What does Busch Gardens really need?

Yes, we know that Busch Gardens is building its 9th roller coaster, and that's great.

But, is that the kind of new attraction that Busch Gardens REALLY needs?

I mean it has already some of U.S.' greatest coasters, but it doesn't have... neither one dark ride.

Here's an article from the Orlando Examiner:

Will a new coaster at Busch Gardens leave families wanting more to do together?

Reports have been coming in left and right about a new ride coming to Busch Gardens Tampa for the 2011 season. Many have been speculating that it is going to be a new coaster, something unlike anything else in Florida. Many were also holding out for something a little more family friendly and perhaps more innovative than a coaster, perhaps a dark ride.

According to theme park rumor site, Screamscape, plans have been uncovered that stretches this new attraction from one side of the park to the next. This dashes the hopes of many who call Busch Gardens Tampa the "Coaster Capital of Florida".

This begs the question, does Busch Gardens Tampa need another coaster? With eight coasters to count (including the all new Air Grover) many would say that would be enough. After all, this is Florida, perhaps one of the biggest family vacation spots in the world. On top of coasters being the bane of many family trips to amusement parks, Florida is also known for it's unpredictable weather. Other parks such as Disney, Universal, and even Sea World has a lot of indoor and covered attractions to allow people to cool off, or even get in out of the rain. Busch Gardens only has 3 shows, and no rides that are indoors.

Over at theme park news site, Behind The Thrills, readers were asked to vote on either having a new coaster, or new dark ride. Nearly 70% voted for a dark ride. Tampa's sister park in Virginia had huge success with a 4D simulator ride "Curse of Darkastle" which opened in 2005. The ride was very similar to Islands of Adventures "Amazing Adventures of Spiderman" attraction and still draws huge crowds. The story of a German prince who is cursed to his castle after a murderous rampage fits in perfectly well around the Germany area, and lends to the whole ambiance of the park, as well as gives people something to do when weather shuts down the coasters. Busch Gardens Tampa has no such attraction.

So will a new coaster be bad for business? Universal Orlando has opted to go with a refurb of two of their rides and a new dark ride. Family sells. Neighboring Walt Disney World seems to have built an empire on the concept, while Universal is seen as the place you go when you're too old for Pixie Dust. So where does that leave Busch Gardens?

With shows, animal attractions and coasters already in place, it seems that it leaves it one place. In need for a dark ride. With the brilliant minds behind Busch Entertainment and the rich African culture, it should be fairly simple to come up with a thrilling and innovative dark ride that would be able to satisfy all ends of the spectrum. However, with "Project 2011" looking more and more like a coaster, it seems that its a lesson the park still has to learn.

What do you think? Would you like to see a new dark ride in 2011 instead of another coaster?

Good question.

Do you want my opinion? I would choose a dark ride ANY DAY.