World Cup Tim Howard Gives Hope to People on the Autism Spectrum

People across the globe have been tuning into The World Cup. The Autism community happens to have one more reason to watch this event that only occurs every 4 years. USA World Cup Goal keeperTim Howard has Tourettes Syndrome a neurological disorder on the “higher functioning” end of the Autism Spectrum. And finding someone who has reached a level of success either despite a disorder or because of it, gives many hope.....

Here is the rest of the article at Examiner.com

London Rocks Busch Gardens

                                          Cast of London Rocks outside the Globe Theater

When you visit Busch Garden’s Williamsburg (a.k.a The Old Country) part of the fun is having a pseudo-European vacation at a much more reasonable price, and the travel time is much shorter (in most cases). The first village you encounter upon entering the park is England. This year England's Globe Theater was revamped for its new show London Rocks. London Rocks was four years in the making and is a 25-minute musical adventure that  is a true feast for the eyes and senses. 

                                      The Beatles Octopus's Garden with puppets and bubbles

London Rocks tells the story of Lucy a young girl growing up through teens, marriage and children and is artfully "told" through British rock-n-roll music and culture.  Visually London Rocks is amazing and should be seen. The combination of lighting and video technology delights the senses. There are 5 projectors that make the stage seem to come alive, sometimes it blends in so well it is hard to tell what is live action and what is video-mapped imagery. This is a family friendly show so you can bring the kids. During one part of the show the creators make a nod to the original 4-D elements showcased previously in the Globe by launching a large amount of bubbles into the audience. This is during a fun sequence with puppets to the Beatles Octopus's Garden that had my son mesmerized.

                                         Lucy rides the "tube", but is just an amazing video image.

The show uses a sometimes confusing medley of too many songs to list. They cover songs from the Beatles, The Who, and The Rolling Stones to same a few. The orchestration is genius even if it seems overdone; to put this much into one short show was no easy task. And lets face it, covering all of the music from the 50's through the 80's is a heck of a lot of music for a 25-minute show.

With the 2000 speakers (2 in each seat and 79 around the perimeter) it is a bit loud for the hearing sensitive. (which Noah and I both are, we sat in the middle, we were ok).  I am not a big theater or movie lover, I don't care for having to sit still for long. I avoid concerts like its my job, but I have to say this was an enjoyable show.  If live theater or music isn't your thing (but it is for the people with you) you should still give it a view. The air conditioning of The Globe is most welcome on a very hot and humid day in the park.

England got a little bit of a makeover too with some new flare and redesigned kiosks. Plus there are new soda machines right outside the theater. (Coca-Cola Freestyle) You can refill your park cup (or get one) with a huge variety of fizzy treats. Here you can find numerous flavors of Dr. Pepper, Mellow Yellow, and Fanta for starters. You can also add syrups like chocolate, vanilla or cherry to most sodas, and an even larger variety of flavored waters or iced teas. So even if you want something like a Vanilla Soda, you can get one, select the Segram's Sparkling Seltzer Water, then select Vanilla. Same process for Coca-Cola and Root beer lovers who may want to add a bit of chocolate or fruit flavoring. Even though soda is rotten for most people's bodies, a little treat now and then is fun, and hey you are on vacation.

London Rocks replaced Pirates 4D this May 2014 and is the first Live entertainment show in the Globe in 20 years. (Previously to Pirates 4D was Lights, Camera Action a Sesame Street themed 4D). It took over 500 craftsman and artists to create this show and lay the 76 miles of electrical, audio and video cables (which is further than Virginia Beach). A true labor of love for this Broadway-style show.

                                Swanky new seating inside Union Jax (store closest to entrance/exit)

POV of the new Colossal Curl at Water Country in Williamsburg

Busch Gardens Food & Wine a Feast for the Senses

This is some of the coverage of the food & wine event as it relates to Noah (or most ASD kids/special needs/picky eaters)


busch-gardens-food-wine-festival-feast-for-the-senses

Busch Gardens Food & Wine 2014: Food, Glorious Food!

                           Caribbean Kiosk in between Land of the Dragons and Germany

Oh my, food glorious food. And true to its higher standards (not your typical theme park food) the Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens did not disappoint.  If you can fully immerse yourself into the experience, you can have a lovely-pseudo European vacation, in just a day or two right here in the United States.

