Let the Pilgrimages Begin

When I first tweeted about the possibility of visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg a couple weeks ago, even *I* thought I was talking smack. To say that my life is busy would be the understatement of the century. Eating, sleeping, and breathing are all optional activities for me. And the prospect of a hard-core Type A personality planning an ambitious trip less than 24 hours before it is scheduled to happen? Well, that's just crazy talk.

But drastic times call for drastic measures, and the impending retirement of the Big Bad Wolf definitely falls into that category. My ever-so-brief trip this past weekend was actually the first of two scheduled NPN pilgrimages this week--Mike will be visiting the park on Thursday! Provided that the weather holds out, he will have much more coverage when he returns. For now, I just thought I'd take a few moments to reflect on my own journey.

As I looked upon all the signs celebrating the Wolf's 25th anniversary, it seemed almost incredulous to me that the coaster will be completely gone within a year. Even the video playing within the queue area proudly boasted of how long the Wolf has been "traveling at the speed of fright" at Busch Gardens. The mood was business as usual, but I knew better.

Based on the length of the line (which never seemed to get any shorter), I assumed that I was not alone in my knowledge. But after studying the faces and listening intently for any inkling of conversation related to the Wolf's fate, I came to the conclusion that I was in the minority. Truth be told, I don't even know if some of those folks knew the name of the ride. Apparently the continually full queue was simply a testament to the Wolf's popularity, which does not appear to have waned over its 25-year existence.

Fact: When I was a child, I believed that the Big Bad Wolf lived in my basement. (The character, not the coaster. The latter would have been a pleasant thing!)

I managed to squeeze in two rides on the Big Bad Wolf during my brief visit to the park. While that number is quite a few less than I would have liked, I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to pay my final respects. This coaster truly is a gem, both within the suspended genre and overall. It's a fast and furious ride--well, except for that second lift hill which puts a bit of a damper on the party! But it's worth the sacrifice, because the infamous final drop that skims the Rhine River is incredible. Wow. I totally forgot how much I love the Wolf!

I'm sure I appeared visibly depressed as we bid the Wolf and Busch Gardens adieu. The preservationist in me never enjoys seeing classic rides being torn down, particularly those as historically notable as the Big Bad Wolf. But as the saying goes, all good things must someday come to an end, and I'm not about to vilify Busch Gardens for making the decision they felt would be best for the long-term viability of the park.

Is the retirement of the Big Bad Wolf a tremendous loss to Busch Gardens, the coaster community, and the entire history of the industry? Absolutely. If I didn't feel that way, I wouldn't have made the many sacrifices I had to make to get down to Virginia this month! For the record, this is the first time I have ever made such a pilgrimage to bid farewell to a ride.

But of all the theme park operators on this planet, Busch Entertainment Corporation does not strike me as one to take such decisions lightly. While I obviously can't speak for them, I would be shocked if they didn't agonize over this decision. This company does not tear down rides for the sake of tearing them down, and I don't think any of us could find fault in the stellar maintenance record boasted by all the Busch parks. If they feel that the Big Bad Wolf has reached the end of its service life, I'm inclined to take their word for it. Twenty-five years may seem brief, but it's really a pretty respectable lifespan when you consider the unique forces that this type of coaster must sustain.

In short, I've made my peace with this unfortunate reality. For me, it's a matter of respect. After arriving at the difficult decision to retire the Wolf, Busch Entertainment was kind enough to give its fans advance notice so that diehards such as myself and Mike could plan completely insane last minute trips to get our last rides. It is a courtesy that is not always extended in such situations, and I am eternally grateful for it. In return, I am--however reluctantly--giving Busch the benefit of the doubt and trusting that the end of this era is, indeed, necessary. Besides, until I can personally fork over the millions of dollars it would take to completely refurbish the ride, I reckon it's not my business decision to make.

Nobody has EVER taken this photo before! I'm sure Mike won't, either!

In the wake of the announcement, the speculation has already begun as to what kinds of rides and attractions might occupy the Big Bad Wolf's plot of land in the future. If it were my decision to make, I can think of one thing in particular that would be near the top of my list: A new family coaster.

While we, as enthusiasts, lick our wounds and simultaneously dream of bigger things, perhaps we are forgetting the demographic that will be hardest hit by the loss of the Big Bad Wolf. Busch Gardens is about to be left without an "intermediate" coaster that younger guests can use to bridge up to the big boys. Making the jump from Grover's Alpine Express to the Loch Ness Monster is a lot to ask of someone who isn't quite sure about this whole "roller coaster" thing yet. (Trust me--It takes one to know one!)

In the spirit of maintaining its family friendly atmosphere, Busch management would be wise to consider adding such a junior coaster to the park's line-up. Countless guests have credited the Wolf as their first major coaster ride, so it seems fitting that any plans to replace this beloved classic would incorporate a ride that carries on that tradition. While a new coaster could never take the place of the Big Bad Wolf in our hearts, at least it would honor the Wolf's memory by continuing its legacy of introducing a whole new generation of thrillseekers to the joys of riding.

Here end my musings on one of the most unique and thrilling coasters ever built. The Big Bad Wolf represents an exciting chapter in the history of roller coasters, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience it. As the Wolf enters its final weeks of operation, let us focus not on lamenting the inevitable, but on celebrating this ride's storied 25-year history. It's never easy to say goodbye to a dear old friend, but such partings are a million times harder when you're never even given the chance to say goodbye. I applaud Busch Gardens Williamsburg for giving us that chance, and I encourage you all to take advantage of it.

R.I.P., dear Wolfie. Feel free to haunt my basement anytime!