Archive - Park Journey

Published on

January 26, 2015

2015 Project Tracker

Updated: January 26, 2015 - Welcome to the Park Journey 2015 Project Tracker. We will be updating this page once we get firm opening dates for attractions coming in 2015.
We are hoping you will be able to use this tool so you can better plan your summer trips and make sure you don't miss anything.

To make things easier, we'll start on new attractions on the West Coast and make our way East.

*Project is on schedule
*Project is in danger of opening late
*Project has been confirmed to be opening late

California

Star Wars: Death Star Mini Land and Lego Friends Heartlake City
Legoland - Carlsbad, CA

Click here for the full press release

A galaxy far, far away and some new Friends took center stage as LEGOLAND® California Resort announced two major additions for 2015 at the annual press conference. General Manager Peter Ronchetti shared the family theme park’s 2014 successes before announcing the LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Death Star is arriving in time for spring break and an entirely new area, Heartlake City, based on the popular LEGO® Friends product, is opening before summer.

Status: Star Wars: Death Star Miniland Opening Spring 2015 / Lego Friends Heartlake City Opening Summer 2015

Click to view our latest Legoland, CA update (Nov 10, 2014)

Voyage to the Iron Reef
Knott's Berry Farm - Buena Park, CA

Click here for the full press release

Knott’s Berry Farm announced plans for a spectacular new interactive 4-D attraction for 2015, Voyage to the Iron Reef. Opening spring 2015, Voyage to the Iron Reef adds high-tech fun for everyone as guests save Knott’s from mysterious creatures emerging from the seas beneath the Boardwalk in a cutting edge media-based battle.

Status: Opening May 15, 2015

Click to view our latest Knott's Berry Farm update (Jan 13, 2015)

Rewind Racers
Adventure City - Buena Park, CA

Click here for the full press release

Adventure City is proud to kick off the construction of its newest roller coaster Rewind Racers. At a cost of over 2 million dollars, this coaster will be Adventure City’s largest single investment to date in its 20 year history.

Status: Opening early 2015

Aqua Rocket
Raging Waters - San Dimas, CA

Click here for the full press release

Raging Waters San Dimas is introducing the first hydromagnetic LIM water coaster to California this summer 2015 – Aqua Rocket. The new attraction will span close to two football fields in length, making it a great addition to the park’s current 49 water attractions.

Status: Opening Spring 2015

Fast and Furious: Supercharged, Springfield and Nighttime Tram Tours
Universal Studios Hollywood - Universal City, CA

Click here for the full press release

2015 will be a momentous year for the theme park with two spectacular attractions debuting as part of the 50th anniversary. “Springfield” an immersive land surrounding “The Simpsons Ride” will open in Spring 2015 and in Summer 2015, “Fast & Furious—Supercharged,” based on the blockbuster film series, will be introduced as the grand finale to the celebrated Studio Tour.

Status: Opening Spring 2015

Click to view our latest Universal Studios Hollywood update (January 23, 2015)

Twisted Colossus
Six Flags Magic Mountain - Valencia, CA

Click here for the full press release (includes all SF attractions for 2015)

Integrated into the beautiful crosshatching of white wood will be intertwined track, steep banks and unrelenting rolls and spirals. Revel in the fun and excitement of traditional wooden coaster thrills while facing your fears on the latest state-of-the-art coaster technology. Twisted Colossus will be the best of both worlds, a modern marvel soon to make roller coaster history.

Status: Opening Spring 2015

Click to view our latest Six Flags Magic Mountain update (January 26, 2015)

Dare Devil: Chaos Coaster
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom - Vallejo, CA

Click here for the full press release (includes all SF attractions for 2015)

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom’s newest roller coaster attraction is a perfect balance of anticipation and suspense, unbridled thrills and unmatched wonder – where you’re constantly at the cusp of heading into an inversion and you wonder when will it ever happen?

Status: Opening Spring 2015

Utah

Cannibal
Lagoon - Farmington, UT

Click here for the full press release

Cannibal will be the tallest attraction on the park with a height of 208 feet. This state of the art coaster will thrill riders with its unique elements unlike anything else at Lagoon. Riders will be lifted 208 feet on a vertical lift and then plunged into a free fall at a break-over angle of 116 degrees into an underground tunnel.

