Busch Gardens Williamsburg Membership Program

[warfelg]

I understand where you are coming from. I just believe that if I am getting access to CF's top park, I should be paying what those that have easier access to that top park pays. To me that is what is fair. Then, when I am done needing access and that pass is paid in full, I can downgrade again to just my home park pass. I know others will have a difference of opinion.

So from my POV, I should be paying a premium of $125 over a Valley Fair pass to have access to Cedar Point?

Based on pricing this last year, I would be better off with a Valley Fair only pass at $77. When I go to Cedar Point buy a post 4 pm ticket (6-8 hours) for $49; go the second full day for $75. Or just spend one full day and save $50 over paying for the pass for access to all parks.

Also......I don't see anywhere that would be OK with you buying the top level pass, visiting the other park, then downgrading midseason. Because that's taking advantage of the program.

I'll be honest I had this realization this past year:
Year 1 with a KD I paid for the Platinum Pass. Only went to visit Carowinds. Payed $195 in total for that.
Year 2 I got smart. I paid for the Gold Pass. Only went to visit Carowinds again. Payed $99 for the pass, plus the $67 for Carowinds, paid a total of $166. Saved $30.

I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but that's a full meal and a snack for me at Carowinds. That savings basically allowed me to stay longer.

 

[mjones73]

I'm baffled by the return of the Platinum pass and the price increase on it. I currently have a Premier pass locked in at $20 a month, gonna ride that out as long as I can... Has anyone confirmed if we keep the benefits that come with that pass?

 

[Nicole]

We asked the park several specific questions about grandfathered benefits. You can find those answers here and here.

The short answer is that we can keep our benefits for now. We will be publishing a more comprehensive article on the new program later today, as well.

 

[musicman3204]

So from my POV, I should be paying a premium of $125 over a Valley Fair pass to have access to Cedar Point?

Based on pricing this last year, I would be better off with a Valley Fair only pass at $77. When I go to Cedar Point buy a post 4 pm ticket (6-8 hours) for $49; go the second full day for $75. Or just spend one full day and save $50 over paying for the pass for access to all parks.

If that is a cheaper deal, then I would go that route too. Another thing to think about is if you're going to CP, you will most likely venture to KI. The possibilities are endless. That is why I think the top level pass (access to all parks) should be the same. If you're buying a pass to Valley Fair, and only going to CP with the stipulations you presented, it makes sense. However, if it were me, I'd go to CP, KI, and probably stop at Cedar Shores. Making this type of trip would make the chain wide pass cheaper than the entry fees. I know not everyone will make this type of trip I have described, so your scenario is cheaper.

Let's also keep in mind that no matter what Cedar Fair park you buy your pass at, the top level pass (Platinum Pass) is $195. Valley Fair is $195, Kings Dominion is $195, and Cedar Point is $195. They all offer the same perks and benefits. That is why I believe that SEA's should do the same, and have less of an issue with their adjustments.

Don't get me wrong @warfelg, I completely understand and have taken advantage of your scenario many times. My opinion is not something everyone will agree with.

 

[warfelg]

I can just put forth that the issue I have with that is it gives a better benefit for Cedar Point Platinum Pass holders than it does Valley Fair (If my research is right that's the cheapest pass). To me asking VF to pay an extra $120, KD an extra $100, but Cedar Point is only an extra $60.

So working in a business that has sales aspects to it, they are charging VF Pass holders a higher premium to offset the CP potential travelers.

And you kinda unintentionally brought up a great point. CP members (IMO) would be more likely to visit other parks. 4 parks that you can take a long weekend and visit. For other parks there's a lower likelyhood to use it. I would argue that CP/KI pass holders would be more likely to visit other parks than VF/DP pass holders.

Bringing it back to SEAS; I feel as though the top level that gets you access everywhere, should have a higher premium for the FL parks than BGW, even if they see BGW as the flagship park. Why? Because SWO/BGT Members are more likely to take advantage of 4 parks for the price of 1 than a member at BGW is to take advantage of the extra parks outside of WCUSA.

