Chopping Block Update #2

It's time we discuss the eventual fate of Twister...Ride it Out.

Recently (a month ago I believe), Twister lost one of the thrilling elements for the ride... the part where the floor drops (it was working last January when I visited).

From VitaminsAndGravy at Orlando United:

I was at Universal about a month ago and I was excited to experience Twister: Ride it Out again. I had experienced this attraction a few years prior and I was always surprised by the floor drop at the end even though I knew it was coming.

Well, this time I was definitely surprised, but only because there was no floor drop. Needless to say I was disappointed. How long as this effect been turned off? Is this permanent or did I just hit the attraction on a week they had it turned off?

And some people are speculated that the ride is done for and could be removed soon. From Splatter at Orlando United:

If it is still not working than it is a major thing that has not been fixed yet, if it continues to go on without getting fixed than I would say it is the beginning of the end.

Splatter predicts more omens for Twister in BehindtheThrills:

So Twister has gone down seasonally last year for a while.

Twister has a shell of a former full queue that it once did have with movie vehicle theming and other authentic props as well as a kansas themed boneyard of goodies. Rockit ruined that and it just cuts you right into the preshow holding area.

Twister recently popped up (and has before) in guest satisfaction Survey with a select few other rides comparison. They seem to tweak them around and the two that consistently show up are Jimmy and Twister.

Twister is now without its floor drop. It has been missing for weeks and has yet to be repaired.

Not looking good for Twister.

TRANSLATION IN MY SIGHT (I don't want to say Rockit's ruined anything =P):

February 10, 2009, Twister was put on a seasonal schedule (like Fear Factor) but reopened March 7, 2009 (?), but it still took a while.

In July 12, 2008, Twister's queue was fenced off for construction of Rockit. It now directs you to just the pre-show (I knew there was something weird about how short the queue was in January. There was a cow advertisement thing there though).

Recently, Universal has been giving surveys to which attraction should go next, and both Twister and E.T. were listed the most.

As of last March, the floor drop was axed.

Now here are some omens for Back to the Future's demise:

* Cars got rough.
* The series was outdated.
* The left dome was closed off before the closure of the ride was announced.

As for my sight... I really hope Twister isn't next. Some people dislike it, but I LOVE it!

Anyways, I'll keep you updated.

Chang Update #10

From Screamscape:

2011 - Chang / B&M Stand-Up Coaster - Rumor - (4/27/10) According to our sources, with Chang not set to open at SFGAm until 2011, they were in no hurry to transport the entire ride at the Chicago area right away, so they were taking the slow and steady approach. In other words, the pieces found in Kentucky just haven’t been shipped yet. Don’t believe in the theories that the pieces were brought back due to an unknown court order or something… that didn’t happen. These pieces should vanish soon enough as well.

HA! Take that Kentucky State Fair!

Chang Update #9

http://www.kicentral.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21273&hl=kentucky%20kingdom&st=0

These track pieces remind me of Chang. Yeah... but maybe they are Chang!!!!

The only Chang piece at SFGAm is a lone blue support beam, with a staircase and the trains. What will become of these pieces? SFGAm? Another SF park? Back to SFKK?

Stay tuned!

River of Freedom

Here is a song Mr. Lott in Chorus gave to us: River of Freedom.

Now, I used to love that song, I even did movements with it. But when Mr. Lott started using the soundtrack, it got awful. It was ruined! We stopped singing it after February.

Now, the unthinkable has happened... we sang River of Freedom again! AHHHH!!!!

Yeah, a few months it was ruined... just like Disney ruined Imagination at EPCOT (FIGMENT!!!) (yeah, I didn't see it, but I heard it wasn't that good).

Maybe the song is actually called "River of Freedom: Starring Figment!"



CURSE YOU FIGMENT!!!!

Project 2011 Update #5

Construction is occurring with the 2011 project at Busch Gardens. It started April 19th, with the start of the Serengeti Express refurb. On April 21st, a construction wall was put up between the Caravan Crossing shop and a set of huts by the Serengeti Express (the site of the launch in the trench).

I also heard that the coaster will be built all low to the ground. I personally hope that it has at least some airtime. And Jack Hanna, an animal expert who occasionally has weekends in Busch Gardens Tampa, confirmed that the park will be getting a cheetah exhibit sometime next year. Hmmm... isn't the coaster said to have an animal exhibit in the queue? And isn't the coaster said to have a cheetah theme? Hmmm... interesting...

Speaking of cheetahs, well... a trademark was made for the name "Cheetaka." Could this be the name of the coaster? It would be weird yet cool!

Here's the trademark:

Chopping Block Update #1

From April at IOACentral:

I think that survey is going through the different attractions. I remember one day it was one set of attractions, another a different set with E.T. and Twister and now I'm hearing about Poseidon's Fury.

Ah, now I can finally make my decision on what should go! =)

Now here's Poseidon's Fury story:

Poseidon's Fury wasn't always the PF it is today. Originally when it opened, the storyline was that a tour guide by the name of the "Keeper" wove a tale about the great lost city of Atlantis and an epic battle between Zeus and Poseidon. The Keeper leads the guests to the temple of Poseidon, where he appeared and welcomed guests to their new permanent home. Then, the Keeper reveals himself as Zeus, and an epic battle occurs. Poseidon's Fury was then changed to the storyline it has today. In November 2008, the water vortex was removed and replaced by mist.

My opinion:

Personally I say get rid of it. It was disappointing before, and without the water vortex, it is bound to be more disappointing. The newer storyline is cheesy and lackluster. Can we please just tear that thing down already for something better after HP opens???

Wait... remember that Odyssey-themed water ride I thought of a few months ago. Maybe they should replace PF with that.

If Poseidon's Fury gets chosen for removal over JNNB, then I'll be happy.

So yeah, I vote getting rid of Poseidon's Fury! THAT'S FINAL!!!!!!

