I did my part...letter to BGW Guest Services:
"Good afternoon,
I am writing this letter in hopes that this statement "Busch Gardens welcomes your comments, suggestions and questions." is taken seriously. It has come to my attention that many of the performers who have provided my family and friends with countless hours of joy and entertainment are being cut loose for whatever reason in the coming weeks with no guarantee of work past the regular season. Why would this happen? Take Celtic Fyre for example; why would such a beloved and successful show have the team of performers broken up and replaced? Some of these talented men and women have been part of the show for years. These individual are amazing at what they do, and the whole is even greater than the parts...meaning the show. I love coming to the park and seeing familiar faces on stage and cheering them on. It is just like rooting for my favorite football team on game day. So for them to be discarded without a thought leaves me wondering just what the entertainment department, or whomever, is thinking.
I understand also that many of these same performers are not being considered for future roles during the special events of Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town; shows that many of them have already participated in. If this is true, it leaves me shaking my head. Please help me understand why the park is doing this.
The bottom line for me here is that it seems that something horrible is going on behind the scenes at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Rides are being closed down with no notice (Europe in the Air), events are being trimmed down to be shorter than in previous seasons, shows and other attractions have been cut (two shows for IllumiNIghts?), no more cuckoo clocks and authentic beer steins in Germany? This doesn't look too good from the point of view of a long-time Pass Holder. What is next to go? Will BGW bother informing anyone? It would be nice to know what is going on in the place that I love.
I send this in hopes that someone with authority and the sense to take these comments seriously will read it and take it to heart. This park that is such a big part of my life is being ruined; slowly but surely; piece by piece. I hope we can put a tourniquet on whatever is keeping the open wounds from healing. Sometimes an amputation is necessary to save what is left of what is really important and precious. Please read these words carefully and consider just what is really causing the damage to the park and my experience. I am not alone in these views, and things are getting to the point that a large portion of the consumer base is getting fed up with what is going on. I imagine it won't be too long before some will look elsewhere for their family entertainment and experiences. As painful as it is for me to say it, I am nearing that point.
So please...stop changing things just for the sake of change. If it ain't broke don't fix it. Where is the magic? Remember that the park is here for the people to enjoy, not to serve the desires and vision of a small group or an individual at the top. My memories are precious to me, and I would love for my kid to have the same.
Sincerely,"
Response:
"Thank you for contacting Busch Gardens Williamsburg:
Busch Gardens regularly changes its entertainment lineup to produce new and exciting products that our guests have come to expect from us. Production changes range from seasonal shows supporting events like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town to new park productions that require new sets, new scripts and, in some cases, new performers. We often cast staff performers because their skills more than meet the needs of a production. In the event we need performers with specialized skills to meet a particular need, we hold regular casting calls to recruit the best new talent available to work at the park. While our show product is always evolving, creating high quality productions for our guests’ enjoyment remains our highest goal.
Sincerely,
*********"
