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Christmas Town 2014: A Time to Relax and Rejoice!
Here it is, 2014, and Thanksgiving is already behind us. You know what that means right? Busch Gardens Christmas Town has begun! The park is ready to boost our holiday cheer.
But you know what the best part of that is?
Nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, the familial obligations, and shopping chaos, Christmas Town offers up a chance to slow down and smell the roses; or in this case, soak in the beauty over 8 MILLION lights!
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Relaxing at Christmas Town is, hands down, my favorite tradition.
This year was no different. I attended the opening day festivities and it was a rather cold evening; alright…… very, VERY cold evening. Nevertheless, the entire park looked stunningly beautiful that frigid, frosty November night.
Upon entering, several Marines were stationed outside collecting unopened toys for the Toys for Tots program. Their enthusiasm and smiles warmly greeted those entering the park.
There is still time to assist: Donations will be accepted through December 14th. Just drop new and unwrapped toys at the Busch Gardens Welcome center to support local families in need.
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Going back to Christmas Town, here is what I wish to point out for those seeking something new based on my experience on opening day:
England’s decor along with the new show Scrooge no More is high on the list of what I adore. All the while, Banbury Cross (as us old-timer Park enthusiasts say), was adorned with floating wreaths and lights galore!*
* I changed that whole paragraph to rhyme on my third edit. You’re welcome.
In front of the Globe, snow falls from the sky at night and Carolers and a Brass Band wander through the crowds at various times each day. The Hamlet is simply dazzling at night!
It’s snowing!
Fa la la la la!
Fezziwig makes sure to smile and keep everyone in Good Cheer!
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Over where the portrait artists are during the regular season, the park has converted the area to a bar staffed with Victorian dressed baristas, who serve you all kinds of tasty beverages, spirits, and treats. In addition, Squire’s is now Dickens Tavern and serves guests traditional Christmas dinners.
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The Globe now features a new show aptly named Scrooge No More. My review?
I was blown away! The show is an instant park classic and a hopefully a tradition for many years to come. As the title suggests, it is based on Charles Dicken’s classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey to rekindle his Christmas spirit. It is a perfectly balanced with music, dance, theater, and high tech special effects.
I promise to write a full review after this season. But for the sake of those who have yet to see it, I dare not ruin the magic and surprise!
Bah Humbug!
*On a side note: My appreciation goes out to all those folks who worked diligently to put this together. It is a strong, well choreographed musical that as a local, I am honored to have showing at Busch Gardens. Love, Love, Loved it!
God bless us, everyone!
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Outside the Globe Theater, there is a photo opportunity where you may take a picture of yourself with friends and family with very Victorian themed backdrop. Possibly with a Clydesdale! Keep in mind that the horses have a limited time range with guests, so try not to fret if you miss it. The Highland Stables will still offer photo packages.
This brings me to another bonus this year: the “Photokey” option. If you plan on making memories with all the photo ops around the park, you may want to consider purchasing a Photokey in order to save money. Here are the locations included:
- Front Gate Photo (Fountain)
- Highland Stables (Scotland)
- Polar Pictures (Polar Pathway in Italy)
- Frosty Friend Photo (Festa Italia)
- Christmas Carriage (Big Ben in England)
- O Tannenbaum (Oktoberfest)
- Verbolten (Oktoberfest)
- Pierre & Penelope Photo (France)
The park offers a Single Day Photkey and a Premium Photokey (good through the entire event – until December 31st) . There are differences in price and what is included, so please link here if you are interested in either deal and read more about exactly what each package includes, availability, and pricing: buschgardens.com/photokey.
* Some of my own personal Photokey pics taken that day:
Most of the park, as well as the shows, remain the same. The shows: Miracles, Gloria, and Deck the Halls return this year. As always, they are amazing. Since I have reviewed them all before, I will move on to some tips that may come in handy regarding the entertainment:
- Get to each show early as seats go fast! Gloria especially.
- On busy days the Festhaus may reach capacity, so if you wish to eat dinner and watch the show, plan your trip accordingly.
- Dress in layers. The Virginia weather is iffy, always. It is also very warm in the Festhaus and in the inside theater. So keep that in mind.
