Chuck's Busch Gardens Williamsburg Thread

[dammie16@vt.edu]

Yes Yes this is true Masquerage really didn't fit in.

[cfc]

^Actually, it did--Masquerage took place in the castle of an Italian nobleman (as did Poe's "Red Death").

[dammie16@vt.edu]

And this is the point where the obviously uniformed closes his mouth

[cfc]

Busch Gardens Williamsburg kicked off Howl-o-Scream 2009 on Friday, September 25. Although HOS isn’t on the same level as Halloween Horror Nights at Universal or Knott’s Scary Farm, it’s usually a lot of fun—and it doesn’t cost extra.

 

So, how does this year’s edition stack up? Well, it’s some new and some same, only different (if that makes any sense). HOS is spread out across the park more evenly than in past years. There are six mazes and seven scarezones ringing the park once you leave England, which is sort of a “family-friendly” zone. As it did last year, the park stays true to its “old-world” theming during HOS, sticking to European folklore and history in the mazes and scarezones.

 

Overall, I enjoyed the mazes (two really stand out, and two were pretty weak). Here are my thoughts, starting with the best.

 

Bitten (Festhaus Park)—This was the best maze of the night, which wasn’t surprising. In the past, the old Drachen Fire station has played host to the park’s best mazes (such as Sleepless Hollow Manor). They did something particularly clever this year. The maze is a mansion full of vampires, and the queue is a scarezone of angry peasants (Strangers Beware) bearing garlic, wooden stakes, and bad attitudes. It’s like walking into a Hammer vampire flick from the 1960s (all that’s missing is Christopher Lee). Great atmosphere and lots of fun.

 

Cursed (Festa Italia)—If you’re into pointed hats, green faces, and warty noses and chins, this is the maze for you. Yes, they may be “old-school” witches, but they’re out to have a good time—and to harvest a few spare body parts. The cast is obviously having a lot of fun, and this maze has what makes anything great: fire! Lots of strobe lights here and be advised: You will get wet (or at least a bit damp).

 

Cavern of Darkness (Corkscrew Hill building, Ireland)—This is a maze that starts out well, but is a bit weak toward the end. It has a Tolkien “Mines of Moria” vibe, which is fine, and there are a fair number of trolls, goblins, and evil leprechauns about. But that long walk through the “cave” (that is, Corkscrew Hill’s queue) needs some work. I think this maze will improve as the season wears on and the cast gets more used to the space. (Note: This is the first time I’ve ever seen a “slider” at Williamsburg’s HOS.)

 

Catacombs (Royal Palace Theatre, France)—This was the shortest maze of the night (it uses the stage and backstage area). You’re wandering the catacombs under Paris and facing the “living dead.” Excellent atmosphere, but it is a bit cramped (and has one useless gimmick, which I won’t reveal here). There’s a bit of a scarezone in the queue while you wait.

 

Hunted (Festhaus Park)—Drachen Fire’s barn has been turned into an abandoned cabin that was once inhabited by werewolf hunters (guess who lives there now). Well, this is pretty much the same as last year’s Tormented Tales, except you enter through last year’s exit, and some of the scenery has been altered—slightly. Still, you will get a better view of “bungee wolf” this year.

 

Revenge of Pompeii (Curse of Pompeii building)—OK, this was the bummer of the night. This is almost exactly the same maze as in year’s past (it’s been here for 10 years), only with burned corpses instead of mummies. It’s time to retire this one (it was great in the past). There’s a “family-friendly” version minus scareactors and show effects in the afternoon.

 

Scarezones have always been a bit weak at HOS. The best one this year is Mischief & Mayhem between France and Ireland (the trolls and goblins are quite aggressive and funny). You’ll encounter three crazed Scotsmen on The Moors (near the Clydesdales barn), witches in Spellbound (Italy), Werewolves in Germany, and evil scarecrows and dudes with axes to grind in Harvest Hollow (Festhaus Park). The Watchers zone in New France is a bit lame, save for one nifty surprise (no spoilers here). And, of course, all the scarezones improve after it gets good and dark.

