BGA or BGE??

[willo22sly]

I don't know if this has been discussed before but oh well-
They're very similar but, in your opinion, which is better- Busch Gardens Africa (Tampa) or Busch Gardens Europe (Williamsburg). I've only been to BGE so I can't give my opinion, I was mainly asking so that I could get your opinion on whether it is worth travelling to Tampa.
willo22sly
(G-Max POV has been released btw)

[tycooner55]

Well, I have been to both parks and would have to put BGE over BGA. Both parks are amazing and IMO the best parks in the country, but BGE's atmosphere and coasters are a little better than BGA's. But to be honest you can't go wrong with either park.

[ytivarg]

Only been to BGA, hoping to go to BGE next summer. But, BGA was absolutely spectacular. We had an amazing time there.

[Doffy]

I've only been to BGA but it looks like BGE have more major coasters.

[willo22sly]

Well if I do go bga will have to be seriously good to top bge! How does sheikra compare to Griffon??

[ytivarg]

Less one immelman.

[Nethero]

I've only been to BGE, but from my experience, it's got to be the best park I've ever been to. Such amazing coasters, food, very floral, magnificent dark ride with stunning graphics, food that's actually worth the price, and Griffon FTW! I hate the west coast! :pout:

[willo22sly]

I've only been to BGE, but from my experience, it's got to be the best park I've ever been to. Such amazing coasters, food, very floral, magnificent dark ride with stunning graphics, food that's actually worth the price, and Griffon FTW! I hate the west coast! :pout:
Couldn't agree more, such world class coasters like Alpnegeist, Griffon, Apollos Chariot! Great themed lands aswell, Oh and did I mention wolds most beautifull theme park 10 years running? Maybe I'll just go back there, the best park I've ever been to!

[Squid2]

I've been to both parks (Platnium Pass for the past 3 years or so) and I would say that BGE is the better park. (Note that I haven't been to either park this year, so my experience is all based on 2007.)

In my opinion, Griffon is slightly better than Sheikra. Montu is definitely better than Alpengeist, proving that you don't need height or speed to be a great coaster. BGA has more coasters, but BGE has coasters that are used as standards to shoot for in the industry.

Theming I give to BGE... it's just much better overall and more consistent, although Montu's theming is incredible. (Wish the crocs were still in the pit.) In terms of shows, BGE wins again, with a live show in almost every country. I'm not sure who would win on terms of thrill flats... I think BGA has more of them. The animal catagory would have to go to BGA... after all, they have the savannah, while BGE doesn't have anything nearly that big.

BGA's River Rapids and Log Flume are both longer than BGE's. However, BGE has Escape From Pompeii, which makes a much better River Splash ride.

Generally, BGE is the better park. Overall theming is better, rides are better, food is better, and there are a lot more shows. And BGE has Curse of DarKastle, an incredible tracked ride similar to Spiderman.

Squid2

[willo22sly]

I've been to both parks (Platnium Pass for the past 3 years or so) and I would say that BGE is the better park. (Note that I haven't been to either park this year, so my experience is all based on 2007.)

In my opinion, Griffon is slightly better than Sheikra. Montu is definitely better than Alpengeist, proving that you don't need height or speed to be a great coaster. BGA has more coasters, but BGE has coasters that are used as standards to shoot for in the industry.

Theming I give to BGE... it's just much better overall and more consistent, although Montu's theming is incredible. (Wish the crocs were still in the pit.) In terms of shows, BGE wins again, with a live show in almost every country. I'm not sure who would win on terms of thrill flats... I think BGA has more of them. The animal catagory would have to go to BGA... after all, they have the savannah, while BGE doesn't have anything nearly that big.

BGA's River Rapids and Log Flume are both longer than BGE's. However, BGE has Escape From Pompeii, which makes a much better River Splash ride.

Generally, BGE is the better park. Overall theming is better, rides are better, food is better, and there are a lot more shows. And BGE has Curse of DarKastle, an incredible tracked ride similar to Spiderman.

Squid2
Curse of Darkastle is an incredible ride, we can't forgot the oly the loch ness monster or even Big Bad Wolf!

[SnooSnoo]

BGE.

[cpkidOH]

BGE hands down. Better atmosphere, better food, nicer employees.