Status: Opening Spring 2015

Texas

Batman: The Ride
Six Flags Fiesta Texas - San Antonio, TX

Click here for the full press release (includes all SF attractions for 2015)

BATMAN™: The Ride is a world class 4D Free Fly Coaster that thrusts you into a totally immersive, high-speed Gotham City adventure. You’ll board Batman’s latest creation – a mind-warping thrill coaster loaded with special effects and cutting edge construction.

Status: Opening Spring 2015

Click to view our Batman: The Ride coverage from IAAPA 2014

Switchback
ZDT's Amusement Park - Seguin, TX

Click here for the full press release

To celebrate the June 1884 birth of the wooden roller coaster, ZDT’s Amusement Park has teamed up with The Gravity Group to capture the magic of the original wooden roller coaster with Switchback – the first modern wooden shuttle coaster!

Status: Opening Spring 2015

Click to view our Switchback coverage from IAAPA 2014

Justice League: Battle for Metropolis
Six Flags Over Texas - Arlington, TX

Click here for the full press release (includes all SF attractions for 2015)

JUSTICE LEAGUE: BATTLE FOR METROPOLIS! It’s the ultimate superheroes adventure mission during this 3D interactive dark ride experience. Get ready to match wits against Lex Luthor, The Joker and his henchmen as you join the JUSTICE LEAGUE Reserve team.

Status: Opening Spring 2015

Click to view our Justice League: Battle for Metropolis u pdate (Dec 11, 2014)

Missouri

Fireman's Landing
Silver Dollar City - Branson, MO

Click here for the full press release

Sound the alarm as Silver Dollar City debuts 10 NEW Family Adventures coming Spring 2015! Centered around the headquarters of Station No. 3, Fireman’s Landing is designed with the atmosphere and theming of an old-time volunteer firefighter recruitment fair with activities set up to test the skills of even the youngest would-be recruits.

Status: Opening Spring 2015

Justice League: Battle for Metropolis
Six Flags St Louis - Pacific, MO

Click here for the full press release (includes all SF attractions for 2015)

JUSTICE LEAGUE: BATTLE FOR METROPOLIS! It’s the ultimate superheroes adventure mission during this 3D interactive dark ride experience. Get ready to match wits against Lex Luthor, The Joker and his henchmen as you join the JUSTICE LEAGUE Reserve team.

Status: Opening Spring 2015

Click to view our Justice League: Battle for Metropolis u pdate (Dec 11, 2014)

Indiana

Thunderbird
Holiday World - Santa Claus, IN

Click here for the full press release

Thunderbird, the nation’s first launched wing coaster, includes a 0-60mph launch in 3.5 seconds, plus multiple inversions and near-misses. Continuing Holiday World’s tradition of sending roller coasters through thickly wooded and hilly terrain, Thunderbird first loops high in the air and then hugs the ground – nearly missing trees, the ground, and other rides!

Status: Opening Spring 2015

Ohio

Rougarou
Cedar Point - Sandusky, OH

Click here for the full press release

Named after a terrifying werewolf-like creature in French folklore, Rougarou [roo-guh-roo] feeds on screams and lurks in and around the swampy lagoon at the center of the park, shared with other coasters like Iron Dragon and Top Thrill Dragster.

Status: Opening Spring 2015

Planet Snoopy
Kings Island - Mason, OH

Click here for the full press release

Two new family rides, the largest Starbucks store in the Tri-State, and other improvements are all part of Kings Island’s plan for next summer.

Status: Opening Spring 2015

Pennsylvania

Laff Trakk
Hersheypark - Hershey, PA

Click here for the full press release (kind of)

Laff Trakk is the first indoor, spinning, glow-coaster in the United States. This family friendly house of laughs spins riders through an exciting adventure of sights and sounds complete with glimpses of colorful characters, a dizzying hall of mirrors, and more! Laff Trakk is the fun house of the 21st century offering a new experience with every ride.

Status: Opening Summer 2015

Check out our friends at All American Thrills for great Laff Trakk updates

Impulse
Knoebels - Elysburg, PA

Click here for the full press release

The Knoebels impulse will stand 98 feet tall with one big drop and several loops. It will replace the bumper boat pond and boat tag ride.

Status: Opening Summer 2015

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Published on

January 26, 2015

Twisted Colossus Update #15

Good Monday everybody, hope you all had a great weekend and those of you in the Northeast are staying safe. While you are waiting for your house to thaw, how about a nice Twisted Colossus update. It's been less than a week since our last one, but there is actually a LOT to share today, they've been very busy.

