Chuck's Busch Gardens Williamsburg Thread

[cfc]

Leiderhosen, Udders, Chickens, and Exlposions--A Wee Look at Illuminights 2012

 

BGW kicked off Illuminights, its summer "encore" last week, with one major change--a new show in Oktoberfest. Yes, with Entwined (the new Feshaus show), Mach Tower, and (of course) Verbolten, the remaking of Oktoberfest is now complete.

 

Last year, the park gave us acrobatic waiters and can-can dancers in France, giant puppets and a "leprechaun" in Ireland, more acrobats in Italy, and the "world's largest living cuckoo clock" in Germany. Well, there's no giant cuckoo bird in front of the Festhaus this year, but there are giant chickens, cavorting farmhands in leiderhosen, and cows in Octoberfest--all as a part of their new mini-show, "Wunderbarn." (Great--more bastardized German to annoy our European friends. ).

 

Essentially, the show is about a "Bavarian" farmer named Heinrich (or "Hiney," as his wife calls him) and his dancing crew of milkmaids and farmhands. I kind of miss the cuckoo clock, myself. But for all those who miss the old "This Is Oktoberfest" show, someone does blow a giant horn and, of course, people do the Chicken Dance (nearly as well as Elissa on the Klassy TPR Cruise, too).

 

The park blows stuff up starting at 9:30 each evening, much to the chagrin of the rich retired folks in Kingsmill (but for the pleasure of everyone else).

 

Illiuminights runs through August 18, so all you on the New Hotness Trip and at East Coast Bash will be able to check it out for yourselves.

 

Here's a look at Wunderbarn--and some explosions.

 

[coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=BGW_Wunderbarn_079_eay5[/coastertube]

Some of you may want some Chicken Dance ERT.

Yes, Illuminights! Just as I had foreseen!

The big balloon out front shoulda told ya.

Yes, Italy is already looking a bit "illuminated."

Noted!

Yay! Verbolten is running well today (July 4, 2012). The wait was about an hour, but I had an exit pass from a past breakdown.

In a shocking turn of events, Mach Tower was not running--but you can sit in the test seat and kick your feet up to simulate a freefall.

Here are the times for Wunderbarn, so you can schedule your day at ECB accordingly.

I rather miss the big cuckoo clock, but I know quite a few people who prefer an unadorned Festhaus.

A cow--as I had promised you!

This is for all the udder fans out there . . .

. . . and you know who you are.

"Would you quit looking at my udder please? Thank you so much."

You get it? This is a coop for a chicken named "Eggbert"! And chickens lay eggs! So, it's funny . . . wait, Eggbert is a masculine name. Roosters don't lay eggs. This joke now officially sucks eggs!

Meet Heinrich and his wife (whose name escapes me). They run Black Forest Farms and enjoy cavorting about in velour leiderhosen.

OK, the woman in Bavarian drag looks a bit constipated. Too much bratwurst, perhaps?

See Heinrich blow.

Blow, Heinrich, blow!

In the front is Heinrich, Jr., or "Little Hiney." I recall hearing a Verbolten-inspired "fahrt" joke, too.

Milkmaids and farmhands! Prepare to cavort! Wait for it . . .

Commence cavorting!

"Oh, I do hope this cavorting builds up to a full frolic!"

And, eventually, they get to the Chicken Dance. That's Wunderbarn.

Darkness begins to fall, and the park really starts to fill up for the grand finale of the evening.

Here's why Verbolten has to shutdown--they shoot the fireworks from the trestle.

Back in Italy . . .

. . . waiting for the sky to explode.

Uh oh! Someone get Dollywood's lawyers on the phone!

While you wait for the fireworks, Glow is open for your shopping pleasure.

Look at all that Klassy merchandise.

And the Klingon Empire opens fire.

Busch retaliates with photon torpedoes.

Aghh! We're hit!

Warp core breach! All hands abandon ship!

And that's all for now--thanks for reading.

[KDcoasterMAN]

Star Trek references = win! Looks great Chuck, hope to get down there soon!

[Intimidator305]

Busch Gardens must be trying to get me back to being a passholder with them rather than Dollywood with those butterflies...

 

I'll be at the park at the beginning of August to finally check out Verbolten, so I'll be sure to stick around to check this out. The new show in Oktoberfest looks "interesting"...

 

Thanks for sharing as always!

[cfc]

Arise, Thread! I Bid Ye Arise from the Dead for Howl-o-Scream 2012!

