Survey Reveals New Round of Future Attraction Concepts
- Thread starter Zachary
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I'm pretty amenable to the idea that water usage for AI is overblown—like a lot of the NIMBY-type arguments against data centers seem to be—but there has got to be a better source than a poorly-upvoted Reddit thread...
Anyway, ethics of AI aside, where are we on these pitches? Assuming we're talking specifically about 2028 and given that we have an indoor, story-based attraction on the docket for 2027, I think this is my ranking:
The biggest priority right now in the park in my opinion is San Marco's Garden of Invention district. Between the pipeline clearing, multiple ride removals, years of aesthetic neglect, physical damage to its centerpiece, etc, what should be the aesthetic/landscaping/garden heart of Busch GARDENS is really in just a horrible, ugly, rundown state that NEEDS desperately to be corrected immediately. This is my #1 priority for 2028 for sure.
I also rank some sort of Pompeii renovation very, very highly in the immediate future. Rumors have been swirling for ages doomsaying about the future of this attraction. Its time IS coming. BGW will either have to invest a lot to keep it or cut their losses and bulldoze. I believe the building is such an incredible visual asset to the park that its preservation should be a major priority for BGW in the years ahead. I don't need whatever the hell the trash layout extension the AI cooked up was—I think this project could be just as successful with a far more limited approach—but significant money for Pompeii to rebuild the ride system and plus the attraction thematically would be a very smart move in my opinion. Don't know if 2028 is the most optimal year for this, but I believe Pompeii is on (very) barrowed time and I want BGW to give it a new lease on life before it's too late.
That brings me to the coaster options. BGW does need to be working on the park's next major coaster. Pantheon technically opened in 2022, but vibes-wise I think it feels a little older than that thanks to all the COVID delays. I think a major thrill attraction before the end of the decade is essential. I rank the RMC much higher than the B&M hyper pitch because I believe BGW has strong coasters with lower-intensity airtime and sweeping transitions but lacks the aggressive, high-intensity, flagship thrill that an RMC would provide.
THAT BEING SAID, I don't love an RMC at BGW. RMC has proven time and time again to deliver rides with awful capacity, poor uptime, and high operating costs. I don't want BGW saddled with that like BGT has been. I would MUCH prefer a high-intensity, ejector-airtime-and-transition-focused coaster from Mack, Intamin, Vekoma, etc.
Alternatively, I don't think the next coaster needs to be huge. I think there may be a good reason to hold on to the few massive expansion plots left and slot a smaller coaster into a smaller pad somewhere in the park. If this is the direction, I'd want to see something that still packs a real punch—a well-themed, intense Mack Stryker, a small-but-mighty, Ride to Happiness-style Extreme Spinner, a compact, super-punchy Vekoma, or, dare I say it, something really experimental like an S&S Axis or even a smaller-scale 4D coaster...? BGW has a good relationship with S&S and a novel attraction like an Axis or next-gen 4D could make an excellent next major coaster for BGW in my opinion.
As for the B&M hyper: No. United should stop buying B&Ms until the tracking issue is 100% solved. We have Apollo. We don't need taller, rattly Apollo. I know other parks have doubled up on B&M hypers and gigas, but I don't think BGW should. We have way too many gaps in our collection to consider building duplicative rides—no matter how great they are. Now if we're talking about a high-intensity giga from the likes of Intamin, this is a different story entirely—I'd take one of those in a heartbeat, of course. The concept art clearly suggests B&M though. Assuming that's the thinking, just give it to Tampa, they need it, we don't.
Lastly, the Steel-Water Hybrid Coaster. BGW has the exact correct lineup of water rides currently—a classic log Flume, a themed boat ride, and a rapids ride. We don't need a fourth and I wouldn't want to see any of the three completely replaced with a water coaster. A water coaster renovation of Pompeii would be fine, but that seems to have been covered in the Italian Boat Ride entry. If a ground-up water coaster were to replace one of our water rides, I'd vote for Roman Rapids—but I don't think its remotely necessary. I'd much rather see Roman Rapids get an Infinity Falls-style renovation than have it removed entirely.