 

I haven’t caught the shows yet, but I’ll report back when I do. And for you Count von Count fans, you’ll find him leading his own little show in the Sesame Street Forest of Fun.

 

Here’s a look at Howl-o-Scream 2009.

Scareactors are getting into position. Must be close to 6:00 pm. More photos to come.

Are we bugging you? We're not touching you. We're just watching you. Are we bugging you?

Fools! Don't you know that werewolves love candy?

Don't now what could possibly give me that idea.

Unless I miss my guess, there may be more unsavory activity up ahead.

. . . as shown in this incredibly detailed photograph taken from the inside of an aquarium.

"Fiends" has given way to "Frankenrock" in the Festhaus, . . .

OK, here's one geeky Big Bad Wolf picture for you. Can I move on now?

Success! I'll have the cannelloni with a side order of "Nosferatu," please.

Hmm--at least they're going to try to show some old horror flicks.

They're showing old horror flicks in the Italian restaurant this year--no "Starfright Orchestra."

Witches, witches everywhere!

Yes, this bridge is cursed! Damned bridge!

Hmm--I think there may be dirty work afoot, judging by the "TERRIBLE BEDSPREADS OF PAISLEY DOOM" behind me.

Actually, I thought the evening version was pretty family friendly, too.

OK, what have I done to any ancient civilization that would cause it to want revenge on me? It's not like I set off a volcano or something.

Ladies and Gentlemen, give it up for THE COUNT!

. . . or the left. (I am implying nothing "political" here, but I guess if you're a moderate, you could head straight and cross the Rhine River without going left or right.)

From "HOS Central," you can go to the right . . .

What? It's Howl-o-Scream? Since when? Why was I not informed of this?

Yeah, this is as scary as England gets this year. Bye-bye pirate skeletons.

Here's this year's map. Looks a lot like last year's map, execpt for the big blank spot on the left.

Nothing too scary yet, kids. Well, except for the prices of the food and stuff.

You know, for a "Grim" Reaper, he seems quite happy.

[cfc]

Still more terror from Howl-o-Scream at BGW!

The watchers are still watching . . . YOU! Admit it, you craven coward! You're petrified with fear! That's all for now.

Hunted is on the other side of Harvest Hollow.

"Harvest Hollow" is aflame!

Another view of the entrance to "Bitten."

At "Bitten," even the guy montioring the line is possessed by evil!

"Ladies and gentlemen, STYX!"

"Garlic! Get yer fresh, vampire-repellin' garlic here!"

An actual, honest-to-god spider! At Howl-o-Scream!

The entrance to "Cursed," a lair of horny witches.

And let's not forget green--THE COLOR OF FEAR!

As darkness falls, the banner lights up. Orange--THE OFFICIAL COLOR OF HORROR!

"If it's nay Scottish, it's crap!"

Looks like there's a bumper crop of dead Scotsmen this year.

So many people tried to enter the "Cavern of Darkness" here. Sigh . . .

Aghh! It's Reggie "Salem's Lot" Nalder!

It's quite a hike to the darkness.

To find the "Cavern of Darkness," one must first breach the "Fence of Fear."

"I'm so stoned I can be anything I feel like, man!"

I think you're a troll, 'cause I'm a goblin. Or I might be an orc. This Tolkien stuff gives me a headache."

"Am I a troll or a goblin?"

"See? I told you she wasn't a natural blond."

"OK, when it gets dark, I'm gonna make you fill your pants with terror!"

Yep--this is a rather familiar looking graveyard in the queue.

First maze of the night for me. Looks like they're using a lot of the props from last year's "Wicked Woods."

[CoasterNERD502]

Cool! HOS looks great! I can't wait to try it out for the first time next month!

[Guy T. Koepp]

LMAO!

 

STYX!

 

Guy "Highlight of my day so far!" Koepp

[dammie16@vt.edu]

Having been to only two parks during Halloween events I will say that I like BGE's haunted mansions, and CP's Scare Zones.