 

After the wonderful madness of tooling around China with TPR, and heading down to Florida to have a good time with friends at Universal's Halloween Horror Night and Epcot's Food and Wine Festival, I finally got around to checking out Howl-o-Scream at Busch Gardens last Friday night (October 12). This is where I usually kick off October (aka, "THE GRISLY MONTH OF HORROR"), but travel plans changed all that this year.

 

I have to admit that I enjoyed HOS in Williamsburg this year more than HHN in Orlando. This is a first, and I have two reasons for it:

 

1. Since I'm a passholder, HOS doesn't cost me any extra (other than Quick Queue, of course) ; and

2. BGW did a much better job bringing atmosphere to the park than Universal did this year. (Let's face it, Universal seems to be "phoning it in"--HHN 2012 is very flat).

 

Although there's only one new maze at Busch Gardens this year (The Root of All Evil), the park has made some other changes to shake up HOS a bit:

 

1. They're trying the "roaming hordes" of scareactors that worked so well at Tampa last year. Although some groups did stay in one area most of the night (for example, scarecrows with chainsaws in Scotland and ghouls in top hats between Ireland and France), I did encounter groups of evil clowns and werewolves all over the park. They were doing a reasonably good job, but my biggest criticism is that all the clowns looked alike, as did all the wolves.

 

2. They've been playing around with the shows. Fiends has been retooled and relocated from the Festhaus to the Abbeystone Theatre in Ireland. (I wonder if this is the same show they run in Tampa.) Night Beats is a new show in the Festhaus (some sort of fiendish night club), and Dig It Up is a show centered on ancient relics that features live musicians.

 

3. The nurses and their jello shots have relocated to Ireland to go along with the Fiends show. You can also pick up a beer at the new Open Casket bar in front of the Festhaus.

 

But what about the real meat of HOS--the mazes? Here are my thoughts.

 

13: Your Number's Up: Located in the Europe in the Air building (not running during HOS), this rather long maze is dedicated to 13 different phobias, such as fear of dead things or insects. They've tweaked it a bit for 2012; for example, the "fear of heights" section is much better than last year (so much so that it actually slows down guests as they walk through), and they've added bits of business here and there (the ending is weaker, though).

 

Catacombs: This maze in the theatre in France has always had atmosphere to burn, but the scares can be lacking, depending on the number of scareactors. Last Friday, they were doing a good job (plenty of evil corpses going after guests). I think they reconfigured the space a bit, too.

 

Dead Line: This maze in the Escape from Pompeii building (a subway excavation in Italy that's gone horribly wrong) has the most elaborate sets of any of them, including an entire train car. It might be a bit too dependent on the sets, though (which was one of HHN's problems this year). Scareactors were doing a reasonable job last Friday, but they need more of them.

 

Fear Fair: This evil clown-and-freak-show maze in Festa Italia was the weakest one last year, and it's a little better now. They have some nice, creepy carnival atmosphere, but they depend a bit too much on tents where nothing much happens except the flashing of seizure-inducing strobe lights. I do like the carny games section (they just need some more scareactors working in it).

 

Bitten: As much as I've enjoyed this vampire maze in the Drachen Fire station, I think it may be time to retire it. (It's the oldest maze at Howl-o-Scream.) I do like the "old-school" vampires though (more Christopher Lee and Bela Lugosi than Edward).

 

The Root of All Evil: This is the new maze near the Festhaus. I like the concept because it goes well with the whole "Dark Side of the Gardens" theme, but the execution is a bit lacking. The maze starts off strongly, but there were too many stretches where not much goes on. The space is a bit cramped and may be difficult to work with. Plus, it doesn't really build to anything other than (shades of Fear Fair) a greenhouse filled with strobe lights. I'm definitely checking this one out again to see if I missed something. Another thing: You can get a group photo at the entrance of this maze (ala Medieval Macabre at Kings Dominion)--you can buy it on your way out.

 

I caught the retooled Fiends show, as well. Dr. Freakenstein is still trying to build that "ultimate" monster, but this time he has Igor and a lot more "naughty nurses" to help him out. This show does have some of the most risque dancing I've ever seen at BGW--and the nurses are more attractive than any of the Bill & Ted performers in Orlando this year. A number of people have been griping that the show isn't "appropriate" for families, despite having ample warning that it isn't meant for kids. (You still see lots of traumatized kids in strollers at HOS.)

 

What makes this event for me is just walking around the park. The woods make a natural Halloween setting, and the park does a good job with decorations, sound, and lighting to make it all the spookier. This is where they really outshined Universal this year.

 

One other thing: I took a nighttime ride on Verbolten, and they are using a different Gerta video in the queue. Nothing earth shattering, but it is a nice touch.

 

So, shall we take a walk on the Dark Side of the Gardens? Don't be afraid.