- Download the Busch Gardens app or pick up a map upon entering the park to have an idea of the showtimes.
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If you are a wine drinker (like me), you may wish to take advantage of the lovely wine glass set you can gather by visiting the France (Le Belle), Germany (German Gifts), and Italy (Bella Casa). These shiny goblets, etched with Busch Gardens on the base are sold as is, or as I prefer… (for a little extra cost), with wine in them!
They are so sparkly and festive with Busch Gardens softly etched on the base, that I was in complete “Must Have” mode when I saw them. So yes. Thank you Busch Gardens. I always wanted a themed sparkly wine glass set of my very own.
My Personal Wine Tips:
- Wines served at tastings vary through the seasons. Check them out periodically. There is a fan page dedicated JUST to wine at Busch Gardens. Did you know? Post your photos and keep in the loop here: https://www.facebook.com/OldCountryGrapevine
- Pace yourself. There are several places offering wine tastings. If you purchase a wine tasting you get a Christmas Town wine glass and when using the glass at the other locations, you get a discount.
- Don’t forget that if you are a season pass member, even wine has a 10% discount!
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Christmas is also the season of giving. So don’t forget to peruse all the goodies at the gift shops this year. You may just find that perfect gift for your loved one.
For me, the Emporium is one of my favorites. You can get the latest Christmas Town items including the 2014 ornaments, Department 56 Colonial Williamsburg sets, and even personalized custom ornaments.
**They also had this mistletoe, frosty display that was so pretty. So yes, I had to get a picture of it.
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So basically Christmas Town where you can enjoy, world class entertainment, lights-lights-and more lights, rides, seasonal foods and beverages, and visit jolly ol’ St. Nick all-in-one!
Here comes Santa Claus!
Speaking of Santa, I was finally able to enjoy Fireside Feast! If you want your family to get a unique experience with Santa, this is it. The dining extra is something best spent with the little ones, but I highly recommend it.
In case you are interested: The food was well seasoned and satisfying. During the meal, Santa recites the Night Before Christmas in a building that is both cozy and as warm as toast. After the recital, everyone gets a chance to go up on stage to visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Elves. It certainly made me feel like a kid again! Yep. Even I saw Santa…… and took my husband with me!
Click here for more info: http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/christmastown/dine-and-shop/santas-fireside-feast/
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Overall, Busch Gardens tied Christmas Town up in an exquisite bow for all of us to open and enjoy. I wish I could cover every store, every show, every little thing; but my suggestion is to get out there and see it for your self!
May you all keep the spirit of Christmas in your heart always. “..and as Tiny Tim observed, God Bless us Everyone!”
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”
Howl-O-Scream 2014 is “Cursed” with Thrills and Chills!
The entire park seems more alive and scarier than ever before. From the park website “The cursed have taken over… and that strange things start happening when you hear the haunting melody.” Don’t Listen is the warning. If you do listen, they say you will be cursed. How to lift the curse? Survive the night of course!
The atmosphere is much more adult oriented and graphic in nature. Parents really need to understand that most of the little ones will be terrified. I’m in my mid 30s and I was a shivering mess by the end of the night. All the décor around the park was more detailed and darker; Wendigo Woods especially.
New France has been changed into a Research Facility tucked away in the forests of Canada. The Wendigo, or half-beast demonic creature known for Cannibalism was believed to be legend. However, strange things are happening and terror is lurking all around! The terror-tory is amazing and New France has never heard so many screams!
The Wedigo is hungry!
Demon Street in Aquitaine has pumped up the volume with a street party atmosphere, complete with chainsaw welding demons! The bar serves up very potent signature alcoholic beverages that are sure to get the party started!
Let’s get this party started!
Vampire Point returns with more scare actors that hide through the twisting walkways in Rhinefeld Germany. If you find yourself thirsty for something else besides blood, make sure to reserve your tickets for the ever fun Blood Banquet. Count Vladtastic is back and the show has really increased in musical numbers and humor! The show is outdoors so you do not have to purchase a ticket to enjoy the antics of Vlad and crew, but the food is to die for! Tickets may be purchased at Guest Relations or online.
