Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW BGE) Discussion Thread

[bull24471]

Think I have had a pretzel dog out in Wisconsin at a truck stop in 2010 when I was over the road driving. If I just get one ride on Verbolten in August I will be happy.

[cfc]

^I think you'll be fine. I kid Verbolten, but it seems more dependable now that it was in June.

 

Oh my geez, I tried my first pretzel dog at Disneyland last month and it will now be a must-do at "destination" parks. Heavenly.

 

They sell them in the pretzel bakery next to Mach Tower (across from Verbolten).

Edited July 23, 2012 by cfc

[cfc]

BGW and Water Country USA are running some new promotions for the second half of summer.

 

BUSCH GARDENS AND WATER COUNTRY USA INTRODUCE NEW SUMMER SAVINGS

Williamsburg, Va. (July 23, 2012)—Busch Gardens and Water Country USA announced two offers today featuring even more ways for Virginia residents to save while visiting the Williamsburg theme parks.

 

For a limited time, Busch Gardens is offering an online only $50 twilight ticket, a complimentary dinner entrée and a non-alcoholic beverage good after 3 p.m. through Sept. 3. It is the perfect opportunity to visit Busch Gardens during the evening to enjoy cooler temperatures and experience the park’s summer celebration event, IllumiNights, a nightly extravaganza featuring live performances, music and special effects that culminates in a park-wide firework spectacular [illumiNights closes for the season Aug. 19]. Park guests also can brave the Black Forest aboard Verbolten, the park’s new multi-launch roller coaster.

 

“The twilight offer is a great way to visit Busch Gardens when the temperatures are cooler and the lines are shorter,” said Dan Dipiazzo, vice president of marketing for Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. “Guests can enjoy all the park has to offer, plus a delicious dinner at one of our signature restaurants, and get it all for the lowest price of the season.”

 

Virginia residents can cool off and save $20 on a single-day ticket to Water Country USA. The mid-Atlantic’s largest water park features resort-style amenities, up-close animal encounters and more than 30 state-of-the-art water attractions including Vanish Point, where riders choose between two wicked-wet ways to drop out of sight.

 

“We’re fortunate to have one of the top 20 water parks in the world right here in Virginia,” Dipiazzo said. “We want to give all of our neighbors the chance to experience it during these hot summer days at a great savings.”

 

Consumers wanting to purchase the Busch Gardens’ twilight ticket and entrée, or the Water Country USA summer savings offer must visit buschgardens.com/va or watercountryusa.com.

Edited July 24, 2012 by cfc

[cfc]

BGW's Wolf Pups Media Day

 

Wolf Valley at Busch Gardens Williamsburg has three new pack mates this year—pups from Colorado and Idaho named Boise, Beo, and Kaya. The park gave the media an up-close look at their new additions, providing access to the two of the pups, Beo and Kaya, in their Wolf Valley habitat on Friday, August 10, 2012.

 

This is the first time the park has let someone other than trainers walk around in Wolf Valley, and it was a very enjoyable experience getting close to the pups as they played and circled around us. “Wolves are an incredible animal,” said Jay Tacey, the park’s manager of zoological operations. “But they are also one of the most misunderstood.” For example, despite the wolf’s reputation in fairy tales and folklore as a sinister, vicious predator that threatens young children, there is no known instance of a wild wolf killing a human being.

 

Wolves were also found to be a "keystone species" when they were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park. Many species of plants, which had been long absent, started flourishing when the wolves returned. Why? Because the wolves kept other animals (their prey) on the move, rather than allowing them to overgraze areas of the park.

 

Beo and Kaya are, indeed, very inquisitive, friendly pups who seem to enjoy the company of humans. They came to the park from an animal-care facility in Colorado, and according to their trainers, were very happy to meet new people when they were adopted by Busch Gardens. This is notable, as wolves tend to develop a fear of humans when they reach 10 to 14 days of age, according to Jay Tacey.

 

Boise wasn’t with his new pack mates today, but his story is a bit different from theirs. Boise is a rescue animal who was found, in poor health, wandering down a road in Ketchum, Idaho. Some passersby, thinking he was someone’s dog, took him to a local vet. The average lifespan of a wolf in the wild is about four years.

 

Boise is comfortable among his pack mates, but still a little skittish around people. He’ll eventually join the others in Wolf Valley, once he becomes more acclimated. Wolves are a social animal and tend to be more successful in groups.

 

My thanks to BGW for this close-up look at their newest residents.

Kevin Crosset, the park's head of public relations, welcomes the group to the wolf pups' very own media day.

Hmm . . . Unless I miss my guess, we will encounter wolves somewhere in this vicinity.

Jay Tacey told the group a bit about the wolves and the park's animal exhibits. They were "elated" that the three pups got along so well when they first met-as though they'd always been members of the same pack.

