cfc Posted September 7, 2013 Author Share Posted September 7, 2013 ^Speaking of that . . . Busch Gardens is holding their annual Passholder Appreciation Weekend, and the first 1,500 passholders to make it to the Festhaus this morning were treated to some announcements about Christmas Town, Howl-o-Scream, and the park's new show for 2014 (London Rocks). Christmas Town--For the price of a one-day ticket to the event this year ($30), passholders can buy an unlimited Christmas Town pass. In the past, you had to buy a discounted one-day ticket. But between now and October 31, passholders can purchase these Christmas Town passes for $25 online (just login into your passholder account online). Howl-o-Scream--This event kicks off on September 13 (yes, Friday the 13th). Passholders can bring a friend for free from September 13-16, and these free tickets can be obtained online. That's one free ticket per "active" pass, and only for opening weekend. Although there is one new maze this year (Cut Throat Cove in Festa Italia), the park is emphasizing dining during HOS. Three separate, themed dining experiences are available: Blood Banquet in Germany (with Count Vlad and other bloodsuckers as your friendly hosts), Buccaneer Galley in Festa Italia (with scurvy wenches and pirates, of course), and Fright Feast in Ireland (with a mad scientist and monsters). They're really pushing the four "Terror-tories," as well: Ripper Row (England), Vampire Point (Germany), Demon Street (France), and Ports of Skull (Italy). They've ramped up the "adult" beverage offerings, too. Another new feature of HOS will be "Torture Hill" in Italy, where you can partake of such piratical sports as being placed in the stocks or walking the plank. London Rocks--This is the show going into the Globe Theatre in England. They gave passholders a little taste of it today. Jack Hanna was there to do some animal shows, too. Here's a look at what went on at the Festhaus and elsewhere today. Yes, it's all about us today. First stop, the Festhaus. They're setting up for the HOS Casket Club show--no oom-pah-pah today. Scott Gasparich, the park's entertainment director kept trying to talk about Howl-o-Scream . . . . . . only to be interrupted by pirates, . . . . . . a Victorian woman of questionable virtue, . . . . . . demonic entities, . . . . . . and vixens. This is the Demonic DJ, and he'll be calling the musical shots on Demon Street (France). Meet the sparkliest vampire of them all . . . . . .Count Vlad! Orlock, the lord of the Casket Club, is not pleased that the Blood Banquet will also be coming to Germany. I imagine you'll be encountering Count Vlad and his bloodsucking guests at the Blood Banquet. Finally, they gave us a look at the new show in England. I think these giant balloons look like shortbread cookies--or maybe I'm just hungry. Sing it! "I need somebody!" They played all sort of British pop and rock while flashing these projections on the balloons. Everything from "Hard Day's Night" to "Start Me Up" to "Our House." Then something blew up. I think the show may have to do with British pop music; of course, I could be mistaken. I pity the poor clean-up crew--the UK just puked all over the Feshaus after downing too much Guinness. Remember--that's London Rocks. This bus did not come from London. OK, how about a look at some other HOS stuff? Yep--pirates. They've put up the set for the "Dig It Up" show in Italy. Blow like an Egyptian . . . Arr, I think ye can get yer fruity rum drinks here, mateys. But beware of scurvy bungee pirates! And look out for Count von Count! Punkins. That's all. You can find jello shots and naughty nurses here. No Europe in the Air during Howl-o-Scream--what bad luck. Boogie, boogie, boogie! France is slowly being transformed into Demon Street. Even New France is getting into the act. "Velcome to Vampire Point. Haf you been helped--or sucked?" Hmm--looks like some scare zone stuff is being set up. Here's a piece of Ripper Row in England. Terror waits behind this door! Why don't we finish up with some of Jack Hanna's adorable animals? Always end a report with a cute little kitty--that's all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zachclarke2 Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 The Princess Anne/Virginia Beach tag tells me they borrowed the bus from the air museum. Also, had you panned slightly more to the right on this shot I would have been in it. I was sitting next to the guy in the "Why I Don't Ride" shirt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernierocker Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 Great update, Chuck. I don't think too many people will miss the Pirates 4D show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stewcrew99 Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 I can not believe there is no new ride again this year. The last 2 years no new ride or new attraction. Wonder why Tampa is getting a new ride and we get nothing. Where is all our money going??