OK. Let's start digging.

Yes. I do.

Dear guests with small children: You might want to read this sign carefully before entering. Thank you.

Is the smiling kid on the left looking forward to "Beauty by Day" or "Evil by Night"? I guessing the latter.

Already, we have found more Halloween atmosphere than at Universal Orlando.

Even the bathrooms are cursed! (But they still beat Chinese squat toilets--now those are really cursed!)

If ravens ever leave Busch Gardens, the English Crown will fall (just like at the Tower of London). Yes, the entire fate of the Empire rides on BGW.

"Tell TP Dave that I perform circumcisions--cheap."

"Oh, he does great groin work! I can vouch for that, yes I can!"

Werewolves on the prowl. It's good that werewolves think to put on shoes before prowling. Perhaps they have delicate feet.

Larry Giles sure has changed a lot since the Verbolten Media Day.

Well, being as we're in Ireland, let's start here.

This maze actually opened at 5:30, as did Dead Line (all the other mazes open at 6:00). So, it was already drawing a fairly long line.

I think you can overcome this fear by buying a Craftmatic Adjustable Bed with Cyclo Massage and having it exorcised by a priest.

Based on how zombies currently dominate our popular culture, this is a legitimate fear.

But they missed the most important phobia of all: fear of entering a simulator ride by the backdoor!

BGW uses their fog machines quite strategically (this is the path from Ireland to France). If this were Kings Dominion, the whole park would be shrouded in fog.

Be sure to pay proper respect to the dead.

After all, you never know when the dead will sneak up you, usually to ask for directions to the nearest Starbucks for a nice pumpkin latte.

Hmm--it's a little hard to make out through the fog, but I think I've found the Catacombs.

They've routed the Catacombs line through the theatre this year. This line actually prompted me to spring for a Quick Queue (usually not necessary on a Friday night).

They even re-routed the line through more of the theatre while I was waiting. Heck, this guy may still be waiting.

The Irish fog is still creeping into France.

Back to Ireland to pick up a Quick Queue and check out . . .

. . . Fiends (no longer in the Festhaus).

Let's see. Spooky figures in robes. Check.

Dr. Freakenstein. Check.

Igor and a sampling of hits from the 1980s (mostly)? Check. But something seems to be missing . . . stay tuned!

Edited October 15, 2012 by cfc

[cfc]

There's plenty of terror (or just plain goofiness) left at Howl-o-Scream 2012.

Yes, it's all about the nurses.

This show has been raising some local eyebrows, along with comments on the park's Facebook page.

This is one of the more risque shows I've seen at BGW (not that I'm complaining). It's still pretty harmless.

"Give my creation life!"

Hmm--not quite what the doctor ordered, although the nurses aren't complaining.

But I think the doc is getting a bit more into it now.

A plea for tolerance--yes, monsters need love, too.

And the big finish! This show will test your tolerance for 1980s music (but they do throw in the Doors' "People Are Strange" from the 1960s).

Boogie, boogie, boogie! (OK, you knew this one was coming eventually.)

"The Dead Line is currently experiencing an minor outbreak of homicidal zombies. We recommend using the Happy Bunnies Line or the Wonderfully Fluffy Clouds Line until this technical problem is resolved. We apologize for the inconvenience."

"Yeah, I'm a troll. I'm busy squashing some dwarves and a hobbit into jelly."

Legolas has not aged well.

The wind kicked up a little bit that night, which just added to the atmosphere.

You know, I've never understood why people are so frightened by clowns . . . oh, crap!

Fear Fair is over by the Roman Rapids.

You definitely need to hit this one after dark.

There's plenty of creepy carnival atmosphere--they just need to do a little more with it.

That's not fog. It's carny funk.

You know, I met someone at the Open Casket Bar that night.

Maybe it was the beer talking, but I found her rather compelling in her isolation.

Excuse me, but could I buy you a drink?

"HI!"

"Er, have a nice evening! Gotta run!"

The old Bitten maze in the Drachen Fire station--it's good, but is showing its age.

The Root of All Evil's entrance is to the left as you face the Festhaus. This is another indoor/outdoor maze that could use a little more "oomph."

The Howl-o-Scream shop is open for business.

Creepy accessories, anyone?

This hat can also serve as a traffic cone.

There's more generic Halloween merchandise available, too.

"Howl-o-Scream is now closed--get out!"

Yes, if you don't exit promptly, the Grim Reaper will zap you with his laser eyes and a hideous vortex will suck you into Hell! Thanks for reading.