[Alpengeist]

This is always a tough question for me to answer, as both parks are in my top 3. So I'll keep this short.

Coasters: I give the advantage to BGA with their 3 B&Ms, but BGE wins on the back end with BBW and LNM.
Edge: tie

Water rides: BGA has the better Rapids, but BGE has the best overall water ride with Pompeii.
Edge: tie

Shows: BGE has the quantity, but BGA has the best overall show with Katonga. Which in my opinion, is the best show outside of Disney.
Edge: tie

Theming I think both park's theming is great, so I'm not going to go into detail there. Though I will say that I include the Serengeti safari at BGA as part of its theming.
Slight Edge: BGE

Food: Both parks have some of the best food you will ever experience at any amusement/theme park.
Edge: tie

I see a trend in my post, so I'm going to wrap it up here. As far as dark rides go, this is where BGE wins.
Edge: BGE

Overall, I give the advantage to BGE with it's dark rides and theming, but you really can't go wrong with either park.

[GOLIATHpov]

I've never been to either but both parks look AMAZING!

[willo22sly]

From the feedback I've een given it looks like BGE just about wins, well I'm pleased that I've been there then, although I might still go to BGA because I've never been there before.

[Alpengeist]

^I would definitely try and visit BGA. IMO, they have the best collection of B&Ms in the country. Yes, I like the trio in Tampa a little more than the trio in Williamsburg, and this would be my order. (Note: all six coasters are in my top 20)

1a.Kumba
1b.Montu
3a.Griffon
3b.SheiKra
4.Apollo's Chariot
5.Alpengeist

BTW, I'm actually heading to BGA on Wednesday.:)

[zackness5]

the real question is, why start a thread where ppl. argue? just make the thread say, "is bush gardens tampa a park worth going to?" or somthing like that. the truth is, there both amazing parks, and if your gonna go to tampa, bush gardens is a must ;)

[ytivarg]

^ I think that's where the discussion is headed... and there's nothing wrong with that.

I finally visited BGA this past summer and had an AMAZING time. It was my first real 'theme' park, as CP as my home park-- I'm used to "Here's your giant phallus, ride it" theming.

What I'm reading here is making me very excited to plan our trip to BGE next summer.

[zackness5]

^ I think that's where the discussion is headed... and there's nothing wrong with that.



im just a noob, so i guess im learnin new stuff as i go along...:noob:

i love playin the "noob" card xD

[willo22sly]

the real question is, why start a thread where ppl. argue? just make the thread say, "is bush gardens tampa a park worth going to?" or somthing like that. the truth is, there both amazing parks, and if your gonna go to tampa, bush gardens is a must ;)
I only entitled it that so people could debate, not argue, not everything has to end in harsh words, i just thought it might be a bit more interesting if people weigh up the good/bad points of these two parks against oneanother.
It also make it easier for me to base my decision on my experiences at BGE and then on whether it's worth travelling to Florida.
Oh and you should be excited ytivarg!

[Cedar Point]

What I'm reading here is making me very excited to plan our trip to BGE next summer.
You're gonna love it. It doesn't have an extensive selection of coasters, but they're all extremely high quality. I usually finish up all the major rides up by around 5:00, but everything is worth riding twice. Both times I visited BGE, there were 15-20 minute waits for Griffon.

My advice:
-Ride Big Bad Wolf, no matter how unintimidating it may look. It's the best suspended coaster I've ever ridden.
-Ride Griffon, and wait for the front row. By the way it sounds, you've been on SheiKra, so you probably know this. But don't just wait for the front. Manipulate the line so that you ride on an edge seat. Let people cut in front of you, but don't cut in front of other people. Riding the edge is definitely worth waiting an extra 5 or 10 minutes for.

[ytivarg]

-Ride Griffon, and wait for the front row. By the way it sounds, you've been on SheiKra, so you probably know this. But don't just wait for the front. Manipulate the line so that you ride on an edge seat. Let people cut in front of you, but don't cut in front of other people. Riding the edge is definitely worth waiting an extra 5 or 10 minutes for.

I rode SheiKra quite a few times, and found the back seat far more exciting. NOT hanging over the first drop and getting yanked over it was a lot more heart-pounding than being dangled over it.

