Great Adventure Outpost

Industry => Trip Reports and Meeting Plans => Topic started by: darkridedan on March 21, 2008, 06:57:03 PM

Title: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 21, 2008, 06:57:03 PM: (AV)Matt and I were invited on a trip to Busch Gardens in Virgina. I was happy to drive to Matt's place in Pottstown, PA. We drove out to Anville and met up with Kevin and his fianc? Emily. Kevin drove the rest of the trip, taking us past Hershey to see the construction of Farenheight and the former site of Williams Grove. He used the HOV lanes and we got to our hotels before midnight.

Matt had a hard day at work and I think he was tuckered out.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267899194_jJapo-M.jpg)

Well, we slept to 9:30. Kevin and Emily picked us up for lunch at Red Hot and Blue BBQ. Good food!
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267901352_GkzoS-M.jpg)

The menu offered many pulled chicken dishes and I had the pulled chicken salad. Everybody agreed that the biscuits were great.

Kevin drove us over to Busch Gardens to process our season passes.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267907089_jxgm2-M.jpg)
Matt made a new friend along the way. He quacks Old Mac Donald.

We took pictures. Here's Fabio's favorite.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267910373_EaKBC-M.jpg)
An evacuation drill on Griffon
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267961529_iEwT7-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267961798_FzjxM-M.jpg)

Here is Kevin, Emily, Matt, myself and Dennis and Brooke who Matt and I met at lunch.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267967998_ccxHC-M.jpg)

Busch wouldn't open for another day, so we went over to Yankee Candle.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268109788_4NTQ9-M.jpg)

Inside was a candy store, a toy store and a Christmas store with this colorful village display.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268111125_G6D55-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268110458_PpDTY-M.jpg)
If I learned anything that day, it was that I can't give a tall man "bunny ears."

Matt likes gummy bears.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268113304_gDHax-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268113609_RbyLS-M.jpg)

We went over to Kevin & Emily and Dennis & Brooke's hotel for a swim. The pool is heated.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268115734_Uojnb-M.jpg)

A few hours of frolicking later (Matt and I behaved ourselves) was dinner at Golden Coral. I got the black angus steak and the chicken. Two good meals in a row!

We went back to their hotel to play 20 questions: Coaster Edition. Matt picked a few good coasters that stumped us.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268116634_Movme-M.jpg)

Coaster pics coming next...
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: AV Matt on March 21, 2008, 07:04:46 PM: Best PTR evar! Not enough pics of me though. ;)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 21, 2008, 07:46:45 PM: The rooster crowed around 7:30.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267899938_4zNVj-M.jpg)

Take a look at our lovely lobby.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267900785_QWj6C-M.jpg)

There was a nice selection in the continental breakfast but I needed protein.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267900879_EsoDL-M.jpg)

Kevin and Emily picked us up for breakfast at McDonalds.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267902046_HZ2X9-M.jpg)
Three good meals in a row!

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268208045_suXFk-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267935794_h8f3o-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267935996_KEVkS-M.jpg)

Matt checks if he's healthy enough to ride Busch Gardens HEART POUNDING RIDES
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268209254_Wd26S-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268209635_Ua45e-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268209857_qNeHW-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268211672_YjAmx-M.jpg)
(Oh I admit it)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268212307_VRbNU-M.jpg)
They wanted me to get closer but I didn't get it.

Dude, it's like being in England but different.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268212825_xEQCj-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268213328_XCVJt-M.jpg)
It's not Big Ben. Stop calling it that.

Loch Ness Monster is next...
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 21, 2008, 08:43:49 PM: Hello
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268214014_A4bKf-M.jpg)

Look it's a multi-looping Arrow!!
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268218109_p9SN6-M.jpg)

with theming
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268215428_RLyGP-M.jpg)

and it's historic
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268216179_3vhVT-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268216438_8Qbh3-M.jpg)

Kevin and Emily have that '1st coaster of the year' look!
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268216602_BfFY2-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268247380_4367W-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268217043_5ZbGC-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268217240_UJWfN-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268217450_2KNNP-M.jpg)
(We knew the ending.)

