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Author BGT v.s. BGW
RCGenius
Posts: 1180
Registered: 12/23/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/24/2005 8:45:04 PM
Which Busch Gardens park do you like better & why? I haven't been to neither one, but hopefully during my July 3rd-9th trip in FL, I'll be able to go to BGT.
WAR2174
Posts: 1067
Registered: 3/6/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/24/2005 10:55:29 PM
Alright this is tough because the parks are VERY different. They are both beautiful parks but BGW is a step above. BGW doesn't have as many rides but it is for a much different group of people. BGT has to complete with the parks in Orlando which isn't easy. So they have more coasters. But it is still a familiy oriented park with its animal park that is set up very nice. BGW is a fairly large park with alot of walking distance. BGW is breathtaking with its European style hamlets. Alot of detail goes into the buildings, stores, and shows. Even the music is pretty authentic. BGW has great food, maybe the best of any park. BGT is no slouch either, but not quite to the same standard. When all is looked at, I believe that BGW is slightly better than BGT. BGT is better for thrillseekers with its better coasters and attractions, while BGW is good for families and people not that interested in wild times. With all factors looked at, BGW has the edge but BGT is still awesome and is worth every penny spent.
coaster05
Posts: 6207
Registered: 2/29/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/25/2005 12:00:04 AM
Simple answer for me.

Tampa has the better rides, but Williamsburg was by far a better park experience IMO
larrygator
Posts: 4654
Registered: 11/7/2002

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/25/2005 12:10:47 AM
In my opinion, until SheiKra opens I wouldn't say BGT has better rides. And even after it does open BGW is getting DarKastle. Most likely BGW will have 2 of the 3 best simulators in the US, along with two very good coasters versus BGW will most likely have 3 very good coasters but not much else. I'll consider all other rides/flats/shows a wash. BGW had better food is the best looking park. BGW wins in my book.

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Mom always said, "Don't play ball in the house".
Message updated 4/25/2005 12:12:12 AM by larrygator
BobFunland
Posts: 7962
Registered: 8/9/2001

Rank: Site Moderator
4/25/2005 12:18:43 AM
I couldn't agree more with Larry. BGW has a great set of coasters, while BGT has Python which kills their average. BGT didn't haev much as far as flats go, though I think Tampa beats Williamsburg in the wildlife category. Oh, yea, BGW has the Trappers Smokehouse

Williamsburg wins to me, provided its trio of beauty, airtime, and brisket (yummy)
Swimace
Posts: 5916
Registered: 8/28/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/25/2005 7:50:57 AM
BGW is much better than BGT. I've been to both, and there isnt really a debate to me. BGW has better rides than BGT and a much better setting. The only exception is Alpengeist, which gets put to shame by Montu. BGT is still a great park though, just not on par with BGW. IMO, BGW is the best overall park experience out there, or at least out of the parks I've been to.

Oh, and trappers Smokehouse is awsome. Hopefully the new smokehouse next to Sheikra will be like that
Godsentone
Posts: 521
Registered: 3/31/2005

Rank: Gold Critic
4/25/2005 8:50:31 AM
I haven't been to either, but I will be going to BGT this year and BGW next year. I would have to say now, since I have not been to either that it would depend on your personal preference in themes. It seems that BGW is rich in historical events and what nots while BGT is geared more towards Africa and animals. I will be able to truly assess the 2 parks after I visit both. To be continued . . .
coaster05
Posts: 6207
Registered: 2/29/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/25/2005 9:30:27 AM
Well considering two of my most respected critics Larry and Bob both think BGW has the better rides I may have to rethink. I hadn't been to tampa in a while but they have so many more coasters and I really only liked 2 of BGW I figured that would give them the edge. Either way BGW is one of my five favorite parks so it gets the nod no matter what.
Godsentone
Posts: 521
Registered: 3/31/2005

Rank: Gold Critic
4/25/2005 9:51:36 AM
Quote:
coaster05 said:
Well considering two of my most respected critics Larry and Bob both think BGW has the better rides I may have to rethink. I hadn't been to tampa in a while but they have so many more coasters and I really only liked 2 of BGW I figured that would give them the edge. Either way BGW is one of my five favorite parks so it gets the nod no matter what.


