along beside them. GP1 - "Oh look at that poor man. I'll bet he only gets his kids on the weekends. So he's trying to buy them a good time. GP2 - "How sad is that? That poor man and his two kids. Look at his face, I wonder how long ago his wife passed?" GP3 - "Dude, if your trying to win their affection, you shoulda taken them to Disneyland." GP4 - "Aww, Look at that sad man. What are they doing at Magic Mountain so soon after her death. Ohhhhhhhh! They were probably under insured." Oh yes, I see them looking down upon me with their lazer guided stares! Those bastards! If they only knew that I am married, to a living woman to boot. A porn star hot, ravenous, sex machine that waits every minute of her day for me to pleasure her. As a matter of fact, while you mock my seeming dispair. She is at home warming herself up for my impending return. I am merely wearing the children out so that they will nap soundly through all the animal rituals that will encompass the rest of the day. Think what you want GP. I am a man on a mission! Guy "Again, I feel your sad and patheticness. Even if it is merely fabricated by a less than educated General Public." Koepp Oh by the way, great trip report. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smallish Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 I'm going next week. Expect a PTR. And 30 minute waits? Will it be as crowded next weekend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkdcoaster Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Nice TR and thanks for confirming the usual...another year and the only new thing about BGW is a new sign pointing you the way. I can usually find a 100 little new improvements at PKD every opening day but nothing at BGW. Maybe I miss the old days of BGW too much...maybe next year I can have a reason to go more than once how long where the lines and how many trains were running? JEFF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OBXcoasterman Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 (edited) It was nice to meet you cfc, thanks for taking time to say "hi". So I guess that shout out I did on the station mic for cfc and TPR only made him seem more sad and pathetic...my bad. CFC, If you'd like I can arrange some BGE crazies to play in the park with you for your next trip,just let me know. But be warned, if they find out about your special Hummel relationship you have going, there will be hell to pay. That guy has a lot of irons in the fire, if you know what I mean. Robb, Where do I send the bill for mentioning THEME PARK REVIEW, to hundreds of guests waiting in line? ..................LOL I'm "guessing" next weekend will be busier, they are having media day for the new EMERALD BEAT show. Edited September 27, 2010 by mcjaco Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Chuck - you should have taken Robb and Elissa on a stick with you - that's a stick each, one for each hand. I think that would bring sad and pathetic to new heights of awesome, and earn lots of kudos. (oh and you could have Wally on a stick in your back pack, and bring him out for refreshment stops). Actually what is sad and pathetic is that I haven't even been on a coaster this season, and won't have the chance until May. Enjoyed your report Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted March 27, 2006 Author Share Posted March 27, 2006 I'm going next week. Expect a PTR. And 30 minute waits? Will it be as crowded next weekend? I was waiting for front seats on all the coasters I rode, but the longest wait was for the front of Alpengeist. There's a sign saying that there's a 40-minute wait for the front seat, and it's not far off. So, crowds weren't bad at all (especially for a Saturday), thanks to the weather. If the weather's nice, the park should be busier (Sunday is usually the best day to go). You could walk on to Pompeii, LeScoot, and Roman Rapids, temps being in the high 40s and all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted March 27, 2006 Author Share Posted March 27, 2006 It was nice to meet you cfc, thanks for taking time to say "hi". So I guess that shout out I did on the station mic for cfc and TPR only made him seem more sad and pathetic...my bad. CFC, If you'd like I can arrange some BGE crazies to play in the park with you for your next trip,just let me know. But be warned, if they find out about your special Hummel relationship you have going, there will be hell to pay. That guy has a lot of irons in the fire, if you know what I mean. Robb, Where do I send the bill for mentioning THEME PARK REVIEW, to hundreds of guests waiting in line? ..................LOL I'm "guessing" next weekend will be busier, they are having media day for the new EMERALD BEAT show. Thanks, John--always a pleasure to be humiliated in public! Actually, I got a kick out of your announcement (as did the ACERs who rode before me when you announced them, I'm sure). There were some Coaster Zombies in the park that day, too. Yes, it was a sad day when Hummel Boy stopped moving; why, he was the scariest thing in the Festhaus during Howl-o-Scream! Watch out is the weather's good next weekend--the joint should be jumping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damien666 Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Very nice PTR! The only thing Sad and pathetic about it is the stupid name change. Why did they even think about it in the first place?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Movieguy Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 BGW...oops, I mean BGE is such a great place, the atmosphere, the rides, the food, just everything. I wish I was there right now in the worst way. And don't be so ashamed about it being a solo trip. I go on those all the time. That big trip I took last year to Florida was solo, and I thought nothing of it, mainly because I enjoy being by myself I guess. You don't need to surround yourself with people in public to feel good. Doug "It's only 'sad and pathetic' if you think it is." Booth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisFL Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Doug "It's only 'sad and pathetic' if you think it is." Booth tru dat I've been to IOA/US and BGT, OR BGA or whatever it is now several times solo, met some nice chicks too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imhotep Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Id like to meet the ride op that called Barry 'sad and pathetic' in the first place. I wonder if he knows if he has become a part of TPR pop culture? Good PTR man, makes me really want to go back to BGE! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkdcoaster Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Call me selfish but I prefer going to parks either by myself or with 1 other person....I hate going with a bunch of people and nobody agreeing on where to go especially if it is at a park I do not go to too often (waste of time)...PKD is different cause I go all the time and do not mind doing what other people want. I usually just want to ride the thrill rides or film. JEFF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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