Verbolten (Project Announcement Fall 2011 Through Opening Discussion August 2012)
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RE: Verbolten
I rode Verbolton three times this past week during my vacation, and I was fortunate to experience each of the three indoor themes. I didn't love the ride, but I didn't hate it either. I think the concept of a highly themed, highly technical, family style thrilling ride is great for the park, but it had a few problems in the execution of that. I don't enjoy overly powerful launches such as StormRunner at Hersheypark, but I liked the launches on Verbolton. They were fun without being too uncomfortable, and I didn't have trouble with my head hitting the seat on the second launch (3rd or 4th row each time). I liked the audio effects of the revving engine at the beginning of the ride. The first half of the indoor portion was somewhat confusing as I was never sure what I was seeing, and the helix caused me to grey/blackout each time which I didn't enjoy at all. The helix caused a great deal of disorientation. I liked the second half of the indoor portion, and each theme was much more understandable to me than the first half was. The drop was a fun effect, and I liked the audio on the rickety bridge.
Overall, the ride was too rough with rumbling and vibrating in the cars. I don't mean that it was too rough to ride again. I mean that for a new steel coaster, there is no excuse for that kind of vibrating. It should be a smooth ride and I expect no less on something of this size, scale, and with its newness and technology.
The queue through the themed buildings and the loading station desperately needs ventilation. We had rather cool summer weather for Williamsburg (only in the 80's to 90), and those buildings were terribly uncomfortable. I can't imagine what they are like when the temperature reaches 90's to 100 like it often does.
I would ride again on future visits, but the overall experience could be better. Adding ventilation to the queue buildings and making the ride smoother if possible would be huge improvements.
Something else I didn't understand. We waited anywhere from 25-60 minutes each time, but the line seemed about the same length each time, and all five trains appeared to be running each time. There appeared to be no shutdowns, but the line moved at very different rates with each ride. I couldn't understand what made the difference.
I rode Verbolton three times this past week during my vacation, and I was fortunate to experience each of the three indoor themes. I didn't love the ride, but I didn't hate it either. I think the concept of a highly themed, highly technical, family style thrilling ride is great for the park, but it had a few problems in the execution of that. I don't enjoy overly powerful launches such as StormRunner at Hersheypark, but I liked the launches on Verbolton. They were fun without being too uncomfortable, and I didn't have trouble with my head hitting the seat on the second launch (3rd or 4th row each time). I liked the audio effects of the revving engine at the beginning of the ride. The first half of the indoor portion was somewhat confusing as I was never sure what I was seeing, and the helix caused me to grey/blackout each time which I didn't enjoy at all. The helix caused a great deal of disorientation. I liked the second half of the indoor portion, and each theme was much more understandable to me than the first half was. The drop was a fun effect, and I liked the audio on the rickety bridge.
Overall, the ride was too rough with rumbling and vibrating in the cars. I don't mean that it was too rough to ride again. I mean that for a new steel coaster, there is no excuse for that kind of vibrating. It should be a smooth ride and I expect no less on something of this size, scale, and with its newness and technology.
The queue through the themed buildings and the loading station desperately needs ventilation. We had rather cool summer weather for Williamsburg (only in the 80's to 90), and those buildings were terribly uncomfortable. I can't imagine what they are like when the temperature reaches 90's to 100 like it often does.
I would ride again on future visits, but the overall experience could be better. Adding ventilation to the queue buildings and making the ride smoother if possible would be huge improvements.
Something else I didn't understand. We waited anywhere from 25-60 minutes each time, but the line seemed about the same length each time, and all five trains appeared to be running each time. There appeared to be no shutdowns, but the line moved at very different rates with each ride. I couldn't understand what made the difference.
RE: Verbolten
I think when your riding expecting to give a review you try to notice every little thing, also that is nothing new that has been discussed previously. It does get people into a heated debate over is it smooth is it not, or the definition of rough.
Also, I'd like to correct you, we did have a heat wave come through and even though temps were in the 90's, it felt like it was in the 100's. I do agree ventilation would be a major improvement.
