Busch Gardens Coasters and Craft Brews

Busch Gardens Coasters and  Craft Brews

BGW is holding a limited reservation only event from August 5-23 on select days.  Due to the capacity restrictions they can only have 1000 patrons in the park at any given time. This number is just patrons and not employees.  And since this restriction for the park is not economically feasible to fully open the park employees came up with a rather brilliant compromise to open in some capacity. So guests will need to log onto the BGW website to reserve their tickets. 

 Coasters and Crafts will be a fun event for thrill seekers and beer lovers, and those who love Busch Gardens and need a small fix. And will take place through Scotland, Ireland, France and New France. (England, Germany, Oktoberfest, Italy, Fiesta are closed). In all fairness as it is such a limited amount of tickets, there are few things you should know especially if you have certain types of health issues (including mental health, which too me is the same/ Autism etc) and small children. Best to know before you go, so you don't waste your time or someone else's option to go trying to get through the reservation system.

 The park is enforcing a face covering requirement the entire time, so this includes walking/exercise so those who are not capable are asked to not attend as you will not be admitted or have to leave if you can not comply. Children 2 and up will also have to follow this.  Guests may remove their coverings while eating or drinking in designated areas, or in a relaxation zone which requires 6 feet distance at all times. Please keep this in mind for young children.  There are limited (one) children's rides, and none of the children's zones like Forest of Fun or Land of the Dragons will be open.

The main demographic for this event will be Thrill seekers, beer lovers, and not necessarily families. (Coasters and Craft Brews). However you of course know yourself and your family and should do what you wish. The animals will be available, and there will be some shopping and the usual delicious eats! I only mention all of the facts based on the variety of concerns people have had about this recently and for transparency. BGW is a pretty good company who believes in people having fun, so they would not want their guests to have a terrible time. I won't force Noah to this event, as I know what he can handle when it comes to face coverings, and since this place gave us the miracle of being able to connect as a family, we won't tarnish it  with a terrible time, its not why we go. Between his needs and my own physical limitations. (I attempted to walk with it on at the press briefing at the park recently and needless to say, it did not go well but that's a different article) But for those who want to go, perhaps renting a wheel chair for $25 if you have someone who can push you, or a motorized one, might be a good option, they are $50 for the day and you can get them at Guest Services before the turnstiles. 

 So with that being explained  the rest of this will give you all the details I have.  A separate article will be posted here to answer some of the many questions fans have had and concerns about the parks future.  

                        The Wildlife Reserve will be open, minus the Pet Shenanigans show.

This event is free for passholders, Fun card holders and Members and is $45 for tickets for everyone else. 5 thrill rides will be open and one for kids, Even though you have to wear a face covering, screaming is still allowed and encouraged.

Coasters and Craft Brews will have guests enter as usual, parking will be done in the England parking lot, which is considered preferred parking, so this will be a serendipitous situation. Pass holders will get the parking prices based on their pass, so if they get free parking, then there is free parking. For everyone else the price will be $10.

There will be a temperature screening at the turnstiles with a non contact thermometer. Guests who have a temp of 100.4 or more will have the option to go to a cool location and given a chance to cool down. This can be the case for those who are sensitive to the heat. Of course if you are sick, you know by now to stay home. BGW is already a very clean place but they will be cleaning the rides after a riders disembark with a peroxide based spray and paper towels. The process takes around 10 minutes and they are hoping to make it 5-7 minutes.  Physical Segregation will also be suggested throughout the park and riders will be spaced out every other seat.

Guests will walk through England, however England will not be open (with the exception of the Emporium) and make their way to Scotland or Ireland. Scotland will have the  rides open which include Lil Clyde’s ride and The Loch Ness Monster. Scotland is a train stop but the train will not be operating.  The Clydesdales will also be available for a visit, and the Tap Room will be open for snacks. Ireland will have  2 stores open as well as Finnegan’s Flyers, and 2 places for beverages or snacks. Then guests can make their way through the Wildlife reserve and see their animal friends.  France and New France are the other villages open, the shop in France as well as the General Store in New France will be available for shopping, and 2 places for snacks and drinks. Rides will include Griffon,  Invadr, and Le Catapult.  The log flume which is more off the path, is not opening. Trappers Smokehouse will also be open and serving the usual menu.

Relaxation areas where you can remove your face covering are located in Scotland by the Loch Ness Monster Rain Shelter ; An area in the Wildlife Reserve (not sure where, i was just told Wild Life Reserve Area, i doubt its the whole area); France just outside the Royal Palace Theater; New France in the wooded area in the back near Alpengiest.

As Far as Brews go...

Grogan's Pub will have a variety of about 20 different craft beers from local Virginia Breweries.   Brady's Drinks will also be open in Ireland and Three Rivers Snacks in New France, Tap Room in Scotland will also sell the usual beverages and snacks. No other places will be open, also you may bring your refillable cup, but you will not use it as you have in the past. Team members will hand you a paper cup instead.

