cfc Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 This year's Passholder Preview Day at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg broke a bit with tradition--it wasn't pouring rain (or snowing)! Yes, although the day started out in the low 30s, temps hit the high 50s to low 60s after lunch, with plenty of sunshine. (You can start humming the Sesame Street theme now.) One of the biggest draws today was an attraction that isn't even open yet--the Sesame Street Forest of Fun, or, specifically, Grover's Alpine Express. The park cycled the ride all day, with Grover leading a faceless group of water-filled dummies. I bumped into John Reilly, BG's general manager and executive vice president, who said that they had to cycle the ride a certain amount of hours but that they were almost ready to put people in the trains. I'm sure kids will love the ride. The Forest of Fun is due to open on April 3. Here's a look at the park following it's long winter's nap. "Behold! I am Prince Elmo! All will bend to my will!" We'll get back to the Forest of Fun at bit later. Here's a closer look. The park would let guests get a bit closer later in the day. In the distance, the not-quite-ready-for-prime time Forest of Fun. Tell me, how can you have a "tap room" without "taps"? . . . but I gotta tell ya, it was colder than a witch's mammicular regions in that cave. Nessie was fine, as usual . . . Meanwhile, Griffon was testing its butt off. The park didn't "officially" open until 10:00, but they let us ride the Loch Ness Monster a bit early. Are we all nice and oriented? Good--let's go. Here we are in Merrie Olde England! Why, I expect to see Louise, Divv, and Dave any second now. Hmm--no need to linger here. It's a pretty clever way to theme a height-check stand, though. Grover gives rides to his special, water-filled friends. Noted. On my mark, the fun will begin! After a little judicious scraping, here we are--about 30 minutes before opening. As you can tell by my windshield, it was a mite chilly this morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted March 23, 2009 Author Share Posted March 23, 2009 Let's amble around the park a bit, shall we? How about Italy? "I se-e-e-e-e yo-u-u-u-u-u, Chuck!" Aghh! Elmo is everywhere! More to come. Whi-r-r-r-r-r! Oof! (Repeat.) Time for some gut-punching lapbar action. No inversions, just some swingin'--which suits me just fine. Beware the glowing red eyes of the vampire-goat ship! Hmm--been awhile since I got battered, too. "Friends, Romans, countrymen! Lend me your balls!" But for five bucks, you can use this new-for-2009 dryer. Or you could try riding Pompeii (and hope that you don't get soaked all over again.) Not a lot of love for the Roman Rapids today. Centrifugal force at work. Hmm--looks like ET has pimped his ride. I'm not big on flat rides, but "Himalaya" rides have never bothered me. (Well the "hey, kids, wanna go faster guy" on the Arctic Flyer at Santa Cruz was kind of annoying.) "We're reaching for the sun . . . almost there . . . can nearly touch it . . . oh, cr-a-a-a-a-a-a-p!" "Lookit us! We're getting airtime on the approach to the station!" AC was running really well this morning (especially in the back). "And for my birthday I want an iPod, a Wii, and a whole bunch of new Hot Wheels!" Did you know that Apollo's Chariot is ten years old this year? Well, you do now. OK, who's up for a TPR takeover of Sock Hop Nights? Surely, some of you own optional poodle skirts! Do it for Frankie! Here we have some very intrepid adventurers! I salute you! It was so cold this morning, the flames of firey volcanic death of the Escape from Pompeii seemed pretty tempting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted March 23, 2009 Author Share Posted March 23, 2009 Deutchland beckons--we must answer. "Aren't I adorable with my cute little wings? Buy me, or I'll rend your flash with my razor-sharp talons and pluck out your heart with my nasty pointy beak!" Noted! Vive la France! Lots of love for the Smokehouse today. Alpie was OK today. Remember--when riding Alpengeist, guests with chest measurements approaching 52" must line up under the diamonds. And try not to put someone's eyes out with those things! The shop is right across from Alpengeist, and in addition to fine beverages, it also sells these yummy funnel-cake fries with strawberry dipping sauce. Look, Elissa! A new snack shop--with Pepsi products! Oh. Just what we need. Yet another "build a bear" thing. One shirt to rule them all! One shirt to find them! One shirt to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them! You can still snag a Nessie 30th-anniversary shirt. I wonder if BBW will get a 25th-anniversary shirt this year? Let's look at some merchandise. What? They have something named "Griffon" here? Seriously? (This is yet another "WTF" Griffon shirt, the other being "Get Your Griff On.") . . . but my roomie is oh so stoned." "Hel-l-l-l-o-o-o-o, ladies. I'm Alpengeist, My pad is oh so sexy . . . Did you know that the Big Bad Wolf turns 25 this year? If so, you may have a cookie. . . . not just file past it. Sigh! People were once expected to watch the preshow . . . . . . he keeps a pretty nice garden. And he likes dogs. Well, wolves. Snarling, ravenous wolves! You have to hand King Ludwig this much--even though he's a homicidal minion of the Prince of All Lies . . . Alpengeist hurtles blindly over the parapets, yet DarKastle heeds it not. OK, another TPR takeover opportunity! And there's food! A hint--not here. Quiz: Where are these turtles located? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Electerik Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 I believe the turtles are located in Da Vinci's Garden of Inventions. Am I right? Oh, and that same dryer thing at Dollywood is only $3.00. You Viginies is gettin' robbed, son! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted March 23, 2009 Author Share Posted March 23, 2009 Well, let's wrap all this up, eh? "Er, little girl? You've hugged everyone. Time to leave." Which I did. Thanks for reading. Aw-w-w-w-w . . . As for Bert and Ernie, they were Bert-and-Ernieing like mad! Whoa, Big Bird! You're presenting quite a bit there, don't you think? Cookie Monster and Elmo get down with their bad selves. The park put on a meet'n'greet for Sesame Street characters. Is it just me, or does it look like they strapped Apollo's brain to his head? Well, here's a bit of nightmare fuel for children. "I just bought you a rack full of dragons, dear." One last look at the Forest of Fun--and mighty Prince Elmo, who will soon conquer all he sees! And he can see a lot, I tell you! A whole lot! You'll be swarming with crazed coaster enthusiasts before you know it. I see you Grover! Here's where you can get your picture taken with Sesame Street characters, not this big construction worker (although he'd probably pose for you). Hmm--methinks the wee castle over the loch be needin' some finishin' work. Well, let's see how the Forest of Fun is coming along. Yes, we have Clydesdales. Just confirming that for everyone. OK--I'll have some Tennet's Scottish beer at the Irish pub in Virginia. That works. "Not yet. Why don't you go have a beer, or something?" What? I can have lunch with Elmo? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