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernierocker Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 ^Last three years: BGW: 1 new coaster and 1 new drop tower BGT: 1 new coaster and 1 new drop tower Busch Gardens Williamsburg is already an amazing park. I trust their decision making on when they will add their next major addition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djboss302 Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 There are rumors that the tiger side of Gwazi will be heading to BGW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted September 8, 2013 Author Share Posted September 8, 2013 (edited) ^Last three years: BGW: 1 new coaster and 1 new drop tower BGT: 1 new coaster and 1 new drop tower Busch Gardens Williamsburg is already an amazing park. I trust their decision making on when they will add their next major addition. Same. It's not unusual for BGW to go for a few years without a new "major" attraction. These things are planned out years in advance. Entertainment and food seem to be their focus at the moment. There are rumors that the tiger side of Gwazi will be heading to BGW. Er, dubious, at best. Edited September 8, 2013 by cfc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Intimidator305 Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 I think 2015 will be a big year for Virginia... whatever Busch has up their sleeves going big and KD will be due for something fairly large then too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddie200330 Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 I can not believe there is no new ride again this year. The last 2 years no new ride or new attraction. Wonder why Tampa is getting a new ride and we get nothing. Where is all our money going??? Better to plan out something good and spectacular than just start plopping down rides and coasters anywhere they please. This is what puts BGW above Six Flags in so many ways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted September 8, 2013 Author Share Posted September 8, 2013 ^I wasn't expecting any earth-shattering announcements for 2014, but 2015 will probably be a different story. The new show hasn't exactly been a "big secret." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted September 9, 2013 Author Share Posted September 9, 2013 (edited) The park sent us a little more Howl-o-Scream info today. BUSCH GARDENS® PRESENTS A TERROR-TORY™ TERROR-STORY: RIPPER ROW® WILLIAMSBURG (September 9, 2013) – Ripper Row® is one of four unnerving Terror-tories™ awaiting guests when Howl-O-Scream® opens Friday the 13th of September. This immersive area will greet guests when they enter Howl-O-Scream through what was once a quaint English village, but now resembles another time and place. Loosely based on the terrifying reign of the Whitechapel Murderer, Ripper Row envelops guests into a cinematic experience infused with new horrifying plot twists and turns. As the main attraction in Ripper Row, beware or become the Ripper’s next victim during this autumn of terror. Ripper Row: The Story Tendrils of fog curl lazily around those who walk the dark streets and cling to tattered bits of black parasols, forlorn reminders that the denizens of this forsaken place are in mourning. The wailing keens of those who’ve lost someone dear punctuate the air of a city shrouded in darkness and despair. Shadows lurk everywhere. Everyone is a stranger and no one can be trusted. The yellowed newspapers plastered on sides of buildings shout the dire news in bold headlines: patrons of the Ten Bells Pub are disappearing. Whispers permeate every shadow-filled corner and foreboding alleyway, rumors of a dark figure stalking the streets plucking unsuspecting souls who fall victim to his nefarious whims. Bobbies rush in and out of Scotland Yard, their brows furrowed with anxiety and their eyes averted from the citizens they are helpless to protect. Their efforts to warn away potential victims has all been in vain as more and more people seem to flood the streets each day. The locals are starting to call it the Autumn of Terror and no one knows when the horrors will stop and England will be safe once more. How do you save people from a villain with no known identity? For weeks he has been taunting the police by mailing them grisly notes detailing his murderous crimes, all signed with the same shudder-inducing name: Jack the Ripper. One thing is clear, this is his city now and the suffering is far from over for those who visit Ripper Row… The horrors of Ripper Row and three equally-frightening experiences await those brave enough to become the main characters in Howl-O-Scream’s thematic Terror-tories where spirits and fiends walk amongst the living. France, Italy, Germany and England will be transformed into an over-the-top experience that transports guests to another time and place full of startles and frights. There’s plenty to see and explore during Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream. The mad doctor returns in Fiends at Ireland’s Abbey Stone Theatre®, along with Dig It Up! in Il Teatro di San Marco and the coolest night club this side of the afterlife, Night Beats™, in Das Festhaus®. Cut Throat Cove™ joins the line-up of haunted houses that offer frightening surprises at every turn. Busch Gardens’ selection of spooky shops offers up a scary array of gifts to help guests relive the thrills of Howl-O-Scream long after the terror-filled adventure has ended, including new store Captain Barghbie’s Booty™.Visit the Open CASKet™ bar, Demon Drinks Inoculation Station or Pirate Baarrrgh™ for drinks that will makes guests’ blood run cold. The frightening fun begins this Friday. During the day, Busch Gardens is full of fall fun for families, but at the stroke of 6 p.m. the park becomes a seriously scary place. Guests are advised to consider the park’s elevated scare factor when deciding to visit Busch Gardens with young children during the event. Purchase a Fall Fun Card and enjoy unlimited admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, including Howl-O-Scream, for the price of a one-day admission. Howl-O-Scream offers scares and thrills weekends through October 27. For tickets and more information including shopping, visit http://www.howloscream.com/va. Edited September 9, 2013 by cfc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philrad71 Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 I am personally excited for the new show in England. Being a big fan of British Invasion music, I am sure that I will love it. Kings Island did one last year when we were there on Labor Day that was quite good...I expect that BGW will blow that one away! