I had a cool experience on Big Bad Wolf in 2007, and really have even more respect for it now. It was actually my first coaster at BGW back in 2000, and even back then I remember being amazed by the village themeing and the cool swinging that constantly takes place on the coaster. I rode with a qualified "BGE nut" in 2007, who basically forced me into riding the front seat; a place where I would have never waited an extra 5 or 6 cycles (with slow loading) for normally. However, the front seemed totally worth it, offering great visuals for an outstandingly landscaped roller coaster. This is probably the best landscaped coaster Ive been on, and it really seemed like we were out in the middle of nowhere by the second lift. The rides upkeep seemed top notch: it wasnt rough at all, (and its a 20+ year old Arrow!) the themeing looked very nice, and the trees were not too overgrown and certainly not undergrown. Quite honestly, I felt I got my best ride ever on this BGE classic in 2007. The first hill may be very small, but the ride seemed a little intense throughout the first few turns. Again, the village is such a great touch to this ride. First time riders that are not expecting it should be amazed by the attention to detail of the many themed buildings seemingly in the middle of a forest! The swinging is good too, and with the added intensity (most likely from sitting in the front seat), the layout seemed just as effective as a modern inverted coaster with inversions. However, the rides big pit fall was that it is split in two, as so many of Buschs rides are. If I remember right, the train completely stopped before the second lift. Granted, we still had a great view and a much taller second hill to look forward to, but I simply do not like stopping in the middle of a good coaster! The second drop seemed very fast from the front seat, and I finally got my dose of the "Rhine River Effect" sitting up there in the front. Unfortunately, a trim brake dragged the train down this drop, or it would have been one of my favorite drops ever. The next few turns were better than the first, but there are fewer turns in the second half. I also like the double swing at the end, where the train swayed one way, centered out, then swayed the same way again, when it seemed like it should have gone the other way. Kind of a little trick up the wolfs sleeve.  Basically, this ride IS MY classic steel coaster. This is what an old steel coaster should be. I may ride it more, and even rank it higher in the future. I was thinking "7 pushing 8" after I got off, and now that I realize my only complaints were the trim brake on the second drop and the two-half thing, its looking more and more like an 8. No matter what, it is very, very fun, and I definitely recommend the front seat, even though I cannot speak for the others.
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