Jimmy Neutron Update #4

http://www.orlandounited.com/forums/showthread.php?4151-Could-this-be-it-for-the-nicktoons-at-Uni/page3

Scroll down. The rocket for JNNB is back. Ah... that's a nice breath of fresh air. B)

If JNNB is staying (which hopefully it does), then the only rides left on the chopping block are Twister, Terminator, and E.T.

I'm eliminating T2:3D too, because I doubt it's going anywhere. So, eliminating Terminator leaves the duel between Twister and E.T. Adventure.

American Idol #2

As of last week... looks like my prediction is right...

TWO people have been voted off: Katie Stevens and Andrew Garcia. And another thing...

Adam Lambert made a performance! I really like how he starts the song weird, then rocks the people's world.

Project 2011 Update #4

The pic is courtesy of BGTGuide:

http://bgtguide.com/bgt/project2011/bgt2011layout

Looks like the layout has been revealed on satellite image. The second launch seems to be going under the Nairobi pathway.

The layout seems to have plenty of twists and turns like Intimidator 305. And a quote from ThemeParkReview's QueerRudie states it:

"If this is in fact an Intamin multi-launch, and the layout is correct, it could be that the designer (I'm guessing off the top of my head it's Stengel and Associates again) is trying to emulate the success that I305 has had in its first few weeks. The head of IntaRide USA was very interested in merging the high points of both Millenium and Maverick to produce an interesting and intense ride. That having been said...

We know that multilaunch coasters are rare, and Intamin (if you count the 'lift' and 'launch' of Maverick) has done it before- and considering a total lack of 'family' sized rides at BGT (other than Grover, of course) that an extended launch type coaster (non-looping, yet intense) is in the works. It would be appropriate, to say the least, for them to go for a new type of launch coaster in this class, and one that would make a real statement of ride design. If they used the same concepts tried on I305, and married them nicely to those of Maverick, then we're in for a real treat in 2011. If they, however, wuss out too much, it's going to be a good ride, but not a top-ten thriller, which may be the case.

As this is the first 'true' new coaster under the new owners, then we might be able to assume this is the path of things to come in the future for the Sea World parks- and if it's a good ride, it's a good sign. I can only hope that it's a winner, and that it's success is passed onto the other parks in the company.

As for the 'guessed' layout, I'm actually looking forward to a ride that's got some teeth to it in length."

It can work. And also...

http://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20100414/1512/leaked-construction-plans-reveal-details-2011-rollercoaster-busch-gardens-tampa

Looks like they're targeting a possible Memorial Day opening for the 2011 project at BGT.

Also, remember that backhoe reported by the hippo exhibit. Now, it's joined by two dumpsters. There's also some railroad construction material out on the North Veldt near where they store the trains at night. Guess a reroute may occur. The Serengeti Express will close from April 19th to May 27th. And a new topiary has appeared by the cheetah topiary reported to be in front of the old Clydesdales, which looks to be a kangaroo topiary, followed by another topiary: a giraffe. And due to the file being exposed, the pathway markers are now saying "edge pathway." Ha! Face it Busch, your plans are pretty much exposed! Just announce the thing already!

And one other thing... people in ThemeParkReview and FloridaThrills are speculating the possibility of the coaster being an Intamin Wing Rider coaster (an example is Furius Baco, a coaster I showed to you a couple of weeks ago on a March post) with the layout being so spread out. Here's an example of Intamin Wing Rider trains (from Intamin Worldwide) on Furius Baco in PortAventura:



Now you're probably thinking, "Hey, BGT will most likely go with a common type of coaster!" Let's think. In 2003/2004, there were rumors of SheiKra being a B&M Dive Machine. With only two dive machines back then, people were probably thinking, "No way is that going to be a Dive Machine!" But in 2005, BGT reintroduced the dive machine concept with SheiKra. I'm assuming something similar may be happening now with the Intamin Wing Rider concept. They might expand the design.

So I'm thinking of a combination of their next coaster:

1. Storm Runner at Hersheypark... they might be thinking of a starting point similar to that.

2. Maverick at Cedar Point... the coaster may be built low to the ground and have more than one launch (more than even Maverick).

3. Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion... the layout seems to have a bunch of twists and turns.

4. Furius Baco at PortAventura... the trains may be like FB's trains.

We'll find out soon on how the coaster is I believe...

Project 2011 Update #3

From Screamscape:

2011/2012 - New Attractions - Rumor - (4/16/10) A reader used a Google measurement tool to trace the new 2011 coaster layout in order to get an estimated overall track length for the new ride. They’ve come back with an estimated length of around 4,653 feet. If I’m not mistaken, this would make it the second longest coaster in the South-East US… with only Intimidator at Carowinds beating it with 5,300 feet, and just above Goliath at Six Flags over Georgia which clocks in at 4,480 feet.

So not only will it be the second-longest coaster in the Southeastern USA, it will be the longest coaster in Florida and the longest coaster in the park. Well, it's inaccurate with hills and stuff, so it could be even longer. So, here is a rank of the Top 10 longest coasters in the SE USA (I'm counting NC, SC, GA, and FL) (this may be inaccurate):

1. Intimidator - Carowinds - 5316 ft.
2. PROJECT 2011 - Busch Gardens Tampa - 4653 ft. (or even more)
3. Goliath - Six Flags Over Georgia - 4480 ft.
4. Expedition Everest - Animal Kingdom - 4424 ft.
5. Kraken - SeaWorld Orlando - 4177 ft.
6. Montu - Busch Gardens Tampa - 3983 ft.
7. Kumba - Busch Gardens Tampa - 3978 ft.
8. Thunder Road - Carowinds - 3819 ft.
9. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit - Universal Studios Florida - 3800 ft.
10. Time Machine - Freestyle Music Park - 3738 ft.

Chopping Block Returns to Universal!