“We want to thank our guests for their patience and are so excited to be able to give them a taste of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Stated Park President Kevin Lempke

There will be about 18 dates for the Coasters and Craft Brews. Guests and Members/Pass holders need to make a reservation. Regardless of whether the event sells out online you will need the reservation so be sure to get one online for when you wish to visit. You cannot go to the gate and get in with out this. The dates and time slots to visit for this Event are listed below

Member Preview Wednesday August 5th  5-9pm

Thursday  August 6th  August 13th  & August 20th 5-9

Friday  August 7th  14th  August 21st 11-3 and 5-9

Saturday  August 8th 15th  & August 22nd 11-3 and 5-9

Sunday  August 9th 16th  & August 23rd 11-3 and 5-9

Shops and Eateries open

The Emporium in England (2020 merchandise is 70% off)

Ireland's Toys of the Leprecaun and Emerald Isle gifts (no Pot of Gold)

Le Belle in France

The General Store in New France (pottery and Arcadia Traders will be closed)

Eateries

The Tap Room Scotland

Bradys Drinks Ireland

Grogans Pub Ireland

Three Rivers Snacks New France

Trappers New France

In case you missed it here is a link to the top 10 questions about reopening and the temporary closure

This is a music video I made for Noah for his birthday to celebrate 10 years of going to Busch Gardens. Lots of pictures of the park and watching Noah grow up.

Top Questions About Busch Gardens Williamsburg Temporary Closure and Reopening

The Top Questions Related to  Busch Gardens Williamsburg Temporary Closure and Reopening

Due to the weird and unsettling times we are living with this particular pandemic,  many things are different (in the simplest of terms). And this pandemic itself is different than the many others we have lived through, or are living through, so its been a challenge for everyone to adapt. Busch Gardens BGW, has not opened yet for the 2020 season so there are understandably many questions. I had the opportunity to speak with the PR department and Park President Kevin Lempke recently and have answers for many of these questions. Probably not all, but I am providing here what i know.


Passes, Memberships, Fun Card, Season Dining Plans, Stein Club

All of these products are automatically extended for a period of time the park is closed. Currently as of today in early August this means when the park reopens then everything is still extended by 6 months so far (and counting) and in some cases of products that don't have 1 year dates (such as the dining plans that went through Jan 2021) it means through August 2021. And if they are closed in September, October etc, it carries through then as well.

If you pay by EZ Pay, once the park reopens you will get a credit for the same amount of months as the closure. Which means you won't have to pay for the same months. At the time of writing that means if the park opens in Sept. You will not be billed again until March.

Flex passes work as they usually do with 7 consecutive days when first used.

Preschool passes are still available.

The current event Coasters and Craft Brews is not considered reopening.

Will the park reopen for HOS and Christmas Town?

They are still working on all of this like usual (to an extent obviously). They are planning on it as long as the capacity limit is raised to 5,000 min and restrictions are lowered. Let us hope for the numbers Govt. officials are looking for so things get back to normal soon.

What do I do if I need a refund?

Call the park at 757-229-4386 or email them at BGW.GuestRelations@buschgardens.com


Will the Park consider doing Take out options?

Well, I for one, would love this, But at this time no. Though if you are interested send them an email and let them know. Maybe there will be some kind of future event. Or at least give them more ideas for the future

Will they consider opening the park without the rides?

I get this question because you have people coming in shopping and dinning, enjoying the park's beautiful landscaping, maybe even the animals. The capacity is still limited to 1000 a day, so financially even though yes, they would have less employees working and less electricity being used, its still a huge gamble when 1000 isn't feasible. However, they are considering events. Working those in shifts.  Such as 11-3 and then 5-9, so it allows 2000 patrons a day.  Good idea though.

IF not all the reservations are used, can you show up at the park and get in?

Unfortunately no. If you want to try to go, you have to get a reservation online and bring it with you to get in. The system does allow for people to cancel their reservations and more will open. Sometimes people may not do this and yes there would be more people who could go technically, but with out the reservation you can't get in.

Is it Ok to scream on the rides? What if I throw up in my mask?

Yes, screaming is still encouraged. It will scare away any germs lol.  The park does have masks if this happens. People do get sick sometimes.

What is the sanitation process for rides?

The Sanitation process begins once the riders disembark. Team members will go wipe down all the seats and places people hold onto with a peroxide based solution and paper towels. The process takes about 5-7 minutes, to up to 10 minutes. Riders are spaced out every other seat. Deep cleaning at the end of the day. The park itself has always been very clean.

Also there will be a temperature check at the turnstiles done with a non contact thermometer. Guests with a temp of 100.4 or more will have the option to go to a cool location and recheck their temp. This is the case for people who are sensitive to the heat or have certain conditions. Guests who are sick should know by now to stay home. Employees are also checked. So no ill /actively shedding the virus people will be in the park.

