Banbury Cross Retheme Coming in 2014
- Thread starter Zachary
- Start date
I just want to say sorry if I upset anyone about the idea. I was brainstorming ideas that would possibly make the new theme a little less suckey.(even though I like the theme idea). Dr. Who is a highlight of the 1960s along with the summer of love and other events that made this decade great.
The thing is the more licensed characters, the more the park is charged. I am sure they are paying a big fee for having the Beatles everywhere. I could imagine that Dr. Who would not be cheap.
Still, I would love to see Sherlock Holmes back in England. They used to have roaming actors play Holmes and Watson back in the late 80s. Last I heard, the costumes were still laying around somewhere.
SHERLOCK is such a hit on the BBC, Dr. Who, and Downton Abbey. It seems a pity that Union Jacks does not capitalize on the BBC popularity this year by featuring more British culture products in the store.
I think the store should carry a bigger variety of items- Shakespeare, Globe Theater, Monty Python, etc. I would also think it would be neat to have real British antiques in the store in cases. Maybe 17th and 18th century items. It would take someone to take trips to Europe to buy items for spicing up the merch. (Raises hand to volunteer).
I went to Portobello Market when I went to London and found a handmade Celtic scarf and handmade silver Celtic Broach (that was stolen in my suitcase in customs- thanks jerk who checked my luggage!) I also bought a bugle from WW1 at a booth for my father who loves history. Ha~ The guy gave me a deal because he was a Civil War buff and since I lived near the heart of American History (including his own family history).
Good times: http://www.portobellomarket.org/
Still, I would love to see Sherlock Holmes back in England. They used to have roaming actors play Holmes and Watson back in the late 80s. Last I heard, the costumes were still laying around somewhere.
SHERLOCK is such a hit on the BBC, Dr. Who, and Downton Abbey. It seems a pity that Union Jacks does not capitalize on the BBC popularity this year by featuring more British culture products in the store.
I think the store should carry a bigger variety of items- Shakespeare, Globe Theater, Monty Python, etc. I would also think it would be neat to have real British antiques in the store in cases. Maybe 17th and 18th century items. It would take someone to take trips to Europe to buy items for spicing up the merch. (Raises hand to volunteer).
I went to Portobello Market when I went to London and found a handmade Celtic scarf and handmade silver Celtic Broach (that was stolen in my suitcase in customs- thanks jerk who checked my luggage!) I also bought a bugle from WW1 at a booth for my father who loves history. Ha~ The guy gave me a deal because he was a Civil War buff and since I lived near the heart of American History (including his own family history).
Good times: http://www.portobellomarket.org/
Yes, one thing I think would really have made Union Jax better would be more BBC items and a variety of British bands. Right now the shop only has BG England items and the Beatles stuff. The diversity of items is really quite sad.
Nora said:
Sherlock Holmes is now public domain in the US. I doubt they would be able to use the theme music from the BBC show, but they should definitely be able to use the original Victorian Era Holmes.
Alright, alright- i get it for those who hate Dr. Who. I do. However, the popularity is there whether you like it or not- in very large quantities of loyal fans.
I am looking at it from a merchandise perspective. I would weep to see any of the Old Country themeing changed. It breaks my heart to see one little flowerbox removed, much less dowsing Banbury in 60s Beatles.
However, I have 15 years merchandise experience including managerial. I understand the bottom line in a corporate world.
AB no longer owns Busch Gardens, and yes, we are all VERY sad about it. My idea of incorporating a better variety of merch in Union Jacks is not my way of saying "Hallelujah" bring in changes galore, I am saying that in the corporate world- stores have to make money. Period.
When I was young, the Adventure photo stand was Her Majesties Fancy- a lovely British Boutique full of quality British painted porcelain, hand painted plaques (one I still have on my wall of an English village), potpourri, scones, and all kinds of High Tea trinkets.
I loved the place! I loved it just as much as the Pipe and Tobacco store across the way. It was an experience; like walking into a store in London and since I've been there- I can seriously say- it was like walking into a store at London.
BUT~ AB was not in the game to make money. Busch Gardens as it stands now- cannot compete with that.
However, I feel like their should be a balance. Old and new in gift shops. Yes, they have to make money- thus items like Dr. Who would bring younger folks in to spend their parent's money as well as adult fans of shows and British culture. HOWEVER... they should also have quality merchandise- real country of origin items.
Last year Busch Gardens brought back some of the steins and cuckoo clocks; thank goodness! It will never be like it was in AB days of German gifts, but we all have to admit that it has made the store for loyal pass members less of a place to weep. And yes- I am going to work on buying a real cuckoo clock this year darn it!