netdvn Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Excellent trip report! I had no idea Busch was already opening to season pass holders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted March 23, 2009 Author Share Posted March 23, 2009 ^They open for the season this Saturday (March 28). The new 4D movie should be up and running by then, as should the character dining with "Elmo and Friends." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
netdvn Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 ^ Thanks for the info! The new Sesame Street area looks incredible! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emiroo Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Another awesome TR. Whoever thought up funnel cake fries is a genius. I wish they would overtake the "standard" funnel cake. I love 'em, but they're almost a hassle to eat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjaco Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Eating a funnel cake is never a hassle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeemerBoy Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 That strawberry dipping sauce looked great though. Mmmmmmm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OBXcoasterman Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 What, No picture of the hummel boy? It was a great day at BGW! Sorry I didn't run into you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StealthFan Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Even though that all looks great its doesn't have enough Cookie Monster if you ask me! C is for Cookie! Great photos and a great trip report! -Craig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Divv3k Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 You're a brave man drinking Tennents in any country Chuck! Great TR! I wanna go back to BGE and now there's a new credit there it makes justifying going back even easier. Of course I'm already there in Merrie Olde England and am just too lazy to get out my bed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capitalize Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Awesome stuff. Hopefully I'll make it back there this season. Last season I didn't end up getting over there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRapidsNerd Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Happy to see Grover's Alpine Express cycling and those funnel cake sticks look great too! Roman Rapids also much appreciated. Hey, Chuck TRs do not disappoint and this is no exception. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolinacaniac Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Melissa and I were there for the day as well, but I never did spot you around the park. I did see Clint Novack though, as we were walking towards France from Italy, I believe that someone had called out "Hey! Cedar Point!" as I had my blue employee jacket on, and looked and saw him with his signature propeller hat on. I have my own pictures from our day, including a good couple from the show by Jack Hanna, which was fun to see. When I get to them will depend on how this week goes, as I have a good bit of work to catch up on. Thanks for the TR Chuck! -Gary T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jcoaster Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 It is great to see that BGE is now open again. Can't wait to get down there again. Good PTR too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted March 24, 2009 Author Share Posted March 24, 2009 What, No picture of the hummel boy? It was a great day at BGW! Sorry I didn't run into you. I couldn't get him away from his many admirers. Yes, there is much love for Hummel Boy! ^^Too bad our paths didn't cross--maybe next time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy T. Koepp Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 I am making a comitment to get back to this park this summer. I havn't been since Nessie was the new coaster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esvadj Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 I had just entered the line for the Flying Machines when you took this picture. In the middle to the right is my daughter in the stroller with the other couple we were in the park with. Sorry we missed you. Overall it was a great day, I thought it was more crowded than in years past. We skipped the Jack Hannah show when we saw the lines. I heard they added an extra performance to meet demand. The Smokehouse was very busy all day, we waited almost an hour for lunch - but its worth the wait. Did anyone see the Giant skill crane that picked up Wii's? That thing was crowded every time I walked by. Also, how many Pancake and Waffle houses does one town need? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted March 24, 2009 Author Share Posted March 24, 2009 ^When I first moved to Williamsburg, aside from the Trellis and some fast-food joints a delis (near the college), pancake, waffle, and spaghetti houses were the entire restaurant scene--and they were all owned by Greek families. Guy, you definitely need to get down here--where have you been all these years? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy T. Koepp Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 ^Guam, Hawaii, Midway Island, Port Hueneme, Monterey, Chula Vista, and finally Las Vegas. Guy "Stupid Pacific Islands and West Coast taking me away from Bush Gardens (The Olde Country)" Koepp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpmitchell Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 Hey Chuck I was at the park on Sunday as well. I have never met you before but I have seen you around so next time you are planning on going to the park I'll like to meet up with ya for a hour or so. Well the funnest pic or moment I thought of from the day would have to be this pre season christmas town photo for all you Santa Claus lovers. Here ya go: Photo by Clint Novak of the coastercrew. Other than that it was a wonderful day and the lines were minimal to no wait at all. Great photos Chuck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esvadj Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 ^I saw Mr & Mrs Claus as well. They were sitting on a bench as you cross the bridge leaving Italy. My son got a wave, they didn't seem like they were up for pictures - so we just passed by. Of course, we had been at the Yankee Candle store the day before and Santa was there too. So now I have a five year old that thinks Santa lives in Williamsburg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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