Physical Segregation 

Like everywhere, BGW is encouraging you to stay only with your own group and stay 6 feet away from everyone. Queue lines have stickers on the ground. Relaxation areas and dining areas where face coverings do not have to be worn will also require 6 foot rules.

What is the mask policy for children, medical exemptions, autism and related disorders and conditions which make wearing a mask anywhere from deadly to extremely uncomfortable?

I know this is disappointing but at this time there will be no exemptions. The park is following the Theme Park's Industry Standards regarding all protocols and face covering mandates. This means they are not following the VA state mandate which does allow an exemption for health reasons including (PTSD, Anxiety, Autism etc) so don't show up thinking because the park is in VA its the same as the other rules.  You will be disappointed and have to leave. Face Coverings are to be worn at all times except when eating or drinking in designated areas, or in the 4 relaxation areas for the upcoming event.

As an unofficial suggestion if using a wheel chair or scooter is helpful for the walking aspect they do still rent this for $25 or $50 respectively at Guest relations before the turnstiles. Children in strollers are less likely to be hassled if they are taking their mask off. This won't help everyone. I know it is counter intuitive for health and safety reasons when walking the hills of the park.  Hopefully this will change when they reopen. (either honor the VA mandate or just mandate the masks while in line or indoors). I am so very sorry for those who will no longer be able to go.

What about the Wasps?

Those stingy bugs that hang out at Griffon and Mach Tower. Well can't blame them for wanting to make their home in the park and at these high points, what a view! Best all I can tell you is when they are aware of the wasps its taken care of. As of now, (I asked on Monday at the briefing) they were not aware of any wasp nests.

If you have additional questions, feel free to ask and I will find out what I can for you.

More info on the Coasters and Brews is found here

Just Be Kind

Just be kind. 

Stop being mean, judgmental, nasty, jealous, sanctimonious people. It’s actually just that simple. 

For every "unspeakable tragedy" you need to send thoughts and prayers about, there is someone who was alienated and alone and just didn't give a shit anymore. So just be kind. 

Being kind just puts more kindness in the world and it doesn't cause arguments or need laws. So just be kind. That's what you can do. When in doubt, just be kind. 

It might be the only kindness a person may hear, or feel that day. Kindness inspires us to return it, sometimes even to ourselves. When you don’t have that in your life, and you don’t like yourself, why should you care about others? So be kind. 

Think about how you might feel if you were in someone’s shoes. Maybe that's too hard for some people to do (it sure looks like it based on some posts we all read on here) but underneath the ugliness are good people, who are afraid of something and they have forgotten that they too, need to be kind. 

Who knows maybe more kindness equals less fear. So when given a choice be kind 

Repost from Facebook, Original post February 2018

Christmas Town 2019 Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW) has the distinction of being Americas Most Beautiful Theme Park in the world for some 29 consecutive years and it has deserved that title each and every year.  This year they also will have the additional title of having the largest lighted display in all of North America. 

In 2019 for the 11th time, Busch Gardens will transform its park to a living Christmas card, called Christmas Town for 38 magical days in 2019 (and into the beginning of 2020) Christmas Town comes to town with such enthusiasm and magic, it’s a tradition for many who love BGW whether or not you ride. Just walking through looking at beautiful lights and displays, listening to music and smelling pine trees is a lovely way to get some exercise and holiday spirit.

New Magic at Christmas Town This Year.

This year for the first time there will be a Christmas tree maze that guests will enjoy strolling through 500 fresh cut trees and enjoying Christmas traditions around the world. The maze will contain craft stations for kids, and music for a fully immersive experience. This is located to the right of Fest Haus.  We did the new maze and think it would be more immersive done after the sun is down. But for young kids who will enjoy crafts, any time will be good! They also have a snack stand upon entering that sells, soup, turkey legs and few other small items plus drinks.

Over at the San Marco Theater, there is a solo pianist playing favorite Christmas music in a show called Believe.

The rest of the fun from the past 2 years is back including the Rudolph meet & Greet; Christmas Town Express train ride, Christmas Shows including Ice Skating show T'was the Night and of course Santa's Workshop. Below are more details for those who haven't been yet, or want a refresher on what to expect.

Fun Activities at Christmas Town

The park does not operate all of the rides, mostly due to weather. However there are still plenty of rides available to enjoy on top of the included activities mentioned below. The Mach Tower, Verbolten, InvadR and about 20 more -most flat and kid rides are open.  The Skyride will operate as long as temps are above 32 and are decorated also with additional lights. All of the rides are given fun Christmasy names on the park map.

 Christmas town is decorated by 200 people totaling over 10,000 hours. They decorate with more than 20,000 ornaments and 1500 trees for starters.  Plus wreaths, lighting displays and other decorations.The whole job makes you feel like you just walked into Christmas.

