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What do you want to know about Busch Gardens Tampa?

Busch Gardens Tampa: I have the opportunity to be interviewing Park President Jim Dean this coming Thursday, May 26, and I want your input. Do you have any questions for Jim Dean?

From Domenik Jost
Posted May 21, 2011 at 1:30 AM
This coming Thursday, May 26, I have the opportunity to interview Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Jim Dean as a part of the Cheetah Hunt Media Day. I want your input on this as I want to ask him your questions.

What would you like to know from the Park President himself?

Is there anything about Busch Gardens current/future, the new ride, or anything else pertaining the park in general that you would like to know?

I'll be taking your best questions with me and ask him during my interview time with him.

I look forward to seeing your questions. Thank you for your input!


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Jeff Elliott
Posted May 23, 2011 at 12:19 PM
I know we justed received a new ride, but what is the time table for the next new major attraction? Will the park be concentrating their next effort on animals or thrill rides? Or will there be smaller improvements for a few years?

From Ashleigh Noad
Posted May 23, 2011 at 1:19 PM
Are there any plans in BGT's future to introduce a dark ride into Tampa, perhaps similar to DarKastle at BGW?

From Domenik Jost
Posted May 23, 2011 at 9:24 PM
Great questions Jeff and Ashleigh! Keep them coming if you or anyone else have any more.

From duncan henny
Posted May 24, 2011 at 3:39 AM
with the water part of rhino rally gone will they be closing that ride eventually?

From Jeff Elliott
Posted May 24, 2011 at 6:33 AM
Are there going to be any efforts to quiet down Kumba (fill the pipes with sand)? It was really loud last time I was on it...

From Javier Suarez
Posted May 24, 2011 at 11:31 AM
The nomadic, nocturnal megafauna you have on display are very sensitive to noise. E.g., Elephant foot pads transmit distressing and painful signals when they're near rollercoasters. What are you doing to reduce animal suffering on your property? Why include 18th century entertainment (live animals) in your modern amusement park?

From Tim Odom
Posted May 24, 2011 at 11:48 AM
If there was one single ride, not currently in a Busch Gardens amusement park, that he could immediately transport to Busch Gardens Tampa, which would it be and why?

From Daniel Etcheberry
Posted May 24, 2011 at 11:44 AM
The school of mechanical engineering at USF had approached Busch Gardens in the past to try a lifting device that would help the disabled to get into the rides.

The question would be what was the conclusion that the park's management reached about the viability of these devices?

From Robert Niles
Posted May 24, 2011 at 12:19 PM
If the NFL lock-out cancels games this fall, will Busch Gardens offer some counter-programming - special events, discounts or promotions - to try to fill that void in the market with the Bucs not playing on Sundays?

From Russell Meyer
Posted May 24, 2011 at 8:00 PM
Why Intamin? The Busch Gardens/Sea World parks had almost exclusively contracted B&M to design and build coasters for their parks over the past 10 years. The result was some of the highest rated, highest capacity, and lowest downtime roller coasters in North America, while Intamin could be characterized as a manufacturer that has had maintenance issues and some high profile rides with relatively low capacities. Does the new ownership group favor Intamin, or did the Swiss manufacturer offer the best experience that met this project's goals? Is the relationship with Intamin a multi-project deal?

From Russell Meyer
Posted May 24, 2011 at 8:08 PM
"Are there going to be any efforts to quiet down Kumba (fill the pipes with sand)? It was really loud last time I was on it..."

Kumba was significantly less loud after the repaint last fall. I've always liked the roaring sound from the coaster, as it added a unique character to what is slowly becoming a classic.

From Tyler Bell
Posted May 25, 2011 at 5:02 AM
I work at SeaWorld, and want to know how to get on their thrill rides design team.

From Tyler Bell
Posted May 25, 2011 at 5:03 AM
Is their any major expansion plans for BGT,and can we see a new dark ride.

From Carrie Hood
Posted May 26, 2011 at 4:25 AM
Tyler: You got to have an engineering to degree to start if you talking real "rides". The higher your education goes the better, keep in mind Busch will help you pay for it for a deal at working for the parks afterwards.
If you want animal work you have to have minimum of a BS in Biology, Zoology or Psychology just to get into the Animal Care or Education programs (or at least be working on said degree).

That's coming from an insider and was current was of 2001. Right now, I can't promise anything but those are the bare basics of a Busch/Inbev company (depending on who owns who at the time).

From Tyler Bell
Posted May 26, 2011 at 5:04 AM
Ok, thanks

From Albino Pygmy
Posted May 26, 2011 at 9:08 PM
I've been wondering if BGT will get a dark ride or two in, and no Akbar doesn't count. Probably a bit too late but since someone already had asked it, maybe you have their response to the dark ride question now?

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