Im lucky enough to be attending BGA on Thursday March 8th. This will be my first time there, so I was just wondering about the usual tips and info. How crowded should I expect the park to be, what attractions (besides the Roller Coasters) are must sees, what order should I do the rides and attractions in to miss the big crowds, etc. etc. Any answers or tips will greatly be appreciated.

I also had a more percise question. My mom suggested we do the Safari tour thing (open air truck through the "serengeti". feed girrafes, etc) But we looked it up and noticed its 34 dollars... for a 30 minute trip. Thats alot, So I was wondering if it is worth it. Now, my family does like animals, but we are definately not animal lovers. You wont find us going to many zoos, but we have heard this is a pretty unique experience, so we'd like to check it out. Now I also know that you can do the Rhino Rally attraction, what exactly is this like, and do you get to actually see any of the animals very well? Im guessing its pretty simliar to kilimanjaro Safari's at AK. Would that be the right assumption?

Once again, thanks in advance for any help.

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As it is a weekday, the lines should be minimal, except for Rhino Rally.

I was there about a week later last year and Python (RIP), Scorpion, Gwazi and Montu were walk ons. Kumba was 10 minutes, and Shiekra was 15. I think Cheetah Chase was just under 10 min.

All other rides were walk ons as well, except for Rhino Rally, which was 45 minutes.

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cheers

-p

http://www.myspace.com/pschroeder

Try to hit Sheikra as soon as possible, who knows what kind of hectic things may be going on due to the conversion, such as shut downs, and long lines due to possibly running at minimal capacity.

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Top 5 list of BGT's biggest screw ups!
#5 Removal of Python, #4 Jungala, #3 Rhino Rally, #2 Misuse of Akbar's Adventure Tours, and coming in at #1 is... drum roll please... SheiKra Floorless!

There's only a couple of rides that I would think you would feel the need to "rush" to in order to avoid waits. Unfortunately, they're on opposite sides of the park- Rhino Rally, as others have said, just because it's low capacity, and SheiKra with the conversion. Personally, I'd go to Rally first, because even if it's running at minimal capacity SheiKra is still going to be able to push through more people and the waits still shouldn't be bad on it.

Plus, if you get Rhino out of the way first then you won't have to worry about it disappointing you later in the day if you end up being one of the "I waited that long for that ride?" people.

The flatbed safari, is it worth it? Depends on what you consider cost effective, but I did it twice and loved it! You get to feed and pet one of the giraffes (have your camera ready, they'll use it for you!), feed some of the gazelles and antelope, and see quite a bit up close and personal during that 30 minutes. For us that was well worth it. It's a pretty neat experience.

Don't know how much you're into shows, but the Irish dancing show is always great, and it should still be there during your visit. We also loved Katonga, but again that's really up to whether or not you really like entertainment shows. The bird show is also very good. Don't worry about the other shows though.

Even with all the shows I mentioned, and the tour, you should have plenty of time to hit all of the rides and coasters you want. Nice thing about when you're visiting is that it's the off season, and kids will be in school. Have a nice, relaxing day.

Oh, and for food, don't forget the Smokehouse. Great food!

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Have you read my number 1 best seller? There will be a test! ~God
Life with God is one thrill ride you'll never want to get off of.
My park & coaster photos: Sir Willow's Smugmug pictures

It wont be real busy...Don't worry about what order you hit the coasters in as the park will be relatively slow.. I also agree with George, the safari is worth the money...

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Life is a journey....enjoy the ride....

I don't know if you are staying at a hotel or not, but do NOT stay at the Days Inn right near the park. It's an old hotel in not the best neigborhood.

I went during the week in 2001 and it was very lite. Most everything was either a walk on or you could sit on the coaster and ride as long as you wanted.

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Intimidator Racing in to Carowinds 3/27/2010!

^ Better yet, just don't stay at ANY hotel that's within 2-3 miles of the park. None of them are ones that I would put my family into, except maybe the extended stay suites. If you're going to be in a local hotel, get one that's a bit out of the immediate area, or near I-75 at the least.

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Have you read my number 1 best seller? There will be a test! ~God
Life with God is one thrill ride you'll never want to get off of.
My park & coaster photos: Sir Willow's Smugmug pictures

Rhino was closed yesterday, so dont know if its in rehab or was just getting some attention as all the water was out of the ride. Sheikra is 3 trains currently and has a minimal 1 or 2 train wait, nothing on the conversion so far. Most rides are a walk on to minimal wait during this time of year especially during a week day. Usually the park can be done in one day easily so no need to rush to any ride. You may find a few lines but the park will not be crowded. Unless you love wooden coasters probably easiest to hit Gwazi first as its right there. Then plan your day as to what shows and activities you want to do. There really is alot to see and do at the park as you will find alot of animal exibits and themed areas. Rides are not as many as some are used to at parks. Busch just doesnt have a large ride collection but has enough to keep you buisy and have a fun day.

Only tips I could tell would be, Sheikra - ride back row either seat on the ends. Kumba fun in front but is a back seat ride, Montu great front seat but another back seat ride outside seat for best ride.

You may want to do a search and look for trip reports from last year at this time or other recent trips people have posted about. That way you can see what otherw have done and enjoyed. If you are going with your family I think you will enjoy the day at the park as its really a great family park with a couple great coasters.

Here is a site that may help you to get a feel for the park. They have tons of photos from each section of the park and has lots of information about the park. http://www.bgtguide.com/

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Johnny Upsidedown's Roller Coaster Website
www.Johnnyupsidedown.com
Stop by and take a look at lots of coaster photos, construction and trip reports.

Rhino Rally is closed untill the 12th for annual so that's one ride you don't have to waste time in line for.

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Top 5 list of BGT's biggest screw ups!
#5 Removal of Python, #4 Jungala, #3 Rhino Rally, #2 Misuse of Akbar's Adventure Tours, and coming in at #1 is... drum roll please... SheiKra Floorless!

Thanks everyone for all the great info, I'll definately take it all into account. And We've decided to do the safari tour, if anyone was curious. cant wait!

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One other thing at the park.
If you are the type to get to the park at opening you may want to know that only the front part of the park is open at official opening, the rest of the park opens 30 minutes later. Its blocked off at Rino Ralley and just past Gwazi..

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Johnny Upsidedown's Roller Coaster Website
www.Johnnyupsidedown.com
Stop by and take a look at lots of coaster photos, construction and trip reports.

^ Yeah thats how they do it at BGE too.

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