Busch Gardens Williamsburg announces retirment of Big Bad Wolf

DaveStroem said:
True Ken, but not everyone sleeps with someone that could get their hands on that kind of information. :)

Ha! I just saw this.. Cute Dave... lol..

I met Ken's wife...for a geek he done good! She's smart, funny, and cute :)

Aww Shucks.. Thanks Dude...

But focus people.. This is about the Big Bad Wolf.. ;)

Sad day, it will be missed!

RIP to the best suspended and best night time steel coaster ride Ive ever ridden, you will truely be missed.

I lived in DC for one year in 2005-2006 and naturally choose BGE as one of my home parks and bought a pass. BBW constantly had a line, and unlike BGE's major scream machines who had long waits on the weekends and walk ons on most weekdays; BBW always had long lines on the weekends and on weekdays was the longest coaster wait in the park (usually 30 min) midday because the whole family could ride it.

I know the rumors out there are for a new country anchored by a B&M flyer, which is a shame because younger kids cant ride it. BGW is loosing a coaster for the whole family with a hight limit of 42' and replacing it with a B&M likely to have a height limit of 54'.

Now THAT is an impressive rumor..

^Im just stating what Ive read on other BBW posts here, you obviously know more, and obviously will not be stating that here.

Actually, I was honestly impressed as I never heard that rumor in the threads, but I try not to frequent too many intentionally so its certainly possible that its rumored out there.

How about a long-train, long-circuit, 2-across version of PFlyers down along/above the terrain on the river...using BBW's station. Have red canopies as opposed to the PFlyer ones, and name it Red Riding Hood.

Too soon? ;)

Wow.. "Body" hasn't even gotten cold yet.. :)

I know that you are kidding, Gator but that is an ingenious idea for a replacement coaster's theme. Little Red Riding Hood: The Ride. lol

B&M fliers suck. Well, the one that I stood in line for two hours did anyway (Superman SFGAdv). I agree 100% about the parks need for family rides.

They did add a kiddie coaster this year. Even though BG is one of my favorite parks, and the coaster they have are awesome, I think that the park really lacks a good assortment of rides. Next year, if BBW isn't quickly replaced, they will offer only 4 adult coasters. They still feel the need to charge $60 for admission.

BGW is starting to drop down on my list of favorite parks.

Ever since Alpengeist they really have only had 4 coasters for the most part because as they added (Wilde Maus, Apollos, Griffon) they have taken away (Drachen Fire, Wilde Maus, BBW) its not the amount of coasters (because unlike most parks I frankly can ride all of their selection multiple times and not get bored) its now the selection. B&Ms are fantastic rides, but they have a horribly high height limit and if the rumors are true and its a flyer, I would hate to be the thrill seeking 48" kid visiting that park, he is going to have a terrible day.

How about they pony up the money to have another company re-engineer the Big Bad Wolf from scratch and make it better than ever? What an opportunity there is for the return of the suspended coaster.

Ordinarily, I'd be "meh", too. But, BBW was my wife's "first coaster she didn't hate", and we'll be in the Outer Banks (just a short few hours away) next month. We might pony up the $200 to go, even though we are spending a week in Williamsburg next summer.

The $60 you pay to get in is for more than just the coasters. They have some great shows, food, theming, displays and landscaping. The caosters and dark castle are a bonus. Hence the name of the park. Right now you can get an adult ticket for the price of a kids($49). Most six flags parks are almost $50 to get in.

The park is also very clean and ride operations are great as well. One of the best parks I have been to. I think quality wise, it it as or almost as nice as disney parks.

Completely agree, with or without BBW BGE continues to be my favorite park north of Orlando.

I don't get it. BBW is a true classic coaster, and one of the reasons I traveled to Williamsburg from Cleveland twice. I rode it 8 times one night. It's just a wonderful layout and the drop over the Rhine river is one-of-a-kind. Sad, sad day!!!!

I've yet to read a genuine reason as to why this has become a maintenance nightmare? Cedar Point, Kings Island, Magic Mountain and Wonderland don't seem to have a problem, or do they?

^BBW is older and more forceful then all the others you listed.

Im not sure any park publishes the "genuine reason" for their business decisions, nor am I aware of any reason they have to.

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but maybe the reason is that a suspended coaster is less marketable to possible Busch Gardens Enterprises buyers. (that's the parent company that's for sale right?)