Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town 2024

[R75]

While I love CT and it’s a tradition for me and my family every year, we have noticed just how inefficient some of the processes are, especially as it gets closer to Christmas. Nowadays, we try to go to CT early in the year, after Christmas since the crowds have died down, or we just plan a day around an iffy weather forecast, because that generally scares a decent number of park goers away. We went for two days back in November and had a great time, but the reports of how crowded it is right now will likely keep us from going again this year.

 

[horsesboy]

I've turned around and gone home upon arriving to a long line to get in to park twice. Turns out those times were probably quite normal (not backed up over I-64) and weren't large enough to indicate the park was slammed, just never experienced opening time before.

Yeah I have started to advise people either come 45 minutes to an hour before parking opens if you really want to rope drop or don't arrive for 45 minutes to an hour after park open anywhere in between likely won't see you in any earlier then option two does anyhow given the way things backup.

 

[rideopsarecool]

I love that the park is having people come, but they need to account for the added crowds by making at least a few changes.

I know that it is difficult to make them now that there is inflation/budget cuts and difficulty in the staffing, so I can't logically think or say that they should hire more people or add anything major, but I have high hopes for the 50th Anniversary that maybe United will love us a little more. (Maybe even bring back the insanely detailed tree!)

 

[tursiops]

Big Bad Christmas Wolf!

 

[Le Moose]

Ok

Big Bad Christmas Wolf!View attachment 35634

Big Bad Wolfmas!!

 

[Alf33]

Here's another shot of the Big Bad Christmas Wolf that @tursiops posted above but a wider shot with some of the track in the background and lights in front.

 

[ciffar]

The park did have more lights than opening weekend, but there were still a few dark spots here and there. Some areas like Holiday Hills did seem downgraded from previous years.

If there's the exact same amount of lights as last year but some down in Holiday Hills, are there any areas I should look for this year that have been upgraded at all?

 

[netdvn]

If there's the exact same amount of lights as last year but some down in Holiday Hills, are there any areas I should look for this year that have been upgraded at all?

Pompeii bridge is probably the biggest display that I saw that seemed new.

Most of the other added lights were basically the same displays as previously years. A lot of them were missing opening weekend.

They might've added lights on the train but it broke down while I was in line so I didn't get to see anything

 

[CarterGee]

Can someone remind me the operating temperatures for...

• Alpengeist
• Finnegan's Flyer
• Invadr
• Loch Ness Monster
• Verbolten

Thank youuuuu!

 

[Alf33]

If there's the exact same amount of lights as last year but some down in Holiday Hills, are there any areas I should look for this year that have been upgraded at all?

The only new lights that I noticed when I was there a few days ago were these. They are under the bridge that goes from Pompeii to San Marco. They are to make it look like there's water. It isn't much but I thought it was an interesting touch.

 

[rollercoastercoaster]

Can someone remind me the operating temperatures for...

• Alpengeist
• Finnegan's Flyer
• Invadr
• Loch Ness Monster
• Verbolten

Thank youuuuu!

As far as I know, everything at BGW that has a minimum temperature is either 36, 38, or 40. InvadR was 40, Nessie I think was 38. I'm not sure about the others, but they should be one of those 3

None of those 5 will probably open today

 

[AIR]

Can someone remind me the operating temperatures for...

• Alpengeist
• Finnegan's Flyer
• Invadr
• Loch Ness Monster
• Verbolten

Thank youuuuu!

Alpengeist- 40
Finnegans Flyer- 39
Invadr- 39
Loch Ness Monster- 45
Verbolten- 39

 

[MrBradferd]

Wonder why Busch is so strict on the temps. Kings island runs mystic timbers almost into the 20s

 

[Coasternerd]

Came with my fam today… why on earth were both Gloria AND Scrooge No More dark today? On a busy night, 2 days before Christmas?!
On a freezing cold night that could use the indoor capacity?
Make it make sense

 

[cornered17]

Anyone know if it’s busy tonight?

 

[rollercoastercoaster]

Anyone know if it’s busy tonight?

It's not very busy right now

 

[TheCoasterNerd]

They updated the Polar Pathway show. It's actually really good now... lighting is nice, transitions aren't bad. A million times better than before. I'll link a video when I can

 

[CarterGee]

Wonder why Busch is so strict on the temps. Kings island runs mystic timbers almost into the 20s

Because it's much better run park that cares more about maintaining their rides for the longterm.

 

[MrBradferd]

Because it's much better run park that cares more about maintaining their rides for the longterm.

I thought it was more of a safty thing

 

[Coasternerd]

Because it's much better run park that cares more about maintaining their rides for the longterm.

Actually they specifically requested for GCI to over-engineer the ride so it could run in colder temps. One of their main intentions with the purchase of Mystic was to have another Winterfest attraction available. As long as the temperature makes it over I believe 34° they can start up the attraction, and after that it can operate all the way until it’s 3° out.