Purchase of BEC

[Nora]

Nora, I'm not so sure BBW could have been renovated. From just what I've noticed now (since it was pointed out) on Nessie, BBW had to be worse. The strain from the swinging cars had to really put a lot of pressure on the structure. I think the supports would have had to be completely rebuilt in the modern way. I know it's a tragedy that such a great coaster had to go, but cost and safety will always win out with BEC. Especially the safety part. You do know they are one of the TOP rated in safety of all parks? They take it very seriously. Insurance premiums suck.

Well, I've seen an arrow suspended coaster innovated with redesigned Vekoma cars which seem to end the issues that all the Arrow suspended rides has as far as stress and damage to the parts. Check out the coaster called "the Vampire" at Chessington World of Adventure in England. The new cars would have been amazing for the Wolf! A whole new experience for sure. Here is a link so you can see the coaster: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire_%28roller_coaster%29

I swear it is a spitting image of the Wolf in many ways, complete with e European, or Transylvanian town to be exact, and if you close your eyes and listen to the sounds on the ride's video on You Tube you would swear it was the Wolf.

Granted there was the cost of parts of the track being redone to accommodate the new cars and to keep people's feet from being thwacked off - but I doubt the cost could be as much as 1) tearing down the coaster and 2) building something new in its place. Besides, having the change made to the Wolf would have done wonders for the ride's attendance!



Oh- and I DID ask many times in letters to Busch Gardens why they did not take the "hybrid" solution to the ride.. of which I have never received an answer.. Well... technically I did not ask for an answer.... I begged them over and over... to no avail - or to no response.

 

[kcracken]

VERY happy to know August and Ginny are most likely still involved with the parks. After all, the Animal Conservation efforts are Ginny's baby.

Okay, I take back what I said... I'd cross it out if I knew how, but it's moot now. Glad to know BBW is going to a good home.

 

[Chris]

It looks like some more cost cutting is already taking place. The landscaping company that has had a contract for 30 years to take care of both Busch parks has just been let go by the park.

Hope this doesn't have too negative an impact on the parks. They will be handling the landscaping in house now.

http://www.dailypress.com/business/dp-local_bglayoffs_1120nov20,0,4262348.story

 

[Nora]

Chris I saw that via your twitter post. That does worry me as landscaping is not something I would like see cut back at BGW. I sure hope those folks get their jobs back at equal pay and benefits. I doubt it though. In this day and economy, I bet none of us can claim that we do not know someone who hasn't lost their job or has had to seriously take a cut in pay to keep working.

I know a little about accounting and equity companies - and I swear this sounds suspiciously like well.... let me just say that I hope Blackstone lets most of the decisions be made by the Busch Entertainment Co. and leaves the budget cuts to the people who know the clientele and what works at the park (and those who don't can just make sure the park stays in profit and cuts the checks for improvements only).

I am such the pessimist-optimist. I say to everyone who asks me about that: "I like to think of the worst in every situation so I am always pleasantly surprised at the outcome. That way, you can bypass any disappointments."

Anyway, I hope for the best for all the folks laid off.

Don't worry bout it kcracken, but now that you saw the redo of the other coaster; how cool would that have been to ride the BBW with those redesigned cars?? Man- to quote Chris Farley - "That would be awesome!"