If you are feeling a bit naughty, head over to Ireland where the sexy nurses would love to give you a shot …. Of Vodka and Jello! Just like Vampire Point, Ireland also has a ticketed dinner show. Igor’s Fright Feast is also a buffet and features the character Igor, Swampy, and a team of naughty nurses. The show is a classic pop music montage of fun and laughs. The lighthearted humor is a perfect pairing to your dining experience.
We are Family!
Across the way at the Abby Stone Theater, Dr. Freakenstein is back at Fiends! This year the show focuses on vocal and acting talent of the fabulous performers. Dr. Freakenstein’s creature is not the only thing alive! The show is memorizing with moments of hilarity. The crowd is just as electrified as the creature.
Ports Of Skull is tucked away in San Marco Italy and is haunted by the tortured souls of undead pirates. Only two have a sense of humor, the rest are the hunt for a new crewmember! The pirate Barrrrgh and Crows Nest offer specialized food and drink with colorful characters to serve you your poison. Enter if ye dare!
I saved Ripper Row for last. It is the first and last terror-tory guests experience at the park. The ripper is looking to find his next victim, so don’t get lost or it may end up being you!
Speaking of the Ripper, Monster Stomp is a live high-tech musical performance at the Globe Theater. The show is fantastic! It takes the classic version of Monster Stomp and multiplies the visuals by 100! Imagine Monster Stomp meets Sweeny Todd. It is more of a Broadway style production; the sets, music, dances, and rhythms are extremely well balanced and leave you thirsty for more. Much like Sweeny Todd, the show is not for the lighthearted. There will be blood. Of course, the splatters are perfectly timed to haunting music!
If that isn’t enough, you still have the toe tapping Festhaus show called Night Beats. Ulrich, along with his shadows of the night, entertain you with powerful vocals and dance. The set itself has changed along with some of the musical arrangements, but the show is still as awesome as ever! If you are like me, you will end up singing the musicall night long. Even now, I am still singing: “We‘re running with the shadows of the night. So baby take my hand, it’ll be all right. Surrender all your dreams to me tonight. They’ll come true in the end……”
The six haunted houses: Catacombs, Bitten, Cutthroat Cove, The Root of All Evil, Deadline, and the popular 13: Your Number’s Up have all returned to thrill guests. I was able to go through Catacombs, Cutthroat Cove, 13 and Deadline. All of them seemed more intense this year and I’m not sure who was entertained more, me or the people directly behind who witnessed my constant shrieking.
So there you have it. Howl-O-Scream 2014 has begun scaring and entertaining guests once more! The innocent sweet sounding tune playing around the park may be pleasing, but Don’t Listen. So will you survive or end up being cursed?
Have fun, stay scared, and don’t find yourself alone in the darkness!
Special thanks to my friends at Behind the Thrills for allowing me to assist them with Media Coverage this year. Make sure to follow them on Instagram, Face Book, and Twiiter for the latest news. http://behindthethrills.com/
Info regarding Howl-Scream, hours, Ticket information, tours, and reservations; visit http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/howloscream/
Three cheers to Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival!
This past weekend kicked off the second annual Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. I couldn’t be happier. This fabulous festival features a wide variety of international cuisines, along with various beers and wines, all placed at culturally themed kiosks located around the park. With the success of the inaugural event last year, this year’s festival has evolved to be even bigger and better!
Luckily, much of the event has remained the same; which is fine by me. “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” Still, any great event needs to expand and evolve.
Therefore, here are some highlights for the new additions:
Two New booths have been added this year: The Caribbean and The American Southwest. Busch Gardens opened up the selection of extra cuisines to the fans on the internet. Overwhelmingly, the number one choice was the Caribbean.
To be honest, after the park announced the additional booths, I was skeptical; not to mention being slightly disappointed. I had considered the selections to be the “safer” choices for culinary exploration.
However, I was wrong to assume the food wouldn’t be exciting. In fact, my favorite booth this year was the Caribbean! The booth has a very Island inspired color pallet and features a large light house structure on top. Lanterns and décor made from sea shells are festively placed between the area of Rhinefeld and Oktoberfest. Odd for Germany? One would think so.