Universal is said to be targeting their next attraction to be removed for a future attraction. Here are the attractions:

1. Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast
2. E.T. Adventure
3. Twister...Ride it Out!
4. Terminator 2: 3D

And a quote:

(4/15/10) Several people have backed up the Rockit running 5 trains at a time, and we’ve been told that it has already run six at once and is able to do it when they have them available to use. Now on to the good gossip...
Lots of rumors lately seem to indicate that Universal Orlando is attempting to choose their next attraction target for demoltion, making way for some new unknown new attraction. While Behind the Thrills mentions that Jimmy Neuton’s rocket is currently missing as a sign that the ride could be on the way out, a Screamscape reader also took a survey for Universal last week that paints a different picture.
The main focus of the survey seemed to ask a lot of specific questions about two older park attraction… ET Adventure and Twister. While Twister did replace Ghostbusters years ago, and has really failed to make a big impact, ET Adventure is one of the park’s remaining original attractions. Of course about a year ago we had heard numerous rumors that painted a rather grim picture for the future of Terminator 2 / 3D as well. Put the four together, and I think we’ve got a nice short list. Which would you rather see removed?

And another quote earlier this year (this time showing Jaws and Terminator, which I seriously doubt will go anytime soon):

The Future - (1/31/10) Over the past decade Universal Studios Florida has been focused on updating pretty much every old attraction in the park. King Kong became Mummy, Back To The Future became The Simpons, Earthquake became Disaster and so on. At this point however, there are really only two ‘old school’ attractions left in the park: ET Adventure and Jaws. Considering that ET was given a costly upgrade in the past decade to replace the track system to allow for an increased number of seats per car, I don’t think it’s going anywhere just yet. This leaves Jaws as the last ride standing... so to speak. Could a new attraction be in the works to replace Jaws in the not too distant future? I’d say the chances are good... eventually, however stronger rumors point the finger at a possible new attraction to replace Terminator 2: 3-D before Jaws takes the deep six. For now, enjoy them both while you still can.

Now here's the story...

Jimmy Neutron's rocket is missing from the entrance of the ride, which doesn't show a good picture for the ride's future. JNNB was on the chopping block before as a station for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (when it was rumored as a Hollywood Dream clone), but it ended up getting squeezed between Blue Man Group and Jimmy Neutron. Also, some people hate it, because it didn't appeal to both adults and children like Hanna-Barbera did (which I find complete BOGUS!). I'm, however, one of the people who LIKE the Jimmy Neutron ride and would hate to see it go. And I'm not the only one... I can think of some others who like the JNNB ride too.

E.T. Adventure is one of the older attractions at Universal (that, Jaws, and HMUS are the only attractions left from opening day 1990), and they already removed Hollywood and Japan's versions. Steven Spielberg, however, convinced Universal not to remove the other versions after Hollywood's version closed. They agreed, but a few years later (2009), they removed the Japan version without his permission, so I imagine the Florida one being next (even though I don't want it gone).

Twister...Ride it Out is a special effects attraction in the NY section of the park. Like JNNB, it was on the chopping block before too, to be used as the station for Hollywood Dream, but then it shifted to JN, and then it didn't replace anything. Twister is also one of the attractions that most Universal fans hate (I don't even know why). They claim that it replaced Ghostbusters, wasn't that cool, and it didn't blend in with New York. For the latter excuse, well neither does the Mummy, and it's a likeable attraction (well, much better than Twister)!

Terminator 2: 3D was also on the chopping block for Hollywood Dream. The main reason for its possible doom is that "the 3D doesn't work anymore." I honestly think they must be using the 3D glasses wrong, because in all my experiences with T2:3D, the 3D was working fine with me. And also, they came out with a 4th film not too long ago, and are planning a 5th and 6th film soon too. I doubt it's going anywhere. The latest rumor is that it will close to make room for our version of the Transformers ride. I completely, in all honesty, doubt it. If Transformers comes, I can see Disaster going.

Now my opinion:

Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast - Hope not.

Terminator 2: 3D - If T2:3D goes, I will not be happy at all. It's the best 3D film attraction I've seen. I, however, doubt it will be removed for another few years(yeah I said it before). I'd probably say another decade of T2, then it might go. But now... no.

Twister...Ride it Out! - Hope not.

E.T. Adventure - All right now... as much as I hate to admit it... sadly E.T. has gotten kind of boring. It's a cool attraction, don't get me wrong, but it looks like it's E.T.'s time to "phone home." =,( I know it's a classic, but let's face it, Hollywood's and Japan's versions are already gone, the ride is due for major rehabs, and the vehicles are kind of boring (it used to look like bikes, but it doesn't anymore). The ending is cool though, with E.T. thanking us by name. I'll also miss the forest queue line.

As for its replacement... well the only thing I can think of is our version of "Space Fantasy: The Ride," an indoor coaster which replaced the E.T. in Japan, and opened this year. In case you don't know, Space Fantasy: The Ride is a MACK Spinner coaster indoors, using a moving platform as a station (like Rockit). The story of the ride is that you're on a "helping mission" unlike the American "something goes wrong" storyline. The story is that the guests are being loaded onto a mission to save the Sun, with energy only humans can provide. "Once the guests departs from Earth, they will see the big beautiful planet Earth in all its glory, and once slowly moving further away from Earth into deep space, passes by Nebulas, and a Milky way like Star field that looks like a Water Fall, called, the Star Fall. Once they pass thru the Star Fall, they will go around the ring of Saturn, and through the shooting star showers, and other small planets, until nearing the Mercury, pass by Mercury, the guests close in to the SUN." Could Space Fantasy: The Ride possibly make its way to Florida in 2011 or 2012? Stay tuned!

Project 2011 CONFIRMED (in my sight)!!!!