Oh baby, coming up...
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268219168_toJz2-M.jpg)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: WadeJ on March 21, 2008, 09:47:27 PM: Cool. Keep it coming. I love on they fly photo trip reports. Its kinda cool seeing things almost as they are happpening. Is bubbs joining you tomorrow?
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 21, 2008, 11:26:29 PM: After our first coaster of the year, we hopped the train to France.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268247890_M9T3n-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268248397_ytXbq-M.jpg)

Here's Griffon.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268248983_dGV3A-M.jpg)

It's a B&M Dive machine using 3-car, 10-across floorless trains.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268248726_JafwG-M.jpg)
The first drop left me breathless.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268249480_WRXUk-M.jpg)

Go for it Matt
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268249905_N3D7J-M.jpg)
See ya Emily
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268250096_t9AW3-M.jpg)
Goodbye Brooke
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268250217_bASXN-M.jpg)

Before
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268250383_xgeUt-M.jpg)
About to
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268700283_RWU94-M.jpg)
During
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268250524_w3uqA-M.jpg)
After
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268700428_zyynb-M.jpg)

Check out RCDB's page on Griffon: http://www.rcdb.com/id3631.htm (http://www.rcdb.com/id3631.htm)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: PcMan on March 21, 2008, 11:29:59 PM: nice
so how did you like Griffon
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 21, 2008, 11:53:16 PM: I really liked it Tom. The first drop took my breath away. The inversions are disorienting and floaty. The coaster felt like what I imagined Flashback at Magic Mountain would have felt like if it had used better harnesses. First coaster with floorless trains that I want to ride again.

Curse of DarKastle coming up tomorrow. Thanks for reading so far...
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 22, 2008, 01:00:37 AM: Quote from: WadeJ on March 21, 2008, 09:47:27 PM
Cool. Keep it coming. I love on they fly photo trip reports. Its kinda cool seeing things almost as they are happpening. Is bubbs joining you tomorrow?

Wade, they're already back. They went last Sunday... not sure when Bubba's going... I thought it was this last Friday?? I'll be down there Tuesday.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: WadeJ on March 22, 2008, 01:19:12 AM: Oops... Then why did it take a week to post lol

I've got to try griffon just to see if shiekra is still better. Nice tr dan.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Dubya91 on March 22, 2008, 01:33:20 AM: It is a great TR so far Dan

I gotta get to bge myself
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: coastersue on March 22, 2008, 08:47:39 AM: Wow, you certainly take a lot of pictures, Dan! :)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: coastermom on March 22, 2008, 10:00:27 AM: Well we were going to go to BGE but now we are off to WDW instead. There really isn't much for a kid that is under 48 inches there and he would be board at least at WDW he can go on almost everythng except RNR and The one in Animal kingdom that spins .
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Millennium Force 44 on March 22, 2008, 10:47:15 AM: Quote from: darkridedan on March 21, 2008, 11:53:16 PM
The first drop took my breath away. The inversions are disorienting and floaty. The coaster felt like what I imagined Flashback at Magic Mountain would have felt like if it had used better harnesses. First coaster with floorless trains that I want to ride again.

sounds like a great ride! looks like your having fun.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: coastersue on March 22, 2008, 12:03:19 PM: I take it you used the single rider line on Griffon? That's definitely the way to go as long as you don't mind being split up. Most times Rich and I used it we wound up on the same train anyway.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: PcMan on March 22, 2008, 12:39:33 PM: yes they should make single rider lanes on more "big attractions"
sometimes when I go with TIna she would have to wait for me to get off Kingda Ka (she still afraid to ride it)

Ski resorts also have single rider lanes so when it gets crowed (normally on a weekend) we split up and still wind up on the same lift together
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: overlord on March 22, 2008, 04:03:22 PM: How come Matt is always sleeping in every trip report that I see?
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 22, 2008, 06:25:05 PM: That's what he does... he sleeps constantly and wakes up to ride coasters. We actually wheel him around in a little Red Radio Flyer wagon :) When it's his turn to board the coaster, he wakes up, rides the coaster, tells us how he enjoyed it and then goes back to sleep. It's quite humorous.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: AV Matt on March 22, 2008, 08:37:39 PM: It's true! But I get up for flyers too. :)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Dubya91 on March 22, 2008, 10:10:44 PM: Its called Caffiene ;)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: AV Matt on March 22, 2008, 11:07:00 PM: Quote from: RobbW on March 22, 2008, 10:10:44 PM
Its called Caffiene ;)

Doesn't work for me. It only keeps me awake when I want to sleep. :(
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 22, 2008, 11:58:08 PM: Don't try to keep him awake at the parks when he sleeps in his wagon. He gets fussy.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 23, 2008, 03:55:52 AM: Nice new avatar and sig. Matt... fits really well with your sleeping disorder. ;)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: AV Matt on March 23, 2008, 03:58:43 AM: Yeah, I'm a bit narcoleptic. I can always count on my trusty Radio Flyer for nice nap in between laps. :)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 23, 2008, 03:59:22 AM: LMAO!!