I can say 100% certain right now, that I'm not going with the top level. I'm going to do my research to make sure I get at least cheaper tickets in Florida, but I'm getting the best access to BGW I can get with WCUSA even if I need to add. 15 trips to BGW/WCUSA with 1 potential visit to SWO & BGT is not worth $340+ to me.

EDIT:
Basically my standpoint is that ability to travel park to park shouldn't be dependent on the value of other parks in the chain, but basically dependent on accessibility to other parks and ticket pricing.

Maybe even a flat rate across the chain. Or have a mid-level like an 'all state pass'. A middle tier for FL residents to get SWO/BGT or for CF an 'All-Ohio" pass that isn't the top level, but lets them do CP/KI.

The way I'm seeing it, they are using VF top level pass to subsidize CP's top level pass. And they are doing the some thing with SEAS now too with the FL parks and the SWSA.

 

[mjones73]

We asked the park several specific questions about grandfathered benefits. You can find those answers here and here.

The short answer is that we can keep our benefits for now. We will be publishing a more comprehensive article on the new program later today, as well.

Thanks, I should have read back further.

 

[RKRCC]

I just hope I get to keep my WCUSA benefits with my passes. I hadn't been in years and really enjoyed that this year. My fear is they say I will keep it and it will be Grandfathered, but I show up next summer at the water park and they tell me I can't get in because I didn't upgrade the membership to include Water Country. I can see that happening since my pass will be over a year old come next summer.....

 

[musicman3204]

I can just put forth that the issue I have with that is it gives a better benefit for Cedar Point Platinum Pass holders than it does Valley Fair (If my research is right that's the cheapest pass). To me asking VF to pay an extra $120, KD an extra $100, but Cedar Point is only an extra $60.

Strictly speaking to Cedar Fair's Platinum Pass (chain-wide park access and benefits), all parks charge $195 for that pass. I am only referring to the highest pass, not the individual home park pass. Home park passes, obviously, should vary.

Bringing it back to SEAS; I feel as though the top level that gets you access everywhere, should have a higher premium for the FL parks than BGW, even if they see BGW as the flagship park. Why? Because SWO/BGT Members are more likely to take advantage of 4 parks for the price of 1 than a member at BGW is to take advantage of the extra parks outside of WCUSA.

Again fully agree that the individual home park pass (to both BGW and WCUSA) should be cheaper than the Florida Park Pass. They have more to offer. I am strictly speaking to the chain-wide access pass.

 

[Nicole]

I just hope I get to keep my WCUSA benefits with my passes. I hadn't been in years and really enjoyed that this year. My fear is they say I will keep it and it will be Grandfathered, but I show up next summer at the water park and they tell me I can't get in because I didn't upgrade the membership to include Water Country. I can see that happening since my pass will be over a year old come next summer.....

I imagine when/if they decide to raise the rates for grandfathered memberships, they will notify you.

 

[RKRCC]

You give them more credit than I do.... LOL!

 

[Nicole]

On a happier note, just got this in my inbox:

 

[mountaineers]

The Sesame Place Platinum pass is valid now until January 1, 2020. Unlimited admission to 11 SEAS properties for the rest of the 2018/2019 season including HOS. The cost is a small $168 and includes 2 bring a friend tickets for the park (an excuse to bring friends to ride Oscar's Wacky Taxi before going to Great Adventure haha). I was told I'd be able to get it processed in Williamsburg.

Free parking
Much Cheaper
Same 11 parks
An excuse for a park trip
More than 12 months of entry
Discounts

If y'all see anybody rocking a Sesame Place pass around a neck, it's most likely me ? HOS here I come! Seriously people, if you plan on going to other SEAS parks there's some great value in this.
Sesame Place pass offerings

Are you sure it can be activated in Williamsburg? I was always told that you had to activate it at you "home" park.