Still, the location is set in a quiet, wooded area and the shade offers a refreshing oasis on a hot day. My choice of the Jamaican jerk chicken with barbecue and pineapple salsa was fabulous to say the least. I paired it with a dangerously delicious “Bushwhacker;” a frozen mixed beverage consisting of cream of coconut, coffee liqueur, black rum, dark creme de cacao, and milk. It is so soooo good!
Moving on, the Southwest booth is also new and well themed; an adobe style building that features a working smokestack. I tried the Sonoran Spice Pork with jicama-chayote slaw & sweet pepper salsa. It was a very refreshing dish. My friend Luke has stated that the Chocolate Lava cake is divine and just from his photo, I have to agree!
Thanks to Luke for this lovely photo!
Scandinavia has my favorite dish so far. The Smorrebred is an open-faced roast beef sandwich on dark rye bread with horseradish & pickled red onions. It was so delightful and reasonably priced, I went back for seconds! It paired nicely with the Ingleside Chardonnay.
There are so many choices and new dishes this year, I am just scratching the surface with what to see and do at the Food & Wine festival. Even by removing a few dishes here and there and combining some of last year’s Austrian with Germany in order to add the Caribbean; the event continues to surprise me.
Costumed representatives of each country greet you at the entrance to each kiosk. Tara was the first to great me when I visited the Caribbean booth. Heather welcomes you in Scotland, Clara in France, and so forth. (I am still gathering photos and names of each individual. I will add them to this article once collected).
Tara welcomes you at the Caribbean kiosk.
Clara says Bonjour in France.
Goeiendag and Hallo from Belgium!
Heather is a friendly face in Scotland.
Welcome to Ireland! C’ead Mile Failte!
Greetings from Scandinavia!
The brightly colored flags of each country hang overhead for guests to easily recognize the kiosks this year. I found this to be a smart move on the park as it is also a nice touch to the event’s theme.
In the center of Oktoberfest, you will find a new booth dedicated to dessert wine tastings and Food & Wine Festival themed merchandise. I love this year’s design by Lester Coloma and plan on picking up a limited edition framed print.
Food & Wine Merchandise
*Returning:
Wine tastings are also found in Aquitaine’s Le Belle Maison Gift Shop (France), German Gifts in Rhinefeld (Germany), Oktoberfest, and Bella Casa Gift shop in San Marco (Italy).
Nora loves to teach you about French Wines
“The Art of Food” booths feature some familiar and new faces to the line-up. All the artisans specialize in crafty sculptures and carvings of various foods. Make sure to stop by and speak with them all.
James Parker
Greg Butauski
Dean Murray
Mark Lie
**More Artists will be posted here- check back soon.
The Aquitaine Band is back! In the evenings, have a glass of wine at the Crepes and Coffee booth or visit Nora at LeBelle Maison gift shop. She will be more than happy to pick out a French wine to savor while your listen to the soft Bohemian tunes.
The Aquataine village band plays while cake designer Burton Farnsworth slyly photobombs the performance!
The friendly staff of waiters and live musical entertainment has returned to the Wine on the Rhine cruise! Please visit the Busch Gardens website for more information about extras offered for the Food & Wine Festival such as behind-the-scenes tours and Wine on the Rhine cruises. They all require a ticket and you must book them in advance. http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/food-and-wine/
As you can tell, there is much to see, taste, and enjoy. I was talking to chef Durell Council, he was the most proud of the Caribbean addition this year and his specialty of Gamba Fritters; fried shrimp dumplings with pickapeppa dip. If you see Durell around the park, make sure to say hi and ask him about the dishes. He is extremely friendly and a great ambassador of the event!
Chef Durell is the best!
Speaking of ambassadors, Chef Justin Watson, the executive chef of Busch Gardens Williamsburg, is often roaming around the park; closely inspecting food quality and overall operations. Humble and friendly, he will always give praises to all the departments and people who partake in making the event spectacular. If you see him, feel free to comment on the food. His passion for cooking will always shine through while discussing your dining experiences.
