Mardi Gras 2022

[super7]

Virginia's Best Mardi Gras Event - Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Let the good times roll at Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Mardi Gras event! Enjoy world-class rides, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun through March 9.

buschgardens.com

This looks like an improvement over Winter Weekends. More live entertainment including a cirque show in Globe. Specialty food.

Sky ride is still running as well as same coasters. IMO train should run in the winter. It’s a slow moving all weather ride. They also need to do something with Eire for these events. But this is the right direction.

 

[c.timber17]

Very excited to see what the Carnaval Imaginique show ends up being! Seems like there is a lot of potential there and hopefully Busch gets it right.

I'm definitely confused as to why the train isn't running, unless they are doing major refurbishment work such as replacing track or ties.

 

[c.timber17]

Here's the whole listing from the BGW website.
Grogan's Pub and British Baker are not included in the dining section, but Big Ben's Funnel Cakes is.

 

[Rothbury]

I didn't go last year so this is all new to me. Do food places like the Festhaus and Smokehouse have their regular menu?

 

[c.timber17]

I didn't go last year so this is all new to me. Do food places like the Festhaus and Smokehouse have their regular menu?

Yes. Might have some additions that are special for the event, but the usual items are still there as well.

 

[AIR]

I'm definitely confused as to why the train isn't running, unless they are doing major refurbishment work such as replacing track or ties.

The train always has annual maintenance done on it. It is the best time of year due to the lower attendance compared to other months of the year. Also, the Loch Ness Tressle is having major work done up top on it currently.

 

[AlpenChrist97]

I miss the days when BGW didn’t feel the need to randomly slap a fake DJ on everything…

 

[Nibbins]

Never seen more than maybe 2 people at a time interact with a DJ, so it kinda seems a waste.

Maybe they are more popular on Saturday evenings when people get drunk. I try to avoid those days.

 

[Coasternerd]

They have put up information about the ‘Mardi Gras Crawl’ tour, however you have to go into the event on the page and then scroll down to the tour. It’s not listed under park tours. Maybe because it’s a special event? Not sure. Anyways, here’s what I found:

 

[AlpenChrist97]

Never seen more than maybe 2 people at a time interact with a DJ, so it kinda seems a waste.

I just don't like it because it cheapens the feel of the park and I know they're better than this.

 

[belsaas]

...I kind of love it, but me and my friends are the type to absolutely dance like idiots.

 

[RocketChk]

IMAGINIQUE IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[super7]

The train always has annual maintenance done on it. It is the best time of year due to the lower attendance compared to other months of the year. Also, the Loch Ness Tressle is having major work done up top on it currently.

Unless they are doing maint on the tracks, there are 3 trains to rotate. Tampa runs theirs year round. I think it’s more about saving operational costs.

 

[Rothbury]

Wow!! If I'm reading the Mardi Gras Crawl correctly it will cost $400 for 2 people! It says it requires 2 people and it is $199 each. I'm sure they are adding tax to that. Sorry, but there is nothing at BGW worth me paying $400 to see or do. EVER!

 

[Zachary]

Anyone who is breaking down the cost of the Mardi Gras Crawl offering is well outside of the target audience for said offering.

I'd, of course, never book something like it. That said, I love that it exists because I know there are people who do value an experience like that highly enough to book it and it's essentially pure profit for the park. Very limited audience, high margin, luxury experiences like this are great in my opinion.

 

[Mwe BGW]

Unless they are doing maint on the tracks, there are 3 trains to rotate. Tampa runs theirs year round. I think it’s more about saving operational costs.

They are doing tie replacements and trestle work.

 

[Jonesta6]

IMAGINIQUE IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But is it actually the same show those of who've ever seen it it know and love?

I call bullshit united there's laser light graphics, random pyro, weird Frenchie Cirque stuff, and beads all over the place!

 

[RocketChk]

But is it actually the same show those of who've ever seen it it know and love?

I call bullshit united there's laser light graphics, random pyro, weird Frenchie Cirque stuff, and beads all over the place!

Lemme have this moment, dude. Just....like, just one day.

 

[Jonesta6]

Lemme have this moment, dude. Just....like, just one day.

As long as it's the first iteration and not other iterations of the show, I'm with you

 

[Coasternerd]

Wow!! If I'm reading the Mardi Gras Crawl correctly it will cost $400 for 2 people! It says it requires 2 people and it is $199 each. I'm sure they are adding tax to that. Sorry, but there is nothing at BGW worth me paying $400 to see or do. EVER!

I mean it could be the regular VIP tour that costs $350/person… and has to be booked at least 3 days in advance to avoid a fee (I think $25), and has to have a minimum of 2 people on it.