I honestly don't even know why Screamscape is still deeming it a rumor after seeing a PDF file (XD), but Screamscape did post it:

2011/2012 - New Attractions - Rumor - (4/14/10) Doing a little research of my own, I found well over 700 pages of extra PDF documents regarding the new 2011 plans for Busch Gardens Tampa, including one in particular that actually contained what seems to be the entire plans for the new launched coaster itself.
I put it all together, highlighted all the important parts, detailing at least two primary launch track segments (though the ride may start off with a mini launch after the station, but I’m not sure), details runs through the canyon walls of what is currently Rhino Rallys water finale, runs through trenches in the ground under existing train tracks, new pathways, transfer tracks and much more. Check it out!
(4/14/10) BGT Guide has posted an incredible find… detailed plans filed by the park showing off new plans for pathway access and bridges that seem to create a new entrance into the Edge of Africa area between the train station and Rhino Rally. The plans also show off pretty much the large area I described as being affected months ago, ranging from demolition work in the water portion of Rhino Rally down through the Skyway station and all the way out and into the parking lot where a new temporary pathway will be located to allow guests to access the Egypt area of the park while everything in between will be under heavy construction. Check it out!

.

The PDF file has been removed, but BGTGuide did post the pics:

http://www.bgtguide.com/bgt/project2011
http://www.bgtguide.com/bgt/project2011/bgt2011layout (StarTrekGeek is me! I found it and posted it to Orlando United, so guess I'm the one who leaked the file)


Well, this pretty much lets the cat out of the bag... Busch Gardens is getting a new roller coaster for 2011! =D

Six Flags Over Georgia 2011

From Screamscape:

"Park News - (4/9/10) Others have confirmed that only the front façade of the Drive-In Theater is still standing, with a temporary stage set up for various special event performers. It’s been pointed out that this area isn’t too far from the site of the removed Freefall attraction, and that the two sites could be used for a bigger future attraction, including possibly removing Shake, Rattle and Roll as well to make more room. I’m just thinking out loud, but this wouldn’t be a bad location for a Tony Hawk Big Spin coaster. In other news, the rumored removal of Splash Water Falls is still alive and well, though no one seems to know when the axe may fall, only that it will fall in the next year or two.
(4/8/10) According to one reader, while riding the Mindbender they looked over and noticed that the Drive-In Theater’s walls and interior looked to have been torn down, leaving only the front façade standing. Can anyone else confirm this and if so, any ideas what the plan is?"

What's SFOG planning for 2011? I don't know.

I like Screamscape's idea (even though I didn't ride Tony Hawk Big Spin). It can be an opponent for BGT's 2011 coaster project! =)

And these shoot-the-chute ride removals are getting on my nerve! *glares*

American Idol #1

Sorry, haven't posted this yet, but they've started Season 9 on American Idol. For an overview, here are some disappointments in the judges:

1. Paula Abdul is no more, as she left the show last August. Ellen DeGeneres replaced her.
2. Simon Cowell is leaving after the season ends, so he can prepare his American version of The X-Factor.

They better find someone worthy for a replacement for Simon Cowell, or sadly American Idol will go the same way as Fear Factor (the series).

As for the season, these contestants have been eliminated:

1. Lacey Brown
2. Paige Miles
3. Didi Benami

Michael Lynche ("Big Mike") was "eliminated" last week, but the judges saved him (I didn't know they could still do that). Last season, they used their save on Matt Giraud in the Top 7. This time, they did it in the Top 9.

With "Big Mike" saved, I bet that TWO people will be eliminated next week (like last season).

I just hope neither "Big Mike," Slobhan Magnus (she's hot, just like Alison Iraheta), nor Tim Urban will be eliminated next week.

Coasters That Valleyed

So I can give you proof that coasters valley a lot (Rockit valleyed March 30th), I've decided to list the coasters that have valleyed before:

*January 14, 2006 - Riddler's Revenge at Six Flags Magic Mountain valleyed.
*Expedition Everest valleyed during testing.
*April 24, 2008 - Behemoth valleyed during testing (on purpose).
*April 4, 2009 - Nitro valleyed.
*June 28, 2009, October 18, 2009, November 5, 2009, and March 30, 2010 - Rockit valleyed.
*October 18, 2009 - Carolina Cobra valleyed (and a few times before in 2009).
*April 11, 2010 - Bizarro at Six Flags New England valleyed.
*Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster valley frequently.

BGT Stanleyville Theme Improvements

I love Busch Gardens, especially the Stanleyville section (it has THE best roller coaster in the world!). There's just one ride that needs more theming.

The ride that needs more theming... Stanleyville Falls Flume.

It's completely outdated with the newer Stanleyville theming. It's also not as exciting as the other log flumes I've been on (Splash Mountain, Dudley).

Not saying it's a terrible attraction (it's actually kinda fun). Just thought of an improvement. Here's my idea:

1. Once the 2011 coaster opens (along with a dark ride, if they can do it), they can temporarily close the log flume to add more excitement and theming.

2. They should add at least a 20 feet to the last hill (I'd do 200 ft, but SheiKra or space could interfere).

3. Heavily wood some parts of the ride.

4. Add some SheiKra style buildings!!! It will make it look great! Cover the back sections especially! =D

5. Repaint the logs.

6. Some effects in the buildings, like a water sprayer to give more excitement.

I also think Stanleyville Theater could use some SheiKra style stuff too.

But here's something shocking... someone actually dislikes SheiKra's queue line! I love the queue line... maybe it's because I love the ride in general. =)

Favorite/Least Favorite Water Ride

What is your Favorite and Least Favorite water ride you've experienced?

Mine?

Favorite: Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom!!! It is THE best water ride ever!!! I just adore the theming and such. And that drop is great too.

Least Favorite: It's a Small World at Magic Kingdom! It's lame (unlike Cali's).

Dark Ride at BGT?

