Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW BGE) Discussion Thread

[PCW_Nut]

I remember hearing about the ISIS stuff causing problems for the severed heads. It's halloween people, lighten up! It's funny that happened and there is SO much headless figures in the maze as well as the amount of gore in a maze like Unearthed.

 

I found the scareactors lacking any enthusiasm, the maze having any real flow, and just seemed to be a lot of areas where nothing happens. Very odd and lacking.

 

Bitten had some very impressive sets and we actually really enjoyed that one.

 

The one two punch at the end of Catacombs if you get both scares, which we did, was really well done and left us walking away with huge smiles on our faces. I would say the only thing they could MAYBE improve, and keep in mind this may really be nitpicking, would be to cover up some of the ceilings. To be able to see the building so clearly that its in kind of through off the feeling of being underground.

[cfc]

I was chatting with someone on opening night who mentioned that Cut Throat Cove was their "evil clown maze," only with pirates. It seems like a "starter maze" for kids--see if they can handle Cut Throat Cove first.

 

Bitten has held up pretty well--more so than Club Blood at Kings Dominion (which is the oldest maze there).

[PCW_Nut]

Ya, Club Blood at Wonderland here has gone downhill to being horrible.

 

I don't know, I mean I guess looking at Cut Throat as their "training wheels" house then I can understand but I don't feel it really allows it to be as bad as it is. I loved the amount of gore in there, so it wasn't ALL negative but when it came to pacing/scares/etc. it was just lacking greatly. When all your other mazes are so good it really makes the weaker ones stand out that much more.

[cfc]

^That's just my take on Cut Throat Cove. The "Ports of Skull" "TERROR-tory" is weaker this year. In that past, the "Torture Hill" photo op area had more going on (for example, they had two pirates that would always talk to the crowd over the PA system); "Ports of Skull" also gets my vote the most awkwardly named scarezone ever. They've had better mazes in Festa Italia in the past (such as "Wicked Woods").

 

But, overall, HOS is pretty strong this year.

[PCW_Nut]

I will agree to that. HOS was a very fun event and for my first time there I can easily say I will definitely be going back next year.

[TheCoasterKid211]

The entrance to Cornered is just around the corner...

Pun intended?

[cfc]

^Ah, you saw what I did there!

[MagicFeather]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm new to the board. We went for our annual Howl O Scream trip to BGW last night (Sunday 10/18). I think I'm always more impressed with the zones than I am with the mazes. I usually get at least one pretty good scare in each maze, but maybe I'm just getting older.

 

I actually think my favorite maze was Cornered, though a camera crew went in right before us, so I'm not sure all of the actors were in place as there seemed to be several areas where I would have expected a scare but there wasn't one. Catacombs is usually a favorite, but again it seemed very light on actors. The atmosphere was great, but not many scares.

 

Lumberhack was a nice outdoor maze. I'm probably in the minority, but I enjoy Cut Throat Cove. I'd not be broken if it was gone next year, but I like it better than the clown one before that. I think the beginning of Deadline is a bust, but I've always like the last few rooms.

 

I was disappointed with Scarlett's Revenge. I don't think the use of the "Europe in the Air" screens added anything to it (though I'll say that I hate Europe in the air, so wasn't sad about the ride not being in use, lol). It was a better maze than Number 13 (or whatever the one from the last 2 years was), but still not all that. We actually missed the final scare because the exit was slightly confusing.

 

I always enjoy the Rum Apple Cider and I LOVED the Scarlett's Potion. I wish I had paid closer attention to what was in it.

 

We did the Blood Banquet. The food was SO good and perfect for how cold it was yesterday. I actually didn't mind the show. Yes, it was silly, but it was self-aware that it was silly and Igor was a really good ad-libber. We've seen Monster Stomp in the past (several times) so we went with Fiends. Which I liked well enough for what it was.

 

As usual the theme-ing throughout the park was great and allows for many photo opportunities. I do wish they'd add back the train ride. I'm sure it was the most elaborate thing to set up, but I always enjoyed it. I sort of miss the "Jack is Back" street party, too...

 

QQs are a MUST. Lines were not too bad during the day (we got there around 1pm and got on Tempesto in less than 20 minutes), but people started streaming in around 6pm and most of the mazes had at least an hour wait, so we got to do them all in about 2.5 hours with QQ. Also, several times our QQs were not even marked out and we could have done those mazes and rides again (though we had so much to do and it was a Sunday) we opted to leave when we were done with everything. I don't think the park ever reached capacity like it did on Saturday (10/17). Though I was slightly worried we wouldn't be able to get back in when we went to the car to get our coats.

 

We have season passes to BGW, so I know we'll go again and of course I've never had a bad experience there (at HOS or during the year) that makes me want to cancel. Kings Dominion has more rides, yes, but the overall presentation of atmosphere at BGW cannot be beat.