[SnooSnoo]

^I do love that yank on both Sheikra and Griffon. The front row though.. delicious.

Of course, to each his own.

[Boston]

BGA is far superior. :o But then again, I'm geographically biased.


Actually I think BGE has a much better atmosphere, but it just seems that BGA's roller coasters are a bit better.

Plus BGE is located in a much better place. Have you ever been on or seen Fowler(the main road outside BGA)? What a horrid place.

[zackness5]

I only entitled it that so people could debate, not argue, not everything has to end in harsh words, i just thought it might be a bit more interesting if people weigh up the good/bad points of these two parks against oneanother.
It also make it easier for me to base my decision on my experiences at BGE and then on whether it's worth travelling to Florida.
Oh and you should be excited ytivarg!

sorry...dude.....either way....enjoy your trip!

[TheSkipper]

No one mentions the Awecome Woodie that BGA has that BGE doesn't, the twin traked wooden twister, Gwazi.

Kumba beats about any coaster in the country for speed and smoothness, to bad her sister in BGE was a wreck that had to go. (Drachenfire) the roughest thing I rode in many years.
Been to both, personally, BBW is a sled, and Loch Ness Monster is aging.
If you have always gone to BGE, then BGA is a long overdue MUST DO.

[catgrrl]

Well, I am biased, since I live less than an hour from BGE an have never been to BGA. So, you know what my answer would be. ;)

[willo22sly]

I agree that it is worth waiting for the front of Griffon. The queue time is amazing for such a world class ride! I've even ridden on the front and on the edge just by luck!

[SnooSnoo]

Have you ever been on or seen Fowler(the main road outside BGA)? What a horrid place.

I really was shocked when I drove into that place. Gun store, liquor store, gun store... Montu.

What an interesting contrast.

No one mentions the Awecome Woodie that BGA has that BGE doesn't, the twin traked wooden twister, Gwazi

Want to know why no one mentions it? Because it is HORRIBLE! :P

[TheSkipper]

Well, opinions are opinions, I rode both sides, didn't find it horrible and both are 2:20 long. Course if you aren't a classic woodie fan, that's fine.

Never knew a parks merit's to be based on a street that runs by it, which was there before BGA was a theme park at all, and just a brewery. Seems fitting for the street to be what it is, and Busch can only control what's ON their property.

[randomperpie]

I'd have to give the advantage to BGE, even though I 've only been to BGA. I think that BGA has better coasters (Montu, Kumba and SheiKra are all great, while Alpengiest, Apollo's Chariot and Griffion are good, but Montu vs. Alpengiest, Montu wins, ShieKra vs. Griffion, It's close, (ShieKra has GOOD theming, thought Griffion has the extra inversion), I'd give it the ShieKra, just because it was made first. Apollo's Chariot would kill Kumba, Kumba's gotton rougher over the years. Gwazi was fun, Scorpian was shockingly fun, and Cheetah Chase was well, ya. Lochness Monster looks fun, aswell as Big Bad Wolf, so it about evens it out. Flat rides, BGE wins hands down. Theming I beleive BGE has a bit better, but I haven't been there, so ya.

[ytivarg]

I only rode one side of Gwazi (I think it was Tiger? The teal train.. whichever that one is) and would rather have been on Mean Streak.

Did not like. At all.

[tycooner55]

I only rode one side of Gwazi (I think it was Tiger? The teal train.. whichever that one is) and would rather have been on Mean Streak.

Did not like. At all.

Well, that's why Gwazi is usually the #2 worst wooden coaster next to Villain.

I forced myself to ride the other side for the credit. Probably my most painful credit with the pounding headache I got.

[SnooSnoo]

Well, opinions are opinions, I rode both sides, didn't find it horrible and both are 2:20 long. Course if you aren't a classic woodie fan, that's fine.

Never knew a parks merit's to be based on a street that runs by it, which was there before BGA was a theme park at all, and just a brewery. Seems fitting for the street to be what it is, and Busch can only control what's ON their property.

Never said I wasn't a fan of classic woodies.. in fact, most I love. I just don't find Gwazi in that category. I mean, I understand roughness.. Voyage was rough as all hell.. but the ride featured almost nothing besides the dueling aspect.. which Lightning Racer tops in all aspects.