"OK, here are your wolf pups. Now I gotta take some baby elephant with big ears to the circus."

Noted. SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment has "one of the largest animal collections in the world." It's been interesting watching BGW expand their animal exhibits over the years.

This way to Wolf Valley.

Megan Golsson, a trainer in charge of Wolf Valley, took the group in to meet Beo and Kaya.

But first she had to get two bags of treats (aka, "postive reinforcement"). All the SeaWorld parks use positive-reinforcement techniques when training their animals.

Say hello to Beo and Kaya.

Animal care specialist Kendell Thomas with Mia, a German shorthaired pointer who acts a a "mother" to the pups. Wolf pups tend to exhibit "alpha" behavior, so a domestic dog is used to make sure they learn proper "submissive" behaviors, which will make it easier for the rest of BGW's pack to accept them.

"Your destiny is to be the wicked ruler of a corrupt kingdom . . ." Oops! That's DarKastle, not Wolf Valley.

Sniffing up anything interesting, guys?

"Am I not adorable? You must admit it is true."

"Holding still is one of the hardest things you can ask a wolf to do," said Megan.

"May I have some more 'positive reinforcement,' please?"

"Best take this pic now, folks. It's tough for us to stand still!"

From the wolf's point of view--humans are so entertaining.

The wolf stalks its "prey."

"A-w-o-o-o-o-o!"

Here's your last chance to touch a wolf.

"Goodbye, folks! Thanks for all the positive reinforcement!"

And my thanks, again, to Busch Gardens for this chance to meet their new wolves.

And in case you're curious, this is Boise. Thanks for reading.

Edited August 11, 2012 by cfc

[buckaroo234]

i think my heart grew three sizes just now due to the cute overload. Or maybe that was the 2 pizzas i just ate blocking the blood from leaving. Who knows.

 

Either way. great update Chuck, and thanks BGW for letting him get the adorable pics.

[Stitch_101]

I have been to BGW 3 times and have never stopped to check out Wolf Valley...I think my next trip there I should rectify that. Too cute!

[scbt]

So they replaced Big Bad Wolf with Little Cute Wolves (and verbolten)? I'll take it

[bull24471]

Chuck you just made my Girlfriend Bridget's day! She loves Wolves and now will be hassling to head to the park soon..... Nice report man as usual .....

[coasterfreak101]

Saw them at ECB (boyfriend made me wait for an hour until they came out). I can't believe they let you guys in to play with them. I hate you all!

[Guy T. Koepp]

Awesome report Chuck. I was looking forward to seeing these little guys since I heard the announcement about their arrival. They are truly amazing animals and quite cute. I know I won't be able to get up there to see them as pups, but I look forward to seeing them the next time I visit.

[DJENERGYZE]

ladies and gentlemen i have amazing news. ive talked to larry giles and some members of the creative design team. as i was part of a group of designers that helped design alot of what u see in the black forest . and they said for howl-o-scream they plan on incorporating a FOURTH show inside the black forest event building. he denied alotta questions i have asked him and said that he wants me to work on some of the new effects . but what he did say that stood out was fog, headlights. new scenery and special effects such as wind to give the effect of swaying trees. but the main thing he said was that she show would happen annually not periodically like the other three. tomorrow i will go talk to the president to confirm this but then again this did come out larrys mouth. i was soo excited to hear this that i wanted to share with tpr.

[cfc]

^This was mentioned during the Verbolten media day, as well, but we weren't given any details.

[CardCraze]

Looks like the full Howl-O-Scream site is live. Not much new from last year. Though, rumor is there are still a few new things that will be announced closer to the event.

 

Haunted Houses

 

13: Your Number's Up - Ireland

For 13 long years, the dark tower was locked away from the world—existing only in the nightmares of those who had dared to experience Howl-O-Scream’s first and most terrifying maze. But now the seal has been broken. The tower is open once more and on the 13th floor, your darkest phobias and fears lurk in the shadows. Are you brave enough to face them or is your number up?

 

Catacombs - France

Through a ruined cemetery filled with statues lies a tunnel that leads to an underground city. Its history is more terrifying than that of France’s worst revolutions. Deep within these tunnels lie mile after mile of bones—the final resting place for those who are buried here. But all is not as quiet as it appears. As guests venture forth into the dank, dripping corridors of rat infested remains, the voices of the dead begin to speak, and some have taken shape.

 

Fear Fair - Festa

On the dark outskirts of the Fair Grounds near Festa Italia, a traveling carnival is waiting under a stained and tattered big top. Lift the flaps of the tent and discover the macabre—a fantastic collection of freaks, psychotic clowns and other insane oddities that defy human explanation. Will your sides split with laughter? Or will you turn around and run for your life? Either way, you’ll quickly understand why this evil carnival is doomed to wander the Italian countryside … never stopping in the same village twice.