                                                  Walkway into Germany from France

Busch Gardens Williamsburg was previously named “The Old Country” because of its theming. The park is sectioned as European countries, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Italy, France and “New France” (which is the France of Canada). So you are already enjoying themed architecture, specialty shops and food from those areas. The Food & Wine Festival is Busch Gardens food “kicked up a notch” as Emeril would say. If you have never eaten at Busch Gardens then you may not understand what this means. But it isn't your typical theme park food, sure there are burgers and pizza available in two of the six main dining locations,  but overall the food is specialized to the area--such as Irish stew in an Irish soda bread bowl in Ireland, or the German sausage platter with 3 types of sausages, cabbage and German potato salad in Germany. (Both meals are also under $10.) Offering themed dishes is of course delightful (ask anyone who loves Epcot), but it is the quality and the price that makes it outstanding. According to executive chef Justin Watson all the food in Busch Gardens is made from higher quality products. Much of it is fresh and some is locally sourced. All fish products are sustainable. And the desserts, well they are baked on premises, fresh and delicious.

                                    Strawberry shortcake, with real cream and real strawberries.

The festival was inspired by the current trend of "street food" that is mobile and in smaller portions allowing foodies to taste many items. So you can enjoy the many different foods from all of these countries in a true park setting (with fun rides and live entertainment). Busch Gardens is aptly named because the park is full of trees, flowers and shrubs; it is not like many theme parks full of concrete and no shade. Frankly, I can spend the day here and ride next to nothing and still feel like I had a wonderful time, it’s that beautiful.

                                                       The Gardens in Italy

                                                   View from the bridge into Ireland

                                           Canada kiosk, featuring Pumpkin Mousse

There are 14 kiosks and about 55 tastings available (not including beverages), though we did not eat every single item, we did enjoy about 20 tastings over the weekend.  Some were better values than others, and some were so delicious you will want to make a meal out of them. Like most things, each tasting, still comes down to personal taste.

                                                        Entrance to Ireland 

You can also enhance your European vacation by enjoying Europe in the Air in the Ireland section of the park; here you can take a journey through most of the same lands represented in Busch Gardens, in just 17 minutes. I don’t advise eating first, it’s not the type of ride to make you sick, however it is a little jarring to those with sensitive systems and eyes. I am someone who cannot ride things like the Battering Ram, or any type of ride that spins (yes, even the carousel makes me queasy) I have ridden this at least a half a dozen times, probably more. I know to close my eyes when the clouds show up in the show meaning we are taking off like lightning speed to our next destination.

                                                           Ice Sculpting in Ireland

One of our favorite foods was outside of Germany (between the Land of the Dragons and Germany) at the newly created Caribbean kiosk. The Jamaican Jerk Chicken was good on every level, from the flavor of the meat, the pineapple salsa, the guava barbecue sauce and the value. I am not a fan of BBQ sauce, too much vinegar normally-however the smoothness of the guava made me appreciate it. At the same stand you can also get Gamba Friiters (Gamba means shrimp) which was right up there with my favorites, which really there were too many and it almost dosen't seem fair to number them.

                                      Jamaican Jerk Chicken at Caribbean Kiosk outside Germany.

As far as best bang for your buck, if you are hungry I recommend the Pork Schnitzel sandwich in Oktoberfest section of Germany, it is a more thin than thick slice of breaded pork, topped with a caper sauce and slice of lemon. If you love curry, you must get the Curry Kielbasa…just the right spice without being spicy.  Over in Canada the Venison Sausage & Corn Porridge was one of the best things I have ever tasted. It was a nice size portion. If you have never had venison this is the time to try it. If you love seafood, the mussels in France are also an excellent choice, they were all open, beautiful and a nice portion for $5. 

                                        Venison & Corn Porridge with caramelized onions

                                           Gamba (Shrimp) Fritters at Caribbean kiosk

If you want to make your day simpler (it should be a vacation or at least a day off after all). Then consider the cashless wristbands, you can buy them in several areas of the park. There are two different spots before you even get to food (a well signed booth after the entrance but before the turnstiles and guest relations after you enter on the right), plus a few stores throughout the park. You can prepay with cash or link to a credit card. Then you just scan at the locations. If you don’t spend all of your cash, you stop at guest relations in England when exiting and they will refund you any money not spent. You can also purchase a Trio Certificate which will allow guests any 3 items (dessert, beverage or entree) for $12.