Photos and Words by Gregg Condon

This week we're going to start off in the park, and the first picture we are going to look at is actually from last week, the Twisted Colossus Photo Op.

Now fast forward to this week, what's different?

That's right, they are now to the point where the RMC crew feels that they will have the coaster ready by May. When in May is anybody's guess, but when you start to see all of the work they've done just this week, it's not hard to see why they feel confident.

Of course, dates are always subject to change, there are a lot of variables that go into this and it's not just what we can see on site, but also track manufacturing, shipping, etc. But the fact that they feel confident enough that they could put up that tag even after the display was already there is a good sign. Of course, when any dates are announced, we'll be sure to share them. But I'd guess we won't see dates for another 3 months at least (end of April).

This also doesn't factor in the SteamPunk District area, but they are working hard in that area as well.

Moving back outside, the biggest change we'll see is the track going up the second hill.

Which eventually leads to the High-Five element

And the track that everybody was worried about is now gone due to the two new elements that will be in this area of the ride.

LOTS of support type things are being constructed and look to be ready to be placed on the ride.

LOTS more track has shown up, most of it appears to be straight which probably means this is the transition from the blue to the green for the 2nd half of the ride.

You can now see all of the twisty pre-lift track from the parking lot.

A little bit of an overview of the site.

Over on Scream, not a whole lot of evident work, but they have begun to powerwash the ride in advance of it's new paint job. It's got 12 years of parking lot grime and I'm sure it's going to take a few washes to get it all off.

You can see them working on the ride in the picture below. You can see the darker blue and the lighter blue, but I'm pretty sure that's just because of the sun. Unless they are keeping the same color scheme.

Just a couple of random park notes.

The park was awarded Record Breaking Guest Service Numbers for the chain, and to celebrate, the employees get to wear these special shirts for the next 7 weeks.

Donald was nice enough to model the shirt for us when we were chatting in the park.

We know SFMM gets a lot of flack for past mistakes, and deservedly so. But over the last 2 years we've REALLY seen a positive change in the way park employees interact with guests, and a general positive attitude.

If you'll remember, the park made a lot of HUGE changes in 2009 that really changed many people's opinion of them. They kind of lost that around 2012/2013, but starting with 2014, we've seen things swing back the other way. So if you haven't visited the park in awhile, it's time to give them another shot.

Holiday In The Park continues to be removed from the park.

Well, not everywhere. =)

Rode Batman for the first time this year, and first time since the SFMM trains have been back on the ride. It was probably the smoothest ride I've had on it in years. Ride is still only running 1 train while they bring the other one back, but the crew was hauling.

Lastly, they have been doing "something" underground on the walkway to the park. Not sure if it's electrical or plumbing or if it's for SFMM for SFHH. We'll probably never know.

Alright, that's going to wrap it up for today. Hope you enjoyed this update and we look forward to seeing construction kicking into high gear as they hopefully hit that Spring 2015 date.

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Published on

January 23, 2015

Universal Studios Hollywood's EPIC transformation continues

2015 Attractions 2016 Attractions Fast And Furious: Supercharged Halloween Horror Nights Harry Potter Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey Hogwarts Simpsons Springfield Studio Tour Universal Citywalk Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World

CoasterMatt headed up to Universal Studios the other day and shared with us some amazing pictures. The entire skyline of the park has changed for good and everything is certainly getting more EPIC.

We'll take a look at Hogwarts from pretty much every angle you can see it from today ... and it's a LOT of angles. Be sure to check out Matt's Flickr page for more amazing pictures.

Pictures by CoasterMatt
Written by Gregg Condon

The transformation of Universal Hollywood is evident miles away from the park, as you can now see Hogwarts from the 170 freeway.

Sittin' in LA traffic ... just watching a castle get built.

Down on the lower side, pedestrian bridge construction is continuing as well.

♪ Everything is EPIC ♪

Who ever knew roadwork could be so EPIC. If you can count how many EPIC signs are in this picture you win absolutely nothing.

Heading into the park, still lots of walls where Nothing of Horror is.

Sadly the beautiful Universal Plaza is no longer going to be what people are looking at as they walk down the main drag of the park.

Beetlejuice is all ... yeah, that's Hogsmeade. What about it.

And boom, now it's Hogsmeade.

