Huff and Puff and Blow This Coaster Down

A story on ThemeParkInsider breaks the news about the Big Bad Wolf Coaster at Busch Gardens Europe. The official statement from the Busch Entertainment Corporation can be found here.

According to the official statement, the ride has "simply reached the end of its service life". I am translating this to mean that Big Bad Wolf is down on rider attendance and the parts to maintain and keep this coaster going are becoming too expensive. The ride will officially close on September 7 2009 after opening in 1984, giving this ride an impressive 25 year life.

Many of the comments on the story are of saddness, disbelief, or anger towards new company owners, InBev. While most fans are crying foul over this I feel like they are crying wolf on InBev. Sure InBev was behind the decision to remove the free beer from Busch parks but 25 years is old for coasters. Not to mention, this isnt't the first time an attraction was removed because of age/ maintenance cost. Anyone remember the Busch Gardens Tampa Monorail? Or how about Akbar's Adventure Tours formerly known as Questor?

This closing is not an evil scheme of InBev's design. No, I am afraid that this is only progression with the times. Besides, it's not all bad news read this user's comment on the issue

"Here's something to ponder...out with old, in with new??? BGW is known for adding another coaster to this park usually after another of the same type is installed at a sister park. (ie...Montu to Alpengiest, SheiKra to Griffon, and now possible Manta to ????)

I'm not confirming anything, just showing a way of thought that just might be happening??? A new land of Spain (which has been rumored) and a new B&M Flying coaster to go in???

Here is one last thing to think about....

"Bird-eating bat mystery was just solved by Spanish scientists. Many interesting animals live in Spain including wild boar, wolves, eagles and various reptiles. Due to loss of habitat, many species are endangered or declining, like the Iberian Lynx and brown bears. Bats are also prevalent – they are the symbol for the city of Valencia and if you lucky you might just see them flying around at night. In 2007 Spanish scientists proved why feathers are found in the droppings of one rare large European bat. They found the giant noctule bat actually eats birds! Migratory song birds travel at night and the bats snatch them out of the air while they fly."

Hmmm??? like I said...think of the wording used like endangered or declining??? Sounds like Busch conservation talk, or maybe not??? You can decide....."

So which is it? InBev being evil? Or Busch moving with the times? You decide.