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
No comments:
Post a Comment