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