Anyway, ethics of AI aside, where are we on these pitches? Assuming we're talking specifically about 2028 and given that we have an indoor, story-based attraction on the docket for 2027, I think this is my ranking:
- Italy Gardens Area with Three New Rides
- Italian Boat Adventure
- World's Tallest Hybrid Steel-Wood Coaster
- 300 Foot High, Tallest Coaster in the Mid-Atlantic
- Bavarian Indoor Family Ride
- Herr Ticktock's Workshop Indoor Ride with Scorekeeping
- Steel-Water Hybrid Coaster
The biggest priority right now in the park in my opinion is San Marco's Garden of Invention district. Between the pipeline clearing, multiple ride removals, years of aesthetic neglect, physical damage to its centerpiece, etc, what should be the aesthetic/landscaping/garden heart of Busch GARDENS is really in just a horrible, ugly, rundown state that NEEDS desperately to be corrected immediately. This is my #1 priority for 2028 for sure.
I also rank some sort of Pompeii renovation very, very highly in the immediate future. Rumors have been swirling for ages doomsaying about the future of this attraction. Its time IS coming. BGW will either have to invest a lot to keep it or cut their losses and bulldoze. I believe the building is such an incredible visual asset to the park that its preservation should be a major priority for BGW in the years ahead. I don't need whatever the hell the trash layout extension the AI cooked up was—I think this project could be just as successful with a far more limited approach—but significant money for Pompeii to rebuild the ride system and plus the attraction thematically would be a very smart move in my opinion. Don't know if 2028 is the most optimal year for this, but I believe Pompeii is on (very) barrowed time and I want BGW to give it a new lease on life before it's too late.
That brings me to the coaster options. BGW does need to be working on the park's next major coaster. Pantheon technically opened in 2022, but vibes-wise I think it feels a little older than that thanks to all the COVID delays. I think a major thrill attraction before the end of the decade is essential. I rank the RMC much higher than the B&M hyper pitch because I believe BGW has strong coasters with lower-intensity airtime and sweeping transitions but lacks the aggressive, high-intensity, flagship thrill that an RMC would provide.
THAT BEING SAID, I don't love an RMC at BGW. RMC has proven time and time again to deliver rides with awful capacity, poor uptime, and high operating costs. I don't want BGW saddled with that like BGT has been. I would MUCH prefer a high-intensity, ejector-airtime-and-transition-focused coaster from Mack, Intamin, Vekoma, etc.
Alternatively, I don't think the next coaster needs to be huge. I think there may be a good reason to hold on to the few massive expansion plots left and slot a smaller coaster into a smaller pad somewhere in the park. If this is the direction, I'd want to see something that still packs a real punch—a well-themed, intense Mack Stryker, a small-but-mighty, Ride to Happiness-style Extreme Spinner, a compact, super-punchy Vekoma, or, dare I say it, something really experimental like an S&S Axis or even a smaller-scale 4D coaster...? BGW has a good relationship with S&S and a novel attraction like an Axis or next-gen 4D could make an excellent next major coaster for BGW in my opinion.
As for the B&M hyper: No. United should stop buying B&Ms until the tracking issue is 100% solved. We have Apollo. We don't need taller, rattly Apollo. I know other parks have doubled up on B&M hypers and gigas, but I don't think BGW should. We have way too many gaps in our collection to consider building duplicative rides—no matter how great they are. Now if we're talking about a high-intensity giga from the likes of Intamin, this is a different story entirely—I'd take one of those in a heartbeat, of course. The concept art clearly suggests B&M though. Assuming that's the thinking, just give it to Tampa, they need it, we don't.
Lastly, the Steel-Water Hybrid Coaster. BGW has the exact correct lineup of water rides currently—a classic log Flume, a themed boat ride, and a rapids ride. We don't need a fourth and I wouldn't want to see any of the three completely replaced with a water coaster. A water coaster renovation of Pompeii would be fine, but that seems to have been covered in the Italian Boat Ride entry. If a ground-up water coaster were to replace one of our water rides, I'd vote for Roman Rapids—but I don't think its remotely necessary. I'd much rather see Roman Rapids get an Infinity Falls-style renovation than have it removed entirely.