Some people are preferring a dark ride over the next coaster in BGT (they deem BGT to have too many coasters, which is bogus. IMO, there's no such thing as too much when it comes to thrills). I was thinking... maybe after the coaster is done, they could go with this idea from jamesdusoleil at Florida Thrills:

"in case yall missed it...i made that picture about 2-3 years ago...this idea is very do-able. it would be complicated though because it would mean shutting down the main road into the park for a short time.

but let me explain the picture....
when it was made, they were just doing haunted houses in Akbar and they still had the clydesdales in the hamlet. i had never imagined they would be removing the clydesdales or leaving Akbar unocupied for so long.
but here was my vision in full...back then...

stage 1.
they would first make handicap and preferred parking handicap only. it would do two things. make more handicap parking spots AND give us more room in Egypt for expansion. we do desperately need more dedicated handicap spots agreed? preferred would be done like they have at SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Europe. use a color coding system and base it around the trams. the preferred spots would be closer to the tram stops. that would make the extra fees actually worth it because even in the preferred parking now...it feels like im actually walking a lot farther to get into the park than i would have parking near the tram stop and just riding the tram to the entrance. as for the reduced spots i say build a small two level garage in the south east parking lot. it is already lower in elevation then the rest of the lot. just build one more level over it. it will not be that high because of the already low elevation and will not be that much of an eye sore to residents.

Stage 2.
they could start construction with the dark ride main building and renovation of King Tut and another arch similar to the Montu arch. King tut will be the preshow and holding with new special effects and still using the origional storyline and automated doors. you would enter into the tomb with the film showing history clips of the excovation of the tomb and then Tut will burn the film to take over and force people into his tomb. he gives his usual tour room by room and then at the end he dares people to go deeper into his tomb. you would climb up some steps into the arch and begins holding and the tomb seems to be getting more sinister with some special effects and a more haunting and evil soundtrack. then you would board the ride. the whole structure would be egyptian themed..of course...and in the front of the building they would have a giftshop and a resturant or snack bar all themed like a Egyptian market.

im sure if they needed room they could just take out Akbar. but for this project Tut will be closed and refurbished. the games of chance, current snack bar and the Egyptian artifact gift shop will be gone. the sidewalk will be detoured around behind the tomb via EOA and will take them to the Montu area.

OH I FORGOT TO MENTION ABOVE MY HANDICAP PLANS.
they would enter through a special handicap elevator in the market. it would take them upstairs and they will enter a small room with a video projector showing the same video that is in the preshow. then they would enter the ride loading area."

This idea rocks!!! =D

Maybe they can also go with this concept from MACK Rides:

http://www.mack-rides.com/lang-de/c237/default.html

Okay, BEST IDEA FOR A DARK RIDE EVER!!!!

So after the coaster is done, they should go with this idea.

And here is the link to the place where I got it from. Just go to the link I gave to see the pic that person mentioned, and the next page for the quote.

Project 2011 Update #2

I found this last night.

From the Skyride page at the Busch Gardens Tampa website:

Skyride
The Skyride will be down June 1, 2010 through the rest of the year due to nearby construction.

The Skyride aerial tram ride provides a spectacular view of Busch Garden and its amazing animals from a vantage point usually reserved for birds! The sky-high trip covers a span from the Crown Colony area all the way to the Congo on the opposite side of the park.

You'll soar over the Serengeti Plain and on to Stanleyville--and back again if you choose. All the while, enjoying magnificent views, plus it is a wonderfully relaxing way to get off your feet, yet still enjoy some great family fun.

Looks like they're reusing the monorail building as the station for the coaster as rumored.

Also updated... the Serengeti Express page:

Serengeti Railway
The Serengeti Railway will be down April 17, 2010 through May 27, 2010 due to nearby construction.

A ride on the Serengeti Railway is one of the best ways to take in the breathtaking beauty and scale of Busch Garden's Serengeti Plain.

With stops at the Congo, Nairobi and Stanleyville, this relaxing ride gives you a great view of our large free-roaming herds of African animals, including giraffe, zebra, antelope, ostrich and much more. Riders also get close-up views of the twisting elements of SheiKra, Kumba and Montu and other fascinating attractions at the park.

I'm assuming that the Serengeti Express (or railway =P) is going to be rerouted in like a few weeks... and looks like construction on the Next Coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa will begin next week!!!! =D

Good News and Bad News

Good News:

From BGTGuide:

http://bgtguide.com/bgt/images/stories/gallery/2011/eoa-permit.jpg

Looks like the walkway from Edge of Africa to Nairobi is happening. It doesn't come as a surprise to me IMO. Some markers saying "Path" just screamed that the walkway is happening.

Bad News:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/5.bmp

Son of Beast is not on the 2010 Kings Island park map.

Ummm... it's official... DOOM AND GLOOM!!!!

Some Rumors from My Friend

My friend in 1st hour, Robert, told me a new rumor: KaTonga will be demolished for the coaster. Well, KaTonga is possibly closing down in August.

Now, I don't mind if KaTonga goes... but if they are demolishing that theater, I will be super enraged!!!!! Nobody demo-es that theater!!!!! It's the best theater in the park!!!!! =,(

But again, this is a rumor, it may not be demolished.

Again, I hope the KaTonga theater does NOT get demolished for the coaster. I mean, why would Busch do that???

Hopefully, just some of the parking lot will be demolished instead of that theater. There, it should include the third launch, and some other elements in the final portion. Then I'm happy...

Cheetah Hunt Timeline

March 19, 2007 - Rumors are spreading that Busch Gardens Africa is planning on getting a clone of Apollo's Chariot (a B&M Hypercoaster at sister park Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

July 17, 2007 - The hyper may be placed in the backside of the park with the station in the Congo section, and the layout going to Kumba's lift hill, then turning back. It will open 2009, as part of the park's 50th anniversary.

August 21, 2007(?)- The old Akbar's Adventure Tours simulator is demolished.