Pretty much the only reason to go into the Shrek queue.

So you can pretty much see the Hogwarts towers from anywhere in the upper lot, and a good portion of the tram tour.

New Studio Tour entry sign, and the tower.

Heading to the Tram, and oh, there's the tower

Hmmm, what are they hiding in there?

Chillin' at CityFood in CityWalk ... and guess what, there's the tower.

Matt trying to pull off his best JJ Abrams lens flare, and you guessed it ...

Hey look, it's the Collapsing Brid ... I mean Hogwarts.

But in all seriousness, this is pretty exciting for those of us who grew up with this park. To see such an amazing transformation (some would call it EPIC) is pretty awesome.

Another look at the rest of the Forbidden Journey ride building.

This is an amazing picture of the entrance to King Kong 360 3D ... is that, oh, it's Hogwarts again. =)

Ok, time to move on. The historical Stage 28 is now a storage area. Hey, all those barriers for Halloween Horror Nights have to go somewhere.

Lastly, the building for Fast and Furious is starting to take shape a bit. You can see where it will have an entry facade like King Kong does, but obviously Fast and Furious'y, not King Kong'y.

Alright, that's gonna wrap it up for this update. We should have another USH update very soon. Hope you enjoyed the update.

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Published on

January 20, 2015

The Past and Future of Fast and Furious at Universal Hollywood

2015 Attractions Fast And Furious: Supercharged Studio Tour Universal Studios Hollywood

It's 2015, and this year is going to bring one new attraction and one new land to Universal Studios Hollywood. We'll take a similar look at The Simpsons in a few weeks, but we thought we'd take a look at the past of Fast and Furious at the park.

One attraction based on the one movie that has nothing to do with the other 6 using cool technology, but with REALLY bad execution, and another capitalizing on the continuing popularity of the franchise with great new technology. We just hope the story will be great on the new one.

Written by Gregg Condon

The Year is 2006. The first two Fast and Furious movies have been moderately successful. At least successful enough to justify a second sequel. So what does Universal Studios do? Pulls a "Halloween" and totally goes away from what made the first two movies successful and moves the series to Tokyo. Unlike Halloween 3: Season of the Witch, Tokyo Drift isn't going to turn into a classic.

But that didn't stop them from putting in a tram attraction featuring some "sets" and effects from the movie.

The attraction starts by showing us some effects that were apparently in the movie.

Such as gunfire

And actual fire

Now it's time to combine the effects

FIRE!!!

And the cars fly through the air with the help of Kuka arm technology

So if that was the end of the attraction, that would have been fine. Some water, some fire, some cars flying through the air.

But unfortunately for Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift, this wasn't the end. Because it's modern, and pop culture and hip, fire and water and cars flying apparently isn't enough. And these cars have to dance.

Cue Gasolina by Daddy Yankee (Click at your own risk) and the cars dancing and flipping and finally bowing to the audience.

The stage where Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift was is still there, between the "Universal Cars" and "Jurassic Park" sets. If you look closely today, you can still see some of the prop pieces inside.

Mercifully, in 2013 this attraction closed for good, as it was REALLY bad. I don't think it matters if you are a fan of the franchise or not, a bad attraction is a bad attraction.

Thankfully, in mid 2014 Universal announced a new Fast and Furious attraction for the Tram Tour replacing the Tomb of the Mummy. Thankfully they aren't re-purposing the spinning tunnel once again, but have a new state of the art building under construction.

Below, you'll see what the site looked like throughout 2014, starting with April.

By June 2014 the frame was going up.

September 2014, still a lot of frame on one of the buildings ...

While the other building was almost fully enclosed

By October there really wasn't much to see but a big square building

Looking back through our November/December/January updates, there really hasn't been a whole lot of change in this area.

Some more artwork of the attraction which promises to use the amazing technology used in King Kong 360 3D along with practical sets.

Fast and Furious Supercharged is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2015. Once we get a firm opening date we'll certainly be sharing it with you.

So what do you think about the new attraction coming to the tram tour? Are you excited about something new? Do you like the theme? Ready to see how the same technology they used for King Kong 360 3D is plussed with actual sets? Be sure to let us know in the comments.