[cfc]

^I miss the the old "Transylvania Express" train ride, too. Wouldn't mind seeing it return someday.

[mike541x]

^Agreed. Last time I rode Transylvania Express was ten years ago, such a great HOS attraction! Six Flags America used to do the same thing with their train ride, even since the Adventure World days but they no longer do that anymore. What a shame...

[coneyislandchris]

Came across this post via Consumerist:

 

http://www.13newsnow.com/story/features/2015/10/19/chesapeake-man-denied-entrance-to-busch-gardens-for-attire/74211046/

Kilt-wearing man denied entrance to Busch Gardens

 

A Norfolk man claims he was denied entry at Busch Gardens for wearing a kilt.

 

According to Hex Nottingham, Busch Gardens employees told him he could not wear a "costume" inside the park at Howl-O-Scream.

 

"I've been a customer for decades and a regular pass holder, and this has left a terrible stain on the honour of my culture as well as my ethnic pride," says Nottingham.

 

The following is the official costume policy for Busch Gardens:

 

"For the safety of our guests and performers, we do not allow costumes in the park any time of the year, but especially not during Howl-O-Scream.

 

This policy is in place to ensure the safety of guests and team members who want a safe and enjoyable experience. The park does not wish to alienate anyone who wears traditional clothing representing their culture or heritage. However, if the clothing could confuse guests into thinking the wearer is part of the official Howl-O-Scream experience then we will not allow it in the park."

 

Before leaving the park, Nottingham recorded a video of himself and posted it to Facebook. He also formally wrote to Busch Gardens in hopes of getting answers to his complaint.

 

There's also a video on the click-through.

[cfc]

Came across this post via Consumerist:

 

http://www.13newsnow.com/story/features/2015/10/19/chesapeake-man-denied-entrance-to-busch-gardens-for-attire/74211046/

Kilt-wearing man denied entrance to Busch Gardens

 

A Norfolk man claims he was denied entry at Busch Gardens for wearing a kilt.

 

According to Hex Nottingham, Busch Gardens employees told him he could not wear a "costume" inside the park at Howl-O-Scream.

 

"I've been a customer for decades and a regular pass holder, and this has left a terrible stain on the honour of my culture as well as my ethnic pride," says Nottingham.

 

The following is the official costume policy for Busch Gardens:

 

"For the safety of our guests and performers, we do not allow costumes in the park any time of the year, but especially not during Howl-O-Scream.

 

This policy is in place to ensure the safety of guests and team members who want a safe and enjoyable experience. The park does not wish to alienate anyone who wears traditional clothing representing their culture or heritage. However, if the clothing could confuse guests into thinking the wearer is part of the official Howl-O-Scream experience then we will not allow it in the park."

 

Before leaving the park, Nottingham recorded a video of himself and posted it to Facebook. He also formally wrote to Busch Gardens in hopes of getting answers to his complaint.

 

There's also a video on the click-through.

 

 

 

This guy's garb might've been a problem a few years back at Howl-o-Scream. One of the TERROR-tories was "The Moor," and it was haunted by big Scottish warriors in kilts.

 

I hope he enjoys his 15 minutes of fame.

Edited October 20, 2015 by cfc

[cfc]

Update to the "Kilt Controversy" from the park's Facebook page:

 

There has been some debate on our Facebook pages about distinguishing true costumes vs. attire worn for cultural reasons. Our theme parks are inclusive and welcoming to guests of all cultures. We must adhere to a strict no-costume policy during our Halloween events to ensure guest safety, but we also recognize and accept guests wearing traditional clothing that represent their heritage. That differentiation can sometimes be subjective, as with this instance.

We regret any confusion this has caused, and have clarified that kilts are permitted in our parks during these special events, just as they are on a typical day. We welcome our kilt-wearing friends out to enjoy Howl-O-Scream.

 

But ye better be wearin' something under your sporran, laddie.

 

And in other news (also from the park's Facebook page):

 

Dear Italian lovers, Howl-O-Scream will be the last time you'll be able to enjoy the restaurant in Italy as it is now. We're revamping it and turning it into something spectacular next spring. Be on the look out for insider updates.

 

The word is that they're switching from the old cafeteria set up to a "marketplace," which will offer Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian entrees (in honor of Italian explorer Marco Polo's trip to China). Sound good to me--we'll see how it turns out next season.

Edited October 22, 2015 by cfc

[TyRush]

Their PR department had to be laughing in tears while writing about accepting kilts into the park

[cfc]

[mike541x]

Any idea of what the crowds should be like on the last day for HOS, Nov 1st? I'm planning on making a trip somewhere and ride some coasters before the season ends. I plan to do some houses as well, if the crowds aren't bad.