I think when your riding expecting to give a review you try to notice every little thing, also that is nothing new that has been discussed previously. It does get people into a heated debate over is it smooth is it not, or the definition of rough.
Also, I'd like to correct you, we did have a heat wave come through and even though temps were in the 90's, it felt like it was in the 100's. I do agree ventilation would be a major improvement.
RE: Verbolten
BGW should be making a killing on those water squirting fans, sell 'em for $4.99 and they'd be sold out due to how bad the queues can be at times.
BGW should be making a killing on those water squirting fans, sell 'em for $4.99 and they'd be sold out due to how bad the queues can be at times.
RE: Verbolten
They wouldn't make enough profit
Prices need to be inflated to cover the cost of selling
They wouldn't make enough profit
Prices need to be inflated to cover the cost of selling 
RE: Verbolten
Today when I went and rode Verbolten and right before I got on the whole train's lap bars went up twice for no reason.
Today when I went and rode Verbolten and right before I got on the whole train's lap bars went up twice for no reason.
RE: Verbolten
I also do agree that they need to do something about the queue buildings. We were stuck in them multiple times when the ride was shut down back in early July when it was around 100 without the heat index in the park, and it made it terribly uncomfortable to the point of almost wanting to pass out or honestly, just leave. I feel like the least they could do is add some fans in. I mean, I know it doesn't go with the whole theme, but is it worth it to have people possibly suffer from heat stroke/exhaustion just because of how hot it is instead of making a relatively simple fix? Maybe the could attach some fans to the outside towards the inside of the buildings or something of that sort. Heck, just getting the air moving around in there would help out some.
I also do agree that they need to do something about the queue buildings. We were stuck in them multiple times when the ride was shut down back in early July when it was around 100 without the heat index in the park, and it made it terribly uncomfortable to the point of almost wanting to pass out or honestly, just leave. I feel like the least they could do is add some fans in. I mean, I know it doesn't go with the whole theme, but is it worth it to have people possibly suffer from heat stroke/exhaustion just because of how hot it is instead of making a relatively simple fix? Maybe the could attach some fans to the outside towards the inside of the buildings or something of that sort. Heck, just getting the air moving around in there would help out some.
RE: Verbolten
Has anybody else noticed the spastic fan that spews water outside of Gunter's office?
Has anybody else noticed the spastic fan that spews water outside of Gunter's office?
RE: Verbolten
It all depends on what happens on the platform. Sometimes the line is held up either for small issues like larger guests having trouble with lapbars, wheelchairs trying to get in and out, or someone getting sick on the ride, etc.
It all depends on what happens on the platform. Sometimes the line is held up either for small issues like larger guests having trouble with lapbars, wheelchairs trying to get in and out, or someone getting sick on the ride, etc.
RE: Verbolten
Well we are simulating driving a Car.
I agree that the building does need some airflow. However, you are forgetting the fact that in 100 degree weather fewer people tend to go to the park anyway (nice cool Air Conditioning!). I was there one day when the Heat Index was over 100 and the line for Verbolten was minimal.
I agree with the previous poster that wheelchairs and the horizontally impaired can impact wait time, but let me add one more, Worker fatigue ( may have said this previously). If your running around trying to get people through the line as quickly as possible you will run out of steam quickly. Trust me I know having worked concessions in a Multiplex Theater on many a busy Saturday night (And I did that indoors in AC!)
gardener14 said:
Well we are simulating driving a Car.
gardener14 said:
I agree that the building does need some airflow. However, you are forgetting the fact that in 100 degree weather fewer people tend to go to the park anyway (nice cool Air Conditioning!). I was there one day when the Heat Index was over 100 and the line for Verbolten was minimal.
gardener14 said:
I agree with the previous poster that wheelchairs and the horizontally impaired can impact wait time, but let me add one more, Worker fatigue ( may have said this previously). If your running around trying to get people through the line as quickly as possible you will run out of steam quickly. Trust me I know having worked concessions in a Multiplex Theater on many a busy Saturday night (And I did that indoors in AC!)
RE: Verbolten
I believe you are referring to the tunnel misting fans. They do provide excellent relief from the heat. Also, they have fans on the edges of the buildings and slightly inside but not really. I guess they just need to put the fans all the way in.