October 18, 2007 - Construction on a hyper may begin in Florida sometime in 2008. With it not really SeaWorld's thing, and Universal having the Harry Potter expansion, Busch Gardens seems most likely the option.

October 19, 2007 - The station is rumored to be built in the Stanleyville area, and is expected to have a spiral helix by the Congo River Rapids and Kumba to turn the ride around.

October 24, 2007 - Rumors are spreading that the coaster will not open 2009.

November 18, 2007 – The bus in front of the old Akbar’s Adventure Tours simulator no longer says the name of the ride, but instead says “Montu Express.”

November 25, 2007 - The name may be "Silverback."

January 23, 2008 - The coaster is delayed until 2011.

June 3, 2008 - InBev may buy Anheuser-Busch.

June 25, 2008 - The InBev buyout was rejected. AB is said to be coming up with their restructuring plan, which includes seriously selling the parks.

June 26, 2008 - InBev sues Anheuser-Busch for rejecting the buyout.

June 27, 2008 - The parks may not be sold.

July 7, 2008 - InBev announced it will attempt to remove Anheuser-Busch entire board of directors and the St. Louis-based company responded by calling the move an attempt to use a "hand-picked board" to buy the nation's biggest brewery at a discount.

July 11, 2008 - The offer can be accepted as early as this weekend.

July 14, 2008 - The Clydesdales were sold to Sizzler.

July 15, 2008 - Six Flags, Cedar Fair, and Blackstone are possible buyers.

July 20, 2008 - There will be no more free beer, which may cause the Hospitality House to close.

August 14, 2008 - PETA asked InBev to retire the Clydesdale Hamlet, and buy one of the SeaWorld parks. In that SW park, the animals are to be released.

September 30, 2008 - InBev announced that its shareholders voted to approve the acquisition of all the shares of Anheuser-Busch.

November 10, 2008 - Shareholders of Anheuser-Busch approved the sale to InBev.

November 18, 2008 - InBev buys Busch Entertainment Company.

November 25, 2008 - AB has a new logo.

January 4, 2009 - The Edge of Africa is said to have a bridge to Nairobi. Rhino Rally is said to be shut down forever in 2010 to house a 2011 coaster, which will be a launched B&M Hypercoaster, and will have its station in the monorail building.

January 5, 2009 - Rhino Rally is being reviewed. There are four choices on what to do with Rhino Rally: 1) Remodel land and wet portion. 2)Remodel land, remove wet portion. 3) Expand ride and drive through wet portion. 4) Remove the ride, use loading for Adventure Tours, expand Edge of Africa, and use rockwork on wet portion for the new coaster. The monorail building will be taken down for the station, and the Skyride entrance may relocate to the area by Caravan Crossing. The coaster will not use any land from the Serengeti, but will travel in front of Edge of Africa to Rhino Rally.

January 6, 2009 - The wet portion is planned to be removed.

October 7, 2009 - InBev has announced that they will sell BEC to Blackstone.

October 8, 2009 - The Clydesdale horses will leave Busch Gardens, due to the new ownership of Blackstone.

November 9, 2009 - Busch Gardens Africa has floated up some balloons over the park for a height check of a proposed new attraction. It is speculated that this is the long-rumored B&M Hypercoaster.

December 1, 2009 - BEC becomes SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

December 17, 2009 - The Clydesdale Hamlet closes.

December 22, 2009 - Busch Gaardens may be planning something big for the 2011 season.

January 7, 2010 - A meeting has occurred with B&M and a plethora of Busch Entertainment Executives in IAAPA.

January 11, 2010 - Rumors are that in June, the Skyride will close for 7 months to reuse the old Monorail side of the building as the station for the hyper.

January 12, 2010 - There is land surveying by Rhino Rally on the Skyride side. Rumors are now spreading that the coaster will go from the Skyride/Monorail building to the wet portion of Rhino Rally. In fact, rumors are spreading that the park will give up the wet portion of Rhino Rally all together, opening the wet portion for future development. There will be a walkway from the Edge of Africa to Nairobi sometime this year.

January 14, 2010 - Rumors are that the coaster will go to the front parking lot. However, there are rumors that it may not be a B&M. Someone has been informed that the Akbar and Clydesdales area will be used for the coaster.

January 21, 2010 - There are survey markers in front of the Nairobi Train Station, outside the Skyride building, and the old Clydesdale Hamlet area. The wet portion of Rhino Rally was closed for that day, because it had surveyors in that area.

January 26, 2010 - The manufacturer of the BGA 2011 coaster may be Intamin, who made no coasters in Florida, but made Congo River Rapids and Tidal Wave. They are making Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion in Virginia. This may be a launched coaster experience.

January 27, 2010 - The coaster may be like Storm Runner (an Intamin accelerator at Hersheypark, PA).

January 31, 2010 - Animal Connections opens in the old Clydesdale Hamlet.

February 3, 2010 - A survey marker has appeared by the opening of the Skyride, labeled C/L Line, hinting a railroad change.

February 9, 2010 - BGT is expected to announce something big on February 25th.

February 10, 2010 - The Skyride will close June 1st, 2010 to the end of the year. A project permit has been filed for an animal interaction exhibit, thus spicing up rumors of a Manta-style queue.

February 12, 2010 – An Australia themed land may take over Bird Gardens.

February 16, 2010 - The Serengeti Express will close 4/17/2010 to 5/27/2010 followed by the Skyride from June 1, 2010 to the end of 2010 or beyond. A backhoe has been reported by the hippo exhibit in the Edge of Africa. The Animal Connections attraction may be temporary.

February 17, 2010 - The announcement will be about Sesame Street under construction, followed by a bigger announcement within the next month or so.

February 27, 2010 - Vekoma may be the manufacturer of the coaster, which may include a launch (Maverick-style), dark ride portion, and animal exhibit for a queue.

March 3, 2010 - More markers have appeared by the wet portion of Rhino Rally.

