I’m a huge roller coaster fan and even have a sister blog dedicated to 3D printing (this entry appears on both sites). One of the more recent advances in roller coaster technology has been the use of magnetic launches as opposed to the old school lift hill (think click, click, click up the hill). To be fair launch does go back 50+ years with examples like the Tidal Wave coaster I used to ride at Six Flags Great America as a kid. This defunct ride actually used a falling weight and pulley system to launch the train with a deafening “clank” as the weight hit bottom! One of my personal current favorite launch coasters in Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens Tampa where the launches are used to mimic the acceleration and movements of a cheetah.
Continue readingScorpion’s Circular Loop
Scorpion at Busch Gardens has a rare element, a circular loop. It’s one of the few remaining. There was a great article in Vox about loops and the move away from circular to lessen g-forces. As a rider I can’t say I’ve found the loop overly intense, but there is only one and it isn’t that fast. Here’s how the park describes it:
Continue readingIs the Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens?
This tweet I think captured a lot of people’s feelings when they heard the Phoenix was testing. Could the Phoenix, closed since April 2018, be reopening? There has yet to be any official announcement from the park, but walls have come down and the ride has been seen in action several times including with human analog sandbags. However, there were also rumors that the ride had been offered for sale, so although this could be a prelude to a reopening, it also be a test for a potential buyer. The great folks at Theme Park Express posted these great pics of the ride testing (used with permission).
Continue readingVote for Busch Gardens in the USA Today 10Best Awards
Time to get Busch Gardens the annual national recognition is so greatly deserves. Here’s your chance to vote for the park as a whole as well as your favorite rides and attractions. Just follow the simple link below:
https://buschgardens.com/tampa/vote/
Continue readingIron Gwazi Opening Day!
In a day many thought would never come, Iron Gwazi is officially opening to the public today! The key word here is “officially” as the soft opening for members has been ongoing for about a month. The park seems pumped and even the city of Tampa is getting into the act.
Continue readingRepainting Coasters at Busch Gardens and the Great Work of Baynum Painting
Years in the hot Florida sun are not kind to paint and especially when it carries high speed objects with all the vibrations and movement involved. From time to time a coaster needs a fresh coat of paint to keep corrosion at bay and the ride looking sharp.
Continue readingGet Free Admission all Year for your Preschool Kid at Busch Gardens
Now is the season to get what is essentially a free Fun Card for your 5 and under, just go here. Even if they turn 6 this year you can still get it and it’s as simple as an online registration. As an added bonus it’s good for Islands of Adventure waterpark too!
Continue readingChristmas at Busch Gardens
Iron Gwazi is dressed for the holidays. Three kings sang their hearts out. Tunnel of lights. trees decorated and Sesame Street a glow. Wishing you and your family a safe and Merry Christmas!
New Fireworks Display “Spark” Starts This Weekend at Busch Gardens!
This weekend there’s a new fireworks spectacular on weekend evenings at Busch Gardens as part of Summer Nights. The park website describes it as:
Continue readingCirque Electric Starts May 28th at Busch Gardens!
A new show is coming to Busch Gardens this year called Cirque Electric. It will take place in the Stanleyville Theater and starts May 28th. It’s great to see live entertainment returning at the park and the fact that it doesn’t appear to be replacing any other shows and is just a new addition is even better. Although details are still a bit light, it’s now on the park’s website and described as:
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