Busch Gardens Europe Discussion Thread

[nitrofan]

From the Virginia Gazette:

Tower ride powers Busch

Busch Gardens plans to build a 26-story “tower” coaster that will easily eclipse the 205-foot peak of Griffon.
Blackstone to invest millions to remain competitive
By Cortney Langley
Modified: Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Originally Published:
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 2:17 AM EDT

JAMES CITY — Busch Gardens plans to build a 26-story “tower” coaster that will easily eclipse the 205-foot peak of Griffon.

An application to the county for a height waiver describes a “thrill attraction of a single tower not to exceed 260 feet above ground level.” That strongly suggests a drop coaster, along the lines of “Tower of Terror” at Universal Orlando or “Drop Zone” at Kings Island in Cincinnati, which tops out at 315 feet and holds 40 passengers.

A similar drop coaster ride is in Germany’s Hansapark. “Monte Zuma” lifts 30 riders 160 feet in the air, and either drops them, catapults them up, or goes up and down like a yo-yo.

The Busch application is timely, since the theme park tends to roll out a new ride every three years. A balloon was lofted last Thursday to gauge the visibility of the ride.

Expansion reinforces Busch’s place as the driver of tourism in greater Williamsburg.

The new ride will be located in Germany, next to Der Wirbelwind swing ride. The plans suggest the ride will not be built on the site of the Big Bad Wolf, which has been retired.

The Griffon was the last coaster, in 2007. Typically thrill ride blogs are loaded with speculation long before the rides open, but those websites have focused on the “Europe in the Air” simulation ride that Busch Gardens will debut this year.

The investment of millions in a new coaster shows that Blackstone Group, which bought Busch Entertainment’s 10 parks last year, is willing to invest heavily in new hardware before attempting to flip the park. Last week Blackstone released its first-quarter financials for 2010, reporting a $360 million profit. That’s a big turnaround from an $82 million loss a year earlier.

I'd like to see Busch try to create their version of Tower of Terror.

[Jp]

Busch Gardens has put in a Building permit (http://first.jccegov.com/CaseTrak/searchdetail.aspx?caseid=61518) to expand the Germany that will feature new food places, "a major rides and ride locations" and more..

[palmer]

Is this a Germany expansion or a new land? If a new land, from what BGW countries that isn't there, that would be pretty cool, we have Poland, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and Belgium. I could see Spain being the new area. Have some like bull fighting related ride. And have a tapas restaurant.

[Changsucks]

I'm just glad something is going over there, whether it's a ride or a ride and a country, because that Western-Germany area is so dead with just a couple un-popular flats (and no more BBW). Something like Spain would help so much.

[nitrofan]

So the latest hints on the tower. It sounds like an indoor tower is out. A park representative spoke to local residents and said that the tower would be thin, have riders on all sides, and would not be enclosed. It has also been said that BBW's station may be used as a queue.

It sounds like a standard Intamin or S&S, but it's been a while since we've seen a drop tower from Intamin. Maybe they've come up with something crazy since then!

[Austin]

You mean a Gyro Drop?

[Changsucks]

^That was their last invention. I think he means something crazier/more unique than that.

[Austin]

How about these: http://www.ridetrade.com/rti/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=38

So far judging from Intamins selection they only have the Gyro Drop, Giant Drop, and a Bungee Drop.

[Truth Seeker]

^A watch tower and a drop tower, in one? Sound's pretty amazing!

[Changsucks]

I agree, that would be awesome... And BGW could use both.

[Austin]

Reading the brochure it shows a Parachute/cabin tower from KBF. Looks pretty intresting. I wonder how they will be able to load the drop cars and the cabin.

[palmer]

^A watch tower and a drop tower, in one? Sound's pretty amazing!

That gave me an idea. The England themed area could make the Big Ben clock tower like that, call it Big Ben, and it would be pretty cool.

[nitrofan]

How about these: http://www.ridetrade.com/rti/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=38

So far judging from Intamins selection they only have the Gyro Drop, Giant Drop, and a Bungee Drop.

Yeah, but it's Intamin! You never know what kind of crazy innovation they are going to come up with!

[Changsucks]

That gave me an idea. The England themed area could make the Big Ben clock tower like that, call it Big Ben, and it would be pretty cool.

