Busch Gardens Williamsburg Mardi Gras 2025
- Thread starter AlpenChrist97
- Start date
Was there from about 12:00-3:30 so if you went later in the evening that could be why.
The closures are so work can be done to the rides and staffing. The park really shouldn't be open in winter months, in my opinion.
Pantheon did end up opening around 330 and stayed running till I left around 5:30. Took them forver though. When I got there the train was standing still on the 1st launch
I feel torn on this. As a local, I LOVE being able to park at the front of the park, no lines (for the rides that are open), and the cirque-esque style show. BUT Mardi Gras really doesn't add anything to the overall park experience. It's not even European... If I were a non-local, there is no way I would pay to go between January and early March.
I would be very careful what you guys disclose on here if you are active employees. Not hating but “new guy training that looks like this” is pretty easy to navigate as an employer.
I agree as a local its great. I didn't go yesterday to ride anything. I ride when the weather is warmer. I went for the shows and food. I used my all-season drink cup and my free food vouchers. I didn't spend any money other than a little gas. It was a glorious day.
Mardi Gras as an event is designed for locals and passholders. I don't think the park expects anyone to drive 5 hours to experience it like they would for the regular season, HOS or Christmas Town.
Everyone I saw at the park on Friday was wearing the passholder Mardi Gras beads and there was a decent enough crowd even though most of the rides were still down.
I love that the park is open in winter and I hope the BGW can keep the year round operations.
Everyone I saw at the park on Friday was wearing the passholder Mardi Gras beads and there was a decent enough crowd even though most of the rides were still down.
I love that the park is open in winter and I hope the BGW can keep the year round operations.
Maybe this isn't the thread but I hate Mardi Gras in the park and have a proposal for a replacement:
"Northern N(L)ights"
The story:
A once in a lifetime event is sweeping over all of Europe. The Northern Lights are going to be visible by the entire continent. Join the the festivities all day to celebrate this rare occurrence, then stay for the magic after the sun sets.
Drones, projection mapping, and other effects can be used at 7pm to make the park look like the Norther Lights are going on and bathing the park in a blue/green glow. Each hamlet gets it's own "special effects" show that works its way around the park for anyone that wants to follow it.
"Northern N(L)ights"
The story:
A once in a lifetime event is sweeping over all of Europe. The Northern Lights are going to be visible by the entire continent. Join the the festivities all day to celebrate this rare occurrence, then stay for the magic after the sun sets.
Drones, projection mapping, and other effects can be used at 7pm to make the park look like the Norther Lights are going on and bathing the park in a blue/green glow. Each hamlet gets it's own "special effects" show that works its way around the park for anyone that wants to follow it.
Like a few other posters on this thread, I am just happy to go and see the park this time of year, to get out, and to take 'a break from life'. Before winter operations, the time between the end of Christmastown until Member Preview day in mid-March seemed like an eternity. They were always the longest 11+ weeks of the year. Especially those frequent nice weekends in Southeast Virginia when the temps gets into the 50s and 60s and there isn't much to do. For a pass that me and the husband are paying for year round, this finally gives us something to go to and enjoy in January and February now.
Do I like the Mardi Gras theme and experience??? Meh.... It doesn't bother me one way or the other. I think it is a little stale like most of the events at the park, but it isn't the worst themed event. I like the Carnival Imaginique Show in the theater, the member rewards of BG Bucks, and some of the food offerings. But best of all, this event gives us a reason to visit the park and Williamsburg. We often combine the park visit with a visit to the Outlets, Winery, or Colonial Williamsburg, then do dinner in the area before coming back home to the Southside of Hampton Roads. It's nice to have a reason to visit the park and nice to be able to use our passes almost year round that we pay for year round.
Do I like the Mardi Gras theme and experience??? Meh.... It doesn't bother me one way or the other. I think it is a little stale like most of the events at the park, but it isn't the worst themed event. I like the Carnival Imaginique Show in the theater, the member rewards of BG Bucks, and some of the food offerings. But best of all, this event gives us a reason to visit the park and Williamsburg. We often combine the park visit with a visit to the Outlets, Winery, or Colonial Williamsburg, then do dinner in the area before coming back home to the Southside of Hampton Roads. It's nice to have a reason to visit the park and nice to be able to use our passes almost year round that we pay for year round.
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Exactly how I feel. I like the exercise and the atmosphere. Being able to go hop on pantheon is a major plus too
Oh definitely, although I was frustrated about only being able to ride DarKoaster at half-capacity, it was still worth the trip to the park for the nice uncrowded walk. It allowed me to appreciate tiny details I'd never seen before due to the rush and havoc of the usual mobs.
If DarKoaster has to run 1 train they need to remove the ability to use Quick Queue and the operator should be required to fill every seat on the train. Plain and simple.
The line already takes 20 years. I cant imagine how long the wait is with 1 train
It was a walk on on Friday with 1 train. I didn't even have to wait for the front row.
Friday the park was so dead. Sunday though the line was right in the room before the station. With the painting and i heard it was 30min from just there with 1 train. I said hellll no