Chuck's Busch Gardens Williamsburg Thread

[cfc]

Lights 'n' Trees 'n' Other Holiday Stuff: Christmas Town 2012

I ambled over to Busch Gardens last Friday night after to work to check out this year's version of Christmas Town. The park started this holiday event a few years ago, and it's proven to be a big hit. BGW's heavily wooded setting is ideal for Christmas, and the park offers plenty of shows, special holiday food offerings, and shopping to fill an evening. And at half-price for season passholders, it's a bargain.

 

BGW has been making at least one major addition to Christmas Town each year, and 2012 is no exception. Festa Italia finally gets into the hot holiday action via its transformation to Holiday Hills. This is s departure from the park's European theme, as Holiday Hills represents a Christmas "street carnival" that you might see in a small American town in 1940s. All the decorations fit the period, and all the flat rides are operating (with a bit of re-theming to fit Christmas, of course). Old-style swing versions of Christmas carols fill the air, and the pizza-and-pasta buffet has been transformed into "Dasher's Diner," which offers fried chicken, stuffing, mixed veggies, and mashed potatoes, in addition to pizza. The park also did a nice job using classic Coca Cola Santa signs throughout the area. I liked of vibe of Holiday Hills--it's the best part of Christmas Town.

 

To answer your unspoken question, Apollo's Chariot and the Roman Rapids are not operating. The only Christmas Town coaster this year is Verbolten, and they have added some modest Christmas decor to the queue. You can also ride Nacht Tower, which is Mach Tower in "observation" mode (no drops). The Skyride is also running as the Flight of Lights, again, as is the train (and many other flat rides throughout the park). DarKastle is also closed for the season (King Ludwig isn't a "Christmas" kind of guy), but Oktoberfest is playing host to a craft show.

 

I grabbed a bite to eat with a few coworkers over at Grogan's (a turkey panini with cranberry sauce and stuffing, a cup of loaded baked potato soup, and a slice of egg nog cheesecake--it was pretty good), then made a lap around the park.

 

And, yes, it was freakin' cold that night--down in the low 30s. So bundle up, and let's go.

 

But, first, one word of warning. Something so disturbing that I can't describe it--only show it!

 

[coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=BGW_Christmas_Town_2012_063_vsp4[/coastertube]

 

Christmas Town runs on select days through December 31. If you want to attend, check the park's calendar before making the trek to Williamsburg.

Silly elves! Alpengeist isn't running this year. (It's probably too cold for the poor thing, anyway.)

Welcome to England.

It's quiet at the moment, but carolers will be out later, and the Sesame Street gang has their own Christmas show in the theatre. (What? No special holiday edition of Pirates 4D?)

This fire was very much appreciated.

Hmm--still not much going on here. Let's press on.

The Polar Pathway is Christmas Town's most spectacular single display.

"May I have a cookie?"

Hard to believe that this is the site of a horrible tragedy that destroyed an entire city--and of a subway system filled with homicidal zombies.

Darn! The water cannons aren't working!

Moving on to Italy.

Just turn left at the burning tree to find . . .

. . . Holiday Hills.

They even painted the bridge to resemble a city street.

Looks like the train will be making a stop at . . .

. . . Jingle Junction.

No 3-Point Challenge, but I think they have some sort of little "show" here (I missed it). A brass band plays on the other side of Holiday Hills.

An Elissa-friendly decoration.

You can purchase a souvenir cup of hot chocolate here (refills parkwide for $1.99). You can get an extra shot of a Ghirardelli syrup to jazz it up, if you like.

All the rides have received a bit of holiday theming. This is the the Peppermint Twist tea-cup ride. (For me, it would be the "Holiday Hurl.")

The kiddie Himalaya is now . . .

. . . Reindeer Run (complete with a little revolving reindeer).

Trade Wind = Snowman Summit.

You can have your picture taken with a snowman.

They did a great job with the signage in Holiday Hills.

Dasher's Diner also offers an enclosed, heated seating area (other outdoor restaurants have them, too).

"I have come for you children!"

These were very welcome on Friday night.

"We have come for your children, as well! Bwa-ha-ha-ha!"

One last look at Holiday Hills.

"Look into my eyes! You will consume only Coke-related products! Obey!" More to come (after I have a Coke).