I'm pretty sure it's confirmed that the new ride will go in Germany (or a new country but in that area) and I'm pretty sure it's confirmed that the new ride will be some kind of tower. Besides, England doesn't really have any space to work with.

[Jp]

Busch Gardens has announced today that on september 18th they will announce their 2 year plan for Busch Gardens and Water Country U.S.A.. They say that both park will be receiving new attractions.

[Jp]

A teaser about next year!!

http://www.buschgardens.com/Bgw/CP/?page=bignews
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http://www.buschgardens.com/AssetManagement/Assets/WIP/BGV/Big_News_FINAL.jpg
http://www.buschgardens.com/Bgw/CP/?page=bignews

[Truth Seeker]

Is it me or is that video just a little cheesy? Still I am very excited to hear more details about this supposed drop tower.

[DarienLake:D]

I cant wait to see what exactly this is going to look like!!!

[Jp]

2011: Mäch Tower and Vanish Point (Waterslides)
2012: Multi-Launch Roller Coaster

Today is a big day for the Williamsburg theme parks.

I’m happy to tell everyone about our two-year plan that includes five major changes between Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. This plan is the largest investment in our history, and it offers something for everyone in the family.

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Many of you have asked about this, and I’m happy to tell you we’re expanding Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration. Beginning Nov. 26, guests will experience the flair of an Italian Christmas, featuring a golden color scheme and graceful angels as far as the eye can see. Our Italy village will leave guests with a feeling of peace on earth as the park completes the transformation into a Christmas wonderland. And the expanded Christmas Town has an expanded schedule, staying open every day after Christmas until New Year’s Eve.

Then in 2011, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA are taking their attractions to new heights. As you enter Oktoberfest next spring, you’ll see the massive spire known as Mäch Tower™. The tallest ride in the park, Mäch Tower will take you 246 feet above Oktoberfest. After rotating at the top of the tower and getting a few seconds to take in the view, riders drop at breath-taking speed. State-of-the-art special effects including enhanced audio and other surprises will elevate Mäch Tower to new heights in ride design and engineering. This psychological thrill ride opens in the spring.

After more than 30 years, the park is updating the look and atmosphere of Oktoberfest. Restaurants, games and everything in between will be rejuvenated. You can enjoy fresh-baked pretzels and a new beer garden set amid canopies of colored maypoles and festive banners that depict the rich heritage of Bavaria.

At Water Country USA, guests are in for the slide of their lives at our epic new drop slide, Vanish Point™. The crest of this 75-foot tower challenges guests with two wave paths. They can step into a skybox and take a plunge when the floor drops out beneath their feet, or you can brave a 300-foot speed slide that drops you straight down as soon as you enter. Either way, it’s pure liquid adrenaline.

And now I want to tell you what we’re planning for 2012. For more than a year, coaster fans have been speculating as to what would replace The Big Bad Wolf. I’m excited to tell you that we are planning for a new, state-of-the-art multi-launch roller coaster that will propel riders at high-speeds through twists, turns and even more surprises. That’s all I can tell you now, except that it will feature many “firsts” when it debuts in the spring of 2012.

We couldn’t be more excited about what’s planned for the next two years, and we hope you are too. To keep track of our progress, you can always follow us on this blog, Facebook and Twitter.

[mattritch87]

I saw this on Busch Gardens Williamsburg facebook page this morning. Glad to see they are ready for the first guests to arrive! I know I can't wait to get there in July!

http://www.wvec.com/home/behind-the-scenes-Busch-Gardens-115668119.html

[Austin]

Nice. I wonder how many times a park gets a serious issue.

[nitrofan]

According to Screamscape today, the Mach Tower is still dealing with some issues, but they did announce some innovative features of the ride that sound very cool. The Mach Tower will incorporate a spiraling climb, vibrating seats, and onboard audio. It sounds like they will be incorporating some sort of story into the ride. This sounds very cool!

[Austin]

This sounds pretty interesting. I'm not entirely sure what the Vibrating seats will do. It seems most rides vibrate so would this effect be even noticeable?

[nitrofan]

This sounds pretty interesting. I'm not entirely sure what the Vibrating seats will do. It seems most rides vibrate so would this effect be even noticeable?

The vibrations on a drop tower usually aren't very strong though. I would guess they would say something on the audio to create an intense moment and make people think they are about to drop, but have the seats vibrate instead to freak people out. That would be cool!