Bier Fest comes to Busch Gardens Williamsburg this September

While Busch Gardens is gearing up for Howl O Scream (which begins a tad later this year) guests can look forward to the brand new event Bier Fest.

Bier Fest is an Oktoberfest festival coming to Oktoberfest of Busch Gardens, probably why they named it Bier Fest.

The short 4 day event will be over two weekends, September 12-13 and September 19-20 from 11-6pm. (the park opens at 10 am).

Bavarian Heritage including traditional German food and about 75 different types of beer will be highlighted during the festival. The beers will be from all over the world, and some from local Virginia breweries. “This fall we are exploring the many flavors of beer with brewers from 10 countries, (America, Asia, and Europe) this is the largest in park history.”  park president Carl Lum.

Some names you would expect like Becks, Rolling Rock and Budweiser will be available as well as Pumpkin flavored beers. Some other brands of beer that will be at Bier Fest are Goose Island, Bold Rock and Devils Backbone (to get you excited for HowlOScream). More are listed on the BG website.

There will be a Keg tapping ceremony from the  Burgermeister at 11:30 am each day with limited samples.

Guests can purchase a “Bier Fest Sampler” which will be 10 3oz. beers for $20, and given a card which can be used throughout the 4 days of the festival. You can also get a souvenir mug for an additional $10. Pass members can get an additional 10% off.

For those who prefer cordials you will have the option to also sample German  schnapps, which are usually made with fruits such as cherries, apples, pears and plums. The schapps are made without additional sugars and through the distilling process there isn’t a lot of sweetness left, so it's sure to please those who don't want anything too sweet.

                                Example of tasting, from Food & Wine 2015 Scotch Tastings

Some of the food options will include the Schnitzel sandwich which was popular at the Food & Wine event, as well as German meatballs in a caper cream sauce.

German music from the Happy Dutchman and 2 other bands will be entertaining on the outdoor stage in Oktoberfest and inside Das Festhaus. Dancing is encouraged. 

Bier Fest is not a separate ticketed event; it is included with regular park admission, and is still family friendly fun as always. Some E-ticket rides in Oktoberfest are The Mach Tower, Verbolten and Dark Castle for those who love thrills, and for those who prefer their thrills more tame there are shops, bumper cars (The Auto bahn) and the entertainment. All rides not part of Howl O Scream should be running (Pompeii and Europe in the Air are being used as haunted houses).

For more information you can click here to check out Busch Gardens Website.

Surprising aspects of Bronycon 2015

Good morning Baltimare! The weekend of August 7-9 2015 marked the 4th Bronycon, a convention for Bronies, started by “Purple Tinker” nearly 4 years ago. This being the 3rd at the Baltimore Convention Center run by the Bronycon staff.  This was our 2 year in a row of attending the convention. It is a fun filled weekend of some of the most joyful and friendly people (and ponies) you will ever meet. This year the attendance grew again, with over 10,000 attendees making it 20% cooler. 

Good morning Baltimare video, opening ceremonies video shown at the convention. Even has a cameo pony of the “ice cold water” dude.

If you haven't read the previous years post, and/or have no idea what a Brony is, read the link below of our coverage from last year's conference it covers all the details.

Related- The Brony fandom – Coming out of the Stable Bronycon 2014

We arrived on Friday for the first day of the convention. The place is full of a wide variety of colorful people. Many in full Cosplay or a tribute to their favorite characters. Some in full pony mascot gear. Noah had a huge smile on his face the whole day, was happy to walk around the convention, shop and possibly join a conga line (once he got his confidence up according to him.)

Both years he has said his favorite thing was everything, and that the “Bronies” were his favorite part. I imagine it is nice to be with “your people”, and it is always a stress reliever to be amongst those who not only do not judge you, but will celebrate you. Noah can be a ball of stress, we have learned to manage it over the years, it took a lot of sacrifice and adaptability not just form him, but from us.

 The weekend was full of different types of activities, from workshops on how to create or perfect your own work (drawing, writing and animating seminars) or meet up with the creators of the shows, fan fictions and plushie creators. Video games were played, places to roll play or play MLP games, basic tom foolery and the premier of Anthology 5. There was also 2 big events

Bronypalooza

Bronypalooza is made up of a large group of Brony musicians (21 bands)who either remix or reimagine songs from MLP friendship is magic. Noah joined in and danced few songs at Bronypalooza both nights of the convention. Some famous Bronies who attended were  ‘The Living Tombstone, Cyril the Wolf, BronyMike” Some nice Brony gave us glow sticks, which was fun. (Noah loves glow sticks). Last year he collected a lot of “Bro-hooves” this year he did also, but didn’t have to count them.