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Of the coaster options presented, I would take the giga over the RMC. I think something like Fury could work very well at BGW, perhaps as a complement to Pantheon? B&M isn't my first choice, given all this rattle nonsense, but at least that ride would work right out of the gate... unlike the other high-thrill option presented. Now if we're talking Intamin, or even Vekoma... bring it the fuck on.
My overall first pick is the flat ride package. The NebulaZ and the Wave Swinger from the concept art would be fabulous. I'm not sure what the hell that huge double-arm thing is meant to be, but it looks insane.
My overall first pick is the flat ride package. The NebulaZ and the Wave Swinger from the concept art would be fabulous. I'm not sure what the hell that huge double-arm thing is meant to be, but it looks insane.
The difference being that beef production generates a product that has actual value - food.
Generative AI only produces slop that can be done by actual artists without the environmental damage, regardless of how "minimal" it is.
And everything @Jonesta6 said.
LOVE the Pompeii concept. Great compromise between replacing an aging attraction and maintaining the spirit of an iconic ride. I really hope that happens if Pompeii’s days are truly numbered.
I’ll always be in favor of the major coaster additions but I’m just not sure where you put either of those now. Feels like they blew their chance for that type of addition by using the DF area for BBW2. Unless they get into REALLY developing land they own that is currently completely undeveloped.
I’ll always be in favor of the major coaster additions but I’m just not sure where you put either of those now. Feels like they blew their chance for that type of addition by using the DF area for BBW2. Unless they get into REALLY developing land they own that is currently completely undeveloped.
I’m generally a YIMBY, but on the point I’ll say here on the NIMBY point is the counter argument to data centers rarely uses all point combined, which is the issue I have. All small things individually but when you think about what they all do together it’s substantial, which always seems to be what get’s lost in any of these conversations anymore.
Agreed, especially since BGW has enough indoor theater options to cover as well. I just hope that this is what to do with Killarney as opposed to in addition to Killarney.
100% and I don’t see how you can argue differently. Biggest area in need of TLC and rides IMO.
I’ll even say it. I think they really screwed up not making Pantheon part of the GoI area. How much cooler would the story have been that Da Vinci developed a vehicle that allowed you to tour the gardens of the gods and each encounter was each of the gods discovering a mortal was amongst them and they were trying to cast you out.
I’m on the fence on Pompeii. Either throw all the money at it to give a whole new ride while keeping the building, or do enough that it actually works. Don’t try to middle ground it.
Agreed on all points here. And I think with TT up the road the allure of a RMC is diminished too. Maybe a custom layout raptor model would be the best RMC bet for them because it’s also more compact and can fit in many more places.
I feel like they have enough ‘experimental’ (I use quotes because I know it’s not something to an Axis style on that scale) rides that I’m not sure something of that style would be necessary.
I think part of the challenge of this thought process is BGW actually has a really good collection of coasters. They check the major boxes of woodie, hyper, inverted, launched, dive. The models they don’t have are up the road with hybrid, winged, free spin. Spinner and twister layout (of anything) is about all they lack.
And a unique thought to the compact space that could be a solution:
Do something like Knobels did with Twister and do a split lift.
I know I’ve said it but this fall off is quite amazing.
I would said I agree, but will put a twist on it. Steel-Water hybrid could allow them to do something substantial to eliminate EfP while keeping the facade and not having to replace it with a water ride.
TheCoasterNerd
Previously known as @coasters_bgw
I'd love the flat rides too but what would happen to Wirbelwind if we got a Wave Swinger in San Marco? Could the land for that+Mach be where a dark ride is expected, or a new thrill coaster?
As for the double-arm, I assume AI hallucination
Pompeii as just a chutes ride is ok - it's got a decent drop. But it's selling point is the show within a themed building (facade).
As evidenced by the amount of concerns folks have had on here as show elements are turned off, it's not giving as much satisfaction as it could.
If they completely replace the ride but somehow integrate the facade and general Pompeii eruption story into whatever the new ride will be, I would hope that they would integrate new show elements (not screens) into it and keep them maintained.
Personally, I'd like to see a water coaster with an inverting element just before splash down using lap bar restraints if they go that route. And it should also be able to operate in colder weather without water - perhaps make it a Christmas lights coaster?
Overall, I think that should be the next major project after the simulator - it's a park icon, it's visible from the parking lots, and it's on one of the arterial pathways - it's not something many can ignore.