Polar Pathway - The walkway as you pass by Pompeii heading into Italy is fully illuminated all around you, and of course the Pompeii ride itself.

The Christmas Town Express, which is taking advantage of the existing train, will be fully decked out with lights and festive fun this year with 1.5 million of those 10 million lights. Guest will board and be able to carol along the 15 minute ride and enjoy themed holiday lighted displays specifically decorated for this attraction. Lot's of lights blinking and stuff.

The Wilkommenhaus building in Germany will continue the projection mapping and lighted delights for Christmas Town.  A lighted show featuring Gingerbread men will come to life every 15 minutes. This building also is the newer home to the Cookies and Cocoa Shop where you can select from different flavors freshly made by the pound. Some flavors include; Double Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Lemon, Red Velvet, and Snickerdoodle. You will also be able to decorate a Gingerbread man. This is also an indoor place to eat.

As far as cocoa you will find flavors including Peanut Butter, Mint and the signature. There are new mugs this year for the refillable Cocoa. These will fit more easily in your car cup holder (or stroller) and are easier to carry as they don’t have the handles. (which are good when the cups were empty to attach to a back pack) You may bring your older cups for refills as well. Its $2.39 refills on Hot cocoa and cider.  ($2.59 for the Ghirardelli) If you don’t have one, then you may want to buy one for $6. .  

Santa’s Workshop moved to Dark Castle (now known as New Castle) in Oktoberfest last year to make for a more spacious environment. The queue begins outside the same as if you are riding Dark Castle. However for those with a mobility pass you use the same quick queue area. If the park isn’t crowded you shouldn’t have to worry about the outdoor queue. The indoor queue is beautiful and makes the wait more fun and exciting.

We did feel it was a long wait (in Noah terms), but it was an enjoyable wait. Because you were looking and walking through a lot of magic, so the “wait” was truly part of the experience. Much like they say, it’s not the destination, but the journey.  Santa is back this year and he is just as excited to see all of us.  You can also take your own pictures or purchase pictures with your Photokey membership, or as an individual picture (same as ride photos) which have their borders.

New Sesame Street Show.  Over in the forest of fun Elmo will take the stage with Rosita, Grover, and Zoe and cookie monster in a holiday themed show called Elmo’s Christmas Wish.

Guests can also meet and take pictures with Elmo and Cookie Monster in the Forest of Fun.

Rudolph Meet & Greet Experience

2016 brought in Rudolph experience with Clarisse, Bumble and the loveable Yeti, plus a few more friends. Holiday Hills is an indoor opportunity to meet Rudolph and friends. The queue is mostly indoors, but on very busy days you will still have a line outside. As you walk through the queue you can enjoy scenes from the Rudolph movie and eventually get to meet Rudolph, Clarice, Bumble and Yukon.  Even the floor is sparkly.

Dining.

Dining at Busch Gardens is part of the fun for many park goers because the food here isn’t your typical theme park food. For the holiday season there are special treats available for a short while.

In Fest Haus Roasted Sirloin Sandwich on a sourdough roll with onion strings.  The meat is delicious and is paired with homemade mashed potatoes and super tasty green/wax beans and carrots. Personally I didn't like the roll, the second time I had this I just took the good stuff off of it. You can also have a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.  There is also a Christmas Town Club which is a turkey, ham and bacon sandwich on cranberry apple and raisin bread. (also available at Trappers)

Santa’s Fireside feast

If you prefer to dine with Santa and Mrs. Claus you can also do so!  Santa’s Fireside feast includes a buffet meal, cookies for dessert from Mrs. Claus and the big guy will read you a story. There is also a photo opportunity. Santa’s Fireside Feast (Castle O Sullivan in Ireland) is a holiday buffet and interactive show with Santa. You can meet Santa, tell him what you would like for Christmas and get a picture. He also will read everyone a story, there is a small show with this including elves but you are part of the show. Ms. Claus will bring cookies out for dessert. It was a real delight and a must for kids. You can book this for lunch or dinner; bring your appetite the buffet includes a carving station of turkey or ham, Swedish meatballs, homemade mac-n-cheese, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and Trapper’s Smokehouse Chili. Plus there is plenty of food for kids plus a salad bar and more.

The Tastes of Christmas Town a buffet where you will also get reserved seating for Deck the Halls. (which if you go there on a busy day at the wrong time you certainly need). Both buffets have holiday themed food including roast turkey and ham, chicken alfredo and much more.

In New France in front of Trappers Smoke House is the Show Grill, where they are grilling up large hotdogs and sausage sandwiches with toppings. They also have an option to serve potato soup and chili. Most other kiosk locations are cookie and dessert related.

For Dessert lovers

A new Beignet Sundae is being added to Josephine’s Creamery De Chocolate. A hot New Orleans’s styled doughnut with hand dipped ice cream and your favorite toppings.

