Conference noted::coasters

    I just got back from a trip to Florida and my first visit to Busch Gardens Tampa.
I LOVED MONTU ! And that's a strong sentiment from someone who gets motion sick
as easily as I do.
    We hit the park on a Friday, and were pleased to have fairly light crowds.  The
first thing we did was ride Montu (of course).  There was just a one train wait for
the front seat, so my very first ride was in the front.
    The first thing I noticed was how fast, smooth and quiet the ride was. Soaring
down the first drop was awesome.  I liked the alligator pit too, but I didn't even
notice it until subsequent rides.
    After our first ride we immediately rerode but there was already a line for the
front.  We then rode about 4 seats back.  I did not like this nearly as well.  I felt
much queasier after the second ride.
    
    My kids really loved BGT.  They have a fairly large kids playground area, which
was well shaded.  They also have at least 3 water rides.  I had heard about "splash
down" areas for water rides but had never seen one.  My kids spent a long time standing
on the bridge near the Tidal Wave ride.  They were absolutely drenched.   (we could
have saved the admission price and just blasted them with a hose :^)

    And now for Kumba.  I almost gave this a pass (motion sick) but then my 64 year
old father rode it.  So then I HAD to ride it.  I'm glad I rode it but it didn't really
agree with me.  It was too noisy and rough for me.  Maybe if I had ridden this before
Montu I would have liked Kumba more.  
    I think my Dad was expecting the Crystal Beach Comet :^)  he really hated this ride.
(hey, we tried to talk him out of it)  The photo of him riding Kumba is going to become
a family treasure.
    All in all we had a great day.  BGT would be perfect for our family if they would
just add a wooden coaster.

Elizabeth