Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW BGE) Discussion Thread

Looks like the park added an update on their website. Apologies if its been mentioned here but update says the first drop has been increased from 74 feet to 81 feet and they are adding a second tunnel somewhere along the course.

Photos of construction there as well.

Looks like the park added an update on their website. Apologies if its been mentioned here but update says the first drop has been increased from 74 feet to 81 feet and they are adding a second tunnel somewhere along the course.

 

Photos of construction there as well.

We didn't get to vote on this. I call shenanigans! so much for #decidetheride... #we'rebuschgardensandwedowhatwewant

Looks like the park added an update on their website. Apologies if its been mentioned here but update says the first drop has been increased from 74 feet to 81 feet and they are adding a second tunnel somewhere along the course.

 

Photos of construction there as well.

Looks like the park added an update on their website. Apologies if its been mentioned here but update says the first drop has been increased from 74 feet to 81 feet and they are adding a second tunnel somewhere along the course.

 

Photos of construction there as well.

 

We didn't get to vote on this. I call shenanigans! so much for #decidetheride... #we'rebuschgardensandwedowhatwewant

I will say, I just realized that the logo was decided, and I'm glad they went with the Dragon Crest. I don't remember if I voted for the Red or Blue now (don't get old, kids...), but I think the red sets it apart from Griffon more, at least.

Also, I know people have been generally lukewarm on this coaster's stats, but I think it looks, and sounds, awesome! I love tunnels, interaction with other rides, and utilizing natural terrain, so just based on those things I dig it. I also think it'll have plenty of airtime, which is always a plus. I REALLY want to make my first trip back to BGW since 14 years ago next year, and get on this thing! I guess we'll see how things go...

Hmm. Looking at the post, it mentions they want us to guess where the second tunnel is. Looking at the old POV (hopefully they do a new one soon), nothing clear stands out. The only thing that I could think of was the helix at the end. That would be cool, I guess. Though, since Loch Ness Monster also has that, I'm not so sure that's it.

Now that nothing else has been announced, my thoughts on this coaster have improved! If it indeed uses terrain and forest setting well, this little coaster will be a ton of fun! Who wouldv'e thought an 80ft GCI would be the second largest coaster built in the US for 2017, behind a slightly larger GCI

What I find very interesting is how both GCI's are going to have to cross train tracks and interact with a water ride.

Im excited to see the theming around the coaster. If its themed anywhere near as good as Cobra's Curse it should be amazing.

Speaking of InvadR . . . how about another construction update? With a bit of Howl-o-Scream thrown in for good measure?

I went over to the park this morning, and they're definitely making progress. Nothing you could call "vertical" construction, but a lot more concrete has been poured, holes dug, and rebar put in place.

We're looking at you, Pokemon Go players!

Let's start with a train ride.

Entering Invadr's war zone.

"We dig dig dig dig dig dig dig it's what we like to do."

I think this is going to be a "tunnel"--or "shed."

But I doubt that it's a "mystery shed" like at Kings Island.

Let's take a peek at this footer. Be careful not to impale yourself on the stockade.

What's happening over by the train station and the path to LeScoot?

Remember to follow the concrete, for it will always lead you to rebar--and glory! And the possibility of more concrete to come.

Yep--lots more concrete.

I think this is where the queue and station are going to be, but don't quote me on that. I don't have a set of blueprints. It does look like they're putting up a wall, though.

Here's a line of "Sonotubes." If I'm interpreting the BGW blog correctly, these are round footers for the run to the lift hill.

All I do is follow the concrete.

Chains. I guess the invading Vikings are a bit kinky. The stick says something about a "c bent" and "20 feet."

More rebar--or perhaps contemporary art.

Here's a look at that mess of rebar from a different angle.

Meanwhile, over by LeScoot . . .

Lots of grading and digging have been going on between the flume and the railroad tracks.

Here's a closer look.

That's about all for Invadr, so . . .

. . . how about a nice light lunch?

Sorry, Europe in the Air fans. I imagine there's one or two of you, at least.

The ride is all boarded up for Howl-o-Scream's "Unearthed--Scarlett's Revenge" maze.

Here's a look at the "Circo Sinistro" site. This maze is replacing "Cutthroat Cove," and will feature "Room Roulette," in which you choose your own way through a room. It's located in Festa Italia.

Looks like they're getting "Lumberhacks" ready.

Hmm--this could be where they are assembling bents for InvadR. The Verbolten show building is in the background.

Vampires will be on the loose in "Bitten" again. This is the oldest maze at Howl-o-Scream. It's in the old Drachen Fire station not far from the Festhaus.

I think's there's nothing creepier than ventriloquist dummies.

I imagine they'll be part of the new "Sideshow Square" zone, which I assume is in Italy.

Hard to believe that Howl-o-Scream is less than a month away.

And, hey, Bierfest is just around the corner!

Oktoberfest is gearing up.