Given the Sesame Street situation, and that LoTD exists, unless there's a desire to build a standalone second gate kiddie park with interoperability to the main park, this area seems to be a good expansion plot for something - perhaps a return of a wild mouse plus a flat or two?
As evidenced by the amount of concerns folks have had on here as show elements are turned off, it's not giving as much satisfaction as it could.
If they completely replace the ride but somehow integrate the facade and general Pompeii eruption story into whatever the new ride will be, I would hope that they would integrate new show elements (not screens) into it and keep them maintained.
Personally, I'd like to see a water coaster with an inverting element just before splash down using lap bar restraints if they go that route. And it should also be able to operate in colder weather without water - perhaps make it a Christmas lights coaster?
Overall, I think that should be the next major project after the simulator - it's a park icon, it's visible from the parking lots, and it's on one of the arterial pathways - it's not something many can ignore.
Given the Sesame Street situation, and that LoTD exists, unless there's a desire to build a standalone second gate kiddie park with interoperability to the main park, this area seems to be a good expansion plot for something - perhaps a return of a wild mouse plus a flat or two?
I don’t think they would do it now but a second gate (IMO) should still be on the table. There’s so many kid friendly flats they could put in. Then they could do a Wild Moose to satisfy RMC, Woodie, and wild mouse style ride.
I forgot about Wirbelwind LOL. I assume they just move it.
It's a RES Super Swing, for the record. Would honestly be a great flat for the Da Vinci's Garden of Invention theme.
Two things:
The ride motion is fairly similar to Finnegan's Flyer though a bit tamer - while us thoosies can spot the difference, do you think a generally apathetic crowd is going to not at least equate one ride with the other?
For the ride to have a decent amount of leverage for the swing, it looks like the ride envelope needs to take a decent amount of space. Will it fit in the GoI if there's to be other rides there?
It would be cool to see a version of this where the center tower structure rotates, though I'm guessing that's going to increase costs.
I really love the Italy gardens area and proposed rides look fantastic but I don't think that the battering ram would fit that aesthetic. I would love to see it moved near invader and themed "Viking" to match or near Pantheon and given a roman trireme face lift/styling.
I am also high on the ticktock workshop concept. I am more interested in the interactive ride than the proposed Bavarian adventure ride.
The giga would be awesome but the question is where to put it and the water hybrid is just not something I'm interested in.
the restructure/reimagining of Pompeii would be great not sure if the Italian boat adventure is the best name.
I am also high on the ticktock workshop concept. I am more interested in the interactive ride than the proposed Bavarian adventure ride.
The giga would be awesome but the question is where to put it and the water hybrid is just not something I'm interested in.
the restructure/reimagining of Pompeii would be great not sure if the Italian boat adventure is the best name.
Mack Stryker or Extreme Spinner would be my preferred next coaster. Preferably with some significant theming and a dark ride section. Big ask though
My best guess would be they replace Apollo’s with a b&m giga. I don’t see the park needing a hyper and a giga unless maybe they have intamin or another company build the giga.
Not that I want a B&M giga but Caro, KI, and CW all have a B&M hyper and giga which seems to work out.
My take:
- Tampa needs the Giga.
- Pompeii enhancement is PERFECT.
- RMC will be costly and there is one up the road at KD that fills that void, even though not massive.
- Flat rides are a must, hurry please BGW.
- They need *something* over 300ft, but I am unimpressed by the idea of it being an RMC or B&M Giga.
My advice to BGW? Watch the propensity for success of Phantom Spire and build from there, WITH flat rides installed anyway.
Exciting stuff, but it needs to happen ASAP.
- Tampa needs the Giga.
- Pompeii enhancement is PERFECT.
- RMC will be costly and there is one up the road at KD that fills that void, even though not massive.
- Flat rides are a must, hurry please BGW.
- They need *something* over 300ft, but I am unimpressed by the idea of it being an RMC or B&M Giga.
My advice to BGW? Watch the propensity for success of Phantom Spire and build from there, WITH flat rides installed anyway.
Exciting stuff, but it needs to happen ASAP.
I would love for them to bring in a record breaking B&M Flyer flowing with the ground contour. Manta on steroids!!