For Christmas Town, there was a new Freak Shake added. Peppermint Chocolate milkshake, topped with crushed peppermint candy, chocolate drizzle and oversized Mint Chocolate chip cookie. There is also a spiced cake added to most dining locations.  For drinks (besides hot cocoa) there is Mulled Wine, a warm spiced wine with apple cider and orange in 3 locations; England Cobblestone Bar, The France Village store, and Vin Brule in Italy. Pumpkin Pie crepes are also still available at Crepes and Coffee in France. 

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Holiday Shopping

Shopping at Christmas Town can be part of the fun, there is plenty of it around. The normal stores will be open selling Busch Gardens merchandise as well as holiday decorations and gifts. In Oktoberfest there is an outdoor market of items (Mistletoe Marketplace) from local artisans, winery and ornaments. With all of the holly jolly around it makes a good time to pick up some special items, or get pictures done for your holiday gift giving, regardless of what you celebrate.

Cashless wristbands are offered and can be purchased once you enter the park to make your day a bit easier. You can pre-pay a set amount or link to a credit card depending on your preference and needs. If you pay up front with cash and don’t use it all, it is refunded to you at the end of your night. You can use these for all purchases including dining.

Entertainment

There is plenty of entertainment decking the halls of Christmas Town. There are 6 shows you can enjoy throughout the park besides character meet and greets and carolers over in England.  Scrooge No More in England, an adaptation of the Charles Dickens Classic A Christmas Carol, takes full advantage of the technological enhancement done on the Globe in 2014. At Fest Haus there is a musical holiday review show about different traditions called Deck the Halls. In Italy at the San Marco Theater is a new solo pianist called "Believe” full of Christmas music both new and old. For Christian traditionalists you can enjoy Gloria, a classic retelling of the Christian “first Christmas” at the Abby Stone theater in Ireland.  But the true crowning gem is T’was the Night, an ice skating show over in France in the Pallidum based on the story T’was the Night before Christmas. For additional entertainment you will also at Fest Haus a 50 foot tree that will light up nightly to a musical score, properly named O’Tannenbaum.  Video here

Final Details

There are heated areas through out the park if you need a break from the chill, plus a few open fire pits. Weather in Virginia in November and December is typically in the 50's and 60's but gets into the 40's after the sun goes down. (and can occasionally get cooler than that) but is overall pretty mild.

You can visit Christmas Town  at BGW while it’s busting with holiday cheer from November 16 (member night only) through January 5. They aren’t open every day so be sure to check the calendar, but it does mean there are 38 chances to visit. The park is open from 12 or 2pm depending on the day and is open until 10pm. This year the park is open Friday and Saturday January 4, 5 from 2-9. The gates typically open before 1:30 pm.  Rides and experiences open at 2pm, and the Skyride at 4pm.

You have the option to purchase a ticket at the park or online. If you think you will attend more than once you should consider the Fun Card or a membership. (rates begin at $11 a month). If this is something you aren't able to do this year, mark you calendar now for next year, tickets are always on sale in early November at a huge discount (close to half price). Parking for pass members is complimentary and $20 for non-season pass holders. We generally visit at least 3 times. If you are thinking about going, make your plans the time is going to fly by. 

Busch Gardens Extends Howl-O-Scream and adds Dining Season Pass

Busch Gardens Extends Howl-O-Scream and adds Dining Season Pass

Busch Gardens Williamsburg (October 6, 2019)-For the first time in a long time (or possibly ever), BuschGardens Williamsburg extends the Howl-O-ween season. The Park will now be open for some extended scares on Halloween Night from 5-10, Friday November 1st, 12-10, Saturday November 2nd, 10-10 and Sunday November 3rd, 10-20 so you will get a few more chances to go visit. (Christmas Town opens Saturday November 16th, 12-10)

NEW DINING OPTION

They also just rolled out a new Dining Season pass which allows the purchaser to 2 entrees a day (4 hours apart, 1 for lunch, and 1 for dinner). It is accepted at all restaurants Squires Grill (England), O’Tators (Ireland), Das Festhaus (Germany), Trappers Smoke House (France), Marco Polo Marketplace (Italy) 

Also included are a few snack places Les Frittes in France , German Pretzels (Oktoberfest) and Snack Hutte (Oktoberfest).

Snack Hutte serves all beef hotdogs, Turkey legs, Pretzels and Churros. And at Christmas Town serves soups.  Below are fSteakhouse fries from Les Frittes.  Carne Asada, cheese and coleslaw, very satisfying. Or share for a snack!

Price is $139 per person plus tax and is good through January 3,2021. So if you buy today you are getting the rest of 2019 for free.  For regular park goers who dine in regularly this is a steal of a deal. Also American Express Blue is offering you an additional $20 off , you have to go to your Amex page and add this on the card you will pay with. ($25 back if you don’t have Blue and want to apply).