Well, based on what those who have visited both parks have stated, if you are ranking them solely on the number of coasters, BGT obviously has the edge, but if you are basing it on overall experience, then according to critics, BGW is more superior.

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BobFunland
Posts: 7962
Registered: 8/9/2001

Rank: Site Moderator
4/25/2005 12:25:47 PM
Quote:
coaster05 said:
Well considering two of my most respected critics Larry and Bob both think BGW has the better rides I may have to rethink. I hadn't been to tampa in a while but they have so many more coasters and I really only liked 2 of BGW I figured that would give them the edge. Either way BGW is one of my five favorite parks so it gets the nod no matter what.


Don't change on behalf of me, I think that after the coasters they are both pretty weak, but like Larry said, two great simulators at BGW helps
Godsentone
Posts: 521
Registered: 3/31/2005

Rank: Gold Critic
4/25/2005 12:38:13 PM
Quote:
BobFunland said:
I think that after the coasters, they are both pretty weak, but like Larry said, two great simulators at BGW helps


Wait a minute!! Are you saying that all these parks have to offer is coasters? Please clarify why these parks are considered weak after the coasters? BGT doesn't have any simulators?

Message updated 4/25/2005 12:39:11 PM by Godsentone
coaster05
Posts: 6207
Registered: 2/29/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/25/2005 12:50:47 PM
I did think that BGW flats had way too short of ride cycles. It just seems smaller parks(knoebels and IB) have much better flats then the large chains.
WAR2174
Posts: 1067
Registered: 3/6/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/25/2005 1:35:14 PM
BGW is not suited for big time thrill seekers. It has its 4 coasters,2 simulators(soon), and a smattering of flats and then the 3 water rides. All of the flats have been the same for at least 10 years. They haven't added anything minor since 1987. They have taken away plenty. A ride called Gauntlet that swung around in wierd patterns and split apart but it was taken out for who knows why. BGW doesn't care about that stuff. They even tell you that when you start to work there. They are really proud of the image that they only have major rides and that they are clean and beautiful. They have no desire to be like CP or MM. If you like good food, a clean atmosphere, and some great but not overwhelming thrills than BGW is for you.
Godsentone
Posts: 521
Registered: 3/31/2005

Rank: Gold Critic
4/25/2005 1:53:17 PM
Quote:
WAR2174 said:
BGW is not suited for big time thrill seekers. It has its 4 coasters,2 simulators(soon), and a smattering of flats and then the 3 water rides. All of the flats have been the same for at least 10 years. They haven't added anything minor since 1987. They have taken away plenty. A ride called Gauntlet that swung around in wierd patterns and split apart but it was taken out for who knows why . . .


Don't forget about the Great Arrow Looper, Drachen Fire.

Danny
Posts: 6316
Registered: 5/23/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/25/2005 4:02:16 PM
I've only been to BGW, but it seems like the kind of park that I would prefer. I really like BGW's theme (Europe) more than BGT's (Africa), and the rides seem to be generally better at BGW. The coasters look awesome at BGT though. The four steel coasters at BGW are great and DarKastle is gonna be f'n amazing.
Godsentone
Posts: 521
Registered: 3/31/2005

Rank: Gold Critic
4/25/2005 4:06:34 PM
Quote:
Danny said:
I've only been to BGW, but it seems like the kind of park that I would prefer. I really like BGW's theme (Europe) more than BGT's (Africa), and the rides seem to be generally better at BGW. The coasters look awesome at BGT though. The four steel coasters at BGW are great and DarKastle is gonna be f'n amazing.


LOL @ myself for my earlier post about BGW being themed to historical events, but I guess it is historical Europe, huh? I was correct on BGT being themed to Africa.

Anyway, let me check out Theme Park Insider and see what they had to say about both.
Danny
Posts: 6316
Registered: 5/23/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/25/2005 4:10:57 PM
Yeah, lots of historical stuff happened in Europe. (Pompeii, Nessie, Big Bad Wolf )
Godsentone
Posts: 521
Registered: 3/31/2005

Rank: Gold Critic
4/25/2005 4:34:41 PM
Ok I have seen the ranking on TPI and they have BGW ranked high on the top 20 list, even above Cedar Point. I think it was #6 behind some of the Disney parks, Seaworld Orlando and Universal Orlando.
larrygator
Posts: 4654
Registered: 11/7/2002

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/26/2005 12:43:53 AM
Quote:
coaster05 said:
Well considering two of my most respected critics Larry and Bob both think BGW has the better rides I may have to rethink. I hadn't been to tampa in a while but they have so many more coasters and I really only liked 2 of BGW I figured that would give them the edge. Either way BGW is one of my five favorite parks so it gets the nod no matter what.