Anywho... where the rest of this TR Dan!?!? Impatient people are waiting!
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: AV Matt on March 23, 2008, 04:04:48 AM: Dan's sleeping...in his wagon right now. ;)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 23, 2008, 04:07:18 AM: No he rides/sleeps in one of these at the parks...

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/59/210163763_fff72c7987.jpg)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: AV Matt on March 23, 2008, 04:13:17 AM: I may need to upgrade to this:
(http://www.airphoenix.com/airphoenix/include/getimage.aspx?src=/airphoenix/upload/album_87_full.jpg&size=640)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 23, 2008, 04:16:01 AM: If you somehow got that, I would gladly tow you to work everyday :)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 23, 2008, 03:59:09 PM: Thanks for the compliments Wade, Sue, Matt, and Robb. It's coming Rob. :o

Coastermom, I said to Matt that there wern't too many coasters for kids while we were walking around. There are allot of flats for kids and kiddie rides for toddlers. The closest they have to a mine train is Loch Ness Monster, if they like loops. Maybe when the kids get taller?
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: AV Matt on March 23, 2008, 08:15:27 PM: I can't imagine how amazing Big Bad Wolf would feel to young kids with minimal coaster experience. I'm 29 and wish I could ride it all day!
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 23, 2008, 08:19:56 PM: We hit Germany.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268270908_DR3Ry-M.jpg)

Curse of DarKastle is a 4D attraction that uses a transportation system to bring guests from scene to scene in a presentation more common to simulators.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268267941_XsyxG-M.jpg)

Riders board sleighs that rock and spin while being pushed by demons who posess the dark-age era castle.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268268382_PnQbZ-M.jpg)

The ride broke down while we were in line.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268269770_pykkW-M.jpg)
The ride attendant happily posses for me while hearing complaints from angry guests.

Matt entertained us with his Ray Charles impression.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268270111_pk3pU-M.jpg)

I don't want to ruin it with pictures...you gotta ride it.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268271127_WSZbV-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268271902_8KAMs-M.jpg)
Riders below 48'' can ride in one of the many double seats with a rider over the age of 14.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: AV Matt on March 23, 2008, 09:55:10 PM: I speak German real good!

Wir haben nach Deutschland gegehen.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268270908_DR3Ry-M.jpg)

Der Curse von DunkleKastle ist ein 4D attraktion dass ein fahren system zu nehmen Leute aus Scene zu Scene ins ein Presentation wi Simulators.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268267941_XsyxG-M.jpg)

Riders Bord Schlitten, dass Rock-und Spin gleichzeitig gedr?ckt von D?monen, die ?ber die dunkle ?ra Burg-Alter.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268268382_PnQbZ-M.jpg)

Die Fahrt nach unten gebrochen, w?hrend wir an der Reihe.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268269770_pykkW-M.jpg)

Die Fahrt attendant gerne besitzen, w?hrend f?r mich w?tend, Beschwerden von G?sten.
Matt unterhalten uns mit seinem Ray Charles Eindruck.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268270111_pk3pU-M.jpg)

Ich will nicht ruin mit Fotos, also sie mussen ride es.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268271127_WSZbV-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268271902_8KAMs-M.jpg)
^Ich bin sehr toll!

Kleine Leute unten 1.22 Meters kann in eine dopple stuhl mit ein anderen Leuten oben 14 Jahre alt gehen.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: AV Matt on March 23, 2008, 09:55:55 PM: Es tut mir leid f?r meinen schlekte Deutsche Translation. Ich schprecke n?r ein bi?chen Deutsch, aber nicht so gut. Mein Schlekt.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 23, 2008, 09:59:35 PM: On the way down to Williamsburg and during the previous day, we talked and drooled about how awesome Big Bad Wolf would be.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268272659_d8ZJf-M.jpg)

It was down.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268272882_bnkP3-M.jpg)

We waited around and created a long line. We were determined to be teh first guests in the front row on the first day of teh season.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268273346_n8sVZ-M.jpg)

The train sat on the safety brakes beating us at our waiting game
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268273953_RkhRU-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268274242_DF7mW-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268275253_tQmt2-M.jpg)

So we were off to Italy.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268277786_FsZBK-M.jpg)

We ate at the Ristorante Della Piazza. (Meh.)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268439909_9Fznq-M.jpg)

While we ate, we watched Viva Italia.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268276643_7j8gr-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268276317_Rw7Cw-M.jpg)
Was that Rob?

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268276317_Rw7Cw-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268277029_vVZjL-M.jpg)
Matt is humilated about his friend's love for show tunes.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268277224_a2X5Y-M.jpg)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 23, 2008, 10:04:37 PM: My hair isn't going away that bad!
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: AV Matt on March 23, 2008, 10:07:13 PM: (http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268277029_vVZjL-M.jpg)

OMG! Look at the scary dude behind us!