Special Needs and Bronycon

Bronycon does provide assistance to those with special needs with back door "special access"passes, shorter lines and a handy communication system attendees where to let others know where they feel social or not. Noah was "green" the whole time.

We also attended the Coping with Disabilities Panel for the second year in a row. This go-get it group full of personal empowerment discussed what it is like working with a disability, and dealing with it with the show. They used clips with Scootaloo (flying disability)and other ponies dealing with bullying.  Such as Apple Bloom dealing with bullying due to her “blank flank”. The group focuses on skills and strengths and sends the powerful message, don’t give your power away.  you can’t control other people's judgements or nastiness. For more on this topic click here for "Coping with Limitations through pony" article.

Baltimare Arcade

The convention set up an “arcade” which was a lot of laptops some connected to large screens, playing both fan made MLP software and other favorite games. They also had a Rockband (set up with MLP Friendship is Magic music) and a Dance machine. Though the highlight had to be Fighting is Magic, Pony fighting game like Smash Brothers or Mortal Combat without the blood violence , but with adorable ponies. We watched Rarity and Rainbow Dash battle. Maybe next year he will participate more, and knowing how into video games he is, it was surprising he wasn't as engaged. Though he still was as an observer and was happy being in there.

Anthology V

The premier of Anthology V was probably the highlight to Noah, besides the whole convention itself. Anthology V is the fan made collection of parody, music video-pony videos. Watching it with a packed room of people who all get the jokes, laughing along with you is priceless.  Even Joe was almost “feeling the magic” finally when they did a spoof of one of his favorite shows the Trailer Park Boys. It was animated as “Trailer Park Ponies” to the opening credits of the Canadian mockumentary style comedy.

Trailer Park Boys are a "greasy" bunch, but they generally have each other's backs. It's hilarious and I think it is pretty cool that there are Bronies who also watch the show.

                                                 Those darn bottle throwing kids.

Bronies React

Bronies React is a popular You Tube show exactly as described. Bronies are filmed reacting to MLP episodes.  The show was created by Youtuber ACRacebest and he and his friends comically react and respond to the show, they also joined the convention for an hour long panel. They premiered the latest episode at the convention. Noah who also wants to be a “famous Youtuber” but for weather (right now) had us stay up way past our bedtime for this as the panel was 11:30-12:30 am. The Convention Center itself was open 24 hours, but most activities went until 2 am. Ah, the days of yesteryear when 2 am was so doable. But we were able to hang later than usual.

The Blank Canvas Marketplace

A huge part of any pop culture convention is merch! Lots of it. Merchandise everywhere,  much of it here was handmade art, whether they were prints made, clothing created, plushies made by hand, comic books. Then of course licensed merchandise, convention specific and related items. We were fortunate to get the group of plushies made just for the convention. They sold out at the end of the first day or very early the second day. Some other artists also sold out the first day.  One of the surprising aspects of this convention is how inspired you can feel to create something yourself based on the love you have for something. I get the adoration of Friendship is Magic, if I was as talented or when I do have the time, I would like to create my own plushies, or scarves..or something.

                              Fun times at the Convention

                                           Rarity searched high and low for a good seat.

Next year Bronycon will take place at the Baltimore Convention center the weekend of July 8-10, 2016. There are events on Thursday evenings, and there will be discounted hotel rooms available, usually you can start booking in January.  It was a fun and magical weekend. 

Until then Bronycon!

New Haunted Houses are Unearthed at Busch Gardens' Williamsburg for 2015 Howl O Scream

Busch Gardens Williamsburg will once again become a very decorative place (and a scary one after 6pm) this fall with Howl O Scream. The month long event opens on September 25, 2015 and runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through November 1.

Related - HowlOScream 2014 review

This year there will be 3 new haunted houses and the park is getting some collaboration from Blair Witch Project producer Robin Crowe with the theme being called “Unearthed”.

As it turns out, when the park was doing maintenance in Ireland village a house was discovered by the crew. It’s believed the house belonged to a woods woman named Scarlett whose mysterious healing practices made her a target from suspicious townspeople. Fearful of Scarlett’s dark arts, the townsfolk killed her husband and buried her house deep in the earth.

