TR Busch Gardens "Christmas Town"/Williamsburg

[S&EMom]

Just returned from a 3 day quick trip to Virginia. Goal was to help a friend who works at Busch Gardens to move back here temporarily. Left 6 a.m. Wednesday, 12/28 and drove straight to Busch. After waiting for her to meet us at a local fast food joint, she got us into the park with complimentary tickets (Saving $37.95 x 4). She had to work until 6:30 p.m., so we took off to explore. We rode "Air over Europe" with is a moving seat to give the effect of flying over European landmarks. Next, we purchased a round of hot chocolate and stood in line for "Ice Palace--a Penguin Paradise." Featured were several live penguins on loan from the Columbus Zoo. Unfortunately, They had just finished swimming and were drying off for the night. Not much action. By this time, our friend was off work (She has been working since June in the makeup/costumes--being in charge of the Busch Santa for Christmas Town. We met at the Festhaus (Germany) and saw the singing/dancing show "Deck the Halls." which was very entertaining and featured great talent. Following the show, we ate at the Festhaus. Selections included Prime Rib Sandwiches (lean on the size of prime rib), pizza, fries, chocolate cake, eggnog cheesecake, etc. Her employee discount got us $30 off the total bill. Next she took us to meet Santa (his greeting "ya'all" amused my granddaughter (11 y.o.). After that, we went to Ireland for the "Gloria" show--a gospel rendition of the story of Christ's birth--the real reason for Christmas. It was wonderful. Great effects and beautiful voices. She took us backstage to meet the performers after. Next we headed for Italy to see "Miracles" a dazzling show featuring magnificant singers, ballet dancers and more special effects. On the way, we passed "Alpengeist". Thinking we did not have time to ride and make the show, I made the "adult" decision not to ride and still regret it. Turns out, there was no wait (was the 40 degree weather a factor?) My 17 y.o. daughter and our friend rode while we went to the show. Turns out they made the show as well. It was then closing time. Not mentioned previously was the glorious lights. Apparently, they bumped it up from 3 million lights last year to 5 million this year. The lights were fantastic. I now have a plan to order some gold strings for my yard next year. According to our frend, the tree at the Festhaus has it's own crew just to keep it going. It had a dancing lights to music show of it's own. Polar Pathway had a water ride building litterally blanketed in white lights, with blue lights covering the water ways. It was beautiful and apparently, visible from Skylab in outerspace.

After a few souvenir purchases, we left for the evening. PLEASE Cedar Fair--BRING BACK WINTERFEST.

On a side note: the flowers were still blooming. They had beds of petunias, pansies and flowering shrubs. Seemed kind of strange for December (almost January). Turns out we were there on the coldest night so far for the area--probably in the low 40s but dropped lower that night..

On Thursday afternoon (it took all morning to get an 11 y.o. and 17 y.o up and fed at the local IHOP) we visited Colonial Williamsburg. We were pretty much dragging the kids, but I think they secretly enjoyed it. You have to purchase a ticket to get into the buildings. We were short on time, but got our money's worth. We were participants in the courthouse reinactment. Husband stayed to watch the "Tavern Lighting" I had to get the kids back to civilization (visitor center with shopping).

We then met up with our friend, packed up the back of our minivan with her belongs that won't fit in her car when she drives back tonight after Christmas Town closes. We ordered pizza and drove through the Newport News Christmas Light display at a local park. It was pretty, but I was disappointed it was 100% secular--no nativity. Drove back to Dayton on Friday. Had beautiful weather both directions to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Happy New Year.

[The Interpreter]

Thanks for the great trip report. You help a friend move and she treats you to a one of a kind experience.

One minor thing, one ride you did has a great punny name: Europe In The Air!

I really miss BGW and should have made their Christmas event. It truly is a wonderful park.

[luff]

Good trip report. Thanks for the information.

I drove by BGW a couple of weeks ago, but was not sure if it was worth the ticket price.

[bkroz]

Believe it or not, one of the reasons I decided against Christmas Town this year is because the Curse of DarKastle was closed. May seem counterintuitive, but that is absolutely one of my favorite rides on Earth, and such a fun, warm reprieve from the winter weather. I do understand that it needs its off-season though.

Glad you had a good time!

[standbyme]

Thanks for the report!

[kingsrattler]

I absolutely love Busch Gardens Williamsburg. It's tough to pick betweeen BGW and Islands of Adventure as my favorite park.

Thanks for the trip report. We really want to make it over to BGW's christmastown in the near future.

[S&EMom]

Since it was my first visit and it was mostly after dark, I didn't get a good feel for the park. It was beautiful with the lights. Don't expect to get back anytime soon, but really enjoyed this trip.