I just now read this post. I think this was right at the time I was in the hospital for a few days.
I would be more than happy to put in letters in behalf of BGWFans for the group as a whole! Chris, any letter I would write would of course be sent to you to review before hand.
About the restaurant, I agree; it would be nice to have a place that was a bit fancier and more upscale at the park. I had thought that France (french cuisine being naturally upscale) would be the choice. I think in another post I had mentioned that if they closed the RPT and converted it into a fine dining theater it would be awesome. Personally, I would enjoy having a waiter bring me a glass of wine in a glass and not a plastic cup. Obviously I would spend the money to eat in there all the time; but if it was good enough I would go the park to eat dinner alone since it does not cost to park. Reservations could be made online or by phone before leaving home.
I had written to the park before that if they decided to do something along these lines, they could remain open year round and offer Valentine's Day Event; and I even suggested a Mascarade Ball Event. (France - the setting of the story Phantom of the Opera gave me the idea) The revenue of drinks alone would be substantial.
I believe the park may be more open to these concepts as after the success of Christmas Town they now see that BGW patrons are not only interested in rides; but in the experience. Something that has been forgotten in the past years.
Speaking of, when I was scanning in those photo books, I really started to miss all the Mascots and Street Performers. I have written in the past a few times asking them to bring mascots and street performers back - that they could have a Loch Ness, Alpengeist Monster, Apollo, Griffon, and sadly no more (Big Bad Wolf) roam around in the countries. I loved Gordon the Dragon and the Knight when I was little. As an adult, we still love to hug a complete stranger in a plushy cartoony costume - lets face it. (Besides, it may bump up their photo opp sales if they have park photographers there with the standard - "come back at the end of the day to purchase the photo riff")
The street performers were so much fun; but I think the problem is that Busch Gardens used performers in the past to fill in for big attractions. Now that they are in the big league with other parks, I feel that the Park does not see this as an important investment. However, how much do a few actors' cost in the big picture? A few minimum-wage employees to dress in costume and wave at kids?
I've sent many letters to the park over the years; but if there is a "Group" issue that everyone would like to see the park consider; I'd be willing to give my all and write on the site's behalf.
