Rumor BGT Project 2017

[Jonathan S]

Alright, let's get the rumor mill running again...

Currently, there are three options (and possibly more) for a project that could start after Cobra's Curse.

We have the SBNO Gwazi, which has become aesthetically horrendous due to age, wear, and lack of maintenance. Currently, wood has been removed (presumably the queue) for other parks; however, there have been talks about renovating the entire Gwazi Park area, which would include tearing down the ride and changing the entire design of that said area.

We have the recent SBNO Tanganyika Tidal Wave, which was closed due to technical issues (thanks to Arrowhead). There have been no talks about what will replace this attraction, or if it will get a complete renovation. For this specific attraction, there are multiple possibilities such as a watercoaster, indoor dark ride, etc.

Finally, we have the SBNO Rhino Rally, which has been SBNO since Labor Day 2014. Currently, there have been talks about converting an existing part of this attraction into an expanded Elephant habitat, but no rumors regarding the fate of the ride and its vehicles.

Nothing has been confirmed by the park, and there are currently no construction permits that support these rumors.

If you have any other rumors, have supporting evidence, or think some of my content is incorrect (I am human), PM me or comment below.

 

[wombat96]

I think 2017 will be a quiet year for the park. They just got Cobra's Curse and I don't see them doing another major capital investment back to back. I definitely could see them getting something new in 2017, but nothing major.
EDIT: Also, one needs to keep in mind SEAS is already doing Invadr and a new dark ride in 2017 at SWSD along with the jet ski coaster for 2017 at SWSA which is rumored to be completed and opened in 2017.

 

[CastleOSullivan]

Iceploration is already well over its life expectancy. They still don't seem too jumpy about changing it.

 

[Jonathan S]

Iceploration is already well over its life expectancy. They still don't seem too jumpy about changing it.

Iceploration has won several awards if I'm not mistaken, I doubt it's going anywhere anytime soon.

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I think 2017 will be a quiet year for the park. They just got Cobra's Curse and I don't see them doing another major capital investment back to back. I definitely could see them getting something new in 2017, but nothing major.
EDIT: Also, one needs to keep in mind SEAS is already doing Invadr and  a new dark ride in 2017 at SWSD along with the jet ski coaster for 2017 at SWSA which is rumored to be completed and opened in 2017.

InvadR is the only project that has been confirmed and is starting construction as of now. SWSD & SWSA may get those two minor attractions, but I believe BGT has something in the works. Florida is one of the most competitive markets for tourism, and since CC is a smaller attraction (with a lot of great theming), another huge thrill could be in the works.

 

[ThePolemarch]

The project in SWSD contains a dark ride, aquariums and a variety of flat rides, so I don't think minor is the right way to describe it, and the launch coaster in San Antonio should be similar in scale of not larger than cobra.

What I have heard is that Gwazi is coming down in 2017, due in part due to the large number of complaints they get about it. I have also heard they are considering putting in a concert area similar to the one at Williamsburg.

 

[wombat96]

InvadR is the only project that has been confirmed and is starting construction as of now. SWSD & SWSA may get those two minor attractions, but I believe BGT has something in the works. Florida is one of the most competitive markets for tourism, and since CC is a smaller attraction (with a lot of great theming), another huge thrill could be in the works.

The 2017 Ocean Explorer project for SWSD was confirmed in February and contains a dark ride, three flats, and animal displays.

Manby also said for 2018 SWSD is planning something more "for teenagers with more of a thrill factor."

Also, the Sea Rescue coaster was confirmed back in November. It's just that minimal details about the ride other than it will be a jet ski coaster themed to the Sea Rescue show.
EDIT: Whoops, ThePoleMarch beat me to it, welcome to the forums!

 

[Jonathan S]

The project in SWSD contains a dark ride, aquariums and a variety of flat rides, so I don't think minor is the right way to describe it, and the launch coaster in San Antonio should be similar in scale of not larger than cobra.

What I have heard is that Gwazi is coming down in 2017, due in part due to the large number of complaints they get about it. I have also heard they are considering putting in a concert area similar to the one at Williamsburg.

Concert area as in amphitheater? I'm intrigued to learn more, haven't heard that rumor yet.

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The project in SWSD contains a dark ride, aquariums and a variety of flat rides, so I don't think minor is the right way to describe it, and the launch coaster in San Antonio should be similar in scale of not larger than cobra.

What I have heard is that Gwazi is coming down in 2017, due in part due to the large number of complaints they get about it. I have also heard they are considering putting in a concert area similar to the one at Williamsburg.

Also, Welcome to the Forum! From the concept art that I saw, the launch in SWSA looked fairly small, but maybe it's my perception. Also, I have heard about SWSD's projects, but they didn't seem to be as major as what you're telling me.

Regardless, a new concert area for BGT would strike gold, in the sense that multiple artists could perform within the same week.

 

[GoHokies87]

There isn't a lot left of rhino rally left to add a major attraction there. The tidal wave has a lot of space but it is far from ideal for a coaster or anything like an indoor dark ride. The foliage there is a strong point and Busch would have to think twice before plowing it down to add a building there. Gwazi park has a lot of space and is likely to be the home of the next major coaster, if nothing else changes.

You can't see Gwazi much from outside the park so I doubt they have much outside pressure to demolish it. More than likely Gwazi will come down when it becomes a safety hazard or there is an approved project for that location that will budget it's destruction into the costs.

 

[ThePolemarch]

Thanks guys!

And to clarify what I meant by complaints about Gwazi is mostly complaints from park guests, not from outside the park, because of all the SBNO attractions it is the most visible and thus most likely to draw frustration from guests who see something they can't ride, unlike rhino rally and tidal wave, as both of those attractions can't really be seen in the park well and so guests don't feel as if they are missing out on anything.

I would venture a guess that whatever the SWSA coast becomes that it is similar in scale to manta at SWSD but could be different because of the lack of height restrictions. It will be interesting to see what they plan SWSD due to the height restrictions they have there.

 

[Jcoaster]

I think we could be looking at some small park updates next season then an Ironhorse remake of Gwazi for 2018.

 

[Jonathan S]

Any rumor of an Ironhorse remake could be put on hold with all these nasty budget cuts.... Has anybody done any digging to confirm?

 

[CastleOSullivan]

The last rumors that I heard are pretty old. The rumor was that if Gwazi is not given a remake, they might decide to tear it down and build a more permanent amphitheater and possibly expand the event areas. Again, that was a while back.

 

[Michelle]

The cars from Gwazi were sent to BGW for InVadR. The queue has been completely removed, but the entire Gwazi coaster track and supports are intact. I would LOVE a steel Gwazi, but seriously doubt it will come, as it seems as though the Seaworld parks are sending their money maker coasters to SeaWorld parks, since they are the ones with the image problem. The Busch Gardens parks have awesome coasters, without having to add any for a little while.
They are removing 2 animal habitats, which I always hate to see. They closed Jambo Junction and Curiosity Caverns in December. According to Screamscape, there is a possibility, since these 2 areas are near each other, they may be gearing up for a new attraction in that area.