That would make sense if it was for one week. But it's for every Saturday for the rest of the event.
Mardi Gras 2021
- Thread starter BGWnut
- Start date
I heard from someone that the numbers are not very good for the event maybe they are playing with the time to try and incurage higher attendance or to see if they can get better in park sales.
For what it is worth, I didn't go last weekend, because of the weather. If there is forecasted precipitation of any kind, I won't go next week either. Getting wet in the winter is miserable.
My point is that this event must be fighting Mother Nature and may be losing thus far. It is frustrating, actually, since it appears to be better than some of the Fall offerings.
My point is that this event must be fighting Mother Nature and may be losing thus far. It is frustrating, actually, since it appears to be better than some of the Fall offerings.
I have to think the park was prepared to lose money on these events, with both the weather and the lack of clarity on who the demo would be. It's clear the Saturday evening slots just weren't workable, so I think doing a "super-sized Saturday" makes more sense: it theoretically limited attendance, but it's a better use of their money, and might convince people to come out. Seems like weather will be better this weekend, and then it's Valentine's and President's Day the next weekend, so we'll see if they get a bit of momentum.
I'll probably drive up on Sunday, since weather looks good there as well and I've never found the four-hour sessions to be restrictive given the limited offerings.
I'll probably drive up on Sunday, since weather looks good there as well and I've never found the four-hour sessions to be restrictive given the limited offerings.
It's all relative. The weather last weekend would have made the numbers low. I think this is a good indication that the ish has evidence to suggest that one session would be busier than 2 separate sessions
Just wanted to randomly interject my thoughts about this past weekend. We went for Mardi Gras on Friday night and Saturday, and although a lot of rides were closed due to the cold, the event was great! I tried some of the desserts (which were great) and got to see all the decorative theming, and I thought this was a really fun and well-done event!
I would’ve loved to have ridden some coasters on Saturday, but overall, this was a great call by BG to bring this to VA this year. It would be cool to see them keep this going in the future.
I would’ve loved to have ridden some coasters on Saturday, but overall, this was a great call by BG to bring this to VA this year. It would be cool to see them keep this going in the future.
I would imagine that Saturdays being compounded into one (seemingly higher capacity) time block is a good sign that the park hopes to move towards full-day operations soon rather than day/night. Having the night time blocks be 5pm - 9pm is a little late for a winter event not centered around Christmas lights, so I would imagine the night time Saturday slot was probably far less popular.
Just over heard the following exchange.
little girl) Why are you so tall?
stilt walker) I am tall so I can be seen while I dance.
little girl) I love to dance to how do I get tall like you?
Stilt walker) Eat lots of vegetables especially cauliflower and broccoli.
little girl) I will do that.
little girl) Why are you so tall?
stilt walker) I am tall so I can be seen while I dance.
little girl) I love to dance to how do I get tall like you?
Stilt walker) Eat lots of vegetables especially cauliflower and broccoli.
little girl) I will do that.
The things you hear when you start listening to people talk
honestly I was impressed that she took the time to give the little girl the attention especially considering that only about a minute later they walked behind into a staff area and presumably were finishing their night up. As an uncle yo a niece that is only a few years younger then the girl and who I hope to be able to take to park visits when she is a little older it did my heart good and I was happy that U chose the tables by royal palace so that I just happened to be there to see it.
The line to Das Edelweiss is wrapped almost all the way to the Upgrade Center. Must be good stuff in there.
The park was really busy today and that’s great to see because this event is great and needs to run every year forever. Alpengeist was wrapping into the lower switchbacks.
Last edited:
I figured between the weather and the merging of the existing reservations for both Day and Evening sessions, today was probably going to be among then busier of the limited capacity days.
Glad I went this afternoon as I had entire side of Festhaus to myself so I could safely enjoy the Festhaus Varieté show, and dealt with no lines for food and drink (and 50% off donuts). But you could tell that between the snow to the northwest impacting staffing and low reservations, this was a VERY bare bones experience: no coasters/Finnegan’s, Squire’s wasn’t open, some shops were closed they were open previously as well. And they really need to set up a schedule for the other entertainment options - happened to be in France when the Jazz Band came out, but being able to plan around it would seem like a no brained.
I suspect the park is trying to prevent people from gathering and waiting in an area for a show to happen.
Squire's hasn't been open at all for this event. O'taters was the other day when I was there. However just like a normal operation. Going on days where there is less attendance will mean that there are things closed that are normally open.