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2012jarrett Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 I am personally excited for the new show in England. Being a big fan of British Invasion music, I am sure that I will love it. Kings Island did one last year when we were there on Labor Day that was quite good...I expect that BGW will blow that one away! I went to Kings Island on Labor Day weekend last year and saw British Invasion too, and this reminded me of that show. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and this is coming from a guy who doesn't like the shows at theme parks. If we go next year I can't wait to see it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted September 14, 2013 Author Share Posted September 14, 2013 (edited) Howl-o-Scream Opening Night Media Event Yesterday was Friday the 13th; therefore, 6:13 pm was the perfect time to kickoff Howl-o-Scream 2013 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The park held a short reception over at the picnic area for theme-park Web sites and bloggers to talk about what's new for this year's event. Scott Gasparich, vice president of entertainment, talked about how, over 15 years, HOS has gone from one maze, one attraction (the Transylvania Express train ride, if memory serves), and one show to becoming a true, "all-in" park event. This year, every aspect of the park, from entertainment to landscaping to food, is deeply involved in HOS. Here are the new offerings for this year: Cut Throat Cove--This ghostly pirate maze has replaced last year's Fear Fair, and I think it's an improvement (evil clowns have sort of run their course). Wend your way through a port and aboard a ship that have been taken over by mutinous pirates. Terror-tories--Guests will a accosted by Scotland Yard inspectors, ladies of "dubious virtue" (some of whom are headless), and maybe even Jack the Ripper as they enter the park via Ripper Row in England. Pirates have taken over Italy and turned it into Ports of Skull. Besides the new maze, other features of this Terror-tory include "Torture Hill" (get your photo taken walking the plank or being clapped in irons) and "Pirate Baarrgh" (get yer grog here, mates). You know, even bloodsucking fiends from Hell need a vacation now and then, and Vampire Point in Germany is just the resort they're looking for--relaxing and full of victims. Paris is burning and the fiends are partying over on Demon Street--but watch out for chainsaw-wielding monsters while you're checking out the Demonic DJ and his vixens in France. Themed Dining--HOS is featuring "character-dining" options this year. Dine where the vampires feast at the "Blood Banquet" in the "Vampire Point Hotel," and you might get to meet the owner, Count Vladtastic, among other friendly denizens of the undead. Your hosts at the "Fright Feast" at Castle O'Sullivan in Ireland is a mad scientist and his demented creations, and share a mess hall with pirates at the "Buccaneer Galley" in Festa Italia. You can also score some adult beverages at the "Open Casket," "Pirate Baarrg," "Demon Drinks," and "Inoculation Station" (complete with Naughty Nurses). Last year's shows, that is, "Fiends" (Ireland), "Night Beats" (Festhaus), and "Dig It Up" (Italy) are back, as are these mazes: 13: Your Number's Up (Ireland), Catacombs (France), Deadline (Italy), Bitten (Germany), and Root of All Evil (Germany). You can also purchase a $72 Fun Card, which will get you into HOS all season (it's already part of an annual pass). Howl-o-Scream runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 27. One other point: Howl-o-Scream is not meant for young children. The park gets scarier and a bit more risque after 6:00 pm. You have been warned. Shall we go in? Don't be afraid. I won't leave you behind--unless some monster kills me. Then you're on your own. We begin with the horrifying waterfall! In the picnic area! Terror has come to this stack of maps. Arr! These two scallywags be residents of Torture Hill over in Ports of Skull. They be "social directors," ye might say. What would an HOS media event be without a big snake? Scott Gasparich discusses the thinking behind the new Terror-Tories: "Everybody has to go along a pathway." In other words, there's no escaping Howl-o-Scream. Aye, even scurvy pyrates enjoy Coke products. Speaking of pirates and swag, the park gave us refillable HOS cups, "London Rocks" bags, vouchers for "Blood Banquet" and a free face painting, and a comp Quick Queue for Cut Throat Cove. (The last one came in very handy as the line for that maze got a bit long.) Meet me new mate. Now, off to the park with ye! Which way to go? The Dark Side of the Gardens shop is open for all your Halloween needs. Nosferatu, old buddy! How the hell ya been? Vampire Point had some nice, homey touches. Be very careful of who you meet in Vampire Point. The life you save could be your own. Fort New France was "spooked up" with spider webs and werewolves. Backstage tours are available. Is something burning? This line for Catacombs only took about 20 minutes. Here's the entrance to Catacombs. This is a maze I rather like, thanks to its unique atmosphere. Either Paris is burning or this is a "designated smoking area." Yo, Hellboy! What's happening? Hmm--is there anything in the Bible about demons carrying chainsaws? If you keep picking at that it'll