Busch Gardens has a huge agenda on its hands, with several projects already underway and even more projects to come. The big project on everyone’s mind is InvadR, so I’ve taken a close look at the coaster’s rapid construction progress. After a bit of sad news involving one of the park’s Animal Ambassadors, we’ll spill the beans on what we know about Howl-O-Scream’s progress and even its lineup. Let’s dive in!

InvadR Construction

The InvadR construction site is busy with activity in preparation for the park’s first wooden roller coaster. Construction is occurring in two areas of focus on the site; the first is the entry plaza where crews are pouring retaining walls and foundations. The second area contains the first foundations for the coaster layout, which have appeared near the future location of InvadR’s underground tunnel after the first drop.

Outside the construction on site, Busch Gardens has begun their in-park advertising by covering the construction fence along the guest pathway with posters relating to the “Decide the Ride” campaign and other thematic signs. They’ve also constructed a short fence on right-hand side of the railway, and have wrapped it in a themed facade.

Take a look at all of InvadR’s progress in the photos below!

Want to zoom in or see more? Click “View Full Size” in the bottom right hand corner of the preview image to view the full image.

Farewell, Aquila

I am very sad to report that Aquila, the park’s famous golden eagle who lived in a shady corner of New France, has passed away. According to reports, Aquila was diagnosed with cancer, and the park gave her surgery to try and remove the cancer and save her life. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful and the decision was made to euthanize her so she would not be in pain. I’m sure the park’s team is even more distraught by her loss than we are, so I offer our heartfelt condolences to the park’s Zoological team.

Aquila’s habitat will no longer be used and has been deconstructed, leaving behind just a nicely landscaped area. You can view pictures of the changes below.

Want to zoom in or see more? Click “View Full Size” in the bottom right hand corner of the preview image to view the full image.

Howl-O-Scream

We previously reported that Howl-O-Scream’s pirate-themed maze, Cut Throat Cove, has been demolished, but we have since learned from the park that its nautical path scare counterpart, the Ports of Skull terror-tory, will also walk the plank.

The big news, though, is the event’s show lineup. According to the park’s casting call, it looks like all the same main shows — Fiends, Monster Stomp on Ripper Row, and Night Beats — will return this season. However, Blood Banquet, the interactive song-and-dance dinner show, has vanished from Busch Gardens’ website, but we have no idea whether a replacement is in the pipeline.

I have also been informed that construction on Cut Throat Cove’s replacement will most likely begin shortly in Festa Field. Meanwhile, construction on one of my favorite mazes, Cornered, has already begun near Curse of DarKastle.

As has been the trend this season, there’s been a tremendous amount of activity going on in the park, and there’s even more to come! To stay tuned for more updates, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, or leave us a comment by clicking the box below or by joining the discussion on the ParkFans Forum.