STORM2K

This morning they finally released what they are building at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. It is called Jungala. This park could be a park on its own. They are bringing back the tigers, including the whit tiger, orangatan, bringing in new bats, birds, and crocs. This is only the beginning. Jungala will have the setting of an African village. Complete with ziplines, one of the largest tree houses ever, an expansion to the skyride, a 35ft waterfall, rope bridges, and a what looks like a tower of doom type ride in or near the tree house. This may (from what I have seen) take over 1/4 of the park. It will be VERY large. Im sure this is only the beginning. Here is the press release.

http://www.buschgardens.com/BGT/bgt_webcast.aspx

I will be there on the first day it is open. I am very excited about this expansion to Busch Gardens.

Sep. 6th, 2007 -- Via Press Release:

In spring 2008, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will open Jungala – its newest and most ambitious park enhancement project to date. Set in the Congo area, the 4-acre attraction will invite guests to discover exotic creatures, explore a village hidden deep in the jungle and connect with the inhabitants of the lush landscape through up-close animal interactions, multi-story family play areas, rides and live entertainment.

Towering trees, cascading waterfalls, flowing waterways and elaborate stone structures shape the landscape to transport guests out of their modern-day lives into a mythical place where the inhabitants – both human and animal – live in complete harmony with nature.

From atop the tallest trees or beneath the jungle floor, guests will be completely immersed in the animals’ world. Multi-tiered habitats allow visitors to connect with two of the world’s most endangered species – Bengal tigers and orangutans. Treetop observation platforms are the perfect vantage point to watch orangutans within their family groups or resting in a specially designed treehouse. Subterranean caves and underwater windows offer a clear view of tigers swimming in their temperature-controlled plunge pool, while natural bridges and bamboo screens bring guests closer to these exotic predators than ever before. Acrobatic gibbons, flying foxes and mysterious tomistomas also make this exotic rainforest home.

In the jungle clearing, the village is anchored by a centerpiece 35-foot rock formation towering above its pathways. Stiltwalkers will parade throughout the village, highlighting the beauty and grace of the colorful jungle flora and fauna with elaborate costumes representing birds, frogs and even the trees themselves.

Two signature rides add to the excitement of Jungala: a zip line experience offers three different flight patterns above the tree tops for young adventurers and another ride launches guests up above a towering waterfall. A 3-story family climbing area allows visitors to ascend through the tree canopy on rope bridges to explore the different layers of jungle life, and a children’s water-play area allows even the youngest explorers to interact with the environment.

Jungala also will offer two new dining options for Busch Gardens guests. The Bengal Bistro, a newly remodeled version of the popular Vivi Restaurant, and the all-new Orang Café will offer seasonal entrées, salads and sandwiches, premium snacks and expanded childrens’ menus for hungry explorers of all ages.

More details will be announced as the new park area nears completion.

For more information on Busch Gardens Africa, call 1-888-800-5447 or visit http://www.buschgardens.com


http://www.thrillnetwork.com/stories_vi ... ngala.html

That looks awesome!! I remember when I was a kid BG only had a handful of rides, and the Python was the only coaster.

I still wish they left the African Queen open. That was a classic.

Here is what the St. Petersburg Times says about it.
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/09/07/Busin ... sch_.shtml

New: You are not shot up through at tree house, but a volcano that is 4 stories high.
The animals may attack at any moment!

That's great. When I went to Busch Gardens a few years ago I had an amazing experience. Especially with the water rides, they are great!!!