March 4, 2010 - A cheetah topiary has appeared by the Clydesdales, hinting a very fast coaster, a cheetah theme, and an Intamin Blitz coaster.

March 5, 2010 - The coaster is inspired by Maverick at Cedar Point, being built low to the ground. The wet portion of Rhino Rally is going, but it may be reused for a themed launch zone. RR will expand to the Serengeti and get new cars. The Edge of Africa may be reformatted for the queue. To allow for this and, possibly, to send traffic around the construction area, a walkway may be built to take guests from the pathway near Rhino Rally and the Nairobi Train Station over to the Edge of Africa.

March 9, 2010 - New survey markers have appeared in the area of the rumored new walkway from Edge of Africa to Nairobi. They are by the Nairobi Train Station.

March 14, 2010 - The wet portion will be shut down in a month or two.

March 20, 2010 - The cheetah topiary is complete.

April 2, 2010 - The coaster is said to have not one... not two... but THREE launches. New markers have appeared by the lion exhibit and the crocodile exhibit at the Edge of Africa, which are the same pathway markers as the ones by the Nairobi Train Station.

April 7, 2010 - A permit has been filed for a "Veldt Bridge" from Nairobi to the Edge of Africa. It is said that this is the walkway from Nairobi to Edge of Africa as rumored. BGT has updated their Skyride page, with the downtime starting this June to the end of the year, and their Serengeti Express page, with the downtime from April 17th to May 27th, due to "nearby construction," which hints that construction should begin the day after the train goes down.

April 12, 2010 - A PDF file has been reported, showing the new walkway and an "Approx. Elevation Point of Intersection Rollercoaster and Proposed Pathway."

April 13, 2010 - There will be a temporary pathway behind the Clydesdales, entering into Egypt.

April 14, 2010 - A layout of the coaster was revealed. First, there may be a mini-launch out of the station (which will be in the old Monorail building) into the Clydesdales through a first turn, and turning west into more turns. Then comes the second launch, which will be in a trench, going under the railroad, followed by twists and turns, and a trench under the pathway from Nairobi to the Edge of Africa. Then it enters the wet portion of Rhino Rally (which will be reused for the coaster, but be eliminated from the ride), leading to possibly an inversion or two. The third launch will be on the island surrounded by Rhino Rally's wet portion. It will then go through more twists and turns (over the pathway), then come to the final brake run (under the Skyride). The transfer track will be by the Skyride building. Some people are speculating Wing Rider trains on the coaster (similar to Furius Baco at PortAdventura in Spain). A blog states that the park may possibly open the rumored coaster on Memorial Day 2011.

April 15, 2010 - A title was founded for a footer drawing: "Top Elevation El. by Intiman." It exposes the manufacturer as Intamin AG, and not B&M this time (though Intamin was misspelled).

April 16, 2010 - The track length was measured as 4653 ft. long (more than that), making it the second longest coaster in the Southeast, with only Intimidator at Carowinds beating it by 5316 ft. A kangaroo topiary has been reported next to the cheetah topiary, as well as a giraffe topiary. There are a couple of dumpsters near the backhoe reported two months ago, as well as railroad construction material out on the North Veldt near where they store trains at night.

April 17, 2010 - The Serengeti Express will be down April 19th.

April 19, 2010 - The Serengeti Express is down. Some track is removed by the Skyride opening in Egypt. Construction begins.

April 20, 2010 - More track is gone by the Skyride, nearing the Nairobi Train Station.

April 21, 2010 - A construction wall is up from the back of the Caravan Crossing store and follows the path until the next set of huts. The train may stay in its route, hinting that the trench (with the second launch) will be the first under construction.

April 22, 2010 - Flowers are on the construction walls. More track is gone by the Nairobi Train Station. Jack Hanna confirms a cheetah exhibit. The name "Cheetaka" was filed, hinting the name for the next coaster.

April 23, 2010 - Black construction liners are up in the construction site. A tree was taken down behind the construction wall, possibly for the trench with the second launch. Birds have disappeared in front of the Skyride, and a pond in front of it is drained. Markings seemed to have appeared in the old monorail station. An area by Bird Gardens has been fenced off. Land clearing is occurring behind that fence.

April 24, 2010 – New railroad parts are on site.

April 26, 2010 – Land clearing begins between the Skyride and Nairobi section.

April 27, 2010 – Most foliage is gone. Construction walls are up by the site of the Edge of Africa pathway.

April 29, 2010 – They’re clearing out the electricity and pipes from the trench area. They begin to re-lay some of the track for the Serengeti Express. A wooden fence has appeared by the right of the fork of the path in Rhino Rally (in the left, you go to the wet portion, while to the right, you return to the station) to the “finish line” (where the two paths meet before the station).

April 30, 2010 – Trench work has begun. The fence by Rhino Rally is complete.

May 1, 2010 – Workers have begun removing dirt for the trench (not the second launch, but the other), the pathway, and the truck docks. Dirt is all over the site. Track has returned up to the Nairobi Train Station. The wet portion of Rhino Rally has its last day.

May 2, 2010 – The wet portion of Rhino Rally is closed off. The Nightshade Toy Factory (old monorail building) and Reconstruction: The Doctor Is In (old Akbar queue) will move to a new location for this year’s Howl-O-Scream, due to the coaster construction.

May 5, 2010 – Work on the temporary pathway to Egypt (behind the Clydesdales) has begun. The kangaroo topiary has been moved by the fenced off area in Bird Gardens. The two houses are to be moved by Gwazi. Land clearing for it is already taking place.

May 6, 2010 – BGT claims that there will be a new kangaroo exhibit taking over Bird Gardens, and a new coaster will open in 2011, basically semi-confirming it.

May 7, 2010 – Rockwork is getting removed. Walls are starting to go up around the temporary path.

May 9, 2010 – Animal Connections has closed.

