Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW BGE) Discussion Thread

[cfcI've gone pantless!]

It was said that, as a general rule, BGw doesn't "soft open" rides, but management and policies change.

I don't recall Griffon "soft opening," by the way. I'm not saying that it didn't happen, I just don't recall hearing about it. (There was an ACE media event before Griffon's debut, though.)

[BuschNut23I Guess Donkeys Are Okay]

Just regular guests. I guess there was bad weather that day so the park was basically empty. And Griffon did have one soft-opening all day 1 1/2 weeks before the ACE event. I was there that day I rode it 4 times. That was a day where the weather too, was also bad.

^Well, you learn something every day. Pretty cool for BGW to do that for the guests.

[BuschNut23I Guess Donkeys Are Okay]

Im super jealous Im a long time lurker here, just never signed up. But I figured this was worth it! Im hoping they do one more of these. I would have ran down to the park that day but I am out of town...

[Pun_MachineWhat's with the donkeys anyway?]

I hadn't seen this posted yet

https://www.buschgardensnews.com/page/verbolten

Some nice up close testing footage!

[cfcI've gone pantless!]

Just regular guests. I guess there was bad weather that day so the park was basically empty.

What day was this--do you know? I'm just curious.

[coasterfreak101Gimme Some Candy!]

It was said that, as a general rule, BGw doesn't "soft open" rides, but management and policies change.

I don't recall Griffon "soft opening," by the way. I'm not saying that it didn't happen, I just don't recall hearing about it. (There was an ACE media event before Griffon's debut, though.)

I went to BGW for Griffon's opening day, and I remember finding out a week or two before that people were already riding. It definitely did a preview or two, call them soft-openings or not at your leisure!

Either way I'm so jealous!

^Do not mourn for Drachen Fire. It would not have mourned for you.

It may not be the most beloved coaster of all time, but Drachen Fire is the ride that turned me into a coaster fanatic. I'm always going to miss it.

It was said that, as a general rule, BGw doesn't "soft open" rides, but management and policies change.

I was there the day they "soft opened" Mach Tower, so I'm quite sure it does happen, if rarely.

[pkdcoasterAll I want is a chainlift!]

Chuck, Griffon did have a soft opening on Mothers day 2007. Do not remember the exact day it was on but I do remember it being mothers day since I had family functions all day and being really mad about not being able to go.

Jeff

[VisioneerWhat's with the donkeys anyway?]

Technically speaking they may not soft open rides (saves face, complaints, etc.), but nearly all their new attractions opened before official opening dates as far back as I remember (considerable long time; grew up there & KD). Granted, it was pre-current ownership.

Speaking of, attractions have *consistently* opened much later versus the past. I find that's an interesting difference.