You can also add Water Country for an additional $50 and an unlimited souvenir bottle for $35 which gets you free drinks thereafter  for the same time frame.

Since we live about 15 minutes away and believe in taking a night off at least once a week from cooking, we eat here twice a month most months already. So for us this means we will be eating there exclusively this month and  a few more times the rest of year and then it will pay for itself. Making next year all free! I have taken Tupperware in with me in the past, so if we’re smart we can even take something out if we aren’t hungry for 2 meals.  Typically we just eat there once per trip, and occasionally get a snack.

Halloween Specialty Drinks

Also as a reminder Howl-O-Scream brings specialty drinks. There are 5 bars added to the park just for HOS.  Below is Jack's NightCap in Germany outside the Wilkomeana House where the Escape Rooms are for HOS.

Green Fiend – Blend of Rum, Vodka Melon, Lemonade.  (Sold in Ireland at Control Lab’s Inoculation Station)

Welcome Back Jack- Blend of Rum, Vodka, Grenadine, triple sec, Orange Juice. (Sold in Ireland at Control Lab)

Scarlett’s Potion- Vodka, Cranberry, Grenadine and lime (Sold in Germany at Jack’s Night Cap and Inoculation Station of the Control Lab)

Ghostly Potion- Vodka, Blue Curacao, Wine and cranberry juice (sold in Italy at Restless Spirits)

Jester Juice- Green Sangria (sold in France)

Gelatin Syringe- Jello shots in a syringe (Sold at Restless Spirits and Inoculation Station)

More information on Howl-O-Scream 

HowlOScream 2019 Busch Gardens Williamsburg

For 2019 Jack is very much Back, at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Howl-O-Scream.  The Ireland village also received a small makeover to welcome the second most famous Pumpkin King. This year marks the 21st season for the special halloween themed event.  We visited Howl-O-Scream (HOS) opening weekend and plan to return as many times as possible, as the fall is the most wonderful time of the year here.

Your full guide to HOS

HowlOScream, is the beloved spooky Halloween event at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg Virginia. You can visit September 14th through October 27th on select nights (mostly Friday, Saturday and Sunday) however there are more opportunities to visit this year which include all the Thursdays in October except Halloween ironically as the event ends on the 27th. There is also one Wednesday on 10/23.

This year there is a total of 6 Haunted Houses 6 Terror-tories , 2 party zones, 3 shows and 5 bars.

There will also be a new Escape Room featuring Jack, the pumpkin trickster, as well as a more intense option giving guests 2 escape room choices.  Even though there are no new haunted houses, there is an update to the Vault with the recent retirement of Cornered, Catacombs and the Show Fiends. We journeyed through the Vault opening weekend and it was a bit different than before, and was a spooky good time.

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All  6 Terror-tories are back including the newer  Fools Court (France) and Garden of Souls (Italy) from 2018. The Italy scare area has returned, which was most recently Cut Throat Cove. Also a roaming Hoarde will be going through the parks pathways. You will not know where they are, you may hear them coming however.

The coaster creepers are also back. Which is exactly as it sounds, creepy ghouls may just wind up sitting next to you on rides after 6pm.

FOR THE KIDS

For kids there is still the Counts Spooktacular From October 5-27th (Saturdays and Sundays) families can come have not-so-spooky fun during the day 11-5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. (and visit the park of course any of the other times until 6pm if their children wouldn't appreciate the scare levels).Children are allowed to dress up, trick or treat and enjoy a hay maze as well as other activities and shows including the Countdown to Halloween event, hosted by the Count of course. Busch Gardens has Sesame street characters in the Forest of Fun, situated just outside of England (to the left). There are several rides throughout the park as well as another play area in Germany (The land of the Dragons) which is for kids, typically ages 9 and under. The kid’s areas are closed at 5pm to get ready for the event and at 5:45 the park is then handed over to the ghouls where things will be much more frightening. So if your little ones won’t enjoy being scared and terrorized its best to head out, as the ghouls’ job is to scare the pants off of guest. Which is what guests typically go to an event like this for, and some kids do enjoy a good scare. If you don’t know which your kid is, you will find out.

Noah’s first HowlOscream was in 2010 when he was 8. He was terrified of HowlOscream the first several years we went, but we kept trying in an gentile manner so he didn’t develop a phobia. He didn’t. The park also was much more intense that first year with "the scare being everywhere". When we returned in 2012 there were new terrytories, which worked out for us as you can avoid some of them.  Noah did eventually learn to conquer all the Houses, for the first few years he just did one a year. But the last 2 years he has been able to do all of them and it’s now a sense of pride.

Scarers do not follow guests into stores or eateries. They also are not around the train or skyride.

