November Update
  The Congo is currently a mess (the areas behind the construction wall, that is). Python is going down pretty quickly, and it is not a pretty sight. Pieces of track and supports are being melted apart, and jagged edges are left over. About half the ride ride is gone so far. Python's trains are still on site and are still pretty much put together. The trains are likely headed to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Python's station mostly lays in rubble.

  Vivi's is still standing for time being, and it appears that it won't be demolished after all. Claw Island has been drained. The tigers are gone, of course. Some of the concrete siding around the exhibit has been taken out. The nets around the exhibit are still mostly up. Other than that, there has been some pathway and vegetation removal.



October Update
  Here are the permits for the demolition of Python and the site-work for the jungle village.

September Update
  Well, Python still lives at the moment. Since it is on the new Howl-O-Scream site, it seems likely that it will close in November. Screamscape showed an image of the Python-less map that will debut soon. After that, I don't know how the skeptics can doubt this project.

  Something else I have been hearing as a rumor is that this new playground will involve Sesame Street. There is absolutely no indication that there is any connection. From what I have seen, Sesame Street characters would look completely stupid, and kill the theme.

  As for some new information, it appears that parts of the playground will be integrated with animal exhibits. This means some awesome viewing angles. For example, a crack in a rock offers a close up view of the tigers. Or a viewing platform in the trees of the orangutans. Look for various other tunnels and peek holes to get kids closer than before to some amazing animals as well.
August Update
  Well, this thing looks to be happening much sooner than anticipated, and I am very certain about it. Python is set to be removed this fall. Before Howl-O-Scream (chance it could be after HOS), Python, an arrow roller coaster, will be no more. Python's removal will be the beginning of the new Congo remodel project. It will involve the aforementioned Python, plus Vivi Storehouse Restaurant, Python Soft Serve, and the Claw Island tiger exhibit.

  What will be built is a new jungle themed play area for kids aged about 7 to 13. From what I know, it will be a very nice playground that is heavily themed. Think of a giant tree fort, with a lot of "sky ways," water, and some rides. Rides look to include a small drop tower, and some kind of zip line ride. Definitely a quality addition to the park.

   Vivi's is going to be rebuilt, or at least a new restaurant will be opening nearby. Claw Island will also be remodeled, possibly with closer viewing areas. Python Soft Serve will be relocated to the new restaurant building. Oh, and the orangutans might be coming back.

  This will be somewhat similar to the Stanleyville remodel, except there will be no new coaster (at least with this project) and there will be a jungle theme. With construction beginning this fall, I estimate a 2008 opening, and have good reason to believe that. Stanleyville took a year and a half to reopen; this should be about the same, especially if a good theme is involved, which all indications are that it will be.

  Believe what you want, but this is going to happen. All the exact details of the new stuff is not yet known, but construction will begin in the next few months. Busch is not being as secretive with this as with SheiKra. Python's removal has been mentioned on the Serengeti Express, and by Python ride operators. When I am not too confident in something, I call it a rumor. I am pretty darn confident in this, and am not calling it a rumor anymore. The pieces to this project have come together perfectly, as rumors from a few months ago are turning into reality.

  As expected, people are already questioning our credibility. In 2004, we were saying the park was getting a dive machine. Even up until it was announced, people still doubted that it was a dive machine. We stood our ground, and guess what, it was a dive machine. We mentioned BGW was getting a dive machine in March, and the latest video proves they are. If I were making it up, I would have made it something more exciting for enthusiasts than a playground.
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June Update

 The next expansion project is clearly underway at Busch Gardens, we just don't know when it will debut (hence the reason for 200?). Rumors and information have been swirling, and filling up my mailbox. The likely year is 2009, the 50th anniversary of the park.

 Location
  The location for the expansion is likely the Congo area of the park, more specifically the area where the Python roller coaster currently lies. Yes, that means that Python would be removed.