 

Bitten - Germany

Suspicion, darkness and mind-numbing fear surround the “Bitten” house which is set in Eastern Europe in the late 1800s. Full of legends and lore of vampires and the undead that preyed on the innocent, this manor sits by the road upon which all travelers must pass but few return.

 

Dead Line - Italy

Deep underground, construction of the newest line of the Pompeii Metro was moving smoothly until an ancient pipe was accidentally struck. At first, it seemed like steam. Then the mist became thicker, more sinister. Now the strange gas is leaking quickly, and everyone trapped inside is infected. The difficult decision was made to cut off all communication to the outside world. The Dead Line is off the grid.

 

 

Shows

 

Dig it Up - Italy

Relics long forgotten and buried in the vaults of the Muse di San Marco have recently been dug up, dusted off and brought to life through song. Cavemen, Egyptians, Romans, and even an alien encounter make their musical debut in this eclectic energy packed anything goes at Halloween show.

 

Fiends - Ireland

The wacky doctor and his manic nurses are creating the ultimate Fiend, and there’s not a bad seat in the lab. The voltage is high, and so is the fun as they sing, dance, and bring you along on the operation of a lifetime.

 

 

Scare Zones

 

Roaming Hordes

Under the cloak of night, Busch Gardens’ pathways are taken over by roaming minions from your deepest fears. No place is safe in the darkness of the gardens. You have been warned.

[pandorazboxx]

Yea, I've also heard there's a show in Festhaus, and a new house in Rhinefeld. Not sure how these hordes will compare to BGT's though.

[cfc]

Here's the press release from the park concerning Howl-o-Scream 2012:

 

THE DARK SIDE OF BUSCH GARDENS IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

Howl-O-Scream Opens Sept. 14 with a New Maze, Shows and Chills

 

 

WILLIAMSBURG, VA (Aug. 15, 2012) – Busch Gardens transforms into the Dark Side of the Gardens beginning Sept. 14. The park’s popular Howl-O-Scream event has been extended to seven weeks this year to accommodate the park guests’ seemingly insatiable need for thrills, scares and startles.

 

This year, park guests can experience the thrill that only comes from being chased by a horde of monsters when visiting the park. With throngs of roaming minions feeding on the fear of the living, Howl-O-Scream visitors will need to keep a watchful eye for these scary followers. No place is safe in the darkness of the gardens.

 

The Lady of the Gardens returns this year to show off the Dark Side of the Gardens. Evidence of her decaying green thumb can be seen throughout the park, much to the chagrin of the park’s landscaping team. She had a hand in a special new haunted maze that will debut this year. While she won’t provide details of the new maze just yet, sources say she has been spending a lot of time working in her greenhouse.

 

Two new shows are debuting at the park this year. Dig It Up, a new show in Italy, promises to raise the dead. A second show is under development at Das Festhaus, but details are still under wraps. Guests eager for all the details can expect more information about the park’s new show and maze in early September. Get the latest information first by visiting http://www.howloscream.com/va, the official source of Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream.

 

What else can guests can expect this year at Howl-O-Scream? Below is the most up-to-date information available about Howl-O-Scream’s mazes, shows and festivities.

 

SHOWS

 

· FIENDS (Abbey Stone Theatre in Ireland)

 

The wacky doctor and his manic nurses are creating the ultimate Fiend, and there’s not a bad seat in the lab. The voltage is high, and so is the fun as they sing, dance and bring you along on the operation of a lifetime.

 

· DIG IT UP (Il Teatro di San Marco in Italy)

 

Relics long forgotten and buried in the vaults of the Muse di San Marco have recently been dug up, dusted off and brought to life through song. Cavemen, Egyptians, Romans, and even an alien encounter make their musical debut in this eclectic energy packed anything goes at Halloween show.

 

· TBD – A new show in Das Festhaus

 

Details coming soon.

 

MAZES

 

· CATACOMBS

 

Through a ruined cemetery filled with statues lies a tunnel that leads to an underground city. Its history is more terrifying than that of France’s worst revolutions. Deep within these tunnels lie mile after mile of bones—the final resting place for those who are buried here. But all is not as quiet as it appears. As guests venture forth into the dank, dripping corridors of rat infested remains, the voices of the dead begin to speak, and some have taken shape.

 

· DEAD LINE

 

Deep underground, construction of the newest line of the Pompeii Metro was moving smoothly until an ancient pipe was accidentally struck. At first, it seemed like steam. Then the mist became thicker, more sinister. Now the strange gas is leaking quickly, and everyone trapped inside is infected. The difficult decision was made to cut off all communication to the outside world. The Dead Line is off the grid.