Edited December 13, 2012 by cfc

[cfc]

Ready for some more holiday cheer? If so, follow me. If not, go somewhere else--but you'll make Santa very mad!

I caught a bit of the Miracles show as I passed through Italy. I still have yet to see this one in its entirety.

Looks like Gerta and Gunther have been doing a little decorating for Christmas.

They put up a few decorations in the queue. I wish they would've done a bit more, but based on how many idiots have vandalized the queue over the summer, I don't blame the park for being cautious.

Gunther! Don't leave your beer here!

It's very cold on the top of Nacht Tower.

Some of the games have received a seasonal overlay, too.

During the summer, you try to kick a soccer ball past this guy. At Christmas Town, you get to clobber him with a snowball.

Yep--actual snow. Maybe the park will try a snow play area some time--or maybe even a big ice house. (That would be great!)

What's up at the Festhaus?

This is the set for Deck the Halls. They're offering a "Tastes of Christmas Town Buffet" at Feshaus Kaffe. It requires a reservation (available at Guest Relations in England) and ensures you a reserved seat for the show. (Might try this out next weekend.) You can get a turkey dinner or a prime-rib sandwich in the Festhaus, too.

And now, the very seat of Christmas POWER!

"Soon, my spirited little reindeer, you will learn the value of obedience!"

Alpengeist is, at least, decorated for Christmas.

Welcome to Fort New France.

Oh, and let's not forget the penguins. They're in France where the Catacombs HOS maze used to be.

Hmm--looks like a good place to find penguins.

"Can I spend some time in the big tank, please?"

These penguins look a bit happier.

Here's the swimming habitat.

"We're tired of swimmin'. We're gonna watch you freaks for a while."

"Be sure to buy some of our adorable penguin stuff, folks!"

Noel the Snowman bids us farewell from France.

The long walk to Ireland was full of ghouls and werewolves back in October.

Those Irish singers really needed those sweaters last Friday night.

Time to head home. I feel a bit blue for some reason.

Oh, there are the carolers.

Peace on all of you . . . wait, that sounded wrong. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! And I'm outta here. Thanks for reading.

[Erik Johnson]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing.

[gisco]

Nice place to stroll around the park, get something to eat and see the lights. If you don't have a season pass, what is the cost to get in?

[cfc]

^It's $13 for passholders and $27 for non-passholders.

[TBpony414]

Hi Chuck,

 

I enjoyed your photos (and creepy snowman video) of Christmas Town. How long would you say you spent there? I am debating on making a trip down from DC for an evening but it's 2.5 hours each way and I'm not sure if it'd be worth it. I like xmas decorations and would like to ride Verbolten since I haven't yet, but my significant other doesn't want to spend 5 hours driving for an hour of festivities. He has a point about the long drive especially since he'd be doing most of the driving. Thoughts?

 

Liz

[cfc]

I was there for about three hours, but I'm a local who can easily visit more than once, and I didn't stop to watch any of the shows. The park was open from 3:00 to 10:00 pm last Friday night (in fact, I'm planning to hit the park again next weekend with a friend). I'd say that you could spend a the day there if you hit all the shows (the park does a good job with them). Quick Queue is available, as well: http://commerce.4adventure.com/estore/scripts/skins/bgw/quickqueue.aspx (I didn't need it for Friday night--but on Saturday the park can hit capacity during Christmas Town.)

[TBpony414]

Great, thanks for the info! I'm not surprised Christmas Town hits capacity as they are playing ads for it constantly on the radio here.

[Thri!!er]

Thanks for your detailed report and the numerous nice pictures with such a Sn w- and Lightness, Chuck!

 

Enjoyed it also,

 

Thri!!er

[BJ KoasterKooK]

Hey Chuck, first off, thanks for the consistently great level of seasonal updates you post faithfully on BGW's goings on. Your pics and captions are the best, kudos.

 

I do have a couple thoughts/questions for you. I'm hitting Christmastown for the first time on Friday, the 21st with some fam that hasn't been there in awhile. Can I safely assume that it'll be quite busy if the weather is decent, but not as full as a Saturday?

 

If it is packed is there any plan of attack that works better than others, or just be patient and work your way thorough the park as normal.

