Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW BGE) Discussion Thread

[ernierocker]

I think I might have to do the Coasting For Kids next year at KD. And you know while I am in the area, might as well try out BGW's Food and Wine festival. Better start saving now!

[cfc]

Heading to the park for the first time today and it looks like there's a large chance of rain pretty much all day. What kind of rain policy does BGW have?

 

As long as there's no lightning in the area, you should be OK. Just damp.

[jray21]

I think I might have to do the Coasting For Kids next year at KD. And you know while I am in the area, might as well try out BGW's Food and Wine festival. Better start saving now!

 

That is a very good idea! I need to consider that option for next year as well!

[azza29]

Heading to the park for the first time today and it looks like there's a large chance of rain pretty much all day. What kind of rain policy does BGW have?

 

Apollo's Chariot in the rain almost counts as a different credit. Go for it! (Just cover your eyes...)

[Vonni]

How does Apollos Chariot compare to the other B&M hypers?

[azza29]

^Of the ones I've been on, I liked it more than Nitro (smoother) but Diamondback gave a better overall ride. Still a fantastic coaster though!

[coasterfreak101]

I put it pretty even with Nitro, and millions and millions of leagues above Diamondback.

[SuperShawn]

How does Apollos Chariot compare to the other B&M hypers?

 

I put it on par with most of the other B&M Hypers. It was running quite well a few weeks ago and definitely go get a night ride on it.

[Coaster_Fanatic]

I rank Apollo's Chariot right where I rank Nitro. AC is a great coaster, with lots of airtime!

[Brad]

I'm visiting BGW for the first time next week and had a few questions.

 

To provide a bit of background, I am visiting with a group on Monday, July 1 and we all have the standard Quick Queue passes (once through per attraction). We will be at the park from opening till about 5p.

 

-Since Verbolten is included in the selection of rides with Quick Queue now, does it still make sense to head there first thing?

-Are there any other attractions that tend to get an unbearable crowd in the afternoon that I should hit early?

-What's the best place to grab food (we have the Platinum dining certificate, so I think it's valid on everything but ribs)?

 

Thanks for the help!

[ECZenith]

^

Curse of Darkastle's line can get busy at times. Especially when it is hot outside people will seek refuge in the air conditioned castle.

 

I personally love the food at the German pavilion/beer garden area with the band/dancing.

 

Have a great time, and ride my favorite coaster in the world for me! (Griffon)

 

TO LOCALS! I have somewhat of an odd request:

 

I collect Coaster Dyanmix roller coaster trains and on my trip last year, neglected to pick up a Griffon train. Do they still sell Statix models at the park? I know at one point Alpengeist, Apollo, and Griffon had model replicas, and they even sold a working Griffon kit at one point. Do the gift shops still stock Griffon trains? I believe the Alpengeist trains are extremely hard to find. (For some reason the parks that carry these types of models always sell out of the inverted trains first, I can never find Raptor or Alpengeist) I wonder if Busch Gardens would send me a Griffon train if I called and spoke with someone from merchandise. (They don't have them on the online store) Or if someone could send one up to RI for me, I would pay of course. Any help would be appreciated!

[Koasterking48]

After hearing all of this garbage about Mach Tower, I'm only wondering if we see the same situation Dollywood had with TT. While I have not yet ridden it (haven't visited BGW in 7 years), I don't really have the urge to ride it and wouldn't care if it was removed. How about a Falcon Fury clone in place?

[Guy T. Koepp]

^Stranger things have happened. But from what I've heard, it sounds as if Mach Tower is working pretty reliably as of now.

[netdvn]

Do the gift shops still stock Griffon trains? I believe the Alpengeist trains are extremely hard to find. (For some reason the parks that carry these types of models always sell out of the inverted trains first, I can never find Raptor or Alpengeist)

 

I haven't seen Statix/CDX models sold in the park for years. As far as I know, the park stopped carrying them a while ago. You may need to contact Coaster Dynamix directly or send the park a suggestion to carry them again. If the park gets enough demand for them, you'll likely see the models return.

 

To provide a bit of background, I am visiting with a group on Monday, July 1 and we all have the standard Quick Queue passes (once through per attraction). We will be at the park from opening till about 5p.

 

-Since Verbolten is included in the selection of rides with Quick Queue now, does it still make sense to head there first thing?

-Are there any other attractions that tend to get an unbearable crowd in the afternoon that I should hit early?

-What's the best place to grab food (we have the Platinum dining certificate, so I think it's valid on everything but ribs)?

 

July 1st won't be bad at all. Considering it's the first night of Illuminights/official peak season and it's close to the 4th weekend, you may see heavier than normal crowds in the afternoon/late night hours, but as long as it's hot and humid, everyone's gonna be at Water Country.

 

I'd recommend hitting the rides based on the staggered opening times. You should be able to get rerides and minimal wait for most everything if you follow that schedule. Fastpasses probably won't even be required on that day most likely.

 

I like the San Marco theater restaurant and the Smokehouse in terms of food. The Festhaus has AC and includes a show though (Entwined during the day and This is Oktoberfest at night). The pretzel shop is not to be missed at all.

[The49er]

Do you guys have any more tips for me before I visit next week? (7/9 or 7/10, I think)

[Saldek]

^Stranger things have happened. But from what I've heard, it sounds as if Mach Tower is working pretty reliably as of now.

 

Mach Tower is not reliable. A few weeks ago a cable snapped and had to be replaced and it broke down again last Thursday and has yet to reopen.

 

Also, according to the park's website, Europe In The Air is closed for the remainder of the season. No explanation has been given regarding its closure.

 

http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/Attractions/Rides/Europe-in-the-Air

[netdvn]

Do you guys have any more tips for me before I visit next week? (7/9 or 7/10, I think)

 

Crowds are heavily dependent on the weather and/or special events going on in summertime. Since you're going midweek, crowds shouldn't be an issue at all. If the weather calls for heavy rain or extreme VA heat during the day, expect the park to be a ghost town. Just be sure to hit Apollo at fireworks time.

 

Mach Tower will be hit-miss in terms of operation, so don't make that a priority.

 

Crowds may pick up at fireworks time. Just note, a few of the rides (including Verbolten and the train) will shut down before fireworks.

[King]

^Stranger things have happened. But from what I've heard, it sounds as if Mach Tower is working pretty reliably as of now.

 

Mach Tower is not reliable. A few weeks ago a cable snapped and had to be replaced and it broke down again last Thursday and has yet to reopen.

 

Also, according to the park's website, Europe In The Air is closed for the remainder of the season. No explanation has been given regarding its closure.

 

http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/Attractions/Rides/Europe-in-the-Air

 

Mach Tower was down Sunday when I was there.

[ernierocker]

Can't say I am surprised to see Mach Tower having problems again. I guess I lucked out in the spring as it was running fairly reliable then.

[King]

^I got lucky during Christmas Town.

[The49er]

^^^^Thank you.

[azza29]

Also, according to the park's website, Europe In The Air is closed for the remainder of the season. No explanation has been given regarding its closure.

 

Hopefully they will give it a refresh. Given the quality of everything else at the park, Europe In The Air really stands out as being below average.

[megametal]

^I got lucky during Christmas Town.

 

Oh my!

[eddie200330]

^I got lucky during Christmas Town.

 

Oh my!

 

I was just about to say the same damn thing...LOL.

[Jpizzle]

^Oh no, not another skyride story . . .