 

This makes me super excited for my trip Oct. 17th! So soon!

 

Great pics thanks!

[cfc]

Scarezones are usually the weakest part of BGW's event (they put more into the mazes and shows). I agree that KD does a slightly better job here (at least in the park's Old Virginia section). I'm hoping to check out KD's Haunt either this coming weekend or the following weekend.

[Hercules]

Great update on the event for this year Chuck. I haven't been to BGW for Howl-O-Scream since 2006, and it looks like they are really cranking it up a few notches. I was fairly disappointed with my 3 trips to the park for Howl-O-Scream a few years ago, but I think I might have to make it down either this year or next to check it out again. I just hope those Scare Zones are slightly better than the past. It is pretty sad when the new Scare Zones at Dorney this year beat them out.

[mike541x]

I always enjoy your Busch Gardens updates Chuck. Thanks. I'm heading there sometime next month. I can't wait.

[NegativeGLover]

Great updates Chuck. Gets me all ready for my visit this weekend.

Speaking of that, my wife and I are going this Sat. and we will most likely visit at least 2 times next year (sister just moved to Va. beach). I plan on getting the season pass, which will be good till this time next year. So this time of year is there ever a wait to do season pass processing?

 

Also, I haven't been to any Busch park with bad weather, and the forecast for this Sat. looks pretty crappy. How liberal are they with the rain policy on the rides, and especially with the haunts/scare zones? Also, can anyone point me to a map or place on the net where I can find out what time most sections open (I know to hit Griffon first, and then head to DarkKastle)? I'll plan on hitting the haunts in order of Chuck's recommendations as they open. Do any open earlier than dusk? Now that I have asked all sorts of 12 year old pre-pubescent questions I'll also mention that I'll be sporting a 90 degrees shirt, so if you see me say hi (actually, I've asked enough dumb questions that I feel the need to ask - "how crowded is it gonna be!??!?", but I don't want to anger the "crowd" gods so I'll refrain - plus, you would be dumber for reading the question in itself)...

 

One more question - does anyone know where I can find any information on the older gentleman who sang in the Festaus while playing the accordion? Was it the same gentleman for years? Or was there a new one fairly often? (He sang a mean chicken dance song)

[cfc]

^Not sure about waits for season-pass processing (mine is simply renewed every two years). HOS is a popular time to buy passes, though, so be sure to get there early.

 

Unless there's lightning in the area, the coasters should stay open in the rain (high winds will close the sky ride, though). Opening times for the park's various sections (and the HOS stuff) are provided on park maps.

 

The "older gentlemen" was the Burgermeister (real name, Bob Bauman).

 

Another thing--Quick Queue includes HOS mazes, in addition to rides. Might be worth considering for those Saturday crowds.

 

EDIT: Just found out that Mr. Bauman died just recently (not "a few years ago").

[cfc]

The Thread Awakes . . .

 

Yes, it's springtime in Williamsburg, and most of use are damn glad of it. It was one cold winter here in tidewater Virginia, and we've had enough of scraping ice from windshields, shoveling snow, and slipping on ice-covered sidewalks.

 

This year marks the first BGW Passholder Day that I've missed in five or six years, because I decided to hit West Coast Bash. But last Sunday afternoon, the first "official" Sunday of BGW's season, was beautiful, so I decided to take a lap around the park, hit the coasters and DarKastle, and, in general, see what's up. BGW was bustling but not slammed.

 

Let's take a look around.

I got there about 11:30, and they were running empty trains on Apollo's Chariot.

I spy with my little eye . . . Griffon from the France parking lot.

Behold the snazzy new bag-check structure! Open thy fanny pack, knave!

If you need to have lunch with Elmo or arrange a backstage tour, you might want to stop here.

Let's see. Club TPR card--check! Club TPR shirt--check! Let's head out.

Yep--just busy enough to be interesting today.

Did I mention that it's spring in Williamsburg?

BGW's newest residents.

They've opened this ramp to the public so that guests can get a closer view of the animals outside.

"Bad dog! Bad dogs don't get to ride Griffon!"

