Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW BGE) Discussion Thread

[PCW_NutIf the donkey is rockin, don't come knockin!]

Family coaster or not, after riding it three times this morning during the media event BGW defintily has a winner on their hands.

The pacing, airtime, layout and pretty much everything about this coaster is spot on. I went into it thinking "if this is half as good as White Lightning I'll be happy". Well, I am WAY more than happy and ultimately prefer InvadR over White Lightning. Both are great but I just think I like the layout a little better.

[EliHortonI think Intamin should make a donkey!]

Does GCI have any rides that have lower height requirements than 46"?

Although this coaster is now gone, Ozark Wildcat. I was really young (so therefore pretty short) when I visited Celebration City but I remember I was able to ride Ozark Wildcat. I was one of those rides where I was in the yellow zone so I could ride but had to ride with an adult.

[robbalveySite Admin]

Does GCI have any rides that have lower height requirements than 46"?

Although this coaster is now gone, Ozark Wildcat.

Seriously, people. If you're going to post to our forums, please FACT CHECK what you post if you're going to post a "fact" when answering someone's question. This took me about 45 seconds to track down:
https://web.archive.org/web/20060610083459/http://celebrationcity.silverdollarcity.com/rides-games/ride_detail.aspx?AttractionID=40

Fact checking your information makes TPR look more intelligent and individual posters look less stupid. Thank you.

[cfcI've gone pantless!]

InvadR Media Day Report



Busch Gardens officially opened its first wooden coaster, InvadR, today with all the usual hoopla you'd expect: lots of reporters, bloggers, and enthusiasts taking lots of photos, shooting videos, and eating lots of complimentary snacks; a speech by the park president; and, of course, rampaging hordes of Vikings vowing to "sow chaos" against anyone who interferes with their good time invading Fort New France.

Yes, the park's opening ceremony was disrupted by an invading horde--and I'm not talking about a bunch of coaster-enthusiast clubs! President David Cromwell had no sooner finished his speech welcoming the crowd and listing the virtues of their new coaster, when we heard the clashing of swords against shields, and a Viking army emerged from a cloud of smoke. Many of the "Vikings" were guests who had won "first-ride" privileges on InvadR.

But hoopla, smoke, and the promise of raw carnage aside, what about InvadR itself? The entry plaza looks great, as you enter under a giant Viking "war machine." The station is quite nicely themed too, if a bit cramped. As for the ride, it's a lot of fun--especially in the backseat. The first drop is great, and there's a nice pop of air as you take the first big GCI twisty turn. The coaster is well paced and runs at a good clip from the first drop until you hit the brakes at the end. It's a solid ride, and I didn't heard a bad word said about it all morning.

One other interesting little point--no seat belts in the trains. I think this is the first GCI coaster I've ridden that doesn't have them. (EDIT: So, I guess Wodan doesn't have seat belts, either, and I have been on that one. So, make InvadR the second GCI I've ridden sans seat belts.)

Here's a look the InvadR media day.

[TBpony414I just swallowed a whole donkey!]

Nice TR of the Invadr media day, Chuck! Disappointing about the high height requirement but for the people tall enough to ride, it looks like a nice little coaster. The theming for the entry plaza, queue and trains really is fantastic. I would expect nothing less from BGW though. Would you say it's more like Hershey's Wildcat or KD's Rebel Yell? Am trying to describe it to a friend who isn't a coaster nerd

[cfcI've gone pantless!]

^Hmm--more like Hershey's Wild Cat, only not as brutal.

[thrillseeker4552I prefer to mate with donkeys over humans!]

Great report, as always. Despite the high height requirement, InvadR looks like a solid ride that appeals to a large demographic. Can never go wrong with a GCI, really.

Also, it's interesting to hear that the ride doesn't have seat belts. I believe Wodan is the only other GCI without them, though I could be wrong.

[VACoasterdudeShe turned me into a donkey! I got better...]

InvadR is a very smooth coaster and very rewritable. I rode several times today during the Media Event and all positions offer a great ride, but as Chuck said the back is a little better. It will definitely be a hit for for BGW this summer.

I wonder if the 46"'height requirement is from BGW's insurance company.

[AfterburnerI know quite a lot about Donkeys!]

InvadR is a very smooth coaster and very rewritable.

InvadR
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Huh. So it is.

[robbalveySite Admin]

I wonder if the 46"'height requirement is from BGW's insurance company.

There is no explanation, IMO, only poor excuses.

That would fall under the "poor excuses" category.

InvadR is a very smooth coaster and very rewritable.

InvadR
InvadR
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Huh. So it is.

That is... just perfect! lol