Control Lab (Ireland)

One of the coolest more recent addition is the Control Lab in Ireland. It’s situated in the lobby of Castle O’Sullivan. Guests can scare other guests via a TV system by the press of a button. Dr. Freakenstien hosts over here and is pretty intense fella. There are several TV screens with live feeds to a spot in each of the houses and one on the Fiesta Bridge. Guests can push the button and it sends a mechanical jump scare off. For example, in Demented Dimensions a huge furry spider comes to life. There is a small upcharge, (which I figure makes sense otherwise people could just sit there all day). 5 scares for $3 or 10 for $5. This could be a good way to get skiddish kids, who are may enjoy HowlOScream to help them take control of the fears, and perhaps their own.

Haunted Houses

It should be noted there are indoor and outdoor mazes, the outdoor mazes can close in case of bad weather. Typically a steady rain, but not necessary a light rain, always for lightening, which can be temporary. There are 6 Returning houses. 4 of them are indoor and 2 outdoor.

Frost Bite (Dark Castle in Oktoberfest) indoor. Inside what was formerly Dark Castle it is a chilly walk through a spooky enchanted castle, now run by some kind of yeti monster. It is cool in here, which is welcome on warmer days which can still happen anytime in October, and most of September. The chill adds to the chills it creeps on your spine. This year they relocated those air traps from Cornered so there is an additional level of scare. A few special effects scared me going through also. Big improvement this year over the past few we have visited Frost Bite.

Lumberhacked (black forest woods behind Fest Haus/black forest picnic area) outdoor. takes guests to new territory, literally. Situated in the woods behind Busch Gardens’ Oktoberfest village, LumberHack beckons unsuspecting hikers into a forgotten logging camp inhabited by undead lumberjacks. Lumberhack was the star of the outdoor haunted houses in our opinion over the years. The fact they set it up in the woods adds ambiance of being in the “Black Forest”. The whole thing is instantly believable as far as these things can be. The scares are great, and the effects of chainsaws and saws add some more scare. This is the only haunted house out of all I have been into (and that would make 12 over the years) where I literally ran away from the scare squad. If you can only do one haunted house, be sure to do this one.

Demented Dimensions (NEW) Oktoberfest- Indoor back of Dark Castle, the queue is in Germany where Cornered formerly was, behind the shops and before the entrance of Oktoberfest. The story goes; you are entering Sterling Manor, a haunted House on top of a Vortex which opens portals to other dimensions, so the place is full of creatures and aliens. The rooms are that of a mansion and even a city street. This house was donated from Busch Gardens Tampa, it has been slightly changed to make fresh. Since there are these portals and creepy dimensions you will see a variety of demented things, some that seem normal at first. It's very well staged.

The Vault Oktoberfest- Indoor behind Fest Haus, where Bitten was formerly. The Vault is a throwback to past favorites including Scarlet, Jack, Little Dead Riding Hood from dead time stories, the Wolfman from Hunted, and Pirate from, Mummy from Pompeii. A terrifying trip down memory lane. Upon entering you will notice morgue like drawers with the logos of former haunts. The maze has rooms dedicated to these previous haunts as well as characters.The Vault has been updated this year with the retirement of Catacombs, Cornered and Fiends. You will see some of your favorites from the show Fiends in a new more disturbing way.

Dystopia  at Pompeii, replacing Deadline.  It’s a similar theme in that it’s a Post-Apocalyptic world. The ghouls here may not be of the spectral variety but they are equally creepy with their desire to have you join them. Frankly I do find rampant conformity frightening. 

Circo Sinistro (Fiesta Italy in the back by Roman Rapids) No one knows when the Tents will rise they say. Circo was new in 2016 and with it is a new take on the old Fear Fair (which featured clowns in this location) but Circo has lots of side show and freak elements, each room its own theme, character and experience. The Ringmaster is not to be trusted or missed.

Terror-Tories and More

6 Terror-tories or scare zones are designated places in the park that are themed and staffed with ghouls and creatures to jump out and sneak up on you. They growl, hiss, scream but they don’t bite you.  Favorites are returning such as Ripper Row in England, Side Show in Fiesta Italia, Vampire Point in Germany, Axe Alley and the 2 newer areas include Fools Court in France,(replacing Demon Street) Garden of Souls in Italy which was been empty for 2 years.

Bars 

All 5 bars are themed with entertaining bartenders. All bars serve bottled beers and some on draft, wine, soda and cocktails, which will vary for each location, mostly based on theme.

Restless Spirits- Italy. Skeletons serve up Frozen Hurricanes, Frozen Syringes and Ghostly Potions.

Last Call- Oktoberfest. You are served by vampires

Control Lab- Ireland. Syringe shots of Jell-O and Vodka.

