Attraction Iron Gwazi

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I just feel like that’s not good marketing. “Here’s what we’re NOT adding along with our new multimillion dollar coaster.”

I get the argument that animals fit the park message, but I doubt a very significant portion of guests expect a new (or relocated) animal habitat to accompany the new ride. Plus, I believe the purpose of SEAS adding so many rides is partially to reduce the company’s emphasis on captive animals. Putting out an explanation for this just seems unnecessary.
 
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This whole conversation is in the context of the interview @GrandpaD posted the other day in which BGT was directly asked “Is there going to be a crocodile habitat in the queue or near the attraction like there are at other attractions in the park?” BGT essentially just responded “No, but it’s going to be themed to crocodiles.” which strikes me as a completely unsatisfying answer.

I’m not suggesting they should be out there shouting from the rooftops that they aren’t going to have crocs near Iron Gwazi, but when asked directly about it, if it’s an animal welfare issue, they need to actually say that.
 
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Oh, I stand corrected. In that case, explaining the limitations for the location of a crocodile habitat would have been a much better answer. There’s probably a lack of communication between the marketing and zoology departments, unfortunately.
 
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While I understand that what I am about to say clearly applies to SeaWorld parks, as well, I do believe there is still a difference in public pressure between the two brands.

And at the risk of taking this thread off-topic...

I don’t think BGT has the luxury of simply treating their animals like an unfortunate theming choice from decades ago. The fact is that the park is an AZA accredited zoo. They have an ethical responsibility to prioritize the welfare of the animals in their care. Furthermore, the animal exhibits and (perhaps more importantly) the animal care components, like the medical areas, are persuasive throughout the park. It is a very different place than BGW or even Animal Kingdom. The attractions are fit amongst the animals, not vice versa.

I’m not arguing that SEAS isn’t trying to focus more on non-living amusements. Rather, I am saying that they have moral and ethical constraints on how they manage their resources. If they are ignoring those priorities, then I believe there is a serious problem. By extension, as a zoo their messaging should continue to include assurances to the public and the AZA that the animals in their care are being protected.
 
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GrandpaD said:
Interview with Project Manager Andrew Schaffer -

www.coaster101.com

Inside Iron Gwazi with Project Manager Andrew Schaffer - Coaster101

Last month, we visited Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to cap the end of a trip to the IAAPA Expo in Orlando. If you haven’t been paying...
www.coaster101.com www.coaster101.com
Click to expand...

I feel like this interview was really a missed opportunity to ask Andrew Schaffer why they chose to stick with a mostly wooden structure given one of the main reasons for the original iteration of Gwazi's failures was it's wooden structure; not to mention the fact that all of the new wood coaster projects that SEAS built since have had totally steel structures. With them only retaining 25% of the original structure (I think its actually even less) going with a 100% steel structure for the new ride seems like a no brainier to me.

Though I bet if they had asked that question, we wouldn't have gotten an honest answer. I am sure the park would have regurgitated that line about "the nostalgia of a classic wood coaster" that they used to address the change in theme. Deciding to change the theme to Crocs has nothing to do with it being a hybrid coaster...

Which brings me to my last gripe; if they were so dead-set on changing the theme to Crocodiles, why not give it a new Crocodile specific name? I don't think enough of the original Gwazi remains to give this ride the "Iron moniker." Iron Gwazi implies that the spirit of the original ride is still there like some of RMC's earlier Iron Horse Conversion projects.
 
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Shane said:
I feel like this interview was really a missed opportunity to ask Andrew Schaffer why they chose to stick with a mostly wooden structure given one of the main reasons for the original iteration of Gwazi's failures was it's wooden structure; not to mention the fact that all of the new wood coaster projects that SEAS built since have had totally steel structures. With them only retaining 25% of the original structure (I think its actually even less) going with a 100% steel structure for the new ride seems like a no brainier to me.

Though I bet if they had asked that question, we wouldn't have gotten an honest answer. I am sure the park would have regurgitated that line about "the nostalgia of a classic wood coaster" that they used to address the change in theme. Deciding to change the theme to Crocs has nothing to do with it being a hybrid coaster...

Which brings me to my last gripe; if they were so dead-set on changing the theme to Crocodiles, why not give it a new Crocodile specific name? I don't think enough of the original Gwazi remains to give this ride the "Iron moniker." Iron Gwazi implies that the spirit of the original ride is still there like some of RMC's earlier Iron Horse Conversion projects.
Click to expand...

This might not have been the main reason, but if the ride were an all steel coaster, it would lose all its records, right? All of the records going for Iron Gwazi pertain to it being the “world’s ___est hybrid coaster.”

And I totally agree with you on the name. I feel like naming it after their old (and unpopular) wooden coaster trivializes this project. It implies this is just a revitalization of the existing coaster, and doesn’t give this essentially new coaster its due.
 
With the latest NoLimits update, how long do you thing it will be before we actually see a *good* Iron Gwazi POV/Recreation?
 
I was asking in reference to the annual NL2 update, which looks so much better than even the best CS that was out there.
 
Two things I wish were different in the layout...
1. An airtime pop after the first drop. (not enough space lengthwise, I know)
2. The first turnaround after the first drop didn't bank inward before banking outward. Just bank outward the whole time and kick everyone in the nuts (figuratively speaking).

Having gotten that off my chest, I need to get back to Tampa asap when this ride opens. It looks soo beautiful, I promised myself I wouldn't cry.
 
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