I’m told that BGT has placed the frame for a new topiary of a Cheetah out near the old stable area. Given that this area may be very close to rumored station for the 2011 coaster, everyone is wondering if this is a hint as to the theme of the ride. I’ve got to admit, I’ve heard that the coaster could very well have a Cheetah theme too, which was thought to go along with the coaster’s multiple launch zones and overall theme. The popular rumor is that this new coaster was inspired by Maverick at Cedar Point, and will be low to the ground and very fast. You can see a picture of the new topiary at
Florida Thrills.
As for the rest of the rumors… well several sources have confirmed hearing that the water portion of Rhino Rally is on the way out. To make up for it, new animal display areas will be added to Rhino Rally, which will expand further out into the Serengeti instead. As for the old water portion of the ride… we’ve heard from a couple of people that sections of it may be reused for the new 2011 speed coaster project to house one of the themed launch zones. For whatever reason, this themed area may involve some water, putting some of the Rhino Rally equipment to use somehow. As for the Rally… I’ve also heard speculation that new vehicles may be under consideration. The old fleet is certainly showing it’s age, and I’m told that management was always reluctant to replace them due to the damage caused daily by the water portion of the ride. With the water portion on the way out… new Rally trucks could be on the way in.
Taking a nod from some of the newest Busch park creations, they want this coaster to have an extensive queue that will include animal habitats and displays along the way. Realizing that the Edge of Africa area is right next to the proposed new station building, don’t be surprised to see some of this area redesigned and repurpose to serve as the queue for the new coaster. To allow for this and possibly to send traffic around the construction area, we may see a new pathway built to take guests from the pathway near Rhino Rally and the Train Station over to the Edge of Africa.
So the bottom line here is that this whole unknown project that is just starting may very well turn into several projects that we’ll see open up over the next 2-4 years. A new coaster, a greatly expanded and changed Rhino Rally experience as well as an expanded Edge of Africa, and possibly much more. The train for example, could be changed too. Various survey markers near the Skyway station are apparently labeled “C/L Rail”, where C/L stands for Center Line, indicating a possible new layout for how the train will wind through this area of the park.