                             Cruising down the "Rhine River" in Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Va.

For a special treat you may want to spend the $20 and do the "Wine of the Rhine" cruise. During the festival you get to enjoy an extended version of the Rhine River cruise while listening to a jazz band and enjoying some fine cheese, fruit, wine, chocolate and some wine of course (juice for the kids).

                Chefs James Parker and James Butauski  creating art from watermelons. 

Even if you don’t wish to eat all day (maybe just drink) or perhaps you have a restrictive diet, there is more to the festival. There are three Art of Food booths (France, Ireland, Italy) where you can watch these master chefs carve beautiful sculptures out of food.  I can never understand how someone knows to make a rose out of watermelon, I can't even draw a rose. Chef James Parker said he can't draw one either and he doesn't plan what he sculpts,most of his sculptures take their own shape. Food isn't just sustenance, it is art, it's pleasure and it's culture. The festival celebrates all of this. Each kiosk also has information about the country represented, so you learn things like the country of Italy is the same size as the state of Arizona, and the lollipop originated in Spain.

Like many food & wine events, those who are the most adventurous will have the most choices. But there still are things you can try if you are vegetarian, vegan or even gluten free. Vegetarians can find items at every kiosk. When you get to the festival pick up a small guide with descriptions.  The truth is carnivores and vegetarians will have the most choices, but that can be expected for this type of event.

                         Time is ticking, don't miss out on the festival it only goes until June 29th

Facts on the Festival

Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Food & Wine Festival (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays May 23-June 29) included with admission to the park, pay for the tastings you wish to taste. Food becomes available at 11 A.M until the park closes.

Majority of tastings are $4-$5, most desserts are $2-$3. Some that are higher include the cheese plate in Italy, beer flight of 4 beer tastings in Germany and the cured salmon on a potato pancake in Scandinavia are all $12. And on the flip side the Toffee in Scotland is just $2 and enough for 3 people to taste.

There are 71 varieties of wine and beer available for tasting.

As 2 adults tasting around for dinner, the cost was about $40 for about 9 different tastings, which we shared. It was all plenty filling as a meal.

The kiosks/countries represented are : France,  Belgium, Coffee & Crepes (in France), Canada, American South West; Ireland, Scandinavia, Scotland, Italy , Spain, Greece; Germany, German Beer, Caribbean.

Every area has beer and wine tastings, except Spain, which only has Pancho Sangria.  You can also find cocktail tastings in the Caribbean, Scandinavia, France, Italy & Greece.

Festival is inspired by the popularity of street food that is mobile, and eating smaller portions so you can try more items.

The Caribbean Kiosk was added by facebook fans.

The Austria kiosk from last year was omitted but the 2 most popular items (Schnitzelwich and Linzer Torte) were added to Germany's kiosk. And 3 New kiosks were added (American Southwest, Scandinavia and Caribbean)

Vegan Options

Scotland: Neeps & Tatties - Roasted Turnips & potatoes with carrots and chives

France: Ratatouille (hold the parmesan bread crumb topping)

Caribbean:  Palm Salad -Palm hearts, black beans, shrimp and citrus on a bed of spinach-(hold the shrimp)

Spain: Tapas (paprika roasted marcona almonds, marinated olive medley, quince pasta); Gazpacho (chilled cucumber soup)-also comes with a salad that has fish and ham, but you can opt out of that or give it to someone else in your party.

Greece:  Greek Dip Trio (humus, Pasta Elias)-also comes with a feta dip; Salata (traditional Greek Salad with lemon vinaigrette, oregano & pita chips)

Unfortunately due to the fact the food was so delicious, sometimes we ate it up before we could photo it. 

Utilizing Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival to Bust Through Picky Eater Blockades

We will be attending this festival this weekend. I am hopeful Noah will try some new foods, and I will report back on our experience. For those of you who don't know, Noah like many ASD kids eats maybe a dozen foods (hardboiled eggs-white part only, hashbrown patties or tater tots, pasta, pizza, french fries, applesauce, bacon, pepperoni, rice crackers, some cereal and wendy's cheeseburgers --this is new!)

Examiner article with slide show 

Highlights of what is on the agenda at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 2014

This year at Busch Gardens Williamsburg there is new attractions to enjoy and celebration of older ones.