Chef Justin Watson
Well, that about wraps up my initial trip to the 2014 Food & Wine Festival. Since the event continues on through June 29th (Fri, Sat, and Sundays only), there is plenty of time for me to return again and again to enjoy most of what the park offers.
I hope you all get to visit Busch Gardens and partake in the celebration of food! Quoting the Food & Wine guidebook, it really is “A true taste adventure at the world’s most beautiful theme park.”
Tis’ the Season to be Jolly! Christmas Town 2013
While turkey leftovers are still in the fridge and families are together, many will set out to enjoy the joy of Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Already reaching the fifth year, Christmas Town has firmly established a yearly tradition for most of us. Every year the event brings friends, families, and even complete strangers together to celebrate the season with lights, fun, food, music, inspiration, and entertainment.
When Christmas Town opened on November 27, 2009; I was there; ready to go and see what Busch Gardens had to offer! Through the crowds I navigated with my brown coat and fuzzy earmuffs, bedazzled by decorations and the smell of hot cocoa and peppermint in the air! The Christmas music playing in the park gave me the warm fuzzies as I held my husband’s hand and just took the time to enjoy a lovely moment in time.
Opening Day 2009
I am glad to know that five years later, I still have that warm fuzzy feeling at Christmas Town. This year the grand opening of the event was the weekend before Thanksgiving; a smart move on the part of Busch Gardens.
Having the event begin a week before the Thanksgiving weekend is brilliant when it comes to efficiency; performers get a little extra practice, retail shops make sure the registers are up and running, the rides operators are getting used to the cold, and the entire park gets a “test run” before a huge crowd lines up to enter the park after the Holidays.
I decided to go on both Friday and Sunday in order to capture all I could before the Holiday rush and to provide an overview of the ChristmasTown experience. Laughably and in typical Virginia fashion, one day the temperatures reached into the 70s the other, the 30s. Yet despite the temperature fluctuations, my experience remained the same on both days. For your enjoyment, here is an overview of what I consider the must see points of interest while visiting ChristmasTown this year.
What’s New?
This year France sparkles with a new look of silver and violet. The theme is the 12 Days of Christmas and the first thing one sees upon entering is a very large and beautiful tree with the numbers and corresponding “gift” for each day.
The 12 Days of Christmas
Also new in France is the roaming Royals of Aquitaine. Her Majesty Queen Florette, His Majesty King Francois, and their court Jester Harlequin loves to greet you and pose for a photo. The performers are fabulous and their improvisational humor will be sure to make wonderful memories for years to come.
The Royals of Aquitaine are a must see!!!
Besides seeing the Royals, France offers a fabulous gift shop full of French themed merchandise, soap, and what else- wine! Le Belle Maison Gift Shop hosts one of the three locations in the park where guests can partake in wine tastings. The store sells the wine tasting package, bottles of wine, wine themed merchandise, clothing, jewelry, chocolate, Christmas ornaments, bags, French themed décor, and more.
Wine Tastings in France
Going past the gift shops and around the Royal Palace Theater is the Ice Palace Penguin exhibit. The ever popular exhibit features an up close look at the adorable penguins in a themed enclosure. The park also offers a behind the scenes penguin tour, but be aware that the tour must be purchased and booked in advance.
Here we come a Caroling!
Penguins and Roaming Royals are certainly entertaining, and so are the shows at Busch Gardens. This year features three returning classic shows: Gloria!, Deck the Halls, and Miracles.
Located in the Abbey Stone Theater, Gloria! set my holiday off right. It was the first show I saw this Christmas Town and even though the theater was toasty warm, the beauty and power of the performance gave me chills! Even the grouchiest humbug will admit that the soaring vocals of the music, accompanied by a live orchestra will make your season bright. The show is extremely popular and if you want a good seat, it is best to get there early.
Over in Oktoberfest Germany, Deck the Halls takes center stage at the historical Festhaus. The show brings back the classic Holiday Favorites that will get you tapping your toes. Kids will love the energy and fun of the performance and adults will appreciate the nostalgic flair. I never tire of seeing Frosty “thumpity-thump-thumping around the stage, but I do wish I could watch the show without singing “Heat Miser” for the rest of the day.