 

"Pfft--scare me. Good dogs can't even do that."

"Can nice little lambs ride Grover's Alpine Express?"

I'm looking forward to the new simulator. And it doesn't fly to California!

Looks like Annie's is keeping the Starbucks menu it featured during Christmas Town. They sold chicken wings and beer last season.

Annie's used to be the Brewmaster's Club.

They covered the rear viewing area at Wolf Haven. Maybe they're going to train vines to grow on it, or something.

They're pushing the backstage tours more this year--care to be eaten by wolves?

How would you like to walk around the top of Griffon? That can be arranged.

Lunch! A bit cold, unfortunately. With the Smokehouse, it's all in the timing.

Now that I'm sufficiently fortified with baby back ribs . . .

A great ride, as usual. But why do I suddenly have a craving for an ice cream? More to come.

[cfc]

Our amble around Busch Gardens continues.

The line for Alpengeist--this is why I like Sundays in the springtime.

Trims and all, it's still fun.

OK, just what is missing here? RIP, Huge Hummel Boy! I think the park got out of the Hummel business, so the poor guy is out on the streets somewhere.

Let's see what evil King Ludwig is up to.

Longest wait of the day--a bit over 10 minutes (using the single-rider line).

The old Drachen Fire station, which was infested with vampires last October. In the past, you couldn't see it from here--there was a Bavarian village and red ribbon of steel in the way.

Now it's all gone.

Well, except for the station . . .

. . . and the Big Bad Wolf Memorial Stump.

RIP, Big Bad Wolf.

Enough of that. Doesn't Loch Ness Monster look nice and spiffy with its new paint job?

For some reason, they blocked this old games area at Festa Italia. There used to be a couple of carnival games in this tent.

OK, am I the only one who thinks it's a bit strange that little kids have to cross railroad tracks to get to the Forest of Fun? The other path was blocked last year.

This is the first time I've seen Scottish Bert and Ernie. BGW has been doing a good job with the Sesame Street characters.

Speaking of railroads . . .

Just killing time until the train leaves. Hi, Nessie!

A lone Clydesdale.

Here's another little change: Remember the ivy that had been trained to grow in the shape of the Busch eagle (well, sort of)?

And here's one last, springy shot--of Apollo's Chariot.

[KDcoasterMAN]

Chuck, I'm sorry for your loss. The Hummel Boy will be missed.

 

**Moment of Silence**

 

Great TR. I hope to begin a trip escapade of my own for 2010...

[pkdcoaster]

nice update Chuck

 

The ex-Bavarian village pic sucks. I was hoping they might keep the buildings for themeing on the future ride.

 

15 years ago 66.6% of BGW coasters were in Octoberfest....now 0%

 

JEFF

[cfc]

^I was a bit surprised by that, too, Jeff. But it was probably be easier to remove the old buildings for the purposes of future construction than to work around them. Time will tell.

[Homeboy23]

Great photos Chuck!

 

Thanks for keeping us posted with whats happening at Busch Gardens.

[mcjaco]

I would like to point out that Chuck is indeed wearing pants in this photo.

 

[Jojo19799]

I was looking forward to visiting Hummel Boy while on the IntimidaTour. He will be greatly missed.

 

Such a sad day in the Hummel World.

[SharkTums]

Is it time for an online petition to 'Bring Back Hummel Boy!'?

 

I do like this park, and look forward to visiting again this Summer. I'm sure KT will enjoy it even more now with all of the Sesame Street fun!

[Jojo19799]

Is it time for an online petition to 'Bring Back Hummel Boy!'?

 

I do like this park, and look forward to visiting again this Summer. I'm sure KT will enjoy it even more now with all of the Sesame Street fun!

 

Better yet, I'll start a Facebook group.

[cfc]

^^I'm curious to see how Prince Elmo's Spire ranks on the list of TPR's resident Froghopper enthusiast.

[sam06pr]

I think they should probably re-route that path to Forest of Fun, or somehow make a bridge to it. I just think it is inevitable that something bad will happen