never heal. Aw, isn't that sweet. Satan is out walking his dragon. I hope he brought a plastic bag. "And, lo, a Demonic DJ will stand atop a flaming skull." (That has to be an old Black Sabbath lyric.) Keep an eye open for Vixens. More to come. Edited September 17, 2013 by cfc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted September 14, 2013 Author Share Posted September 14, 2013 Stand by for more Howl-o-Scream! Why not watch the "Vampire Point Hotel" floor show while you wait? [coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=HOS_Media_Night_151_wfti[/coastertube] Meanwhile. back at Vampire Point, the party is just getting started. Meet Lugosi, Count Vladtastic's butler. A family of vampire tourists has just flown over from Newport News. I didn't realize that Tidewater Virginia had such a large undead population. I doubt that TPR will be booking this hotel for any trips. Looks like they found yet another use for the old "Enchanted Laboratory" gargoyles. It's getting darker and spookier. Beer and wine at Open Casket. Not sure if they have Bloody Marys. Well, I guess I'll grab a bite to eat . . . holy crap! BGW did a good job retheming the old ice-cream-and-gift shop into the Vampire Point Hotel. Here's the menu. The tri tip and the red velvet cupcakes were quite nice. Horrifying Luggage of Terror! Things can get a little lively at the Vampire Point Hotel. Lugosi pages people and announces guests during dinner. He particularly likes it if you're a vampire or a werewolf. "So, you are dining alone? Excellent! Vee love stragglers!" Get yer pirate loot in Italy at "Captain Barghbie's Booty." Wenches serve grog here. Welcome to Torture Hill. "Jones, party of two, your cages are ready." Whar be Cut Throat Cove? Aye, thar it be. Make yer mark and prepare to set sail! Welcome to Ripper Row. You don't say? Good thing Scotland Yard is nearby. Well, that was rather careless of the Ripper. "No 'ead tonight, dearie." And that's a peek at Howl-o-Scream 2013. Happy Halloween! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arby Posted September 14, 2013 Share Posted September 14, 2013 Great report, Chuck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike541x Posted September 14, 2013 Share Posted September 14, 2013 Thanks for the TR, Chuck. Makes me more excited for next weekend as I'll have two days to enjoy Howl-O-Scream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKI Jizzman Posted September 15, 2013 Share Posted September 15, 2013 Love it! So happy to see these events opening up. This is my favorite time of the year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy T. Koepp Posted September 15, 2013 Share Posted September 15, 2013 Love it! So happy to see these events opening up. This is my favorite time of the year. Same! Looking forward to going to HHN and Knott's in a few weeks. Perhaps I will get up there to KI and vist before years end. It's to bad I won't be able to get over to Bush as it looks like their event is pretty awesome! Nice TR Chuck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperShawn Posted September 16, 2013 Share Posted September 16, 2013 Appreciate the great look at the event since it's not looking like I'll make it down to see in person. While it doesn't seem as scare heavy as some of the other Halloween events out there it does look like a fun night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted September 16, 2013 Author Share Posted September 16, 2013 One interesting request they made during the reception--they asked that we stress in our reports that Howl-o-Scream is not meant for small children. Although it isn't as "intense" as Tampa's event, they have stepped things up a little this year (more aggressive scareactors in the "Terror-tories," for example). Yet you still see a lot of kids in strollers at BGW's Howl-o-Scream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pianojohn Posted September 16, 2013 Share Posted September 16, 2013 That video clip was PAINFUL. I knew that Live Entertainment was going downhill (see Mix It Up and the ensuing walk-offs), but those vocals and staging of "I Am What I Am" were straight out of BAD community theater. Here's hoping the other forms of entertainment aren't quite so abysmal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted September 16, 2013 Author Share Posted September 16, 2013 ^I prefer my theme-park shows to be accompanied by big explosions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
netdvn Posted September 16, 2013 Share Posted September 16, 2013 Hit up the event all three days. Compared to previous years, opening weekend has been fantastic. All the actors were on their A game and it showed. I'm really hoping the trend continues as the event gets better and better. Mazes and scare zones did seem a bit understaffed at points. The pirate scare zone in Italy was pitiful despite the bungee dude. They need to expand it. Festa is completely unthemed which is unfortunate considering that's where the new maze is. I love what the park did with France and the rest of the scare zones. Other areas were pretty well done compared to opening last year. I'll probably post a more extensive review once the event really kicks in. Doing this on a phone is a pain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted September 16, 2013 Author Share Posted September 16, 2013 ^Yes, most of the pirate theming is on the Oktoberfest bridge and in DaVinci's Garden, with the maze and "Buccaneer Galley" in Festa Italia; still, I prefer this to the "evil clown" stuff they've been doing there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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