At the San Marco Theater in Italy, Miracles returns to inspire guests with moving music and contemporary dance. Located outdoors, I am always amazed at how well the performers dance and sing in downright frigid temperatures. They make it seem effortless and their hard work warms the heart and soul.
Unfortunately no times are given for three “roaming” musical performances, but be aware that there are Dicken’s style Christmas Carolers in England, a bagpiper plays in Ireland, and a Brass band performs in Holiday Hills. The musicians are amazing and if you are lucky, you may run across a performance.
Here Comes Santa Claus!
OK. I shouldn’t even have to mention it, but anyone wandering through Rhinefeld a.k.a. The North Pole, shouldn’t pass up the chance to see Santa, Mrs. Claus, and all the super cute Elves! Who cares what decade you were born in, no one is too old to see Santa and the photo op the park offers just screams Holiday Photo 2013! Even if you are too afraid to see Santa, at least peek into the window and give him a little wave.
“Please have snow and mistletoe and presents under the tree.”
Christmas is the season for giving, and there are plenty of places to find unique gifts for friends and family at Christmas Town. The stores are always so beautifully decorated that they become an attraction themselves. It is hard not to get inspired to go home and put up Christmas Decorations after walking through the gift shops.
Each shop offers guests something different, but a few stand out as being the most unique:
Artisans of Italy: Here one can purchase authentic Capodimonte Porcelain flowers created on site by master sculptor Nino Galoppo and hand painted by master painter Antonio Aprea. There are so many lovely choices of flowers; it is hard to choose just one.
Right next door is Bella Casa Gift shop where Italian wines, wine tastings, Italy, and Wine themed merchandise are sold.
German Gifts: No trip to BuschGardens is complete without a stop to German Gifts. The store harks back to the days of the “Old Country” era and features traditional authentic gifts from Germany including high quality, hand painted steins and carved wooden cuckoo clocks. In addition, hand Blown glass sculptures, German themed merchandise, Christmas Décor, Glasses of Glühwein, German Wine, and German wine tastings are also sold here.
Emerald IsleGift shop: A place to find authentic hand woven Irish sweaters, clothing, Waterford Crystal, and fine jewelry; as well as Ireland and Guinness themed merchandise.
Mistletoe Marketplace: Located in Oktoberfest, this open air market hosts numerous local vendors that offer guests the chance to buy locally made gifts.
These are a Few of My Favorite Things:
Of course there are rides and many other fun things to see. Lights and decorations are shining in every corner and smiles and laughter are found everywhere. Here are a few of my favorite things at ChristmasTown:
I never turn down a round trip ride on the train, where treetops glisten along your magical ride around the park.
The Flight of Lights turns the Aeronaut Skyride into a Santa’s Sleigh ride perspective of BuschGardens; alight with twinkling lights and the faint echo of Holiday music reaching every swinging cabin.
The feeling of riding the swings in the cold icy air never fails to make me feel like a kid again.
Sitting down with a bottle of bubbly with friends to toast to what we are thankful for.
Knowing that every time I come out to Christmas Town, memories will be made that will last a lifetime.
There really is so much to see and do around Busch Gardens during Christmas Town, that I could write a book. Just remember to take your time and enjoy the atmosphere of all the sights and sounds. Besides shopping, shows, food, and the rides; Christmas Town is a place to reconnect you to your childhood and to connect the young to their imaginations!
~~Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Howl-O-Scream adds Fright to your Night!
Fear has a way of Spreading at Howl-O-Scream 2013
This year I had no idea what to expect from Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream event. So much has changed at the park in the last few years; I was at a loss at how the new attractions would stack up against years past.
Like any event, there are highlights that stand out from the rest. One in particular is the new Blood Banquet at the Vampire Point Hotel located in the Rhinefeld hamlet of the park.
On paper the separate up charge for a dinner-theater sounded interesting enough but would it be worth the extra cost? The answer is an astounding YES!
Directly stated from the Busch Gardens Website:
“The all-you-care-to-eat dinner buffet is located at Wilkommenhaus and features hand carved meats, interactive pasta station, lamb stew, chili, a baked potato bar, assorted vegetables, tossed salad, dinner rolls, assorted desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. Beer, wine and mixed alcoholic drinks are available for purchase separately.”