Hmm--speaking of beer, . . .

. . . I think this is good time to get one. Thanks for reading.

Great update. How is the Beir room? From what I've seen there seems to be plenty of selection.

InvadR's progress seems to be moving along at a nice speed.

Finally...I wish the closure of Europe in the Air was permanent

Very nice to be getting updates often, thanks for posting the pictures!

Great update. How is the Beir room? From what I've seen there seems to be plenty of selection.

 

InvadR's progress seems to be moving along at a nice speed.

 

Finally...I wish the closure of Europe in the Air was permanent

The craft beer room is quite nice and seems to be a hit with guests. There's a good-sized selection of beers on tap from Virginia breweries (and some from out of state). They sell food, too (pretzels, German meatballs, etc.).

Great update. How is the Beir room? From what I've seen there seems to be plenty of selection.

 

InvadR's progress seems to be moving along at a nice speed.

 

Finally...I wish the closure of Europe in the Air was permanent

 

The craft beer room is quite nice and seems to be a hit with guests. There's a good-sized selection of beers on tap from Virginia breweries (and some from out of state). They sell food, too (pretzels, German meatballs, etc.).

Oh wow, I definitely be in there when I make my visit next season.

Shaping up nicely. Just seems so weird to see that area so "uncovered" now.

Shaping up nicely. Just seems so weird to see that area so "uncovered" now.

I second this. So used to it being a heavily wooded area back there.

There used to be a play/sitting area there next to the train station under LeScoot, too--but they closed it some time ago.

When I first saw this little structure behind Verbolten's show building, I thought it was for the Lumberhacks Howl-o-Scream maze.

But after reviewing BGW's blog, I think this is where they're assembling "bents" for InvadR. It's hard to see much from the train.

Lumberhacks was definately a highlight of Howloscream last year, albeit shorter than the average BGW maze. Hopefully weather will cooperate with the park for Howloscream. Tropical systems hitting Memorial Day weekend and now Labor Day weekend are going to leave their mark on attendence this year. Poor SEAS and their luck. I'll be doing my part to help their finances by consuming plenty of alcohol at bierfest!

Going back to Busch this fall. Out of the houses this year I've only done Catacombs and Deadline. Any y'all would suggest? I couldn't go last year so I haven't done Cornered, Lumberhack, or Unearthed. I've also never gotten around to Bitten.

Also, unpopular opinion: I liked Cut Throat Cove

Bitten is the oldest maze at HOS. I recommend that you at least do Unearthed, as it was the best maze last year. There's a new maze in Festa Italia this year, too.

Water Country will be closed tomorrow due to Tropical Storm Hermine. Busch Gardens will be open, but ride operations could be affected and some Bierfest activities will be moved into the Festhaus; operations should be normal on Sunday and Monday for both parks. There's more info here: https://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/media-room/press-releases/09_2016/bier-fest.

I was there at the park on Wednesday [AUG 24] as my month-long vacation was winding down. I got to walk up and ride a few coasters and eat dinner at the Festa Haus ( even though they didn't have a show that day).

Thanks to your photo trip I can see the progress they have made for InvadR. Still, I cannot see how the track layout is going to be. Maybe when I do come back to the park next season I'll head to InvadR, ride it once, ride it twice, ride it three time, and then finally see what they did and wonder to myself why I didn't see it before. Busch Gardens did this to me before - twice - when they added Alphengist and Griffon in areas I didn't think were possible. Now with InvadR, they're going to do it to me three times!

After they're done with InvadR, the next question would be What's next? Would the old Drachen Fire finally be used or will they put another ride in Ireland? But the biggest question for me is will I be well and fit enough to visit the park next season ( meaning - will I lose enough weight so I can fit into any seat on Alphengist and Griffon instead of the "larger guest" seats?)?

"The answer, my friend is just wait and see/ the answer is just wait and see."

InvadR - R you ready to attack this coaster?"

I'm predicting/hoping for a star flyer in Ireland. They could get rid of Europe in the Air and use its old queue, while making it small enough to keep a maze in there for HoS. A star flyer would fit well in this park and since other parks are starting to use them again, why not Busch? As for coasters, my vote would be for a flying coaster in Drachen's old location, possible even called Drachen Fire (because, you know, dragon's fly). Since I doubt that'll happen, my next vote is for a Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster in Drachen's old location. Since I doubt none of these will happen, I'm excited to see what they do next. By the way, somebody that's good at NL2 design a flying coaster that could fit in that area

^ Interestingly, I always assumed a GCI would go in Drachen Fire's old location.

^

^ It won't happen, obviously, as the name carries a certain weight, but man Drachen Fire is too cool of a name to retire forever. A GCI flyer would be a perfect option for the ride. I do think a different color scheme would be in order, though.

GCI Flyer

I think I agree with you, assuming you meant a B&M flyer.

I would only expect something of that scale to be built at least five or so years down the road.