 BGW on 10-21--WAY TOO CROWDED!!!
I finally went to BGW for the first time last Sunday. I knew something was going on when I saw a massive line of cars before the entrance. I failed in my trip planning to recognize that it was a free day for all firefighters, police officers, EMS workers, and military personnel. After waiting at least 30 minutes to pay $7 to park, I was treated to massive lines at the ticket booths as well. After that, it was another horrendous wait to get through the metal detectors. Wow, aren't theme parks fun!!
That aside, this park is the prettiest and cleanest of any I have ever seen. The nice fall colors made it seem even better.
Anyway, on to the coasters:
1) Apollo's Chariot-- Very smooth out-n-back B&M hyper. The first drop is incredible as you are lifted out of your seat in the back, anyway. Good G's on the helixes at the back of the coaster, too. However, I noticed at least three trims along the way. Why can't they just take those darn things off? The latter half of the ride isn't quite as good though. The ride loses too much steam after the block brake, and it feels like the train is barely going to make it up the last hill into the final brake run. Great ride, but not as good as Nitro, the only other B&M hyper I have ridden.
Score-9.0--One point reduction for too many trim brakes
2)Big Bad Wolf--Arrow suspended coaster. Not being a big Arrow or suspended coaster fan, I may have to re-think that after riding BBW. Having ridden only the Iron Dragon as my lone experience on a suspended, I wasn't all that excited about riding BBW. This ride is great as you fly through a European village coming within a few feet of hitting the buildings. I got some good views of Drachen Fire too along the way. Next, you are treated to a second lift hill that drops you towards the Rhine River and you make a sharp turn that flings all of the cars upwards. This ride really felt out of control. I enjoyed it much better than I expected.
Score-7.0--Much better than the tame Iron Dragon
3)Alpengeist--World's tallest, longest, fastest inverted B&M coaster. Awsome ride!!! This is my favorite in the park, and my favorite inverted coaster. Having ridden Raptor and Montu, Alpie beat the both of em. The first drop is incredible as you drop towards the trees and feel as though your feet are going to prune the branches. You go into an immelman before the vertical loop(something different than most B&M inverts). The cobra roll is great as you can get some massive G's on the back of the train during this maneuver. Only disappointing factor of the ride was the location of the zero car. This blocks your view during much of the ride in the front.
Score-9.5--Half point off for the location of the zero car
4)Loch Ness Monster--Arrow looper that has the first interlocking loops. I was surprised at how smooth this Arrow was for its age. I have ridden newer Arrows that were much rougher. The first drop is a breath taker as you cross the Rhine River. Then before the first loop, you are treated to massive braking, making the loop feel fairly smooth, but tame. Then, you go around in a tunnel helix for what seems like forever before you get to the second chain lift. The second drop plummets you into the next loop and the ride ends shortly after that.
Score-6.0--Nessie delivered a fairly good ride for her age
I would have liked to have stayed longer, but the incredible lines for food and drinks chased me out of the park. Lines for drinks were 45 minutes and for food was 2 hours. I wished I had brought food in the car, but I had heard about how great their food was. As I left the park, there were still hordes of people waiting to get in.
I had a great time, but I would not recommend anyone to visit BGW until the special offer is no longer in effect.
Also, I know this has been discussed before, but Drachen Fire looks awesome. I sure hope BGW gets this ride back in service as they need more rides to help thin the crowds. If they don't, they need to find a buyer that will put DF back to life. I will chase that ride down until I can get a ride on that beast. It seems like such a waste of metal and a waste of fun.  | 
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