As to the different costs, I assumed that BG and Sesame Place platinum passes were cheaper than ones in Florida due to them being year round parks. 12 months of access verses 9 months. I encouraged a couple of Florida residents that were planning in going to BGW and buying the platinum pass for a year to schedule their first SEAS visit at BGW to save them some money.

 

[mountaineers]

Honestly, if I had access to all of the same benefits across every park, equalizing Platinum Membership prices across the chain wouldn't bother me anywhere near as much.

I mean seriously. If we're paying $84 a year more than what we were previously for access to all of the SEAS parks, would it actually be any issue for SEAS to offer the Monthly Rewards and whatnot across the chain?

For example, if I could get a SeaWorld Christmas ornament when I'm in Orlando this December, I would probably go out of my way to make a previously-unplanned visit to SWO. Guess what happens when I visit SeaWorld? I buy overpriced food and merchandise. Sometimes I even get QuickQueue and a tour. That said, since there is nothing drawing me to their park this December, I'm almost certainly not stopping in.

Under the old platinum pass this last December our whole family got Christmas ornaments at SWO and BGT along with ride again privileges, preferred parking, seating, discounts etc... They should be wanting you to visit their other parks not trying to discourage it.

 

[musicman3204]

Under the old platinum pass this last December our whole family got Christmas ornaments at SWO and BGT along with ride again privileges, preferred parking, seating, discounts etc... They should be wanting you to visit their other parks not trying to discourage it.

I plan to try this when I head down to FL in December. The new word is that the benefits will be interchangeable based on the updated FAQ section, and what Nicole heard from the park yesterday.

1. Will Old Premium and New Platinum Members also get re-ride privileges, reserved seating, and other “Platinum” benefits at non-Virginia parks, as we have in the past.

The ride again privilege is new for Busch Gardens Williamsburg Platinum Members for Griffon, Apollo’s Chariot, Alpengeist & The Loch Ness Monster, and is available at the home park where purchased. Ride again privileges and reserved seating at non-Virginia parks are honored where available.

 

[Zachary]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

I just published @Nicole's article on the new Membership changes. Link

PS: The chart at the bottom shows all nine (!) current membership options alongside the original membership tiers launched earlier this year. Hopefully people find this helpful!

 

[musicman3204]

Does anyone else believe/support the idea that this was planned well before they announced the changes in February?

 

[----------------------]

Are you sure it can be activated in Williamsburg? I was always told that you had to activate it at you "home" park.

As to the different costs, I assumed that BG and Sesame Place platinum passes were cheaper than ones in Florida due to them being year round parks. 12 months of access verses 9 months. I encouraged a couple of Florida residents that were planning in going to BGW and buying the platinum pass for a year to schedule their first SEAS visit at BGW to save them some money.

Not sure how that came up as my quote cause it was someone else, but I can speak to activation.

All passes can be activated at any park over the phone by visiting guest services. You will need to visit guest services to get it printed as well. Be sure to mention the need to activate it as well as get it printed if necessary. I normally pay for the hard pass anyway so it isn't really out of my way.

 

[Nicole]

Does anyone else believe/support the idea that this was planned well before they announced the changes in February?

No, I really don't.

We spoke directly with Dan at length, before it was rolled out. I believe he was being up front with us about the plan and intent. I think that decisions were made later, possibly based on actual sales and revenues. This might also be a result of interest in implementing memberships chain-wide.

 

[finalcloud]

On a happier note, just got this in my inbox:

View attachment 12786

Just a few days ago it said this:



And this was my chat looking to clear things up.

 

[musicman3204]

No, I really don't.

We spoke directly with Dan at length, before it was rolled out. I believe he was being up front with us about the plan and intent. I think that decisions were made later, possibly based on actual sales and revenues. This might also be a result of interest in implementing memberships chain-wide.

That is some good insight! Thanks! Also, thanks for the chart in the article.