Of course.. this is me, we aren't all the same. :D

As for BGA's surroundings.. I wasn't bothered by it, as being from Youngstown, it is quite common, but other then Kennywood, I hadn't seen such a setting for a park.

[ytivarg]

:confused:Well, that's why Gwazi is usually the #2 worst wooden coaster next to Villain.

I forced myself to ride the other side for the credit. Probably my most painful credit with the pounding headache I got.

That's when you use your brain.
What's more important, a silly 'credit' or your spine? Enthusiasts and their 'credits' crack me up. So ridiculous.

[willo22sly]

Well Tampa is a large city whereas Williamsburg, although relatively touristy, is a lot more pleasent a place, also are there any water parks in Tampa like Water country USA in Williamsburg??

[ytivarg]

There's "Adventure Island" waterpark just across the street from BGA... we spent half a day there, and had a really good time. The BG website offers ticket deals packaged with BG tickets.

[willo22sly]

There's "Adventure Island" waterpark just across the street from BGA... we spent half a day there, and had a really good time. The BG website offers ticket deals packaged with BG tickets.
Yeah, you get those in Williamsburg, is the water park any good??

[ytivarg]

I had a pretty good time, considering I'm not big on waterparks. A nice variety of slides, a large wave pool, a great lazy river that doubles as a transportation system around the waterpark.

I could have easily spent the entire day there, but we did pretty much everything we wanted to do at a leisurely pace within a few hours and headed back to the park for more coasters.

[willo22sly]

That's basically what we did in Williamsburg.

[Boston]

Never knew a parks merit's to be based on a street that runs by it, which was there before BGA was a theme park at all, and just a brewery. Seems fitting for the street to be what it is, and Busch can only control what's ON their property.

Well I do think a rural setting benefits a theme park more than an industrial setting. You could take Walt Disney World and Disneyland as a prime example.

[willo22sly]

Well I do think a rural setting benefits a theme park more than an industrial setting. You could take Walt Disney World and Disneyland as a prime example.

Yeah, because it is so peacefull in many parts of BGE, it just wouldnt be the same next to a motorway.

[Harpo]

:confused:

Enthusiasts and their 'credits' crack me up. So ridiculous.

I'm an ACE member, but I agree with you. I've only been to one ACE event, but the most ridiculous thing I heard was "Credit and forget it." I don't see the point in that.

I ride a large number of coasters because I find something interesting about them. If there's a coaster that I try and I find zero redeeming value, I won't ride it again. Fortunately, there's only been one such coaster, and it has been torn down (Flashback at Magic Mountain).

As for Gwazi, I didn't find it overly rough the last time I was on it (it has been a couple of years), but it wasn't exactly smooth, either. I found it to be an OK coaster.

[GOLIATHpov]

:confused:

That's when you use your brain.
What's more important, a silly 'credit' or your spine? Enthusiasts and their 'credits' crack me up. So ridiculous.

THANK YOU! FINALLY SOMEONE GETS IT!

[~LoveTulie]

Well, that's why Gwazi is usually the #2 worst wooden coaster next to Villain.

I forced myself to ride the other side for the credit. Probably my most painful credit with the pounding headache I got.

Villian sucks? What are you talking about? :o

[tycooner55]

:confused:

That's when you use your brain.
What's more important, a silly 'credit' or your spine? Enthusiasts and their 'credits' crack me up. So ridiculous.

The credit.....duh :o

Plus since I probably won't be going to BGA in a long time I at least wanted to say I rode both sides.

[Astros161]

I only rode one side of Gwazi (I think it was Tiger? The teal train.. whichever that one is) and would rather have been on Mean Streak.

Did not like. At all.

Am i the only person that really likes Mean Streak?


I choose BGE. It just has more to offer. Plus, The Big Bad Wolf, and Loch Ness Monster are classics. Combine that with the modern thrill of Apollo's Chariot and Griffon plus that neat 4-D show and you've got a great park.

[~LoveTulie]

Am i the only person that really likes Mean Streak?

No!

I went in the 4th and 5th car last Saturday. It felt a lot faster, and not that bumpy. I actually was a lot of fun!