Explaining the NEW Busch Gardens Membership Season Passes

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of the new Busch Gardens Williamsburg Annual Passes/Memberships.

The good news right off the bat is all passes now include Christmas Town! Also if you  are unhappy with the changes and paid with EZ pay, then you don’t have anything to worry about. Just keep your account paying automatically which makes it “Active” and nothing changes.  This is true for both Season Pass holders and Membership holders. Many of these changes have occurred because the public wasn’t happy with the roll out that happened in February. So the park tried to revamp things to make everyone happy.

These changes therefore are for those who paid in full, people interested in changing to membership or those who haven’t opted for a pass yet.  So if you are on the EZ Pay then it doesn’t matter if you are happy with what you have. If you aren’t happy you can pick a new plan at any time. 

This article will detail the changes, the original ones in February and the current plans that changed on October 1^st. This way you can review what you may have and what you want to do. If you have never had a membership, or do understand what you have fully, then skip to the section marked October.

Now Including Christmas Town

Annual Passes before the new memberships.

In case you missed it, the park changed from the Season pass model that has been going on for a long time to “Memberships” at the beginning of 2018 February/ (October 1 they were changed again see next section for the most up to date information)

Originally there were season passes.  1 park pass, 2 park pass  (BGW and Water Country)and an All Discovery Parks Platinum pass which included Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Tampa and their respective Water parks, all 3 SeaWorlds , SeaWorld water parks Aquatica and Sesame Place, giving 11 parks total.

All passes were pretty self-explanatory in what parks they include. All include parking, with the platinum one including preferred parking at your home park. All passes included discounted and free tickets and a 10% discount (30% at Sesame Place) on merchandise and food. All of this remains the same for those who still hold season passes and have not opted to switch.

February New Membership Rollout

So in February the new memberships were announced. Basic, unlimited and Premier memberships (still a season pass in essence) pretty much the same deal mentioned above.  The one big difference now is pass member days, such as preview days for opening and HowlOScream and after-hours access for select rides are only for memberships.  And all the new memberships now include Christmas Town, which was previously a separate ticketed or fun card event. Memberships (and not season passes) also receive a few perks/gifts through the year. This included free tickets (no longer you would get those on the original season passes, but still receive  discounted ones), Cocoa Cola Swag,  free ornaments for Christmas Town, and one month they gave $10 Busch Gardens bucks which is what it sounds like, a coupon that can be used on anything in the park.

The costs depending when you switched or purchased was $10-12 for Basic (which had a many black out days, pretty much all Saturdays and holiday weeks were blacked out) but did include water country; $15-17 for Unlimited 2 park pass with no black out days, or $20-22 for Premier which included all the parks like the platinum passes.

So if you signed up for this any time before October 1^st, and you are happy with it, you can keep it. If its on EZ pay you don’t have to do anything but keep paying it. If you paid in full, read on and decide what you want to do. You can talk to park customer relations and most likely keep what you have.

This change occurred because many guests had 2 main complaints with this original system (besides the price hike for those who have had their passes a long time). They didn’t like so many black out days and having Water country if they didn’t want it.

 October Newer New membership (what you can get now)

Announced on Oct 1 there are now 4 levels.

This includes Basic, Unlimited, Premier and Platinum

Same deal applies as before, if you are on EZ pay and pay monthly you can keep your stuff as it is whether it’s a new membership or season pass. However if you paid in full, then you have to figure out what you want to do. The biggest change is Premier did include all the parks, and now you will have to upgrade to Platinum to receive that and it is a large increase.

Otherwise the costs aren’t really different; customers wanted the option to not include Water Country, if you want it, its $2 more, so the prices and details are as follows.

Basic $10-12 (or annually $120 or $144)

Basic Membership being $10 for the one park or $12 for both is an ok deal, and hasn’t really changed much. It is like an upgraded version of a fun card since fun cards do not include discounts or parking discounts. The new Basic includes more days, so there are less black out days then there were originally. But there still are black out days mostly just holidays and a few Saturdays during Howl O Scream and Christmas Town. This makes a lot of sense for people who have been to the park when it is extremely crowded. You still get a discount and parking is 50% off.  This new version is better than the original one rolled out in February.  Fun cards are per season and usually cost the same as a ticket ($90) so this is a better deal for folks who visit throughout the year a few times, but not regular park visitors who may come weekly or bi-weekly.

 Unlimited $15-17 (annually $180 or $204)

 Unlimited is an upgraded basic membership, and if you opt for the extra 2 dollars a month is similar to the original 2 park pass.  Unlimited, means no black out days.  It comes with a discount of 10% off, just as before, and free regular parking. You get 2 free bring a friend tickets.

