I'm guessing that while they kept BBW tributes via the Wolf Xing license plate and the wolf sequence in the show building, they probably didn't want to overdo it as they were attempting for a brand new experience and likely didn't want to draw too much comparison.
But since it's been a decade, they probably could make some of the changes you're suggesting as a new take on nostalgia for BBW while also simplifying the theming elements and requirements to refurbish the show building scenery. However, that might be seen as chasing bad money with more money.
Here's how I feel it should be done. Let's consider a few things. Next level theme could potentially change the mood of the ride. Right now, it is considered a family thrill. Intense SFX and spooky lightning could in turn make it a full on thrill ride. What if the ride had a mellow
Day Time experience from park opening to mid-evening. At round 5pm or 6pm, the ride transitions to a full on spooky Black Forest lore. Meaning the more intense SFX and lighting is activated. So from the hours of 6:30pm to closing, the ride's computer activates the night theme and Verbolten's station is dimly lit with the
Spirit Lady Voice talking to riders in the queue. Here's how I would do it by stages.
[
Stage 1 Night Theme]
The queue area lights are dim after 7:30pm. A queue line spiel plays warning riders that all Black Forest tours are done for the evening. Any entry into the Black Forest is independent from the tour company and at your own risk. Inside the small lab, a more scarier video would be playing. The video would be testimonies from local residents who speak about a particular route in the Black Forest that everyone avoids. Further inquiry from the journalist, only leads to a tight lip mentality from the people being interviewed. They will speak nothing of the truth from what they have experience on this particular route.
[
Stage 2 Night Theme]
The station is where it begins to come to life. The
German Lady has gone home for the evening. The station P/A system is picking up some sort of weird transmission. It sounds a bit like a distress broadcast, but it's hard to make out. Eventually it becomes clear as the station lights dimmer on and off that some sort of ominous presence is near. Guest are entertained by the
Spirit Lady that speaks about your self guided tour into the Black Forest. She does not make it know that she is a spirit; but more of a long time resident of the area. Each train dispatch is accompanied by
"The main route is closed for the evening. Please use the detour. And drive safely.
[
Stage 3 Night Theme]
The train leave the station and approaches the S-turn. In the trees near the turn, you can hear the
spirit laughter. After the train exits the S-turn and faces the tunnel,
Engine Rev SFX play, as the train hits the LSM. Fully, engulfed inside the dark tunnel; a loud
Thunder Crack SFX strobe's the tunnel for a few seconds. The Dip-Turn to the bottom floor is now features
Car Sparks from damage that the car has sustained from a rough entry into the detour route. The
Standing Werewolf and
Near Miss Falling Tree scare riders through the first helix turns.
[
Stage 4 Night Theme]
The first Break platform features
Radio Distress and
Loud Thunder Crack that fills the event building. The storm intensifies before approaching the Drop platform.
Car Stalling SFX play as the building goes completely dark inside the dense tree setting.
Car Engine Turns Off SFX as train stops on drop platform.
WereWolf Animatronic activates before track drops.
[
Stage 5 Night Theme]
Car Engine Start SFX plays before a
Shrill WereWolf Howl SFX plays and train hits LSM. After the train makes it back to the break station. The
Spirit Lady will tell riders
"I hope you enjoyed your night tour of the Black Forest. But return; and the next encounter will not be so lucky."
