Around this time last year you may remember BGWFans reporting on the lift replacement happening on Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Arrow log flume, Le Scoot. Well, it turns out that was only step one of a multiyear Le Scoot refurbishment. What’s happening this year? It sounds as though the park is refurbishing and/or replacing much, if not all, of the ride’s fiberglass flume pieces. Needless to say, this is a rather massive undertaking and is far from what would be considered “typical maintenance”. What’s involved you ask?
Basically, they’re completely removing each of the ride’s flume pieces one by one and trucking them offsite. What happens past that point, I’m not exactly sure but regardless of whether they’re being refurbished or replaced, it’s clear that this project represents a fairly large investment by the park and, much like I said last year when we leaked the lift replacement project last year, it’s an investment I applaud the park for making. Le Scoot is one of only a very small handful of attractions that have been operating since the park opened in 1975 and, as these original attractions (and the park as a whole) reach their 40th birthdays come 2015, I hope to see them celebrated in some form or fashion.
It may be wishful thinking, but my fingers are crossed in hope that there’s a part three to this project for next year that will involve bringing back some of the ride’s original effects- most notably the triggered spotlight on the sawblade and the saw noises. I’d love to see the exterior of the sawmill building receive from serious TLC as well- it has been looking very rough lately.
Anyway, all that said, I know why you’re all here: You want to see pictures. Well, fortunately, one of our best known forum members, ChickenKing, was kind enough to brave the crowds at the park on Friday to get us some pictures showing the spaces left by the flume pieces that have been removed thus far. Enjoy the pictures and be sure to thank ChickenKing for his continued support of the site and community!
Nic, another of our forum members, went to the park on Saturday and was kind enough to pass along these two pictures. Thanks Nic!