The food was fantastic or as Count Vlad would say, “Vladtastic!” The hand-carved beef and spiced turkey was to die for, the baked potato bar was delectable, and the chili was perfect on a cool September night.
Care for a slice of beef?
Dinner is Served
Let the Feast Begin!
I have a food allergy so unfortunately, I was unable to sample all the items on the dinner or any of the deserts. However, the group I was dining with had nothing but positive things to say about all of the dinner options.
Also, the “Vladtini” house Martini was a cranberry delight and came in a light-up glass.
Being able to talk to the actors, especially Count Vlad, made my night. Lionel Lonnie Ruland plays the count and he brings tons of charm and comedy to the role.
The show consists of Count Vlad, a lovely French chef, two lovely ladies as the bar staff, a surly dry-witted Bellman, a gypsy violinist, and three Vampire Tourists. The improv style of comedy allows some over-the-top cheesy puns; but I found it endearing. What can I say, I love punny jokes! Ba dum tsss!
Vladtastic!
The friendly bar servers at Vampire Point
A Little Dinner Music
Vampires are Tourists too!
Even better, the show does not distract you from your dinner; it enhances it. It lasts around 10-15 minutes, so by the time you are done with your first plate and want to get up for seconds, there is no awkward walking around the performers in order to grab your food.
My favorite part of the night was when I asked Vlad about his rings. We both had on owl and snake rings and he made sure that they were introduced formally. “Owl meet Owl.. hello owl.” I kept laughing about it for the rest of the night!
Count Vladtastic Bling!
I would recommend purchasing your ticket in advance from Busch Garden’s website before going to the park. Those who purchase tickets ahead of time have reserved seating and receive first access to the buffet, table selection, and have time to start eating before the show starts.
The reservation was at 4:30 and just before 5pm, Count Vlad and his eerie cast of Characters makes an appearance and begins to roam around. If you do not reserve your seat; you may have to watch the show from outside the restaurant. Tickets for the buffet are sold on site only after reserved diners have arrived.
This is a must for anyone going to Howl-O-Scream this year. Busch Gardens put together a hit that is guaranteed to create many wonderful memories.
Me and Vlad
Other Favorites of the Night
Terror-tories: New for 2013. They incorporate new themeing, scares, and a fun club atmosphere that appeal to the 21 and up crowd. Make sure to bring your ID to experience all the fun adult beverages at the park!
Ports Of Skull (new)
Arrrrrr!
Italy is swarming with Pirates and the new additions bring the night life to San Marco. A creepy skeletal Captain greets you at the Birate Baarrgh (new). I highly recommend the Hurricane; the classic tropical fruit and Rum cocktail.
Pirate Baarrgh
Bella Casa has transformed into Captain Barghbie’s Booty (new) and features the best store transformation this year. The inside looks like a pirate ship and houses all the Pirate Booty ye could ever ask for. The Captain himself is there to serve spiced rum cider and various wines from Italy.
Captain Barghbie at the Bar
Captain Barghbie’s Booty
Dead men tell no tales in San Marco this year. Da Vinci’s Gardens are now the center hub for the Pirates to jump out and make you walk the plank. Well, sort of. The park has built several fun photo ops for you and your friends to be placed in many unpleasant scenarios. Have a photo taken in a Crow’s cage, the stocks, walking the plank, or even in a replica crow’s nest.
Ports of Skull
Entertainment: Dig it Up: returns this year to provide comedy to your night. A museum comes to life bringing musically talented Romans, Egyptians, curators, cavemen, an alien, and one very entertaining cave woman!
Dig It Up Stage
The band plays!
The crowd favorites!
We are the Men in Black!
House/Maze: Cut Throat Cove is the newest Scare Maze replaces the clowns from Fear Fair last year. Loacted in Festa Italia near Roman Rapids; this maze twists and turns around various stages. Enter if ye dare!
Abandon all Hope ye who enter here!
House/Maze: Deadline (returning) Located under Escape from Pompeii, Zombies are running around the Italian Subway system again this year.