[cfc]

^That's a good question. In the past, HOS has ended earlier than November 1. I'm thinking it'll be fairly busy, but not outrageous.

[dakota381]

Can anyone tell me how crowded/busy BGE will be on opening day of Christmastown? Hubby and I are passing through and thought we'd stop to check it out on Black Friday. Hope everyone will be shopping so we'll have the park to ourselves.

 

TIA!

[cfc]

Speaking of BGW's holiday event . . .

 

Christmas Town 2015

 

I missed the opening weekend of Christmas Town this year because I was celebrating Thanksgiving with friends in western North Carolina. It was unseasonably warm and dry in the Smokies most of the weekend (rain didn't roll in until Sunday), and you could walk around in shirtsleeves as temps hit the low 60s during the afternoon. I understand the same was true in Williamsburg that weekend.

 

That was not the case last Friday night when I visited Christmas Town for the first time this year. Yes, it was definitely Christmas cold after the sun went down and the thermometer dipped to the high 30s. But that's good. It merely adds to the festive atmosphere when you can see your own breath.

 

The park was pretty busy that night; this Sunday is the the annual Grand Illumination in Colonial Williamsburg, so there are a lot of tourists in town, and BGW was using all its parking lots except for the overflow lots down on Rt. 60. Still, it was pretty manageable, even though I was "run over" by some poor old lady on an ECV. As usual, the park was beautifully decorated, with Holiday HIlls (Festa Italia) and the Polar Pathway (Escape from Pompeii) standing out. There were two big changes this year:

 

• 1. No live-penguin walk-through exhibit (although you can still get your photo with a guy in a penguin suit over by Apollo's Chariot); and
  2. Twas that Night, a new ice show starring Olympic silver medalist Elvis Stojko, in the outdoor theatre in France (this explains what happened to the penguins--they used to be in the theatre's backstage area).

 

I'm not a big fan of ice shows, but I checked out Twas that Night because it's new for this year. It's a version of the classic poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (aka, "Twas the Night Before Christmas"), with a some of the Nutcracker thrown in. Elvis and his family return from shopping, the kids go to bed and dream up "visions of sugar plums" (the Nutcracker bit), Elvis gets into a "dance off" with Santa, and the kids wake up and open gifts. The show is pretty well staged (Santa has a good entrance), and they even throw in a bit of pyro. All in all, a good Christmas show and a nice fit for BGW's Christmas Town audience. Still, for my money, Scrooge No More (Globe Theatre) is the best show (I'm a sucker for Christmas Carol adaptations). Gloria (Abbeystone Theatre), Miracles (San Marco Theatre), Deck the Halls (Festhaus), and O Tannenbaum (in front of the Festhaus) are running this year, too. Quick Queue is available for shows (and Santa), you can still enjoy a nice turkey dinner at Santa's Fireside Feast in Ireland, and reserved seating is available in the Festhaus for Deck the Halls.

 

Here's a bit of O Tannenbaum.

 

[fbvideonew]https://www.facebook.com/chuck.campbell.37/videos/1080946868590824/[/fbvideonew]

 

The only coaster running during Christmas Town is Verbolten (temperature permitting), and I think all the flat rides were running, too (Forest of Fun is closed). I know that I'll be going back to partake of more of the park's great Christmas fare.

 

Here's a look at Christmas Town 2015.

Hard to believe that Christmas Town is seven years old this year. It really has become a tradition in Williamsburg.

If these snowflakes were real, they'd cut you in half as they fell.

The traditional Christmas Town tree . . .

. . . with really big balls.

Hmm--have to check these out sometime.

Nothing says "Christmas" like a wagon full of salt, tomatoes, and squash.

Cheesesteak sandwiches are, it seems, "traditional Christmas fare."

This friendly fellow will be happy to serve you a nice Sam Adams Fezziwig Ale or Blue Moon Gingerbread-Spiced Beer at Cobblestone Ale & Spirits. He has some other very nice adult beverages, too.

Instead of the big snowflakes hanging over Scotland as in past years, the park is using these snow globes with "holographic" snow flakes in them. They look much nicer in person.

But they're still having a "Blue Christmas" in Scotland.

"Sit on me! I dare you!"

The Claus exhorts his followers to kneel before his majesty on the Polar Pathway.

I really like these golden Christmas trees on the path to San Marco. They smell great, too.

One of the prettiest sights at Christmas Town.

This food stand was all themed up as the Crow's Nest Grill for Howl-o-Scream but was never open. Well, you can get a nice sausage-and-peppers sandwich there during Christmas Town.

"Enjoy Me-mas Town!"

"No one ever talks about me during Christmas."