 

· BITTEN

 

Suspicion, darkness and mind-numbing fear surround the “Bitten” house which is set in Eastern Europe in the late 1800s. Full of legends and lore of vampires and the undead that preyed on the innocent, this manor sits by the road upon which all travelers must pass but few return.

 

· 13: YOUR NUMBER’S UP

 

For 13 long years, the dark tower was locked away from the world—existing only in the nightmares of those who had dared to experience Howl-O-Scream’s first and most terrifying maze. But now the seal has been broken. The tower is open once more and on the 13th floor, your darkest phobias and fears lurk in the shadows. Are you brave enough to face them or is your number up?

 

· FEAR FAIR

 

On the dark outskirts of the Fair Grounds near Festa Italia, a traveling carnival is waiting under a stained and tattered big top. Lift the flaps of the tent and discover the macabre—a fantastic collection of freaks, psychotic clowns and other insane oddities that defy human explanation. Will your sides split with laughter? Or will you turn around and run for your life? Either way, you’ll quickly understand why this evil carnival is doomed to wander the Italian countryside … never stopping in the same village twice.

 

· TBD – A new haunted maze

 

Details coming soon.

 

Howl-O-Scream officially kicks off Friday, Sept. 14 for seven chilling weekends. The park is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 28. For park operating hours visit howloscream.com/va.

 

I wonder of the new maze will be in the old Drachen Fire barn. They didn't use it last year due to the construction of Verbolten (it was a werewolf maze in the past).

[Meteornotes]

Loved the wolf report. We had a great time checking out all the animal exhibits during ECB.

 

dt

[pandorazboxx]

Supposedly the greenhouse maze is going to have an entrance in rhinefeld but be in the parking lot behind festhaus.

[cfc]

Want to spend a day at BGW for less than $40? Are you into NASCAR? Do you like Coca-Cola? Then this might be of interest--if you're going to the park on August 23.

 

RYAN NEWMAN, COCA-COLA RACING FAMILY MEMBER AND NASCAR DRIVER, VISITING BUSCH GARDENS AUGUST 23

Trade any Coca-Cola Product for a $39 Single-Day Ticket Offer

 

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (August 16, 2012) – Coca-Cola Racing Family member and NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, is visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg on Aug. 23 to greet fans and to challenge Verbolten, the park’s automobile-themed roller coaster that opened in May.

 

Newman, the driver of the No. 39 U.S. Army/Quicken Loans Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing, will visit Busch Gardens for two hours beginning at 5:30 p.m. Fans may see him in the park as he rides Verbolten and enjoys other theme-park attractions. He will sign autographs near Das Festhaus in the park’s Oktoberfest village at 6:30 p.m.

 

The first 200 fans to pick up a free wristband at Newman’s No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet show car in Oktoberfest will have an opportunity to meet Newman. Richmond International Raceway track president, Dennis Bickmeier, will accompany Newman at the meet and greet. In addition to Newman’s No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet show car, fans can also browse the RIR display and pace car.

 

Guests who bring any Coca-Cola product to a Busch Gardens’ ticket window will receive the special $39 single-day ticket offer. This special one-day ticket is valid on Aug. 23 only and is not valid with any other offer.

[cfc]

Happened to be on the BGW side of town this afternoon around 1:30. The park is already using the overflow lots. Sheesh!

[SharkTums]

This is the last weekend of the summer for probably 1/4 of the country! We just got stuck in I-Drive traffic at lunch.

[cfc]

It's the last weekend for fireworks at the park, too--then they start stripping all the Illuminights stuff to set up for Howl-o-Scream (yay!).

[bull24471]

Sure glad I didn't go down today then. I be cussing like a seasoned Sailor... LOL

[PAL]

^^The park was virtually empty through the early afternoon, so manageable I skipped the Quick Queue Unlimited I'd planned. We didn't hit real lines until after the 4 pm Celtic Fyre show (a great time). A regular QQ saw us through the day. We caught the fireworks while in the Verbolten queue. Right up there with Disney.

 

In short, loved the park. Verbolten is an ideal fit, a vast upgrade to late-year BBW.

[cal1br3tto]

^The BGW fireworks show is very well-executed. I really enjoyed it, and it was a nice break from the more generic shows at smaller parks.

[cfc]

Well, I went over to the park today to see it there was any significant Howl-o-Scream work going on, but didn't see much before the thunderstorms and the hordes for the Victoria Justice (whoever the hell she is) concert hit. But here are four pictures, for what it's worth (this concert was rescheduled for Monday, thanks to all the storms we've been having). Maybe I'll have more next week.

Yes, HOS is definitely on the way as you enter the parking lot.

Wunderbarn is gone. This is, no doubt, the work of Satan.

This can be either good news or bad news. I'll let you decide which.

This will be the home of "13: Your Number's Up," one of HOS's longest conga lines. That's all for now.

Edited August 26, 2012 by cfc