May 10, 2010 – The tour depot is taking shape. The rockwork is gone. Steel is on site for the new pathway.

May 11, 2010 – Foundations have started for the tour depot. Heavy equipment is behind the Clydesdales. Deconstruction may begin soon.

May 13, 2010 – A pile driver is on site in the trench area.

May 14, 2010 – The pile driver is starting to put in sheet piles. The western wall of the trench is halfway complete. A construction wall is up by the Nairobi Gate (part of the temporary pathway). Foundation is being poured for the bridge. The Skyride break room will close June 14th, due to the construction.

May 17, 2010 – The Edge of Africa Gifts shop may become the gift shop of the new coaster.

P.S.: Just like the Intimidator Timeline last summer, this is a temporary name. It will change once the coaster is announced (I'd say IF it comes true, but from the looks of things, it looks like it's happening).

Edited 1/15/2011 (yes outdated): Name confirmed as "Cheetah Hunt."

Some Maverick History

Recent rumors of Project 2011 at Busch Gardens Tampa reusing the old Monorail building for the station and the wet portion of Rhino Rally being reused for a themed launch zone made me remember that this isn't the only coaster reusing some facilities.

At the end of the 2005 season, Cedar Point removed the White Water Landing log flume to make room for their 2007 addition, Maverick. But Maverick did reused a building from the log flume... the station of the former attraction.

Today, the station for White Water Landing now serves as Maverick's on-ride photo booth and queue. So guess BGT's new coaster (if rumors are true, which is pretty likely at this point) will be related to Maverick under two reasons:

1. The coaster will be an Intamin Blitz, and be built low to the ground.
2. The coaster will reuse the old Monorail building as the station, and the wet portion of Rhino Rally for a themed launch zone.

I'll post a timeline of BGT's next coaster shortly...

Name for Project 2011?

Isn't the Swahili word for cheetah, "Duma?" And isn't the coaster said to be themed to a cheetah?

Hmmm... coincidence?

Project 2011 Update #1

From Screamscape:

"2011/2012 - New Attractions - Rumor - (4/2/10) Okay, I’m fessing up… that Gold B&M track photo added yesterday was just an April Fool’s joke. It was actually a picture of Manta track, repainted by our friend JohnnyUpsideDown. Thanks Johnny!
As for the real project... according to a fairly good source the new coaster in development will be from Intamin and feature not one… not two, but THREE launches. As we’ve heard before… SPEED is the overall theme concept pushing this ride."

No way... THREE LAUNCHES?!?!

I think I'm going to faint from excitement... =D

Six Flags Buys Universal!

Sadly, the Orlando Sentinel reported this:

Premier Parks buys Universal Orlando Resort!

After months of conflicts with the Kentucky State Fair, Premier Parks, the bankrupt owner of the twelve Six Flags parks in the United States, with one park in Canada and another in Mexico, as well as an under construction park in Dubai, has given up on relocating the rides in their former Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom property, other than Greezed Lighting.

Instead, Six Flags bought Universal Orlando Resort, seeking a new audience in Florida.

Bill Davis, the current CEO of Universal Orlando, has announced that, with the new ownership of Premier, Universal Studios Florida will be renamed Six Flags Over Florida in 2011.

Islands of Adventure will keep it's name, but Toon Lagoon will be rethemed to Looney Tunes World, and Marvel Superhero Island will be rethemed to DC Superhero Island.

Looney Tunes World will include:

Road Runner Chase - A log flume ride with Road Runner running away from Wile E. Coyote, but Road Runner ends up luring Wile to a dynamite shack, and you drop into it! This ride will be Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls rethemed.

Yosemite Sam's Rapids Adventure - A river rapids ride where Yosemite Sam tries to hunt Bugs Bunny, but ends up in a river chase... with YOU on it! This ride will be Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges rethemed.

Yosemite's Ship - Explore a ship, recently made by Yosemite Sam, and shoot water into the rapids of Yosemite Sam's Rapids Adventure. This attraction will be Me Ship, the Olive rethemed.

DC Superhero Island will include:

Superman Krypton Coaster - Want to discover how Superman flies? Find out on this new rethemed coaster experience, with you in the experience! This ride is the Incredible Hulk Coaster rethemed, and repainted red, yellow, and blue.

Lex Luthor's Fright Towers - Help Lex Luthor get his revenge on Superman by experiencing his new invention: The Fright Towers. This ride is Dr. Doom's Fearfall rethemed.

Wonder Woman's Tea Cups - Ally with Wonder Woman, as you help her test a new invention she made to defeat Cheetah, by pursuing her in faster speed. This ride is Storm Force Accelatron rethemed.

The Dark Knight's Adventure - Help Batman defeat the Joker and his other foes, including Riddler and Two-Face, on this 3D action-packed thrill ride! This ride is the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man rethemed.

In Six Flags Over Florida, a new roller coaster will be added in 2011, replacing Horror Make-Up Show. It will be Greezed Lightning from Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. You will be launched inside Hollywood facades, over the Terminator 2: 3D queue, then escape the building into a loop, and then a spike over the Universal entrance plaza. The station will be housed in what is currently the room before the show itself, just by the Hollywood street. The other spike will be over the lagoon. The rest of the show building will be used as the queue.

Horror Make-Up Show will close this June for construction to begin.

Greezed Lightning is already in the process of getting removed from Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom.

What is currently the Woody Woodpecker's KidZone area will also be rethemed to Wiggle's World. The names are not released yet, but some reports are stating that A Day in the Park With Barney will be rethemed to Dorothy's Talent Show.

All the changes from Premier Parks are expected to be complete by spring 2011.

A Great POV of Intimidator 305

From themeparkreviewTPR.

Robb Alvey from ThemeParkReview rode I305 in the second part. The first part shows off a POV of the coaster.

I think it's pretty much safe to say that BOTH coasters rock in POVs. =D