"Oh, Joesph sweetie, don't be so whiny. Why don't you go to the nice store next door . . .

. . . and get us all some nice cookies, and maybe a little wine?"

Gunther loves Christmas, and I hear that he and Gerta are offering special rates on car rentals in Germany. Of course, you may take an unexpected detour and never return, but what a bargain.

Let's see what's happening over at the Festhaus.

Well, there is "Deck the Halls," . . .

. . . but I'm here for a roast sirloin sandwich and a glass of Fat Tire Accumulation White IPA

They've gussied up the model train set in the Germany gift shop.

Not for sale, of course, but it looks cool.

Don't worry--there are plenty of other ways to spend your money here.

For someone on your "sort of naughty" list.

Nothing says "holiday cheer" more that glasses for booze.

For the person who has everything--a Shamu nutcracker.

Don't forget the oh-so-sexy leopard-trimmed caps.

It's definitely getting colder . . .

. . . and no wonder!

"Die the Death of a 1,000 Antler Pokes, elf scum!"

"Oh, boy, Santa's gotta use the little elves room bad!"

"I will bide my time, then strike in the name of my true master, the Ice Cream Bunny! Hur, hur, hur!" (That joke was for all the Rifftrax fans out there.) More to come.

Edited December 14, 2015 by cfc

[cfc]

I know that you're all dying to see pictures of the ice show. Soon your wish will be granted!

One of the great ironies of Christmas Town--both the Alpengeist Ski Mart and the ride itself are closed.

They like their lights to be colorful in Germany.

Any more colors, and they would induce seizures.

"You know, this fiddle-and-banjo Christmas music in fine and all, but I really wish they'd play some Rush, eh?"

France puts on a "mini-version" of "O Tannenbaum" using "The 12 Days of Christmas."

OK, bundle up. It's going to be a very chilly show.

First, we get "comic-relief, audience-warm-up guy."

Elivs has entered the building.

Where's child protective services when you need them?

And now a new episode of "Elvis Stojko: Skating PI." (O, god, I hope I didn't give them any ideas.)

More comic relief from the tense dramatics of the story line.

Time for beautiful Christmas dreams . . .

. . . or some nightmare fuel.

Beware the power of "Captain Manspreader"!

OK, who dreamed up what appears to be a giant hedgehog?

Oh, get a room, you two!

Oh no! Santa fell right through his sleigh! Not even the Ice Cream Bunny can save him now!

Thank god he has hot reindeer lackeys!

Seriously, the Santa-and-his-reindeer bit was the best part of the show--very nicely done.

"Ho, ho, ho! Santa's got your silver medals right here, Elvis!"

Aw, somebody got a puppy! All in all, a pretty good show that families and figure-skating fans will enjoy.

Down the path to Ireland . . .

. . . and over to Holiday Hills.

"I . . . SEE . . . YOU!"

They did a nice job theming up the Tempesto shop to Christmas.

I really like the "old-school" vibe of Holiday Hills.

"Make way! Make way for the Claus, mortal scum!"

Oh that Santa . . . always getting coked up at Christmas.

"Ho, ho, ho! See those angels? They all work for me now!"

Time to head home . . .

. . . especially since I owe Scrooge money! Be very quiet as I sneak by his office.

I'll leave you with this. I don't know what's going on, but the elf on the bottom seems to be enjoying it a bit too much. Merry Christmas!

[Philrad71]

Thanks for the report, Chuck!

 

Christmas Town looks like it keeps getting better every year. Now if they could open up a few more coasters, that would be uber nice. I have never been on any of the coasters at BGW at night and would imagine that any of them would be a blast - especially in the colder weather.

[Nrthwnd]

Darn, wrong side of the continent for me.

 

Everything looks so beautiful, Chuck.

Great way to enjoy the holiday season.

[DoinItForTheFame]

Loved all the photos, and I really loved the captions.

 

. . . with really big balls.

 

"Sit on me! I dare you!"

 

. . . Of course, you may take an unexpected detour and never return, but what a bargain.

 

Thanks for all the great photos, and the laughs!

[mike541x]

Christmas Town looks like it keeps getting better every year. Now if they could open up a few more coasters, that would be uber nice. I have never been on any of the coasters at BGW at night and would imagine that any of them would be a blast - especially in the colder weather.

 

Couldn't agree more. Christmas Town is great, but it would be nice to open another coaster or two like Nessie or Alpengeist, especially since it's already snow themed. I guess the lack of coasters being open is due to maintenance, weather and staffing so it's kinda understandable. I went to Christmas Town last year and was able to marathon Verbolten since it was raining and it was a complete walk-on. The Christmas trees at the bottom of the last drop was a nice touch as well.

[coasterbill]

Dat Polar Bear Bench Doe

 

Oh and great pictures as usual.