 

Also, i've been reading some contradicting info on just how cold the temperature has to be for Verbolten to be running. One site said 40 degrees while another says they can run V down as low as 32. It's certainly not going to change our plans, but it would be nice to accurately know as to not get our hopes up to ride if the temp is closer to freezing than 40.

 

I'm sure if anyone knows for sure it's you, so thanks beforehand for responding to my post, and Merry Christmas to you & yours.

[netdvn]

^ Hit all major stuff either early or late. Crowds are at their highest during the middle of the event. Friday crowds are usually pretty manageable, but in park special events, school letting out soon, and good weather can really cause crowds to swell up.

 

Most of the park's coasters can't run below 40 degrees, give or take. Check the weather before you get to the park.

[cfc]

^^I'm glad that you've enjoiyed the updates and the photos--thank you. Friday nights are generally "slow" nights for Christmas Town; however, the park is starting daily operations this coming Friday, which means they're anticipating more business, and you'll be heading there while Christmas vacation is in full swing. My best guess is that the park will be buiser on Friday, Dec. 21 than on the Friday when I visited--but still not as bad as Saturday (the park has been hitting capacity on Saturdays late in the afternoon).

 

When I rode Verbolten, the temperature was definitely somewhere in the 30s, but that's no guarantee that some cold-related problems haven't popped up since then (I'd say you're probably safe if temps are in the mid-40s--check the park's Facebook page for any "official" announcement regarding Verbolten's status). I recommend hitting Verbolten early, and scheduling the rest of your visits around the shows (if you're group is into that). The food offerings are quite good during Christmas Town, and you might want to check out the Christmas Town buffet at Feshaus Kaffe (this requires making a reservation at Guest Relations, which also gives you a guaranteed seat for the show in the Festhaus). Or you could just wander around and dnjoy the lights and the "street enteratinment." (For example, there's a musical Christmas tree show every half-hour in front of the Festhaus and a brass band in Holiday Hills). Many of the outdoor dining venues offer some enclosed, heated seating.

 

Note that the penguin exhibit in France isn't particularly spectacular but tends to draw a long line.

 

I hope this helps. Enjoy Christmas Town!

Edited December 12, 2012 by cfc

[BJ KoasterKooK]

^ & ^^ Thanks guys, it indeed helps very much, I appreciate it.

[DJeXeL]

^^Your tips will help someone avoid a "disaster."

[cfc]

^You mean, like this?

 

[DJeXeL]

^Yes. Yes, exactly like that....

[SoCalCoasters]

 

Or this?

[Philrad71]

Thanks for posting, Chuck!

 

Definitely looks like BGW have been making some very nice moves over the past couple of years to improve the overall experience. I LOVE the lighting on Pompeii!

 

While not quite on par with what I've seen at Dollywood or SDC, if they keep going in the same direction I believe that the Busch parks will be one of the top Christmas time events in the country.

[cfc]

^BGW's Christmas Town gets a little bigger each year. 2012 is the first year in which Festa Italia (or "Holiday Hills") has been part of the event. The only section of the park not involved with Christmas Town is the Sesame Street Forest of Fun (although Elmo and the gang do have a show in the Globe Theatre in England).

[cfc]

Just got back from hanging out at Christmas Town with a friend. This marks the first time I've seen the headlights and taillights running on the Verbolten trains. Looked pretty cool as they came down the big drop.

[Sir Clinksalot]

I love the renamed rides, very cool touch.

 

Were there other ones or were those it? I love crap like that.

[cfc]

They didn't "theme up" any other rides--Nacht Tower does play Christmas music on the way up and down.

[burningstroller]

I heard that a new "Oktoberfest" style show will return to Das Festhaus. Does anyone have any more information about it (like when it will premier)?

[cfc]

^I haven't heard anything, but I'm not a "show" person. They were planning to do some sort of outdoor version of the Oktoberfest show last season, but I don't think they did. (There was a small Oktoberfest band that would perform a few times per day on a small stage behind the pretzel bakery.)

[CastleOSullivan]

They are supposed to have a new German show in the Festhaus. Entwined will be staying though. The shows will be running back-to-back with the same cast for both. But I hear Entwined is being re-done by the same creative team that did the new" Fiends" and the improved "Gloria". I hope it's half-ways bearable this year.