Does anyone know the status of The Big Bad Wolf roller coaster at Busch Gardens?

Question

Like is it taken down? In pieces? Is it going to another park? Thanks:)

Answer 1

Arrow Dynamics made 10 suspended coasters, with The Big Bad Wolf being the second one built. The most recent one was built 17 years ago (Flight Deck at Kings Island). Only 5 of those coasters are still in operation. One of those coasters, Vampire at Chessington World of Adventures, has actually been retrofitted with Vekoma floorless trains. Another, Vortex at Canada's Wonderland only operates with 5-car trains instead of the original 6. So there are only 3 Arrow suspended coasters still operating in their original configuration.



It can be safely assumed that The Big Bad Wolf has been scraped due to higher operating costs as Arrow Dynamics is bankrupt and was bought out by S&S Power, and with this now defunct line of coasters, replacement parts would most likely need to be manufactured individually, which can be very expensive. The parts from The Big Bad Wolf will likely be used as replacements for the still operating coasters until they too reach their ultimate end.



This is a disappointing end to what was once a fan favorite of many people, both young and old. This coaster appeared several times on ACE's best steel coasters lists, and was a "first coaster ever ridden" by many. Hopefully the eventual replacement in that area of the park will do its predecessor justice and will include some type of tribute to The Big Bad Wolf (such as a dive towards the "Rhine" and extensive theming).



The Big Bad Wolf

6/15/1984 - 9/7/2009

RIP

Answer 2

Apollo's Chariot--I was recently there with a friend and we both agreed it was the best coaster there, especially when riding in the back. Those hills have some incredible airtime on them. We were able to finish the day riding the coaster 3 times in the back. What a blast! Griffon and Alpengeist are a close second to Apollo, but lack the pure fun factor. Big Bad Wolf is fourth---it's quite a fun and intense ride, but the split lifts set it back a bit. Loch Ness Monster is a classic steel coaster, but comparing it to the other is a bit unfair since it is a lot rougher than its more technologically advanced siblings.

Answer 3

It had been taken down at the end of last year. Yes, in pieces. It is definitely NOT going to another park (if they thought the coaster could last longer w/out large expenses then they would have never taken it down). Not sure if they are scrapping the pieces yet, but I heard a rumor somewhere that pieces MAY show up at the National Roller Coaster Museum...but that was just a rumor that I heard once and had not seen any follow-up so I'm not sure if that will ever happen.

Answer 4

Press release from http://www.rcdb.com/111.htm?dt=126&d=321





WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (July 24, 2009) – After 25 years traveling at the speed of fright, The Big Bad Wolf will take its last trip through Busch Gardens' Bavarian village Sept. 7.



"We hate to see The Big Bad Wolf go," said John Reilly, Busch Gardens' general manager. "We realize The Big Bad Wolf is a guest favorite. We're making the announcement now so coaster fans can ride one last time before it closes after Labor Day."



The world's first suspended roller coaster took coaster design to a new level when it opened in 1984. And while it cannot claim to be the fastest or the tallest, more than 29 million guests have ridden what has become one of the park's most beloved thrill attractions. Legions of fans—young and old alike—often cite it as their introduction to the coaster experience.



"The Big Bad Wolf offers a thrilling ride experience coupled with aggressive ride dynamics. While it remains a safe attraction, it has simply reached the end of its service life," said Larry Giles, Busch Gardens' vice president of engineering and design.



Park officials are reviewing several design concepts for a new park attraction to replace The Big Bad Wolf, but no announcement is planned at this time.



Busch Gardens is a Worlds of Discovery®. Other Worlds of Discovery® include Water Country USA in Williamsburg; Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fl.; the SeaWorld parks in San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando, Fl.; Sesame Place near Philadelphia; Discovery Cove in Orlando; Adventure Island in Tampa; and Aquatica, SeaWorld's water park, in Orlando.