Everything else goes here, including discussion of parks outside of Carowinds and any off-topic discussion
By coastermom2
#25121
(Or subject could also be "renewed faith in smooth coasters")

My daughter and I just returned last week from a trip to Busch Gardens Europe. We hadn't been there in way too long. I rode Apollo's Chariot for the first time. "S'cuse me, are there beverages served on this flight". Like flying across the sky with Apollo himself, it was just that smooth(if you leave the lap bar just a little loose, don't let it click down all the way;)
And the Griffon was terrifyingly wonderful, and smooth as silk. OK, Griffon really scared me. I felt all 205 ft of that first drop. But, oh, the smoothness. And sitting on the end I felt like I was on the wing of an airplane. The views from the top of the lift hill were spectacular. We could have stayed on the Loch Ness Monster all day. (I wonder why Nessie has aged so well, yet Carolina Cyclone got rough as it got older. I think both are Arrow coasters.) And Big Bad Wolf was as fun as ever. We didn't care much for Alpengeist as it sent us hunting for our Sea-bands and crystallized ginger in my backpack. We both suffer from motion sickness unfortunately, but we do fine on most coasters.

Seems like when Busch Gardens got a coaster that people critiqued harshly (Drachen Fire), they got rid of the thing and went back to the drawing board to find something people would enjoy more. And they did, with Apollo's Chariot and DarkCastle and last year, Griffon.

I worry about this park too, as In-Bev, the company that bought Anheuser-Busch, doesn't want the parks. I hope that all remains well for Busch Gardens.
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By Jonathan
#25123
Such a wonderful park. Every visit I have ever had there was great, even on days when the weather was horrible or it was really crowded. A perfect example of quality over quantity (although it is a big park). They don't add big attractions as often there as other parks, and it isn't even a problem. The overall experience is so good that they don't have to toss something in (say... a used Vekoma boomerang) each year to keep people coming back.
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By bgwfreak
#25125
Now who would ever put in a used boomer? Surely not Carowinds.

BGE is still my favorite park. I know I'm not as well traveled as some of the posters on this board, but I've been to about 30 parks or so myself, and about 40 if you count all the little Jeepers and such along the way as well.

BGE has great rides, great food, great surroundings. I love nature and the place is gorgeous everytime I go.

I just wish I lived closer to the place. 6 hours is too far for day trips. :cry:

I am also concerned about the whole InBev buyout. I hope they don't sell it or turn it into a corporate park.
Last edited by bgwfreak on July 28th, 2008, 1:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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By GriffonBoy69
#25126
I think there is a common theme here :lol:
I have absolutely loved BGE the two times I have visited the park, It is probably, if not, my favorite park that I have been to. And just like you wes, I'm worried about the future of the park with InBev...
Now I just hope the park keeps its charm and beauty that it holds right now, with whoever may aquire the park.
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By coasterbruh
#25128
I plan on going to BGE(W)(old country) thursday after driving back from nyc for an aunts funeral for the first time. Hopefully it will be as good as you guys are saying...if not, then you guys owe me a refund!
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By NYRfan85
#25130
I went for the first time in June, and I absolutely loved it! It's an excellent example of how a park should be run/maintained. The landscaping is just plain beautiful, the coasters all have great theming and are all very thrilling, and they have lots of shows and dark rides. DarKastle and Corkscrew Hill were both a lot of fun.

We also went to Water Country USA one of the days, and that is BY FAR the best waterpark I have ever been to! They have so many slides there, and the park was empty when we went, so it was even better! The Hubba Hubba Highway is an excellent lazy river, since you only need a life vest, and just float away. :D
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By Davidtmp
#25132
coasterbruh wrote:I plan on going to BGE(W)(old country) thursday after driving back from nyc for an aunts funeral for the first time. Hopefully it will be as good as you guys are saying...if not, then you guys owe me a refund!

You won't be disappointed. And I haven't been there in ages, probably around 1995 or 1996 when I went. I did get a chance to ride Drachen Fire before it was closed. I need to get back sometime and ride the new stuff. Great place, you'll have a great time Bruh.
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By bgwfreak
#25133
coasterbruh wrote:I plan on going to BGE(W)(old country) thursday after driving back from nyc for an aunts funeral for the first time. Hopefully it will be as good as you guys are saying...if not, then you guys owe me a refund!


I'm soooooooooo scared. :shock:

If you don't like that park, something is wrong with you.
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By Jay
#25134
coasterbruh wrote:I plan on going to BGE(W)(old country) thursday after driving back from nyc for an aunts funeral for the first time. Hopefully it will be as good as you guys are saying...if not, then you guys owe me a refund!


Make sure you take your camera and tripod.. there are a million amazing photo opportunities there.
By chargercrazy
#25150
Hopefully In-Bev will give the Busch family the first shot at buying the parks if they decide to sell them off.