How are the rollercoasters at Busch Gardens?

[meryll83]

Not been since I was small and I didn't like big rides then, so I'm looking forward to visiting this year.

Just wondered how the coasters compare to some of the others I've been on, I've done all the Disney, SeaWorld and Universal big rides. I live in the UK so have also done all the biggies at Alton Towers.

So for example, Montu, is that similar to Nemesis at AT or Dueling Dragons at IOA, Sheikra to Oblivion at AT etc?

I love my coasters but always get the jitters before riding them, so I'm just making sure I'm ready to handle them!

 

[wbt06]

personaly it has the best in florida. i have only been to florida parks but so far it has the best rides. the only other reall good rollercoaster in florida is the one at sea world

 

[meryll83]

Are they scarier or just a better ride? Do you think I can handle them if I've done the aforementioned? :lol:

 

[dandaman]

All of the coasters were awesome. Even on Cheetah Chase I got a car to myself. :lol:

Though I've never been to the UK, I don't think Montu could hold a candle to Nemesis. Also, I think ShieKra is a bit taller than Oblivion, but the concrete-and-steel fear factor of the latter would probably be more unnerving. :lol:

Kumba's probably most similar to Kraken, minus the floorless trains.

And Scorpion's just plain fun.

Try all of 'em out, and judge only AFTER the rides. :wave:

 

[meryll83]

See the first couple times I went to Alton Towers, I went on Oblivion no problem, then one time I saw it stuck up at the top for about 5 minutes. Not right on the edge or anything, but they still had to send a member of staff up there, presumably to tell people what was going on. Since then I've chickened out every time.
I'm hoping not to be afraid though and go for it all at Busch.

Incidentally I love the Hulk, but on our last visit, the first day at IOA I chickened out, then went on it on our second day there. But I love it once I'm on it, I don't know why I've developed this sudden fear, I used to just walk on stuff without even thinking about it. I tell myself I'm scared coz it's high I think, but once you're on it, height doesn't really seem to be an issue!

I need to conquer the fear!

What's Rhino Rally like as a ride?

 

[BarryH]

I've been to Alton Towers, so I can compare the coasters.

Sheikra is like Oblivion: Generation 2. Oblivion just has the drop and rolls back into the station. Sheikra has two drops and cool stuff in between. I like Sheikra better than Oblivion.

Nemesis is more intense than Montu. Montu does have a unique move with the batwing. It also dives in and out of chasms. Montu doesn't have the blood red water like Nemesis, though. I would say Montu is a bit more intense than Nemesis Inferno at Thorpe Park.

Kumba is more intense than the Incredible Hulk Coaster at IOA, minus the launch.

Scorpion is pretty fun, but lines can get long on it because it only runs one train.

Cheetah Chase is the worst wild mouse I've ever ridden. It is heavily braked and not fun.

Gwazi is a wooden roller coaster that is rough and painful. It's worse than the Ultimate at Lightwater Valley!

 

[dandaman]

What's Rhino Rally like as a ride?

I found it surprisingly fun. There's a river raft part that was as expected as the Spanish Inquisition.

I've been to Alton Towers, so I can compare the coasters.

Sheikra is like Oblivion: Generation 2. Oblivion just has the drop and rolls back into the station. Sheikra has two drops and cool stuff in between. I like Sheikra better than Oblivion.

Nemesis is more intense than Montu. Montu does have a unique move with the batwing. It also dives in and out of chasms. Montu doesn't have the blood red water like Nemesis, though. I would say Montu is a bit more intense than Nemesis Inferno at Thorpe Park.

Kumba is more intense than the Incredible Hulk Coaster at IOA, minus the launch.

Scorpion is pretty fun, but lines can get long on it because it only runs one train.

Cheetah Chase is the worst wild mouse I've ever ridden. It is heavily braked and not fun.

Gwazi is a wooden roller coaster that is rough and painful. It's worse than the Ultimate at Lightwater Valley!

I rode Scorpion's first train of the day, but when I got off, the line was already like 15 minutes. Needless to say I didn't stick around to see how long it could get. (And this was in late August, with rain forecasted all day!)

The only reason I (somewhat) liked Cheetah Chase was the fact that I got my own car. Felt like a one-car Gwazi, but it was so stupid and I was being so pummeled, I couldn't tell. :lookaroun

To be fair, though, Gwazi was actually better than I expected. Front seat ONLY.

 

[Figment1986]

after memorial day and before june 22 sheikra will be closed to make it similar to its younger sister opening at BGW, floorless dive machine!!

200 feet up, strait down with no floor!!!

its going to be an experience... nothing outside of busch will have it... (for like 5 years)

 

[meryll83]

Sounds like I should be fine then, just need to get over being a wimp! :lol:
Thanks for all the input guys, I'm really looking forward to visiting....

 

[crazydaveh]

Busch Gardens has a quality collection of coasters. Sheikra is one of the best rides of its kind. Going floorless will only make it better. If you ride it on a clear day you can see the beach and downtown St. Petersburg. It's a smooth ride. The first row is the best with the view but you get a lot more airtime in the third row.

Gwazi will make you sore, but that's the fun of a wooden coaster. It's a great wooden coaster. If you're lucky, they'll race them, but they don't do that too often these days to keep numbers flowing.

Montu is smooth but intense. Last row for me.

Kumba is very similar to Kraken with a floor, but still a great ride.

Scorpion is not worth the wait. If there's no line do it, if there's a line, go on to something else.

Cheeta Chase is ok... just don't hit the beer house before before riding. The brakes will make you go to the bathroom when you're not expecting it!