Anyway, Union Jacks. Old and new. I was hoping the remodel would look more "old London British Pub" - like somewhere Shakespeare would have had a pint. But alas, no.
I would love to see bronze figurines and authentic deer stalker caps like they had in the Sherlock Holmes museum in London. Alas, no. I would love to see real quality specialty items in Union Jacks.. with all my heart. That is up to the park, and something I would not imagine we will ever see unless someone within the company fought hard to see it happen. (At the risk of possibly losing their job)
This is the nature of corporate business. You have to tread lightly and fight smart battles. By adding some merchandise that so many of you hate, yet having some true quality merchandise will not make everyone happy; but at least it would make the stores more unique from other parks.
At this point, it is all I could see happening or hope for.
I am looking at it from a merchandise perspective. I would weep to see any of the Old Country themeing changed. It breaks my heart to see one little flowerbox removed, much less dowsing Banbury in 60s Beatles.
However, I have 15 years merchandise experience including managerial. I understand the bottom line in a corporate world.
AB no longer owns Busch Gardens, and yes, we are all VERY sad about it. My idea of incorporating a better variety of merch in Union Jacks is not my way of saying "Hallelujah" bring in changes galore, I am saying that in the corporate world- stores have to make money. Period.
When I was young, the Adventure photo stand was Her Majesties Fancy- a lovely British Boutique full of quality British painted porcelain, hand painted plaques (one I still have on my wall of an English village), potpourri, scones, and all kinds of High Tea trinkets.
I loved the place! I loved it just as much as the Pipe and Tobacco store across the way. It was an experience; like walking into a store in London and since I've been there- I can seriously say- it was like walking into a store at London.
BUT~ AB was not in the game to make money. Busch Gardens as it stands now- cannot compete with that.
However, I feel like their should be a balance. Old and new in gift shops. Yes, they have to make money- thus items like Dr. Who would bring younger folks in to spend their parent's money as well as adult fans of shows and British culture. HOWEVER... they should also have quality merchandise- real country of origin items.
Last year Busch Gardens brought back some of the steins and cuckoo clocks; thank goodness! It will never be like it was in AB days of German gifts, but we all have to admit that it has made the store for loyal pass members less of a place to weep. And yes- I am going to work on buying a real cuckoo clock this year darn it!
Anyway, Union Jacks. Old and new. I was hoping the remodel would look more "old London British Pub" - like somewhere Shakespeare would have had a pint. But alas, no.
I would love to see bronze figurines and authentic deer stalker caps like they had in the Sherlock Holmes museum in London. Alas, no. I would love to see real quality specialty items in Union Jacks.. with all my heart. That is up to the park, and something I would not imagine we will ever see unless someone within the company fought hard to see it happen. (At the risk of possibly losing their job)
This is the nature of corporate business. You have to tread lightly and fight smart battles. By adding some merchandise that so many of you hate, yet having some true quality merchandise will not make everyone happy; but at least it would make the stores more unique from other parks.
At this point, it is all I could see happening or hope for.
Merch is fine and what not and I have no problem with Union Jacks, but the idea of putting full sized Daleks around Banbury Cross that's being pitched is a bit much. There's the whole thing of "I like something" Vs "It fits the park" and that distinction gets lost here.
I like dinosaurs, but would never want a Dinosaur themed ride at the park.
I like dinosaurs, but would never want a Dinosaur themed ride at the park.
Thanks PK- Merchandise was the only area that I could see incorporating any modern elements. Thank you for getting that. And no- despite my love for Dr. Who and my own secret desire to have a Dalek of my very own; I would not like to see one roaming around the park.
Speaking of dinosaurs, we did have some cheesy animatronic dinosaur exhibit where Darkastle is now, between the time of Glissade and Wilde Maus (or so my dad keeps telling me).
Anyway, I just see this along with all the other minor and major things going on (Festa Italia attraction, bridge rebuild, extra parking, new deck in Italy) as the park trying to improve its infrastructure, increase its appeal to the average parkgoer, and inch itself closer to the bigger parks in the industry. Is this a good idea on paper? Absolutely. Will the park mess it up? There's a good chance. But let's wait and see how all this turns out. They may even tone it back down, if they do take it too far.