Premier $20-$22 (annually $240-$288)

Premier passes are the exact same thing as unlimited passes with a larger discount of 15% off, having Preferred parking over general and 1 extra free friend ticket.  (3 total). The changes to this from February is the largest and seem to be the most confusing/upsetting to those who paid in full. (NOT on EZ pay, if you pay EZ pay monthly you are fine all stays the same in price and perks.) This previously included 11 parks, and now it is just for BGW, the extra $2 a month gets you Water Country.  People who select this option would be those who are planning on enjoying the Preferred parking as they will pay an extra $60 a year to have it

Platinum $29 or Annually $347.88

This is a new level. Previously you had the Premier pass which got all 11 parks, or the good old Platinum Season passes (Which is what we have). You get everything mentioned in all the other passes, but all the parks, ride again access on 4 coasters (Alpengeist, Apollo’s Chariot, Griffon, Lockness Monster)and a Photokey Membership.  

Water Country Only $70 a year for Basic, or $90 for Unlimited, follows same rules and benefits mentioned above.

Because all the memberships include Christmas Town, (which previously was $30-$50 dollars a year for the funcard) most guests can understand the applicable increase.

People being a bit upset or confused is understandable as these changes happened suddenly twice this year. And though some of it seems a good deal, especially for new guests, some of it punishes the most loyal.  I will use ourselves as an example, to keep the same level of pass if I switched to a membership so I could have a bigger discount and access to member stuff it would cost the 3 of us an extra $600 a year ($200 per pass) which is a hefty price tag and makes no sense.  A more acceptable price increase for us would have been a total of $150 for the year or $50 per pass to include Christmas town.  We have been paying for our passes for 8 years which is $3600, not including all the money we spend on merchandise and food. This is a lot of loyalty. So I don’t expect to be penalized for that. We have opted to keep our passes as they are. Because I write as a blogger I get passes to get us into the member’s only events, and though I love those events as they are not very crowded, I can’t see spending the increase. I actually couldn’t afford it even if I wanted to.

Premier members should voice their concerns if they paid in full as this change took place in the same year. As to keep all the parks they just paid for (people who paid in full only, EZ Pay is the same) it will cost them about an additional $100 a year.

Looking over all the changes, it seems that most of these changes do benefit probably the least interested of guests so I can understand people being upset who paid in full on the higher level. But the increased discount is nice Your average $40 meal is now $34, but in reality that is just $2 less than it was before. People like us though eat at the park often (so far 19 times this year). So take that information as you will. The new perks with free items are fun! And it seems they genuinely want to make it more family like and rewarding. 

If should also be noted in the 2019 season there will be a new swing ride in Ireland and a new water coaster at Water Country.  Generally speaking there has been a new ride or upgraded attraction nearly every year since 2010 that I can verify.  This includes The Mach Tower, Verbolten, Tempesto, InvadR, Colossal Curl, Battle for Eire and a major upgrade of the Globe theater in England.

So like all things in life, there are some pros and some cons, but it will vary from family to family, person to person. 

You can take care of any concerns at the park, which I would recommend doing before your year is up if you paid in full. Especially for the Premier membership if want to keep going to all the parks. 

The park itself does have terrific customer service, so at the end of the day, they will do what they can to keep you happy and as a customer. It is the main reason all of this happened (and happened again) to begin with. Just keep that in mind when talking to someone. If they can fix it for you, they will.

All and all, a membership /annual pass to Busch Gardens has been a great joy for our family and we have never regretted it. Its a lovely place to visit and its nice to just go without having to buy tickets every time we go, which would mean going a lot less. Sometimes we go there just to eat and visit the animals. With a membership/pass you can do things like that if you live in the area.


Christmas Town 2018 Review

Christmas Town 10th Anniversary at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW) has the distinction of being America's Most Beautiful Theme Park in the world for some 28 consecutive years and has deserved that title each and every year.  This year for the 10th time, Busch Gardens will transform (from the spooky Howl O Scream) to a living Christmas card, called Christmas Town. BGW will be boasting the largest light display in North American with more than 10 million lights this year. Christmas Town comes to town with such enthusiasm and magic, it’s a tradition for many who love Busch Gardens Williamsburg, whether they are local or travel.

It should be noted not all rides are operating due to the weather mostly. Ticket prices are also reflective of this. However The Mach Tower, Verbolten, InvadR and about 20 more -most flat and kid rides are open. as well as the Train and Skyride.  Most people come to Christmas Town for the lights, food, entertainment and overall cheer as opposed to the rides this time of year. So having any operating is a bonus. Ticket prices are about half the cost (from $90 during the season) to as low as $30, but average around $40 depending on the day visiting and when you purchase. (earlier the better)

Go Big or Go Home

The motto for decorating is just that, go big or go home so the park is adorned not just with lights, but 20,000 ornaments and 1500 trees.  There are also wreaths, and other decorations sparkling and shining in the park. Which is decorated by 200 people over 10,000 hours.  But it’s not just what you see with your eyes at Christmas Town that makes it a "Christmas town", it’s this beautifully orchestrated symphony of sounds, smells and good feeling. When it’s all combined you can’t be there and not feel like you just walked into Christmas.