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Published on

January 20, 2015

Twisted Colossus Update #14

2015 Attractions Colossus Six Flags Six Flags Magic Mountain Twisted Colossus

Good morning everybody, and welcome to yet another update in the continuing construction of Twisted Colossus at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

It's been a couple of weeks since our last update so we have quite a bit to get to, as well as another "challenge" that we took on for this trip. But this one is a bit more straight forward, not silly and more directly related to what we do around here.

Pictures and Words by Gregg Condon

Today we'll start off with looking at the ride from the parking lot, as that's really the only place you can see the ride from now. We're not going to take pictures through any holes in the fence or anything like that.

Click on any of the pictures below for a larger view.

As you can see, green track has been added to the bottom airtime hill after the first drop.

More prep is taking place for the first turnaround.

Random thought while proofreading ... are the light posts still going to be used to light up the structure? How cool is that? Maybe with some awesome LED lights?

Going up!!

Going Down ...

Ok, so let me get this straight ... August 2014 the complaint was "they are going to be removing too much of Colossus, it's not going to look like that anymore" ... and now in January 2015 it's "I can't believe they are leaving those pieces of Colossus track there. It's going to look terrible.

First, it's a structural thing. Second, I personally think it's kind of cool that some remnants of the old track are going to be there. Third, the piece of track shown here hasn't been used in so long, I'm sure most of the people complaining never rode that section of track. =)

RMC Guys: "Let's park our trucks right in front so people can't see what we're doing". Thanks guys. ;)

Half Colossus

What's up guys working in the station!!!

From what we could tell, absolutely nothing has been done on Scream yet. The trains are in the shed though, so they could be getting some TLC.

Yeah, that's gonna be fun.

Inside the park, the "Farewell Colossus" display has been re-purposed. I don't "hate" this, and I know that they aren't going to put the actual new trains out for people to ruin.

Still no artwork on the wall. There was a hole we could have used to get pictures of torn up concrete and what not ... but don't do that.

Around The Park

Not a whole lot else going on around the park, Holiday in the Park stuff continues to get removed.

Even though it was 75 degrees at the park, it's still "technically" winter. But Winter Wonderland is gone anyway.

Some new tables have been placed up near Superman (across from Laughing Dragon) but there are no food places up here to get anything. Huh.

This is why we suggest starting at the back of the park

Tidal Wave is closed, doesn't look like it's getting any work done, but it could sure use it.

We spotted some awesome new DC Domo Kun's in the games area, I'm not a big player of games, but I must get these. Again, you can click to see a larger version.

One other random note, while riding Apocalypse today, we saw them sandblasting/repainting a bunch of Jet Stream boats. Hopefully the work being done on them isn't just cosmetic.

Ride Sign Journey

We got a lot of great suggestions once again for our "Challenge Accepted" series, and we'll certainly get to them eventually. But today we wanted to have some fun so decided to take one from the first round and get pictures of all of the ride signs.

We were trying to figure out how to order these, alphabetical, a loop around the park, by color ... but in the end, I thought let's be controversial and post them in the order I'd rank them. And then we can let you all put up your rankings as well. So here it is, Gregg's ranking of the rides of Six Flags Magic Mountain (both coasters and flat rides). Don't kill me, because I know most of you won't agree with me.

Obviously once Twisted Colossus opens these will change. I also didn't include Scream as that ranking will also change once it's reopened/rethemed.

#1 - Still wish it was longer, but it packs a great punch and is very re-rideable.

#3 - Still one of the more intense rides in the park, and a favorite.

#5 - Still hoping one day we get one side forwards and one side backwards .

#7 - First non coaster on the list, was glad to see the flume getting some love this offseason and the boats today.

#9 - I've learned how to re-ride this better, but with no OTSR's, this is top 5 easily.

#11 - Do you want to walk up the hill? I didn't think so.

#13 - if this had sit-down trains, top 3 in the park, and probably in my top 25 period.

#15 - Built to last, Arrow quality at it's finest. Still fun for a few spins a year.

#17 - Still fun, but needs some loving (as we showed above)

#19 - 2009, probably #1 or #2 in the park. Maybe they should send RMC over for some topper track when they are done with Twisted Colossus.

#21 - Still a great looking Carousel

#24 - Who doesn't love a good Round-Up?

#23 - Buccaneer, still fun, Swashbuckler, doesn't count. Been closed too long.

#25 - The only Bugs Bunny World Ride worth mentioning, only because I wish there was a bigger version of this. =)

#27 - I usually try to forget this ride even exists. And I wish it didn't.