Demon Street (New)
Demon Street
France is on fire this year with roaming demons sure to jump out and give you a fright.
Demon Drinks and the Demon DJ (new): Located next to each other, a Demon perched upon a giant skull with flaming eyes pumps techno beats into the crowd. Demonic Beauties serve you hellish beverages.
Let the Music Play
House Maze: Catacombs. (Returning House) Located under The Royal Palace Theater. The maze features a creepy crypt to run through.
Vampire Point (new)
Vampire Point
Rhinefeld has been taken over by Vampires! Watch out for the creatures of the night waiting to pounce. The Terror-tory features the must see- must do extra offered this year; Blood Banquet. Say hi to Count Vlad and all his fiends at the Vampire Point Hotel.
The Vampire Point Hotel
Ripper Row (new)
Ripper Row
England (Banbury Cross) has been turned into the year 1888 in the Whitecastle district of London. Narrow pathways make it hard to avoid the Ripper who wants nothing more than to terrify park guests. My favorite? The headless Victorian ladies that seem to float down the cobblestone paths.
Spoooky!
Oktoberfest
Night Beats
Oktoberfest is not a Terror-tory, but features the well loved show Night Beats (returning). Ulrich, your vampire host with the most, is sure to dazzle you with his charm and powerful voice. Don’t get too entranced. His jealous fiancé Beatrix will put a stop to your adoration in a heartbeat.
The show, as one can tell, is my favorite show in the park and features a wide variety of catchy night beats.
Ulrich demands your attention.
Beatrix is always a star.
Gimme a beat and make it funky!
The Creatures of the Night dance the night away.
Open Casket Bar (returning): Alright all you vampire fans, time to pull out your ID and wallet. These vampires are out to make sure you have the time of your life. Just make sure to never turn your back on them; you never know when one may decide to take his “dinner break.”
Open Casket Bar
Der Marketplatz is the Dark Side of the Gardens Store where you can purchase all your must have Howl-O-Scream gear!
Dark Side of the Gardens Store
Bitten: (returning) Located at the old Drachen Fire station house, this maze is one of the longest running mazes in the park. For those history buffs out there… make sure to take in all the props when walking through and see what you recognize.
Bitten Returns again for 2013
Ireland
This is not a Terror-Tory this year as well but features three Howl-O-Scream attractions.
Fiends (returning): The Doctor is back and making sure his Creature comes to life with the help of his assistant Igor, a werewolf, a vampire, a creature from the black lagoon, and a whole bunch of naughty nurses. The music is catchy and many of the cast is new this year including the doctor.
The Doctor returns
Be my Frankenstein
Really Igor?
A little help from my FIENDS
Inoculation Station: Everyone can be naughty sometime and you may wish to have these beauties help you to a syringe jello shot to get your heart beating faster. The one thing I will say is that the actresses this year have been so friendly and never fail to stop and pose for a photo.
Don’t be afraid to get a shot.
House/ Maze: 13 Your Number’s Up (returning) an indoor house that features 13 fears. When the park is busy, I recommend buying a Quick Que pass to bypass the long line.
Can you see me?
There is also an added extra that you would need to purchase in advance called Fiends Feast. I am unable to review it at this time.
That about sums up my adventures! Hope everyone has a very safe and enjoyable time at Howl-O-Scream this year! Make sure to like BGW Memories on Facebook to see more photos of Howl-O-Scream and Busch Gardens Park history! https://www.facebook.com/bgwmemories?ref=hl
CHEERS!
Link to dining experiences at Howl-O-Scream: http://seaworldparks.com/en/howloscream-williamsburg/Book-Online/Extras/Exclusive-Dining
Link to Behind the Scenes Tours at Howl-O-Scream: http://seaworldparks.com/en/howloscream-williamsburg/Book-Online/Extras/All-Extras
Link to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Page: http://seaworldparks.com/en/howloscream-williamsburg
Link to Howl-O-Scream Map for 2013: http://seaworldparks.com/en/howloscream-williamsburg/Frightening-Features/Map
The eyes have it!
Your story awaits.
BGW Memories 