New Magic at Christmas Town This Year.

The Christmas Town Express, which is taking advantage of the existing train, will be fuller of lights and festive fun this year with 2 million of those 10 million lights. Guest will board and be able to carol along the 15 minute ride and enjoy the lights and themed holiday lighted displays specifically decorated for this attraction.

The Wilkommenhaus building in Germany was updated this summer with projection mapping and the lighted delights will continue for Christmas Town.  A lighted show featuring Gingerbread men and a Gingerbread House will come to life every 15 minutes. This building is home to the New Cookies and Cocoa shop where you can select from different flavor freshly made by the pound cookies. Some flavors include; Double Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Lemon, Red Velvet, and Snickerdoodle. You will also be able to decorate a Gingerbread man.

As far as cocoa you will find flavors including Peanut Butter, Mint and the park's 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). There are also Over-sized Smores shown below, which is actually a light version as i asked them to go easy on the toppings and whipped cream.

You may bring your older cups for refills as well. Its $2.19 refills on Hot cocoa and cider.  ($2.39 for the Ghirardelli) If you don’t have one, then you may want to buy one for $7.  If you purchase your mug at the Ghiradelli location in France it is $8.


SANTA!!!! I Know Him.

Santa’s Workshop moved to Dark Castle (now known as New Castle) in Oktoberfest last year to make for a more spacious environment. But the same old Santa (the really real one ofcourse) is back! 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, 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.  You travel through several rooms full of Christmas cheer, gifts being packaged and more Christmas trees.

Much like they say, it’s not the destination, but the journey. You can also take your own pictures or purchase pictures either with your Photokey membership, or as an individual picture (same as ride photos) which have their borders.

New Sesame St. Show Elmo's Christmas Wish

Over in the Forest of Fun Elmo will take the stage with Rosita, Grover, Zoe and cookie monster in a holiday themed show called Elmo’s Christmas Wish. The 20 minute show is full of  these dancing favorite characters and songs. Guests can also meet and take pictures with Elmo and Cookie Monster at special labeled locations in the Forest of Fun.

The Lights!

One of the main reasons to come is to see the lights of course. Each year they add some more and this year it's up to 10 million. You will notice pictures throughout this review. 

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. Besides what has already been mentioned there will also be different desserts like Black forest cheesecake, cherry cobbler, pumpkin pie crepes, Freak Shakes and more. There are also heated outdoor areas near the outdoor restaurants in England, and New France.

In Fest Haus the roasted Sirloin Sandwich on a sourdough roll with onion strings is back plus you can buy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.  New this year is the Christmas Town Club which is a turkey, ham and bacon sandwich on cranberry apple and raisin bread $10.99 (also available at Trappers) and at Trappers turkey and pork sliders.

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 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. This is set up as an interactive show, including Elves. 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.

Other dining options

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 hot dogs and sausage sandwiches with toppings which include cheese, sauerkraut, chili, onions and peppers.They also have an option of a hot dog or sausage served with a cup of potato soup or chili.  Trappers is also serving Sliders BBQ Turkey and Pork with coleslaw and fries, and they are pretty delicious, filling and $12.49.

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. Also for Christmas Town there is a new Peppermint Freak Shake. Which is a Peppermint Chocolate milkshake, topped with crushed peppermint candy, chocolate drizzle and oversized Mint Chocolate chip cookie. It's $14 and meant to be shared.

Wine tastings are still happening in France and Germany and there is Mulled Wine added this year. Which is a warm spiced wine with apple cider and orange in 3 locations; England Cobblestone Bar, The France Village store, and Vin Brule in Italy

. 

Rudolph Movie Experience

2016 brought in Rudolph experience with Clarisse, Bumble, the lovable Yeti and most of the other Rudolph 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.

 Out across from this is a shortened 12 minute version of the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer classic TV show.  Running continuously throughout the day. It will also include some special effects, delicious scents and of course lights.

Holiday Shopping

Shopping at Christmas Town can be part of the fun, and 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 prepay 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 the wristbands 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 an acappella musical show called “Gift of Harmony” 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 Royal Palace Theater based on the story T’was the Night before Christmas. 

For additional entertainment you will also find Carolers in England and outside of the Festhaus is a 50 foot tree that will light up nightly to a musical score, properly named O’Tannenbaum.  Video here

Final Details

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 35 chances to visit. The park is open from 12 or 2pm depending on the day and is open until 10pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in November and first week of December. Then its open daily except for Christmas Day through January 1st. And also open the following  weekend Friday and Saturday January 4, 5 from 2-9 as a bonus this year.

The gates typically open an hour before operating times. (Rides and experiences open when stated) the Skyride sometimes is not available until 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. 

More on memberships in this post here.

Single tickets are $30 online and $54 at the gate. Funcards are $54 .Parking for pass members is complimentary and $20-25 for non-season pass holders.

2017 Review