Edited October 14, 2012 by cfc

[Voxelmatic]

Very nice trip report! I can't wait to eventually go here. Also, how many of the rides are open during the event? I was hoping to head up on Friday to ride all the rides I didn't (Alpengist, Griffon, Verbolten, DarKastle, ect.) and get a spin or two on Apollo.

[cfc]

Most of the rides, including the coasters, are open during Howl-o-Scream. Water rides tend to close earlier in the day during October.

[Voxelmatic]

^Thanks for the info! I love having school days off for my county only .

[Guy T. Koepp]

Great TR Chuck. I've got to get up there to check out BGW's event. This year is very unlikely as I'm getting ready to head out to LA for work till the end of the month. Perhaps next year. It looks awesome!

[cfc]

The naughty nurses are waiting for you, Guy.

"Where's Guy?"

[Guy T. Koepp]

The naughty nurses are waiting for you, Guy.

 

Story of my life. I can't count how many women are waiting for me to become available again. What can I say. I just have it. It's like sexy, sex, sex, sex oozes from every fiber of my being. It is my blessing, and my curse.

[Big Mike]

I have to come down there and check out the naughty nurses!

 

Maybe next weekend!

[cfc]

^And what are Megan's thoughts on this?

[Big Mike]

Working as always.

[mcjaco]

 

Sloth love Chunk!

[cfc]

^Er, that's, uh, . . . nice . . .

 

Working as always.

 

I wasn't referring to her work status, but to you coming to Williamsburg to check out naughty nurses.

Edited October 15, 2012 by cfc

[mcjaco]

^ A child of the 80's reference, Chuck.

 

[cfc]

^Ah, yes--The Goonies. Almost forgot about that flick.

[Movieguy]

Now that looks very cool and atmospheric. You should have heard the guys from In The Loop on this, though. They ripped into Howl-O-Scream like it was one of the lamest things they'd ever seen. Not enough scares and gore for them, I suppose.

[cfc]

^In the Loop tends to be a bit fanboyish in favor of Kings Dominion, but I do agree with them that Haunt was better than Howl-o-Scream last year (haven't been to Haunt yet this year).

 

HOS is more "PG" while Haunt tends to be more "PG-13" to "R."

Edited October 17, 2012 by cfc

[RoCo]

Even if this event is lighter on the scares, the "phobias" maze sounds pretty enticing (I'll probably never completely get over a fear of heights), and I would love to see this gorgeous park all fogged up and spooky some time. Plus, those nurses. Cool report!

[cfc]

^I think the overall atmosphere of the park is what "makes" the event (at least for a local like me). KD's Haunt usually delivers more scares, though (but the shows aren't very good).

[mhuffva]

Busch always goes for the detail. Their haunt attractions are more where you are immersed into a particular theme. The only Haunt maze at KD that comes close is the "No Vacancy" maze. It is more about the haunted hotel theme than outright scares. Its different and I like it. But, I am not one of those folks who has to fill an adult depends diaper every time they go through a maze in order to feel they received their rightful share of scares.

 

Speaking of shows, KD is using a new entertainment production company for their Halloween shows, at least for The Uprising and The Night Shift. It's called MoonMaxx and is based in the northeast. KD had been using Fancy Pants Productions out of Las Vegas for the last 3-4 seasons including this spring/summer. I believe Dorney was using FPP for a good while and got KD on the bandwagon initially. I think the shows this year are tighter and the quality of the performers is stronger. For example, ALL cast members in The Night Shift show sing during the performance.

 

Busch just has a bigger budget to do large scale show productions with 12-18 member casts, elaborate costumes, sets, and lighting. Plus, they have a number of show facilities in the park to perform them in. Busch entertainment has been in the process of an upward spiral in overall show quality when KD's entertainment was going down the toilet during the Paramount years. Paramount wiped out the park chain's entertainment division and, in KD's case, eliminated 3 show facilities. Cedar Fair is trying to improve the entertainment at KD; but, they just don't have a strong track record in entertainment and don't have the budget to do what Busch does now.

[jray21]

^I think the overall atmosphere of the park is what "makes" the event (at least for a local like me). KD's Haunt usually delivers more scares, though (but the shows aren't very good).

 

This is so true, especially after going to USO this year. They had some really nice houses, but with no atmosphere the whole event seemed 'off.' I haven't been to BGW for over 21 years! I think it's high time I got back there!

[cfc]

^The scareactors roaming around BGW were trying harder to actually "scare" people, rather than just walking around and basically saying, "Look at how scary I am" (which was my impression of Universal). My biggest complaint about BGW's roaming hordes was that they all looked pretty much alike (for example, each werewolf looked like all the other werewolves).