#2 - An absolute classic. Hopefully this never goes away.

#4 - Not the tallest, fastest or smoothest by any stretch, but a great, fun, classic ride.

#6 - Probably my least favorite Hyper coaster, but that first drop is still great.

#8 - I know, I know, too far on the list. I get that it's innovative and different, but I don't "get it". Still, it's fun once or twice a year.

#10 - Nothing better on a hot summer afternoon. Or first thing if you don't want to wait in line.

#12 - Do you want to walk down the hill? Also didn't think so.

#14 - LOVE, Love, LOVE this ride. If it wasn't so expensive.

#16 - The climb is worse than the drop. But it's a great view and a great ride.

#18 - So glad this ride is still here. I'm sure there aren't many of these left.

#20 - I know, I know, I know ... Tatsu is amazing and fast and fun and all that. I just don't care for it. I prefer the other flyers over this.

#22 - This received a great rehab this past year.

#23 - I love a good Bumper Car ride. This isn't one of those.

#24 - Really the only kiddie coaster in the park worth mentioning.

#26 - There are no words to describe the hatred I have for this attraction. The one time I rode it I felt like I was going to die. Not from the ride, from being sick.

#28 - This gets last on the list pretty much by default, as I haven't ridden it.

Alright, that's going to wrap it up for today's update. Hope you enjoyed it. Please don't hate me for my ride rankings, it's all fun. Feel free to share yours below or why you think I should give something another chance. Except Green Lantern and Slingshot. I'm not giving those more chances. =)

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Published on

January 19, 2015

Tempest Oh No or How BGW won the war and lost the battle

After a couple of weeks off, RD is back this week talking about one of his favorite theme parks, and if you've been to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, it's probably one of your favorites as well.

So have a seat, take some deep breaths and enjoy.

In My Opinion

Written by RD Sussman

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has a place in my history that is unparalleled by any standards; I have spent more time there than any other theme park in the country - combined. You may think this is a joke; it is not. BGW was my first theme park as a small child back in the mid 70s; I grew up with the park; I chose my college based upon how close it was to BGW- being a short drive from dorm to drop was a great thing for me. So I have some very strong feelings towards the park - and its history as well. My #1 coaster on the planet is there (Loch Ness Monster, also my high-ride count coaster).

As we all watched in 2009-2010, Anheuser-Busch was destroyed by their fourth generation president; the company was broken up and spun off or sold. Busch Entertainment corporation was spun off and sold to the highest bidder, and became Sea World Parks. Anheuser-Busch, a 160 year American company is now owned by Europeans. And we began to see the decline of the parks at the same time.

Griffon

Alpengeist

BGW has been well known for decades as being one of the best theme parks in the world, with rides, shows & attractions on a par with Disney. The immaculate care of the park was well known, and the sheer attention to detail on the scenery was second to none. When a new ride would be installed, the park organically grew the ride in, placing it not only appropriately, but making sure that it fit with the area in which it was installed. The 90s were the heyday of BGW - the point where the park not only expanded, but built on a fine history of great development. While Drachen Fire was a bust, Alpengeist was not - and it was a blockbuster attraction from day one. Escape From Pompeii revitalized the splashwater falls concept, adding a show building to enhance the feel of a ride and bringing a totally new storyline to the park. Apollo's Chariot added the first B&M hypercoaster to the world, and it was an amazing new achievement in technology & terrain design. BGW was untouchable, and shined like a brilliant diamond which it was.

The 2000s were no less challenging - but the park still held her own. Drachen Fire, standing dormant for years was removed quietly after no buyer was found for it; King Arthur's Challenge was replaced by Corkscrew hill, and quietly the park entered a period of internal rebuilding, with more focus on improving existing attractions than in adding new ones. Hastings fell way to Ireland, and the simulator again changed to Europe In The Air, a far cry from its days as Questor. In fact, over the decade only one new major coaster was added (Griffon) and we sadly mourned the passing of the first successful Suspended coaster, the Big Bad Wolf. BGW was changing - but the shoe had yet to drop.

Once the parks had been spun off into the new holding company, things began to change. While the emphasis on quality was always first and foremost, things were going on with the new management that raised alarms in those of us who know the park well. A gardening staff that was the envy of every other major park company was let go; the park would do their work internally now. Attractions began to show signs of wear. The atmosphere of BGW was changing. 2012 brought forth their last big addition to the park, in the form of the very well themed Verbolten, a family coaster that fills in the hole where BBW was. This ride has received accolades for being an excellent fit for the park, as well as a crowd pleaser.