Spelled said:
I believe you are referring to the tunnel misting fans. They do provide excellent relief from the heat. Also, they have fans on the edges of the buildings and slightly inside but not really. I guess they just need to put the fans all the way in.
RE: Verbolten
I wouldn't have thought the queue buildings got hot (okay, I'll rephrase that, any hotter than anywhere in Virginia summertime). They are open and airy, but shade from the sun, and you're never in them for that long anyway. Plus, neither of them fit that many bodies inside. I guess in a break down it's a little different, but surely it's better than standing in the direct sun?
Also, can anyone help me out with photos for my review? I'm looking for some general photos of the Oktoberfest area at the moment. Credit shall be given, I can put a link to a website or a twitter or whatever you want.
Oh and also one of the floating tunnel from where spectators see.
Fanx guyz.
I wouldn't have thought the queue buildings got hot (okay, I'll rephrase that, any hotter than anywhere in Virginia summertime). They are open and airy, but shade from the sun, and you're never in them for that long anyway. Plus, neither of them fit that many bodies inside. I guess in a break down it's a little different, but surely it's better than standing in the direct sun?
Also, can anyone help me out with photos for my review? I'm looking for some general photos of the Oktoberfest area at the moment. Credit shall be given, I can put a link to a website or a twitter or whatever you want.
Oh and also one of the floating tunnel from where spectators see.
Fanx guyz.
RE: Verbolten
Bob Mampe from B&M said in an interview two years ago that you "could" see them do a launch again. He did not confirm that there was one in development. Not saying that they aren't doing it but people are taking what he said and running with it.
Here's a link to the interview: http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2010/08/coaster-stock-2010-recap-pt-2-qa-with-bob-mampe-of-bm.html
B.Mac said:
Bob Mampe from B&M said in an interview two years ago that you "could" see them do a launch again. He did not confirm that there was one in development. Not saying that they aren't doing it but people are taking what he said and running with it.
Here's a link to the interview: http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2010/08/coaster-stock-2010-recap-pt-2-qa-with-bob-mampe-of-bm.html
RE: Verbolten
Verbolten is a fuster-cluck tonight. I waited 10 minutes to get on Griffin and essentially walked on to Alpie. I've been in line for vb for 30 now and I just got in the first house... Really!?!?
...and all five cars are running. WTF?
Verbolten is a fuster-cluck tonight. I waited 10 minutes to get on Griffin and essentially walked on to Alpie. I've been in line for vb for 30 now and I just got in the first house... Really!?!?
...and all five cars are running. WTF?
RE: Verbolten
For those who missed it in the other topic, my full review of Verbolten is now up on my blog. http://hajimesthemeparkblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/verbolten-at-busch-gardens-williamsburg.html
Seems that some things have only shown as the coaster has settled in, such as the downtime and problem with overheating in the queue, which obviously I missed. But I hope you'll all enjoy it.
For those who missed it in the other topic, my full review of Verbolten is now up on my blog. http://hajimesthemeparkblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/verbolten-at-busch-gardens-williamsburg.html
Seems that some things have only shown as the coaster has settled in, such as the downtime and problem with overheating in the queue, which obviously I missed. But I hope you'll all enjoy it.
RE: Verbolten
The downtime issues have really dwindled down now that they got all five trains running on a constant basis. It still has issues, like the valleying, but they're nowhere near as common place as 2 months ago.
The downtime issues have really dwindled down now that they got all five trains running on a constant basis. It still has issues, like the valleying, but they're nowhere near as common place as 2 months ago.
RE: Verbolten
Downtime has greatly reduced, there haven't been too many major breakdowns in a while. So I guess the only problem with this ride is floating footers and overheating in the queue.
BTW, congrats on this thread for reaching 365 pages, one per day to make a whole year!
Downtime has greatly reduced, there haven't been too many major breakdowns in a while. So I guess the only problem with this ride is floating footers and overheating in the queue.
BTW, congrats on this thread for reaching 365 pages, one per day to make a whole year!
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