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I was thinking the same about refreshing the scenes. We're coming up on the ride's 10th birthday season after next and we all know the ride could use a bit of a face-lift. Not anything drastic by any means, what with other things in the park taking priority, however a bit of TLC for the ride could be a great plus. Also wouldn't mind the scenic painters having a field-day on the visible event building wall...

Sky
 
I can't go into great detail about the entire incident; however, a guest basically ruined one of the projector screens inside the ride. If you see it closed tomorrow, that would be why.

And when I say ruined, I mean the screen actually tore and was destroyed.
 
Party Rocker said:
I can't go into great detail about the entire incident; however, a guest basically ruined one of the projector screens inside the ride. If you see it closed tomorrow, that would be why.

And when I say ruined, I mean the screen actually tore and was destroyed.

How and why would you do that?
 
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That is most unfortunate, but sometimes with this ride, the only way for them to fix problems is to work on it during downtime. That,of course, is only if they decide it's worth it. I hope the ride doesn't end up sitting dormant.
 
Few random pictures I took this season. I really do absolutely love DarKastle's signage. Easily some of the best signage in the park.

 

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Not sure of the source for these low quality 2004 construction shots. Perhaps BGEscape?
 

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I check the boards here frequently hoping someone's heard a rumor of a full DarKastle renovation.

Nothing sadder than what this ride has become, especially in light of the Oktoberfest renovation.

One of the ride's coolest and currently hottest ride technologies that Busch Gardens had pretty quickly after Spider-Man and long before any other installations, and it's reduced to this. Truly sad. 

Spider-Man manages to buck, roll, jump, slide, and spin and still represents a family attraction. It jostles, slams, and speeds and yet it's never understood as being too intense for kids over eight. That's why I can't understand DarKastle's fall (unless it's a motion-sickness issue as some here have suggested – still, you don't lower the ride to answer that problem... you change the signage).

I was glad to see the pre-show returned (but absolutely miserable to see that they removed the queue rails when doing so –– why? Now the preshow is a mad rush to secure a spot next to the door to the ride. What harm was it to keep a "line" structure in that room?) and glad to see the fireplace return last season, but the ride's real issue is the motion or lack thereof. It's very sincerely a pity - a waste of that technology, and a shame. 

I live in Ohio and make one or two big trips down each year, always with first-timers. I used to be proud of DarKastle. Now, I find myself making excuses for it as returning friends go "Did it used to be, like... a lot better?" Yep. It sure did.

I'm certainly hoping eventually we "get through" to Busch Gardens, because it's common knowledge now that this ride celebrating only its 10th year shouldn't be riding like it's 20. DarKastle could (and should) be one of the park's signature rides. Instead, it's just... there.

Sorry for the rant, but I imagine you all agree and I wish we could light a fire under the rears of those in charge to see what a colossal waste of money that incredible ride system is if they'll have it reduced to light taps and shrug-worthy turns.
 
Personally, I like DarKastle the way it is now. I am one of those who don't prefer fast quick motion rides. I think DarKastle, currently fills the gap for those who are too old to ride the kiddie rides, but are too nervous/scared for a lack of a better word to ride other rides.

DarKastle kind of introduces that slight quick and somewhat jerky but smooth motion to those easy riders and really the park is bent on either having children's rides or thrill rides. There should be something in between. Le Mans was a perfect fit for this group of people. DarKastle, I would say is probably still more intense than what Le Mans was, but it's not a thrilling as many other rides which is a big plus for easy riders.
 
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