Christmas Town 2012

[chickenking]

ICE PALACE
Here is what you will see if you are determined enough to wait in line for it:

 

[Party Rocker]

I think with the space they had available, what they did was pretty decent. I mean, it is a very tight enclosed space and they only have approximately 21 days to remove a haunted house and construct an animal exhibit. I am sure most animal exhibits take months to build and some of them don't look as good as this. With that said, I spy 8 penguins. 2 in each tank and 4 in the swimming enclosure.

Just curious what were you guys expecting? 50 plus penguins in a giant enclosure? Remember these penguins are on loan from a zoo in Ohio and SeaWorld. Those places have to have a decent amount of penguins too, especially considering their animal exhibits are year round permanent vs. this temporary exhibit.

My expectations was at least four penguins in small tanks with lots of fake snow and ice, I'm not sure about you but I feel like they met my goals; an animal exhibit with more than four of the featured animal in a decent to well themed surrounding. At least this year they didn't go for the New France Ice Palace again. Remember the owl and the bunny and the terrible New France theming. At least this sticks to the Ice Palace penguins theme.

EDIT: Not saying that this is a perfect attraction but it is pretty decent compared to what they could have/already done.

 

[Parkgoer]

On a personal note, I feel NO attraction warrants any wait longer than a half hour. That is at any park here, Disney, Uni, and elsewhere. Waiting past that is not worth it. Sitting on a bench sipping a brew is much more satisfying than being boxed in a line listening to Mrs Doubtfire in front of you discuss her corns, bunions, and the discharge oozing from her hangnail. I see no issue with the penguins and have enjoyed them each season that they have been offered.

 

[Zachary]

To be honest, I was expecting what we saw last year. The arctic hare, owl, and additional props really made the attraction worth waiting a few minutes for. This year, we're back to what it was in 2010. I like to see progress and upgrades made to attractions- not downgrades. Basically, I don't think it's bad, but, naturally, everything will be compared to what it has been in the past. Loch Ness Monster without its tunnel wouldn't be a bad ride but if the tunnel was removed, people would explode in rage.

 

[Shafor]

Slight correction on the timeline. 2010 was the year with the barn own, bunnies,etc. Last year the removed that, but added two live penguin displays along the corridor of the attraction.

BTW, just go to this right as France opens or right before the park closes. You'll walk right though. I've never waited in any kind of line for this. Don't be a sucker.

 

[chickenking]

Interesting...
http://www.wvec.com/video/featured-videos/Busch-Gardens-Christmas-Town-181834021.html

Around the 2:55 mark you get to see the old stage for Deck the Halls...

 

[Party Rocker]

Stock video recording from the PR department. Just like the Christmas Town picture they posted on FB with elves riding Alpengiest when the ride is closed. Same reason why you see TIO in their commercials still. They keep a bunch of pictures and videos for park promotion and they use them as long as its within a few years. It really is nothing to think too deep into.

 

[Ludwig II]

You know one of the coolest things they did with CT was the live banjo pickers in New France from the first year (and maybe the second too I didn't go). They were a really nice and authentic touch to an area with a perfect setting for it. Every time you saw them, there was a small group clustered around some heat lamps watching them. I would like to see BG bring them back.

 

[chickenking]

Stock video recording from the PR department. Just like the Christmas Town picture they posted on FB with elves riding Alpengiest when the ride is closed. Same reason why you see TIO in their commercials still. They keep a bunch of pictures and videos for park promotion and they use them as long as its within a few years. It really is nothing to think too deep into.

Waaaaay too much information there man.
Just thought it was a nice little interview with Mr. Scott (since he is discussed so much here).
Plus it was nice to see the old rising stage again. It also got me thinking about the new stage. I can really appreciate the extra space as opposed to the lift gimmick.

---

You know one of the coolest things they did with CT was the live banjo pickers in New France from the first year (and maybe the second too I didn't go). They were a really nice and authentic touch to an area with a perfect setting for it. Every time you saw them, there was a small group clustered around some heat lamps watching them. I would like to see BG bring them back.

So all the areas of the park have something like this right? Does anyone know if there is a schedule for the performances (like every 30 minutes or so)?
There is a stage behind the pretzel shop in Germany where all of the tables are. Is it being used for CT?

 

[Haberdasher1973]

It also got me thinking about the new stage. I can really appreciate the extra space as opposed to the lift gimmick.

Wait - do you appreciate the extra space that the audience had with the old stage, or the extra space the performers have with the new one?

 

[chickenking]

^
Yes.

 

[Zachary]

This video is fantastic. Great job Busch Gardens.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhdjQyflAxk&feature=g-subs-u

 

[James]

It was made by the same group of guys who did this video during Verbolten being built. I saw them filming last Sunday. So I'm more impressed with the turn around time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiSanW6mTiU

 

[netdvn]

So all the areas of the park have something like this right? Does anyone know if there is a schedule for the performances (like every 30 minutes or so)?
There is a stage behind the pretzel shop in Germany where all of the tables are. Is it being used for CT?

So far I've seen the stage in Ireland and New France being used for live music. Actors also roamed England toward the end of the night singing carols and doing photo ops. I believe Festa also has a temp stage, but I've never seen anyone there. Not sure if Oktoberfest uses theirs though.

 

[Haberdasher1973]

I believe Festa also has a temp stage, but I've never seen anyone there.

I think it's in that video, featuring the Herald Angel Brass Band.

 

[Shafor]

I saw them playing during the rain last weekend. The stage is located between Tradewinds and Roman Rapids Gifts.

 

[redsoxfan787]

I'm going to Christmas town for the first time this season on Saturday, what things are a must see? And what kindve crowds should i be expecting?

 

[Zachary]

It'll probably be a madhouse. Defiantly see Deck the Halls and Miracles. Check out Gloria if you have time and the line isn't hours long. Naturally Verbolten should be on the list. Other than that, flats.

 

[Ben]

CT on a Sunday just feels right...

 

[redsoxfan787]

It'll probably be a madhouse. Defiantly see Deck the Halls and Miracles. Check out Gloria if you have time and the line isn't hours long. Naturally Verbolten should be on the list. Other than that, flats.

I'm hoping it won't be and okay thanks alot! How about nach tower? Would that be worth a long wait?