Zoom in on him. He looks like he's going to cut you, RT! lol
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 23, 2008, 10:13:00 PM: (http://members.cox.net/apoell/knife%20man3.jpg)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: AV Matt on March 23, 2008, 10:18:26 PM: LOL!!! We need to get Minazo over here, for real! ;D
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 23, 2008, 10:20:17 PM: Mmmmm my beloved Minazo... how I miss that lovely seal :(
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 23, 2008, 10:24:41 PM: Quote from: AV Matt on March 23, 2008, 09:55:10 PM
Die Fahrt attendant

Did I say that?
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: CycloneMan on March 23, 2008, 10:42:52 PM: I speak Italian.
______________________________________________________

Durante viaggia a Williamsburg, e durante il giorno precedente, abbiamo parlato di come sarebbe sorprendente Big Bad Wolf.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268272659_d8ZJf-M.jpg)

Si ? rotto
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268272882_bnkP3-M.jpg)

Abbiamo aspettato in coda per un po. Eravamo determinati a essere i primi a sedersi nella parte anteriore, per l'anno in corso.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268273346_n8sVZ-M.jpg)

Il treno si sedette in sospeso, rendendo il nostro tempo di attesa pi?.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268273953_RkhRU-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268274242_DF7mW-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268275253_tQmt2-M.jpg)

Andiamo in Italia
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268277786_FsZBK-M.jpg)

Noi mangia alle La Ristorante Della Piazza. (Meh.)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268439909_9Fznq-M.jpg)

Durante il nostro cibo, noi viuata Viva Italia.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268276643_7j8gr-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268276317_Rw7Cw-M.jpg)
Che ? Rob?

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268276317_Rw7Cw-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268277029_vVZjL-M.jpg)
Matt ? humilated a proposito del suo amico per mostrare l'amore di brani.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268277224_a2X5Y-M.jpg)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 23, 2008, 10:45:56 PM: I speak spanish...

... but I'm not doing that. Sorry Dan ::)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: GADVwow on March 23, 2008, 10:48:51 PM: I can do a nice Pig Latin, but I ain't doing that, neither...
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 23, 2008, 10:52:49 PM: Who can't ?? ::)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: GADVwow on March 23, 2008, 10:53:11 PM: Most pigs....
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: PcMan on March 23, 2008, 10:57:06 PM: I speak philly /jersey
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: GADVwow on March 23, 2008, 10:58:58 PM: Ah, pork roll, anyone?

Wow, doing it again....
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 23, 2008, 10:59:57 PM: Quote from: Frissbeking on March 23, 2008, 10:45:56 PM
I speak spanish...

... but I'm not doing that. Sorry Dan ::)

Oh well. Matt's Mexican restaurant Adventure is out! I'll give it a try if someone tells me the Spanish word for direhha.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 23, 2008, 11:02:45 PM: It's spelled "diarrea" in Spanish... just drop the H.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 23, 2008, 11:07:48 PM: Quote from: pcman on March 23, 2008, 10:57:06 PM

I speak philly /jersey

I towk the jug handle aftrr I ast my mutha if it was cleah in her mira. But she was winding about somethn. I have no idear what her problem was. Somethn about funiture.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: AV Matt on March 23, 2008, 11:12:47 PM: Danny, clean yar room!
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 23, 2008, 11:13:17 PM: Even though Robb W calls me the grammar hammer for correcting MOST of the misspelled words and grammar mistakes on this site *cough* not mentioning any names* cough*

I'm leaving this one alone for it's humor value.

1,000. I'm done. Good night everyone. It's been real.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Dubya91 on March 23, 2008, 11:40:20 PM: My name is Robb W... I like boys.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 24, 2008, 07:49:30 AM: (http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268278662_SeZbH-M.jpg)

Apollo's Chariot.

The subject of debate and comparison with Nitro among some coaster enthusiasts.

Apollo's layout differers from Nitro in that its helix comes sooner in its sequence of elements. The diameter of the lower portion of Apollo's helix is much wider than Nitro's; The second half is much tighter. It seems to go through the helix much faster due to a bigger decline in elevation at the start. There isn't much of a grey out sensation like on Nitro.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267908463_qyRmU-M.jpg)

Nitro's hills gradually decline in size allowing for a more consistent ride. Apollo's hills are staggered in height and allow for more suprises. (The 2nd hill is 131', the 3rd hill 144', the fourth is 102', the fifth is 48', the sixth is 87', etc.)