Chaos Cocktails -France. Jester Juice, 2 kinds of sangria

Jacks Night Cap (outside Vampire Point Germany on the way into Oktoberfest) serving Vampire Martinis

Escape Rooms

The Escape Rooms were added in 2016 and guests state they are a lot of fun. The park intends for there to be at least a 60% success rate according to Park VP Peter Dunklee.  The Grave Obsession is new this year and also New is Jacks Twisted Terror, haunted by the original Busch Gardens Trickster which is a new room (last year was a Jack themed room). Escape rooms are an up charge and can require reservations on busy nights (Saturdays especially) Each adventure is 30 minutes and allows 6 guests at a time to escape the room.

Grave Obsession is said to be a more intense room highlighting more psychological elements. Its pretty hush-hush and they said "Each choice will lead guests further and further into a terrible reality with a shocking revelation." The Escape rooms weren't ready opening weekend but should be opening soon.

Party Zones

The Party zones are located in two different areas. France where Demon DJ previously was but is themed as Fools Court. And the big fun skull moved to Italy at the San Marco Theater

 Party Zones feature much dancing and music from a DJ, as well as lighting effects.

Other Spooky aspects

The projection mapping in Germany on Wilkomena House features spooky skeletons, spiders, and lightening every 15 minutes. The show begins from dusk to park close.

Face Painting is more popular as you can't wear a mask in the park (you can wear a small amount, what they call festive) but you can get your whole face painted. Noah has enjoyed this 3 of the years as help dealing with the spookies.

Guided tours allow priority access (no lines) to all 6 houses, and 2 shows (special reserved seating) plus dinner at Fest Haus. Also includes parking. Price is $75-$125 depending on the day per person.

Shows 

Jack is Back (Ireland) Family Friendly
NEW/Return - outdoor “side show” in the middle of the village. The original trickster is back with his ghouls and super tall scarecrows for dancing fun. This is a partially interactive show with many of your old favorite dancing tunes.

 Monster Stomp (England - Globe) PG 13

The popular show that was missing from the park for a few years but came back at the request of numerous guests, plus the update in technology the Globe Theater. The projection equipment, increase in lighting and new speakers brings on a more dramatic and darker version of Monster Stomp. There are elements from the original that debuted back in 2002 with the “dance of the skeletons” and a few of the favorite songs which launched Monster Stomp’s popularity. Monster Stomp is loud, but it leaves you wanting more.  The opening scene is a bit scary for kids,(jack the ripped claims a victim behind a scrim so you see him holding a head behind a scrim in silhouette) but you can just have yourself or your kids close their eyes for those few seconds. Monster Stomp is hands down our favorite show, we try to see it as much as possible. It’s just as good (but shorter) than most “Broadway” shows.

Night Beats (Oktoberfest- Fest Haus) Family Friendly

is a musical revue with Halloween themed costumes, special effects and music. The show occurs in Fest Haus. It is updated each year and performed by the undead members of the Casket Club. Performers sing, dance and play instruments.  This show has been revamped, and guests who have seen it over the years will notice the change in scenery of the stage as well as the departure of favorite characters Ulrich and Beatrix. A nod to them has been included in Tombstones with their names on the stage. 

FOOD

Don’t forget your fall treats! Busch Gardens food is one of the reasons to visit for people who don’t ride roller coasters, or like my dad who don’t ride anything but the train and just go here to eat and smoke. The food is exceptional for Theme Park food. I will post an additional article soon linking here going over all of the fine delicious options.

For HOS comes the return of fall themed desserts which include, whoppie pies, pumpkin cheese cake, and Monster cake plus much more. This year there is a new Cinnamon Spice cream cake. But one of my favorites is the pumpkin pie crepes. This little snack is only $5 and is made with real whipped cream and real pumpkin. It also only takes a minute to make. They top it with some graham cracker crumbs. Very much fall. You can find it in France and Crepes and Coffee.

Ticket Information

You can purchase single day tickets ($87-$120 for 1-3 days) or a membership.  Currently there is also a huge internet sale for tickets, so its only $42 to visit for one day. There are also options for a Funcard, ($92 and will be good for spring and summer of 2020) which is similar to a membership but its lower in price and does not have membership perks. (no free parking or discounts or other membership only perks) It just gets you into the park again, but is a great deal if you go more than once.

There are several levels for Membership  and another article dedicated to explaining this, link is below. Or visit Busch Garden’s Website. 

Link to read more about Memberships

We have always owned season passes (memberships are what those are called now) as its the best value for anyone going more than once. Which of course you will want to do (if you can of course) we now live in Williamsburg so we get to the park about 20 times in a year since we don't pay to get in or park. But even when we lived near Philly we still made the trip here 2-3 times a year (one year it was 5 times because of this gig). But we kept coming back, and eventually moved here because its so nice (the whole city as well as BG). If you plan to visit and want to see the whole historic area, you can also purchases these types of tickets on the BG websited (called Bounce or Flex Tickets) these tickets include BG, Jamestown and Yorktown and free parking for BG (the others already have free parking).