The Sesame Street Forest of Fun marks its 5^th anniversary as of April 4^th, 2014. A parade and all of the Sesame Street characters will be out to celebrate.

Apollo’s Chariot marks its 15th year anniversary this year. The coaster may not go upside down, but it packs in a thrill with its smooth and fast moving at 73 m.p.h right over the Rhine River and its huge 210 ft drop, oh and there is no floor. You are held in by just a lap bar and physics.  Apollo's Chariot has received a "Golden Ticket Award" for top steel coasters every year since its introduction, placing as high as number 4 on a list of coasters from all over the world.

Spring Break begins April 4^th through April 21^st daily, then on the weekends only until May 23^rd when it will be open for summer. You can purchase a 7-day Spring Bounce ticket which gives you admission to both Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and Colonial Williamsburg for 7 consecutive days, must be purchased by April 24^th. (You can use 3 of those days at BG and the remaining at Colonial Williamsburg) There is also a Springtacular vacation package (March 16-May 19) that will combine accommodations, dining, quick queue with tickets and a fun card (good until September 1)so they can return so guests can have the most bang for their buck, less worry, ease ofvacationing. Link-

The Land of the Dragons is also receiving a makeover and will reveal the new Land on April 26^th, the voice of the Dragons will be returning and guests who listen closely will be able to hear the roar. More shade trees and fans will be added for families to rest while little ones climb and adventure in the enclosed land.

London Rocks!

London Rocks will premiere on May 23, 2014. London Rocks will take place in the newly renovated Globe Theater and takes the place of Pirates 4D. The 25 minute live-action show, takes guests on a musical journey through the of rock n roll from legendary British musicians and bands. This new show was 4 years in the making and will include state of the art equipment normally used for concerts. Click here for more information

Food & Wine Festival (May 23-June 29) take your taste buds on vacation for an extra special culinary tour through BG. Since the park is separated into countries already that showcase those countries food, (France, Ireland, Germany, Scotland, and Italy) you can find additional offerings in the form of tastings within those countries. Such as Pork Schnitzel in Germany and hand crafted German Beers. There will also be additional representatives like Spain, Canada in New France, Austria in Germany, Scandinavia in Ireland and this year a Caribbean themed menu will be added. Tastings range from 3-7. For your convenience you can buy a cashless wrist band that you either pre load with a specific amount or attach to a credit card. No fees and your account is settled at the end of the day. You can preview a map on the BG Website. There is also a special Wine on the Rhine, live Jazz music and delicious offerings while you cruise down the Rhine River. For $20 you can purchase cheese, fruit, crackers and gourmet truffle and 2 wine or beer samples.  For guests 21 and over (younger guests will get juice and the cost is 5 less) and take 25-30 minute cruise down the Rhine River.

Water Country will open Colossal Curl an adrenaline pumping family thrill ride. Some of the columns added are as tall as a 6 story building. A huge 1400 sq. foot funnel (bigger than my house) where riders are in a four-leafed clover raft is the crowning glory. Colossal Curl promises to be one of a kind because of the large funnel and wave elements. Opens Spring 2014

Busch Gardens Concert Series

Kicks of May 4 with former Poison front man and reality star Bret Michaels. Glory at the Gardens begins May 11 with Christian band Mercy Me. Busch Gardens Live and Glory at the Gardens shows are held at the Royal Palace Theater located in the France section of the park. Seating begins at 7 pm, concert is held at 9 pm and is complimentary with park admission but tickets are still required and are picked up at Guest relations the day of the event. All members of your party who wish to have tickets have to be present to ensure seating.  You can call (800) 343-7946 for more information.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Deals

Free Preschool Pass for children under 5 (proof of age is required) unlimited admission to both parks through September 1^st, you have until May 31^st to get this pass. (Children 3-5 at time of purchase, children under 3 are always free) You can register here. You can only do this online, fill out form and print E ticket. Once registered you will take it to the front gate on your first/next visit and provide proof of age through birth certificate or passport.

Meal deals, get both lunch and dinner for $24 a person, add $5 and get a refillable souvenir cup for .99 refills.

The best deal is always the season pass. For either $120 one-time fee, or $10 a month, you get free parking, unlimited visits all year and discounts on merchandise, food and Christmas Town Tickets. For a little more you can upgrade to include all discovery parks, and free preferred parking at your home resort.

You can call (800) 343-7946. For more details or visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg