How are the rollercoasters at Busch Gardens?

[meryll83]

Not been since I was small and I didn't like big rides then, so I'm looking forward to visiting this year.

Just wondered how the coasters compare to some of the others I've been on, I've done all the Disney, SeaWorld and Universal big rides. I live in the UK so have also done all the biggies at Alton Towers.

So for example, Montu, is that similar to Nemesis at AT or Dueling Dragons at IOA, Sheikra to Oblivion at AT etc?

I love my coasters but always get the jitters before riding them, so I'm just making sure I'm ready to handle them!

PS. Wasn't sure where to post this thread, I apologise if it's in a bad place!

 

[nobodies36]

I only did one coaster ride at BG and that was Shei Kra. I will tell you how it compares to Oblivion.

The build up: I did Oblivion with no problem. The thought of Shei Kra was wetting myself time. For Oblivion, I talked myself into it and didn't look back. With Shei Kra, I was for leaving if the CM couldn't get the shoulder resrtraint tighter. Even the boarding is terrifying (in comparisson).

The climb: Wow! In Oblivion, the climb is not as severe as SK nd it shows. This is the most scary part of SK (in my opinion) as you lie there at such an angle, all you can think about is how high you must be going as it is so steep and taking (what seems like) forever. Ob never felt this bad!

At the top: Oblivion is worse. There is nothing to look at except the park. When up on SK (don't look down yet) it is breathtaking- the view, the breeze.

Preparing to drop: Same set up. Except in Oblivion, everyone can look down. I was in the middle row of SK and couldn't see right down (which was good).

The drop: I didn't hold on for either and didn't like the water from the mist stuff getting in my eyes at Oblivion. I also couldn't get my breth on Oblivion. SK was smoother and down before you know it. The second drop in SK is not as bad as the first, but the car slows down so you know it is coming.

The Qudos: Shei Kra all the way! I bought the pics and the DVD (I was even smiling and not holding on like in Oblivion). There is more Qudos for riding Shei Kra than Oblivion.

The only better coaster (overall) is the Hulk.

So the final thing is, would I go on Shei Kra again: Hell yeah!

 

[meryll83]

deleted - accidental double post!

 

[meryll83]

See the first couple times I went to AT, I went on Oblivion no problem, then one time I saw it stuck up at the top for about 5 minutes. Not right on the edge or anything, but they still had to send a member of staff up there, presumably to tell people what was going on. Since then I've chickened out every time.
I'm hoping not to be afraid though and go for it all at Busch.

Incidentally I love the Hulk, but on our last visit, the first day at IOA I chickened out, then went on it on our second day there. But I love it once I'm on it, I don't know why I've developed this sudden fear, I used to just walk on stuff without even thinking about it. I tell myself I'm scared coz it's high I think, but once you're on it, height doesn't really seem to be an issue!

I need to conquer the fear!

 

[Amity 3]

I've never been to the UK, so I can't compare.

the first drop on Sheikra is like getting the wind knocked out of you, in a good way. they're supposedly changing the cars out with floorless ones to increase the the thrill. it's very smooth.

Kumba is best when you ride in the back. after you enter the first drop, it never slows to let you catch your breath.

Montu is worth the wait for the front row.

Gwazi a dual track wooden coaster, lots of airtime if you ride in the back and unbuckle your seatbelt.

 

[meryll83]

How high are Montu and Kumba compared to say Hulk, Kraken, Dueling Dragons?
There I go with my height thing again!

 

[Amity 3]

How high are Montu and Kumba compared to say Hulk, Kraken, Dueling Dragons?
There I go with my height thing again!

they all run from around 110-150 ft. Sheikra is the tallest at 200.

 

[meryll83]

that was very specific amity, thank you!

 

[Amity 3]

Kumba:

SheiKra:

 

[spencem]

Montu is bigger than Nemisis, but not as intense. I think it is bigger and faster than DD.

The second, smaller, drop on SK is bigger than OB.

I love Busch Gardens and cannot understand why more people don't go down there, it's only and hour and the drive is simple.

 

[meryll83]

Do you have a good picture of Montu, Amity?