The State of the Park: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- Thread starter CoasterTalkBob
- Start date
Has anyone been placed in Bavaria to see how that lot is doing? I know it’s about to get a lot of use next month, and Bavaria can be difficult enough for tourists to navigate to as it is
It's just not the same as it used to be at all, and it seems like management doesn't care. There are very few shows. Food is expensive and not as good. Shops, restaurants and even some rides are either often closed or have reduced operating hours. The whole park closes earlier too. What we do have is higher ticket prices and more ways to spend money around every corner and with every seasonal event. It seems like the current business model is to ignore the way the park used to be and those who come with that expectation but instead focus on new attractions that bring in new people who don't know any different or expect anything better. If that's the case, it seems to be working.
Agreed, its like they want a case for the park being renamed to "Amnesia Busch."
"Don't worry 'bout how it was, this is how it BE." - Sea World 2022.
Maybe they are trying to be even more like WallCot. (Ie, the current state of EPCOT)
I have No idea where this goes, but maybe here since this is about the Park.
Is SeaWorld and entertainment, the place that owns Busch gardens (and others) Are they slowly going out of business? Like honestly, I heard some employees say they don't feel like they aren't getting enough support, like back in the old years. Like, they have a lot of things stocked, and some people would come in and help with their display of sunglasses and jewelry. That and, In all honestly, please be patient and nice if they have things and merchandise out of stock.
I wish, Busch Gardens would get bought back out by the Anheuser company, that is all I'm praying and hoping for. Because I don't agree with how Seaworld company has been running things. Toooooo many secrets (Ie Scummy 5% charge on food, in almost in a hidden place on the menu). and a lot of miscommunication for things that are on sale. (Get 2 photo rides with frames for 30$) it doesn't tell you Pantheon's not included, not on the sign, at all.
Honestly, I think they don't care about the guest experience. They just want money. Which is understandable. But come on people, try and do it right.
Is SeaWorld and entertainment, the place that owns Busch gardens (and others) Are they slowly going out of business? Like honestly, I heard some employees say they don't feel like they aren't getting enough support, like back in the old years. Like, they have a lot of things stocked, and some people would come in and help with their display of sunglasses and jewelry. That and, In all honestly, please be patient and nice if they have things and merchandise out of stock.
I wish, Busch Gardens would get bought back out by the Anheuser company, that is all I'm praying and hoping for. Because I don't agree with how Seaworld company has been running things. Toooooo many secrets (Ie Scummy 5% charge on food, in almost in a hidden place on the menu). and a lot of miscommunication for things that are on sale. (Get 2 photo rides with frames for 30$) it doesn't tell you Pantheon's not included, not on the sign, at all.
Honestly, I think they don't care about the guest experience. They just want money. Which is understandable. But come on people, try and do it right.
InBev, which bought out AB, divested everything but the core beer business - if you read the Busch family biography, it actually goes into a bit of detail about the new management team - they got rid of everything that isn't profit-minded, including gutting the offices (both in staffing and cushy settings). They are probably on the same train as Scott Ross and the SEAS board, though different industries. There is slim possibility AB as it used to be will exist again, and slimmer possibility that the company would buy back the parks and other non-beer business lines.
As far as going out of business - not likely, though as some have suggested it's possible they're setting up to be bought out as a nice payday for stock holders.
As far as going out of business - not likely, though as some have suggested it's possible they're setting up to be bought out as a nice payday for stock holders.
Good point @Jonesta6 on that. I’ll add that it seems so few companies are interested in running parts of their business at a net neutral or net loss that it’s hard to see much changing where someone will do what AB used to do with the parks.
To me that’s kind of a shame too. Such a great way to work on brand awareness and get people to buy into your brand.
Although if there was a company to do it, the irony would be there in a very very roundabout way. Altria would be the company to do it, owners of Phillip Morris (cigarettes), who have a stake in ABInbev.
To me that’s kind of a shame too. Such a great way to work on brand awareness and get people to buy into your brand.
Although if there was a company to do it, the irony would be there in a very very roundabout way. Altria would be the company to do it, owners of Phillip Morris (cigarettes), who have a stake in ABInbev.
I mean, if Costco got into theme parks, I could see it working ok - they fully understand how to use loss leaders (rotisserie chicken, etc) while keeping a focus on customer and employee satisfaction with both high quality products and genuine care. They are proud to have several photos at each warehouse of employees that have been there in the front lines 20+ years and counting... And this is in retail, which is known for high turnover low wage positions. Management can and will jump in to cover the slack anywhere in the operation - I've seen the general manager running carts to cover for the regular guy's break.
Hell, they made a big deal about how their Gold Star membership had to be increased by $5 (or whatever it actually was) with their announcement sounding more like an explanation and apology than a marketing strategy. Their CEO has gone on record to say that regardless of cost to them, the hot dog and drink combo will remain $1.50 (I think they may have also mentioned the pizza pricing staying fixed as well). They proactively survey customers to make sure they're doing everything they can to make things good - and with only maybe 1-2 corporate staff running the program and letting individual store management teams determine how best to carry it out.
But that pipe dream probably won't happen...
Hell, they made a big deal about how their Gold Star membership had to be increased by $5 (or whatever it actually was) with their announcement sounding more like an explanation and apology than a marketing strategy. Their CEO has gone on record to say that regardless of cost to them, the hot dog and drink combo will remain $1.50 (I think they may have also mentioned the pizza pricing staying fixed as well). They proactively survey customers to make sure they're doing everything they can to make things good - and with only maybe 1-2 corporate staff running the program and letting individual store management teams determine how best to carry it out.
But that pipe dream probably won't happen...
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Same thing with their roasted chickens, they've been pretty adamant that they aren't going to increase the prize of them.
I don't think they are trying to set up SEAS to be taken over but another company. I think in reality they are looking to take over another company, like their bid fit Cedar Fair showed. In reality, I think that Scott Ross is just trying to play the long game and eventually flip his shares to another investment firm.
@BGWnut is there a difference between the roasted and rotisserie chicken? Either way, they definitely have mentioned they keep it $5 and know it's at a loss just as a way to encourage customers to the back of the warehouses.
Edit: also, no clue about the shell game being played by Scott and the board other than it is one.
Edit: also, no clue about the shell game being played by Scott and the board other than it is one.
Funny thing:
The new IRA (Inflation reduction act) now has a 1% tax on stock buybacks.
Will be interesting to see how this effects SEAS.
The new IRA (Inflation reduction act) now has a 1% tax on stock buybacks.
Will be interesting to see how this effects SEAS.
There's no difference. I meant the rotisserie chicken or whatever they actually call it
I am starting to hear from staff members that the surcharge on merch sales that we have seen in Florida will soon be making it's way here possibly as early as the opening of HOS.
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Get your merch without the surcharge while you can!