Verbolten

Truly one of the best themed family rides

So now it is 2015. BGW still holds its head proud - but no longer has the shine it once had in it. Though their holiday celebration is considered one of the most beautiful (As well as one of the highest-attended winter events) the park no longer focuses on the entire picture. Rides that are the envy of the world are now joined by more off the shelf models, and have notorious histories of mechanical issues. Food service once on par with Disney is now being outsourced to other contractors.

Busch Gardens is known throughout the world for it's spectacular food

Busch Gardens Holiday Celebration

And then now we have "TEMPESTO!", BGW's 2015 addition. A Premier launch coaster, well known for being a one-trick pony and a capacity nightmare is coming. Squeezed into a narrow plot of ground between Apollo's Chariot and a park midway, it stands out like a sore thumb on the skyline; a cheap & fast addition that shows very little real quality in it as far as what BGW has historically put up for the public.

BGW, you're heading for rock bottom here - and it isn't going to be pretty (or easy) to get out from there.

Editors Note: No official plans, artwork or announcements have really been made about Tempest, but the ride is currently under construction and we all know what it is. And while it's the perfect fit for a park like SFDK, it's not for BGW.

Superman Ultimate Flight at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Superman Ultimate Flight at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Up into the 2000's, attractions for BGW were planned well ahead, organically themed and designed to fit their location, were thrilling as well as capacity monsters, and designed to please a different segment of the family audience. Each major new attraction was planned very carefully, and executed well, creating a magical atmosphere that no other park in the country could do - save Disney of course. Verbolten was the last of these great concept rides, and it was developed not long after the decision was made to shutter BBW.

Soaring over Busch Gardens on Apollo's Chariot

Soaring over Busch Gardens at a gentler speed

Sea World Parks has been hit by the shit stick recently, after the fraudulent film "Blackfish" was released. Now I know you're wondering why this would impact BGW - but it does, and it is showing. Sea World Parks has been hit with an anti-SeaWorld propoganda machine which hit attendance as well as revenues. As a whole, the company is starting to suffer financially, and at the same time has announced a major expansion/change to the SeaWorld parks, in terms of attractions & animal care. While this is a crucial thing, to pay for this the company is cutting jobs and reducing expenditures at other parks. This in turn has led to cutbacks at both Busch Gardens Parks.

Big mistake, Sea World Parks. BIG MISTAKE.

The Busch Gardens parks have been well known for quality, atmosphere & attractions. And the apparent solution is to cut back, reduce & buy cheap. No, No, No. You are degrading the quality of the experience for something that stands out like a sore thumb, and will piss off people with six hour waits. Tearing down trees to install it removes some of the beauty BGW has in it - something the park is well known for. And I don't like where this is going.

So where to start? This is more difficult than it appears to be, and is one that has to be answered.

First, it is time to put a new captain at the helm of the company. While the CEO of SWP was released recently, there needs to be a larger sweep out of upper management, as well as fresh minds.

Second, the Busch Gardens parks (as well as the water parks) need to be spun off into their own units, separate from Sea World Parks. Since none of them directly have joint operations with each other, to focus the parks on their core markets would be a huge start. Sea World Parks is now taking from their core money making parks to pay for their own issues, and it is the Busch Parks which is suffering at that. By keeping the synergies of the Busch parks as one, a focus on building that brand can continue and expand.

Third, return to your roots. The reason BGW was so successful is that it never lost sight of what it was: A clean, well-built, well-run & family friendly theme park. This focus has been met only in part, and in a lot of ways has been forgotten about since 2010. Cutting corners in one area to help raise money for others shows in time. To quote from Ross Johnson, "For every penny you spend now, it comes back dressed as a shiny nickel." This message rings VERY true, especially in a competitive business like theme parks.

Is BGW at the bottom of the barrel? No - not by a long shot. They are still a gold-standard for parks. But at the current pace, and with the current trends in place, they are making decisions and futures that are totally inappropriate for the park's needs. BGW is a park that has for decades been considered a diamond, but now it is one that risks having that diamond taken, and replaced with a cubic zirconia. It is time for major changes at the top for Sea World Parks, one that focuses on the whole company and not just on three parks in the chain.

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