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...