Anyway, I just see this along with all the other minor and major things going on (Festa Italia attraction, bridge rebuild, extra parking, new deck in Italy) as the park trying to improve its infrastructure, increase its appeal to the average parkgoer, and inch itself closer to the bigger parks in the industry. Is this a good idea on paper? Absolutely. Will the park mess it up? There's a good chance. But let's wait and see how all this turns out. They may even tone it back down, if they do take it too far.
One thing that I do in the parks when I am there is I play a game called how many Tardis shirts are there? My girlfriend and I have sometimes counted into the twenties of different people wearing a dr. who related shirt. I think that if BBC or something similar would come in as a sponsor, kind of like Panama Jack or Aer Lingus. In Union Jacks they could diversify their merch and sell Dr Who, Sherlock (either the robert downey jr. or tv versions) and Downton Abbey merch would sell good here. and where the Guitar Hero Game is maybe could be like a tardis replica or something. It also be good if they diversify the theming of the area than just the Beatles and the British invasion to everything that made the British '60s great.
Again- I think the thing that most of the folks who grew up here and have seen the park through the decades feel this way about it:
In the 70s- Disney looked to Busch Gardens The Old Country to find inspiration on how to design Epcot. If Epcot was being built today, you have to wonder if the same could be said.
Doubtful.
For those who love the park but do not share a very long history with it,I think you should look at folks (like me) as not hating change as long as change is done tastefully and with respect to the past.
For example: I still miss Hastings- I really do; but the detail work that went into renovating it to Killarney was well done.
Try not to think about Dr. Who and all those hot button subjects that divide everyone- the argument here is more between "Those who cherish the old craftsmanship because they were there to see the effort and love put into it for the sake of quality verses.. those with less attachment to the past."
Let's face it- you either "lived" Busch Gardens for decades or recently developed a passion for it.
Honestly folks, it is all good. Everyone has a right to their opinions. This forum brings people who love the park (be it for 39 years or 1 year). We all just have to agree to disagree otherwise the spirit of the forums comes crashing down.
But from my heart and perspective- I tell you all this: I am terrified. My worst nightmare is to have the Big Ben smashed and replaced by a giant Yellow Submarine blimp that circles the Globe blasting Beatles Tunes.
I fear that this new look in England; going by the other defacing of recent landmarks of the park, may be a shock for all of those who relish in the Old World Charm.
Who knows what we have in store for 2014... who knows. I am sure that once the park has their big reveal that this forum will light up like Guy Fawkes Night. (British reference- boom!)
In the 70s- Disney looked to Busch Gardens The Old Country to find inspiration on how to design Epcot. If Epcot was being built today, you have to wonder if the same could be said.
Doubtful.
For those who love the park but do not share a very long history with it,I think you should look at folks (like me) as not hating change as long as change is done tastefully and with respect to the past.
For example: I still miss Hastings- I really do; but the detail work that went into renovating it to Killarney was well done.
Try not to think about Dr. Who and all those hot button subjects that divide everyone- the argument here is more between "Those who cherish the old craftsmanship because they were there to see the effort and love put into it for the sake of quality verses.. those with less attachment to the past."
Let's face it- you either "lived" Busch Gardens for decades or recently developed a passion for it.
Honestly folks, it is all good. Everyone has a right to their opinions. This forum brings people who love the park (be it for 39 years or 1 year). We all just have to agree to disagree otherwise the spirit of the forums comes crashing down.
But from my heart and perspective- I tell you all this: I am terrified. My worst nightmare is to have the Big Ben smashed and replaced by a giant Yellow Submarine blimp that circles the Globe blasting Beatles Tunes.
I fear that this new look in England; going by the other defacing of recent landmarks of the park, may be a shock for all of those who relish in the Old World Charm.
Who knows what we have in store for 2014... who knows. I am sure that once the park has their big reveal that this forum will light up like Guy Fawkes Night. (British reference- boom!)
Well said, Nora. I miss the old (country) days.
So (and maybe I missed a page in this thread), were there ever any details outlining what exactly the changes will be beyond "sixties British invasion" or what have you? I mean, I'm sure it'll only twist the knife wedged in my heart in the opposite direction to read such details but all the same do we know anything solid?
I'm going to hold a candlelight vigil for the death of the old country every night through the entire season. Just look for me in the rickety bridge of Verbolten. No high-fives please, they hurt at that speed.
Edit: Shizam! I'm post #300!
I'm going to hold a candlelight vigil for the death of the old country every night through the entire season. Just look for me in the rickety bridge of Verbolten. No high-fives please, they hurt at that speed.
Edit: Shizam! I'm post #300!
Merboy said:
There is absolutely nothing we know. No concept art, no blueprints, no specific details.