Well, not much is going on right now, so how about we go through some of the rumors floating around? Remember, these are just rumors and there is a high possibility that anything discussed here will not happen. if anything does, it's just purely coincidence. Rumors spice things up and get people talking, so let's go.

   The name that has been popping up the most in rumors is the Congo. Many believe that this will be the next area to be refurbished. The recent repainting of Kumba could be a sign that this process has already started. The biggest rumor for the Congo is that Python will be removed and replaced by something else. As you can see from the poll on this site, the opinion on removing Python is pretty much split. With expansion highly unlikely on the Serengeti for new rides, the area Python occupies may be one of the only options for something new. There is a decent amount of space around Python (see the aerial photos link on the nav bar), and after where SheiKra was put in, anything is possible. Personally, I would like to see Python go and something more worthwhile put in its place, such as a drop tower or a compact coaster. I'd say there is a pretty decent chance that Python will be removed in the next couple years.

  Another rumor for the Congo has to do with the Vivi Restaurant. It is an older establishment, very similar to the Smokehouse situation, and could use a refurbishment/rebuilding. Going along with this rumor is Claw Island. One rumor is that a viewing area on the level with the tigers is possible; another is that this viewing area will be part of a new Vivi restaurant, built partially underground. If either happened, it would be very cool. I think there is once again a decent possibility that Vivi will be rebuilt, but I'm not so sure about the underground viewing.

  Yet another Congo rumor is that the Congo River Rapids will be receiving some enhancements, but I highly doubt that. Also, a rumor that Stanley Falls will be replaced by another water attraction is highly unlikely at this point. Maybe if the ride really starts to breakdown in the future, but Stanleyville is likely pretty safe from any changes for right now.

  A rumor that has been around awhile, and even mentioned in an official park publication, is that Rhino Rally will receive an upgrade. What this means, I do not know. I imagine it will be something with modified vehicles or improvements to the water portion. Ever since the tipping incident, the vehicles have taken the course slower, taking some of the excitement out of the ride. Some different vehicles that allow increased speeds would be a nice improvement. For the water portion, well, something that works and is a little bit exciting would be nice. I think there is a pretty good chance that Rhino Rally will be modified some time in the next few years.

  Something I would like to see done is to have Akbar turned into two drop towers. The places where the actual simulators sit just seem perfect for a couple of towers. This is pretty much a farfetched fantasy of mine and a few others, and will most likely not ever happen. I would like to see something happen in the Akbar building at least, even if it is nothing major.

  If you are looking for an out and back hyper coaster, don't get your hopes up. When I had a chance to hear Mark Rose speak back in December, he said that possibility has been considered, but since we have never seen anything like the sort, and already have a 200' coaster, I expect that idea has been thrown out the window. The parks seems pretty content with keeping the Serengeti Plain the way it is, and a large coaster would most likely need that territory.

  Well, that's pretty much all I have at this point. If anything else pops up, I'll be sure to let it be known. I don't expect anything in the immediate future, but something new should happen before or in 2009.  If you want to comment on the rumors, just head over to the message boards.