From Jack Williams on September 6, 2007 at 8:10 PM
That's awesome! I know someone in Florida who'll probably be psyched to see this! Can't wait to see what the new area will be in full form!

From David Kirby on September 7, 2007 at 3:42 AM
Wow! These plans sound really awesome!

From Brian Emery on September 7, 2007 at 6:11 AM
Spring 2008 looks great for a visit…
Aquatica and Bush Gardens…. Bravo- to both of them…..

From Iris Hernandez on September 7, 2007 at 7:19 AM
I'll be the first in line on that day in BGA!!!Even if I have to get there at 7 am and sit in front of the gates. Totally psyched about this new area. That zip line ride sounds really cool. But the tower ride is probably just another Dr. Doom's fearfall ride...Which is cool, anything new to Busch Gardens is awesome and needed.

From Robert OGrosky on September 7, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Something to look forward to when I visit next year!!

From Joseph Boone on September 7, 2007 at 12:46 PM
I look forward to seeing the new area on my next trip. My wife and I both loved the old tiger exhibit and have been nervous that the changes might hamper viewing of the tigers. It sounds like that won't be the case and I'm very relieved to hear it. I do have some concerns about this "tug of war" and whether it could possibly open the cats up to injury but hopefully that won't be the case.

One note in response to the author of this story. It would hardly be responsible to build a noisy roller coaster on top of all these animals. There are many places in Busch Gardens to build coasters, and they do so with some regularity. The last thing they should do is stress out and scare these poor animals just so you can have one more roller coaster. For that matter, it would also destroy the effect of all the theming and atmoshphere that they've just spent many millions of dollars to create. Don't worry, they'll build another coaster but hopefully they'll do so in a more sensible location.

From Ashley Stuchlik on September 7, 2007 at 1:22 PM
Thanks for your response Joseph. I completely agree that a new roller coaster in this section of the park could endanger the animals and expose them to added stress, not to mention just scare them. I personally did not anticipate a new roller coaster in this area of the park, but was responding to many rumors that I have heard that a hyper coaster was planned for this section. While I would certainly like to see a new roller coaster, I agree that another section of the park would be better suited for a new thrill ride.

From Erik Yates on September 7, 2007 at 2:09 PM
I love coasters, and am somewhat disappointed that they didnt announce the new hyper....however, I dont think that would fit in this area, and really, though it would be loved, does BGA need a new coaster?
I think on top of the great sounding tower, and zip attractions, a dark ride...something on par with either potc or darkastle would be a far better match than a coaster.
That aside, the video for this thing looks amazing, and they kept mentioning in the press conference "parents want....our guests feel....the guests say this, the guests say that". It sounds like they are actually going to go for more than just a coaster park, and try to make this park more along the lines of its sister in VA, which is definately a good thing.

From Joseph Boone on September 7, 2007 at 7:16 PM
Ashley, thanks for clarifying the point about coasters, I didn't even realize there were such rumors. I just imagined how miserable the tigers and monkeys would be as a train went roaring past their ultra-sensitive ears for the thousandth time that day!

I'm a big fan of Busch Gardens Africa and am glad to see them continuing to develop the park. I also agree with Erik that I'd love to see more attractions like Dark Kastle or something similar to further round out your options for fun.

From Larry Zimmerman on September 8, 2007 at 9:38 AM
BGA is still suffering from the "Am I a zoo or an amusement park?" schism. We could use a hyper similar to Apollo's Chariot, but not having one won't diminish my enthusiasm for the park. I look forward to seeing the new zone, and trying the menu in the Bengal!

From Chris Cook on September 11, 2007 at 11:01 AM
I've been a passholder to this park for about 15 years now. It's been interested to watch the changes and evolution.

I am also interested to see the Tiger Tug-o-War. I'm envisioning major rope burn and/or limbs ripped off by the rope. Hmmmm... Perhaps it should be a Howl-o-Scream event.

In all seriousness, I've played with tigers when I used to volunteer at Big Cat Rescue (forerly Wildlife on Easy Street). Tigers are incredibly strong. I'd love to try a tug of war with one.

- Chris