Apollo's Chariot and Nitro are fun rides. They offer allot of floater air and speed on good days; They can be sluggish and contain no air on a bad day. The ride that Apollo offered today was more average. I can't wait to ride it again in warmer weather and without a popcorn in my pouch.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268433540_9Qa66-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268279114_Zy7Db-M.jpg)

We spotted Emily and Kevin riding the rails.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268433918_HmXfy-M.jpg)

We were off to ride Griffon but, it was down for opening day jitters so we headed to Alpengeist.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268435313_i4dnV-M.jpg)

Many people love Alpengeist. I love most inverts.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268434832_MKHdF-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268435088_grymB-M.jpg)
I.B. Lye Ing if I said I was a fan of Alpe.

It's drop and first few elements are too large for me to enjoy. They come one after another without enough run track inbetween. I prefer inverts like Batman and Talon with elements that come at you with surprise and shock. Alpengeist feels over-engineered by commitee. Its elements take too long to go through while forcing my head forward through the restraint. I would rather sit back and enjoy a ride.

The second half of the ride is a little fun for me. The coaster is themed like a skier on steroids. The park has placed snow and slopes for the ride to run its last leg to the brake run.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268256675_7o6HR-M.jpg)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 26, 2008, 11:02:14 AM: Hey. I hear Big Bad Wolf!
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268435816_sGkak-M.jpg)

Big Bad Wolf is the signature ride at Busch Gardens for all of us on the trip. It's an ARROW suspended coaster that swings through a village, terrifying all passers-by. The course uses the hilly terrain of Busch Gardens Europe to it's advantage. It has cars big enough for riders of any size. Its height restriction is 42'', low enough for a rider as young as 4 (when accompanied by another rider over the age of 14.) Big Bad Wolf is celebrating it's 25th year of operation.

Matt and I went for the front line stall. After a few minutes, Matt decided to bypass the seven or eight train wait in the front, for a one train wait in the second row. Off we went, meandering through the woods to the first climb. At the top of the hill, it lets loose with a quick burst of speed. We're swinging close to buildings in the village and swooping through a helix. We climb a second hill to the last drop. It begins at the top of a wooded hill and swoops towards the Rhine River to a swinging finale.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268436519_Y9Qo8-M.jpg)

We enjoyed it! We had a really long conversation about it. It was a breakdown!

Matt was loving this.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268436777_ifCc8-M.jpg)

I kept asking, How long is this going to be?!"
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268437516_XFbYP-M.jpg)

After about 20 minutes, our train returned to the station. We received an exit pass for 4 (sweet) which we could use any day this season (sick.) Matt called Emily and Kevin to come ride! We hung around the gift shop while they made their way from France.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268438894_3FRoK-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268438957_9Fw5S-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268438993_WegmX-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268439062_Wv5zU-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268439100_6QgDG-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268439171_wDG5j-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268439451_c5HcB-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268439508_Gg8YW-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268439547_qoaoT-M.jpg)

Here they are.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268437981_JL6Yn-M.jpg)

The ride is difficult to capture, so here's a doll that says it all.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268438446_Whsfx-M.jpg)
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Bubba Z on March 26, 2008, 12:23:04 PM: ^^^ LOL to the 3rd . Did you leave them there when you left? That's awesome! Maybe you should get a Job at the gift shop, excellent placement of the stuff animals.
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 26, 2008, 12:52:33 PM: ^We left them. I saw the guy taking them down when we passed through to leave!

Our day at Busch Gardens wrapped up after one last ride on DarKastle. I was poopped.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268440175_YTBBm-M.jpg)

It took a minute for Matt to realize that the park was closed.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268440335_VwK5h-M.jpg)

It was a really fun trip. Ok Matt, help me up.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268440511_KveRU-M.jpg)

The weather was perfect for the season. We started our day in England and Scotland, where it was cold and damp. We made our way through France and Germany when the sun peeked through the woods and, when we came to Italy, it was warm.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268440668_2ehty-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/268441045_NWPiJ-M.jpg)

It was a water and flat-ride free day. On my next trip to Williamsburg, I will be doing the whole park...shows and all.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/267937687_92Vs8-M.jpg)

Thank you Matt, Kevin and Emily for the invite!

It was nice meeting you Dennis and Brooke!

Thank you for reading!
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: darkridedan on March 27, 2008, 09:38:30 AM: Here is a link to the album. http://www.darkridedan.smugmug.com/gallery/4541734_2R6yi#267537640
Title: Re: Busch Gardens Europe
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 28, 2008, 02:48:50 PM: Looks like you all had just as good of a time as we did the following week. My pictures are online on my webshtos page, and I will try to write up a TR sometime by mid-week next week.

I think Dan's got me beat picture wise though, I only took a small handful.