With SheiKra set to open in a week, don't you think it's time to start thinking about what is going to happen next at the park? Some of you may think that it's too soon, but speculating is just about as fun as riding (well, not really, but it's still fun. After all, it is human nature to always want more). Here are some ideas that could possibly take place at Busch Gardens in the next few years.

  Over the last two years, Busch Gardens has made a large investment in park improvements. The entrance has been remodeled, Timbuktu was repainted, a new elephant exhibit/housing facility was created, and Stanleyville has been transformed with a new roller coaster and restaurant. Will this improvement trend continue? Maybe, maybe not. It will probably depend on the success of SheiKra.

  In terms of area remodeling, Congo would be a logical choice as it is the only remaining major area to not receive upgrades recently. It wouldn't hurt for Kumba to receive a fresh coat of paint. Also, some of the theming could be changed to make the more unique; parts of it look like Timbuktu 2 because of the same style walls. Overall, the area is in decent shape: it functions properly and has nice vegetation that has grown in over the years. A jungle-ish look is achieved, but with the new theming being done in Stanleyville, the area could look better.

  Even though Stanleyville has received a new theme, some buildings, including the Stanleyville Theater, could use some work. With a large stone tower right behind it with excellent theming, the large, brown, and outdated theater just doesn't fit. Imagine how amazing it would look with a SheiKra theme make-over. Let's just hope the train station, located right next to SheiKra, is remodeled. Right now, it's pretty ugly against the new theme.

  In the ride department, don't expect anything big and new for a few years. SheiKra was a large investment and the park has never introduced major rides within three years of each other. Most people will want another roller coaster, but Busch Gardens could really use more non-coaster (flat) rides. Basically, Sandstorm and Phoenix are the only two major flat rides; the park is definitely lacking. With Akbar only operating a few days per year, its building, which is actually pretty big, would be a perfect location for two drop towers or S&S air launch towers. Not too likely, but still a possibility. A ride like Max Air, just built at Cedar Point, would make a nice addition as well. Since Busch Gardens Williamsburg received the dark ride/simulator The Curse of Darkcastle, could something like this come to Tampa? Well, it could possibly happen, but a very similar ride, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, exists right down the road on I-4, so the ride would not be anything new like it is in Virginia.

  In terms of roller coasters, don't expect one in the next couple years. It is unlikely that the Serengeti Plain would be used for one; the park is more concerned with animal conservation. Gwazi Park, the area used for concerts and other special events, is a wide open space. If it was used to build a coaster, special events, which do draw people to the park, would have to moved elsewhere. The problem is that there isn't really anywhere else to move them. If a new coaster is built, something creative, like taking out part of Stanleyville for SheiKra, is something that could very well happen. Just remember: if a coaster is built, it will probably be a Bolliger and Mabillard.

  Another option is to improve existing rides. What comes to mind first is Rhino Rally. On a recent trip, it was functioning better than normal: the water portion worked, but the bridge just broke loose because of air. No flash flood occurred to sweep the bridge down the river, so that part was pretty boring. Rhino Rally should go down for some maintenance; this would allow many problems to worked out on a ride that has been plagued with problems. Maybe even some new features could be added to make it more interesting, like more water spraying on guests during the water portion. It's very hot in the summer and some splashes of water would feel wonderful. Originally, the vehicles traversed the course faster, however the vehicle tipping over changed that. The course could possibly undergo some improvements to allow the Land Rovers to travel faster. This would add to the excitement; it is more fun going over rough terrain with some speed.

  Now in it's third year, the Stanleyville Theater could use some changes. The current 4D film, R.L. Stein's Haunted Lighthouse, is getting rather old. It would be great to see a new film to bring excitement back to the attraction for repeat visitors and to attract new guests. Busch Gardens Williamsburg used to have an excellent 4D film, Corkscrew Hill. Hopefully something like that can come to Tampa in the future.

  2009 will mark the 50th anniversary of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. If any major expansion is going to happen in the coming years, 2009 is a prime candidate. Between then and now, expect some minor improvements, such as some refurbishment of buildings and areas, and possibly some smaller rides. Who knows, Busch could surprise us and keep on the big building trend, but looking at the past, it's not very likely.