4/15 BGT "Its Been A While Edition"

Some Notes:

- This was the first time I've been to Busch Gardens Tampa since 2002. I have always loved this park and after my visit on Wednesday, I still do.
- I apologize for the quality of pics in this update, my camera battery died half way thru the visit, so half the pictures were taken on the iPhone.
- I was only at the park for half a day, cause I wanted to drive over to St. Pete to watch the Yanks beat the Rays.
- I was kinda bummed they don't have koalas anymore, and they don't even use the really cool koala building.
- Equally as bummed about the lack of free beer.
- Walking past the land of the dragons they were playing this insanely dumb Banana Phone song.
- Sheikra was a sweet ride. I had high expectations after riding & loving Griffon, and they were met. The holding break before the big drop is an awesome idea. Between the two I don't have a favorite as they are so similar. This was my 307th Roller Coaster.
- Jungala didn't wow me like I thought it would. I thought the tiger habitat was very well done and the rest of it was just okay, I guess I have high expectation from the Busch brand or I'm spoiled from living 10 minutes from Animal Kingdom.
- Kumba is still pretty smooth and still kicking ass.
- Got on Cheetah Chase, an average wild mouse, nothing special. Was Roller Coaster number 308 though.
- They had crane machines in the arcade for 50 cents, which I like. Didn't win though.
- Rhino Rally was one of few attractions with a lengthy line over an hour, so I didn't get to do that.
- Saw the new KaTonga show. I thought the sets and costumes were excellent, but the story and songs to be just mediocre.
- Montu has been in my top ten steel coasters, and after yesterday it still is. I love all the tunnels.
- Gwasi broke down when I was in line, so that was a no go as well.

Some Pics:


This was cool, one of the first thing you saw after going thru the gate was these flamingos just hanging out on the midway.


Tiger exhibit = very cool.


This ones for you Rapids Nerd.


Best name ever!!


Even though the run in Williamsburg ended, Captain Lucky lives on in Tampa.


DING! Coaster #308.


I wasn't expecting to find this in one of the gift shops.


I didn't get on this today, but I prefer Kilamanjaro myself.


Hey Micheal, does this count?


Anacondas!! Someone warn Ice Cube & J-Lo.


A cool museum type area all about the history of the park with some cool artifacts and pictures.


I miss Akbar. I hate when a park just shutters an attraction with no replacement.


I didn't get on Gwasi Wednesday.

Ride Count

Sheikra
Kumba
Cheetah Chase
Montu
KaTonga


So I haven't gotten an update up in a few days, here some more random pictures from my adventures this week.


I went to the Yanks vs. Rays game at Tropicana Field on Wedneday. The game was great with a come from behind Yankee victory. The stadium I enjoyed more then I thought I would, the dome I think is rather ugly, but the corridors and amennities around it are pretty good. Parking around the stadium is kind of a mess.


New 'Celebrate Tonight' DJ's at Pleasure Island, complete crap, bring back the Adventurers Club.


Construction continues. I will be drinking margaritas there soon enough.


Got the 'Full Montagu' sandwich at Earl of Sandwich. Delicous just like anything else there.


I played mini golf at Winter Summerland for the first time ever. Very cool, well themed putt-putt course.