The other 2 new haunted houses are Cornered and LumberHack. Cornered takes guests to a 1977 farming community where townspeople are disappearing at an alarming rate.  A local corn farmer is the main suspect but everyone who ventures into the maze of maize is never seen again. Every time someone goes missing a cornhusk doll mysteriously appears.

Lumberhack 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. 

This will bring the total of Haunted houses to 7, repeats from last year will be

• ·         Bitten (Black Forest picnic area, back of Oktoberfest)
• ·         Deadline (Pompeii, Italy)
• ·         The Catacombs (France)
• ·         Cut Throat Cove (Fiesta Italy)

The rest of Howl O Scream will go as usual, with elaborate decorations, themed shows, and themed dining. (Blood Banquet entertaining buffet will be back as well as dinner show Igor's Fright Feast). All of the rides will be open except for those being used for haunted houses (Pompeii, Europe in the Air). Monster Stomp will be back in the Globe, plus fall themed snacks and goodies throughout the eateries and shops in the park. 

Ticket prices are the standard prices $75 for adults and $65 for kids 3-9 (the $75 funcard allows you back all fall) and pass holders do not need a separate ticket for this event. If you haven’t purchased a season pass yet, you may want to consider one. Prices start at $10 a month and include free parking and a 10% discount on everything in the park.

More information to follow in late September after we attend opening weekend.

New Video Unearthed 

Busch Garden's Food & Wine Festival 2015

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is always deserving of the title “America’s Most Beautiful Park.” And it truly is one of the best places a family can go for a good time, there is something here for everyone whether you are a thrill seeker, animal and nature lover, you enjoy live entertainment or are just there for the food. The Food & Wine Festival, suitable for all foodies, is also a grand time for the latter. As far as this review is concerned it will focus on the Food part. As it was too hot for me to drink (except for the Scotch Tasting, because it is rarely too hot for me to have that…which will be a separate piece)

The food at Busch Gardens is a much higher caliber than you will find at the majority of theme parks. All of their desserts are made on the premises, they smoke all of their own meats, the pasta and sauces are homemade and the fruits and much of the vegetables are locally sourced. According to Executive Chef Justin Watson "All of our fish is sustainable...and our ingredients come from higher quality products." Which I can attest you can fully taste (and feel if you have a sensitive system). Nearly everything is homemade.

The Mama Stella platter at Ristorante Della Plaza Italy(Chicken and Eggplant parmigiana and beef cannelloni) enough for 2 when getting dessert...or when you are very hungry

I would consider the event a walking tour of Europe and the tastes of culinary dishes from around the world without the high price tag.  There are 13 kiosks, plus the Crepes and Coffees (in France) which is open year round. The samples range in price from $3-$7 and each kiosk has about 3 meal offerings, a dessert, and beverages. Most have wine or beer pairings, a few have alternate cocktails beverages such as Sangria in Spain, Frozen Hurricane in French Quarter, and Ouzo in Greece.   The Asia kiosk also has 2 specialty drinks that are non-alcoholic. The portions are nice, where about 3 of them would equal a meal.  Most kiosks offer specialty dishes such as vegetarian, gluten free and vegan, you will have to read the descriptions to decide which are your best choices.

                            A little "throwback" to when Ireland was Hastings in honor of the 40th anniversary

We went to Food & Wine last year as well.  Between both years we have sampled from all the kiosks and most of the meal offerings (there are approximately 37 meals we have tried 28), and 6 out of 15 desserts. Each Kiosk has one, but Italy has 3 for the dessert lovers in your group. I am lacking a sweet tooth and when we were here most recently it was quite warm, and when it’s warm I stay away from dessert and alcohol so, I am still yearning to try the Pumpkin Mousse in Canada.

Last year we tried the Toffee in Scotland,  Panna Cotta in Italy and the Chocolate Lava Cake in the American Southwest, all delicious.

You can see these are nice portions (the Panna Cotta is small so you can eat a second dessert!)

And this year we tried 3, the Bananas fosters cheesecake (France/French Quarter), Lemongrass & ginger custard (in between Italy and Fiesta Italy /Asia kiosk), and the Guinness Mousse in Ireland. I did have a bite of the Tiramisu in Italy, it was authentic, and once you try this you will be disappointed in the falsehood of what you thought Tiramisu was from places that don’t make it correctly.  