I'm with you on the 2 good coasters at BGW, but BGT will only have three after SheiKra and then the other two at BGW are much better than the rest at BGT. I agree that flats are not great (although I loved DaVinci's Cradle and Escape from Pompeii is true art in ride design). However, the train and sky ride at BGW are great means to traverse the park. The atmosphere at BGW is just phenomenal. And this is not a knock on BGT.

Swimace
Posts: 5916
Registered: 8/28/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/26/2005 7:19:24 AM
Quote:
larrygator said:
I'm with you on the 2 good coasters at BGW, but BGT will only have three after SheiKra and then the other two at BGW are much better than the rest at BGT.


Montu is MUCH better than Alpengeist. :nono:

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"Not even the Magi can save you now"
WAR2174
Posts: 1067
Registered: 3/6/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/26/2005 8:06:04 AM
Quote:
Godsentone said:
Don't forget about the Great Arrow Looper, Drachen Fire.


Don't worry I will NEVER forget my baby!

And,by the way, Alpengeist is better than Montu.
larrygator
Posts: 4654
Registered: 11/7/2002

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/26/2005 10:56:40 AM
Quote:
Swimace said:
Montu is MUCH better than Alpengeist. :nono:


I'll agree Montu is slightly better, but not "MUCH" better. Alpengiest theming is better. And nothing currently operating at BGT is close to Apollo's Chariot. NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING
Godsentone
Posts: 521
Registered: 3/31/2005

Rank: Gold Critic
4/26/2005 11:08:47 AM
My Question is: When is Busch going to build another theme park with a new theme?
WAR2174
Posts: 1067
Registered: 3/6/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/26/2005 11:31:31 AM
Probably never, since BGT is loosing attendance and BGW will never be able to compete with major parks. They already sold Sea World Ohio becuase it wasn't doing well. They are satisfied with 2 Busch Gardens, 3 Sea Worlds, and the the other minor parks like Seasame Place and Cypress Gardens. Besides, where could you build it?
Message updated 4/26/2005 11:43:52 AM by WAR2174
Hercules
Posts: 4037
Registered: 10/13/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/26/2005 11:39:46 AM
I don't see them expanding either. They are fine right where they are and they don't need to lose a great deal of money. Williamsburg is great. Tampa looks decent I guess, eventhough I wouldn't really consider going there over a few of the other parks in Florida. Sesame Place seems to do pretty well up here in the Philly area and the rest of the other parks do half way decently. If anything, I think that they might sell one more smaller park rather than go all out and make a huge theme park.
coaster05
Posts: 6207
Registered: 2/29/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/26/2005 12:46:31 PM
They don't own Cypress Gardens.
Godsentone
Posts: 521
Registered: 3/31/2005

Rank: Gold Critic
4/26/2005 1:41:56 PM
Quote:
coaster05 said:
They don't own Cypress Gardens.


Yeah, Wild Adventures in GA does right?

BobFunland
Posts: 7962
Registered: 8/9/2001

Rank: Site Moderator
4/26/2005 2:33:21 PM
Quote:
larrygator said:
I'll agree Montu is slightly better, but not "MUCH" better. Alpengiest theming is better.

Eh, I liked Montu's theme better

Quote:
And nothing currently operating at BGT is close to Apollo's Chariot. NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING

Damn right.

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Total Mind Bender rides: 613 2005 Mind Bender rides: 1 (Finally)
Godsentone
Posts: 521
Registered: 3/31/2005

Rank: Gold Critic
4/26/2005 2:37:02 PM
Lol not even Montu and Kumba conbined?
Message updated 4/26/2005 2:37:40 PM by Godsentone
WAR2174
Posts: 1067
Registered: 3/6/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
4/26/2005 2:46:16 PM
You are right they don't own Cypress Gardens. I am pretty sure they used to. Anyway, I meant to say Discovery Cove and Adventure Island.
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