                                         Lemongrass & Ginger Custard from Asia Kiosk

The two new kiosks added this year are Asia and the French Quarter.  You can find the Asia kiosk along the pathway from Pompeii to Italy/entrance to Fiesta Italy.  We tasted everything they had to offer at the Asian kiosk, it was all delicious and light. The Lemongrass & Ginger custard was light and not overpowering in flavor, if you are leery of those give it at least 2 bites before you decide if you like it or not.

 In Asia there is a lettuce wrap that was made with Tofu and we didn’t even know it, thought it was chicken and then read it was the vegan version, it did not disappoint.

The French Quarter, inspired by Cajun and french influences of New Orleans is located in France across from the shops near Griffin. We tried the Gumbo, Muffatta Sandwich, and the dessert in the French Quarter but unfortunately we were so hungry and it was do delicious we did not take any photos. 

Everything in both new kiosk (and the festival in general) was incredible. I can see why they picked these two. We also tried the new Italian bites in Italy that replaced the previous one, my Dad a true carnivore was disappointed there wasn’t meat in it, but the spicy pickled veggies were delicious and the price tag was half of what it was last year. Nothing was disappointing, you can't go wrong really.

 The extra work on making the kiosks themed and beautiful is well appreciated

                                                Our Favorites from Food & Wine 2015:

                                                     

Dessert: Bananas Foster Cheesecake at the French Quarter (even the employees throughout the park are drooling over this one) 

2nd place- Guinness Mouse in Ireland. And its adorable, a chocolate mouse topped with cream to look like a glass of Guinness.

Appetizer: Greek Dip Trio in Greece (plenty to share) Feta dip, Humus and kalamata olive puree

 or Gazpacho in Spain.

Meal:  Bangers in Colcannon with Guinness brown sugar gravy in Ireland, which was a surprise to me, as Ireland isn't known for its cuisine. But everything about it was top notch, good value, appealing, great taste, fresh (they grill the sausage to order) and something I wouldn't make at home so it was a special treat.

      

                     2nd place: Venison Sausage and Corn Porridge in Canada

For a lighter dish:  Lettuce wrap in Asia, or the Fish Taco in American Southwest (New France) 

For the carnivore: the Pepper crusted sirloin in France in Brandy cream sauce, nice portion, delicious and tender. Jamaican Jerk Chicken is still a favorite for us two years in a row.

Most bang for your buck: Shepherd’s Pie in Scotland or Gumbo in French Quarter. (and the Bangers in Ireland)

Best Sandwich: The Muffaletta in the new French Quarter, its made of mortadella, salami, ham and provolone with cajun slaw (that I chose to add to the sandwich). 2nd place the Schnitzelwich in Germany. A pork slider with a lemon wedge and caper sauce.

And I still love the Scottish egg. 

                                                           How do they do it?

Cashless Wristbands

We used the cashless wristbands one day during our trip.  I linked a credit card, which closed out at the end of the day. I was able to also use this for regular dining, not just the Food & Wine. It was really convenient and I kept to my budget. You also have the option to prepay cash to your band if you are concerned you will spend too much. The bands can be found at the Welcome Center before you enter, England at Guest Services, Castle O Sullivan (back of Ireland) and three other locations in the park (Griffon Gifts in France, Marketplace in Germany and Bella Casa in Italy).

The Wine of the Food & Wine

There are 3 main locations for Wine tastings that are usually available all year, not just for the festival. You can taste various wines from Italy, France and Germany in a store in each of those lands.  For the Festival there are 2 additional kiosks for exclusive tastings which will also come with an education on the beverage and how it was made.  In Scotland you can try 3 12 yr Scotches, and in the Oktoberfest village near Dark Castle there are dessert wines.

Food and Wine is from May 22-June 28 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Kiosks open around 11 am and serve all day. Saturdays are the busiest days in the park, so consider this if you have concerns about crowds and parking. The kiosks ran smoothly and being here on a very crowded holiday weekend didn't yield long lines for the food (just everything else).

 Be sure to bring your appetite, the more you walk, the more calories you need after all.

                   This was the Swedish meatballs in Scandinavia, you get about 5 of them

Here is a list of the complete menus from the Busch Gardens Website. Food & Wine is only here a short while, so if you have been considering it, now is the time.