I just wanted to let you all know as a newbie and mostly lurker of this board, you all seem like a wonderful community. I discovered this neat little forum when I bought my BGW Premium Pass, when I introduced myself in the Spring it had been so many years since I rode a major coaster. This season I worked my way up to all of them at BGW and tomorrow I am going on the Insider Tour. I have never been to a Haunt event at any park or a Holiday event. So I plan to do both at BGW, but after that I sadly think I will retire my pass and do other travels next year (if I can afford to travel next year).
I have put a lot of miles on my '23 Chevy Bolt driving to and from Williamsburg. I live all the way up in Northern VA just 13 minutes from the Maryland line. And yesterday I officially sold my college aged son my Bolt and purchased the '27 Bolt. So, it sure will be weird when I only have to stop for 15 minutes to charge it this weekend!! I went ahead and got a hotel for tomorrow night so I plan to leave here early tomorrow because Friday traffic will suck if I wait. That gives me some park time tomorrow and do the tour Saturday.
After that it's two weeks before school (I also have a rising 8th grader) and I just need to chill, but I have had a blast going to BGW almost every other weekend since Valentine's Day. I really thought I might get sick of the place by now, but no, I genuinely have a great time there. I've been to Disney and Universal and rides are always closed, down for refurbishment. Hershey park had several rides down last year and even their signature tour ride at Chocolate World had several broken elements. So I guess my bar is low, but I have been to Busch Gardens on many Sundays this season when every ride in the park is open. Having the Premium pass has been great fun and so convenient. Especially earlier this week at WCUSA when we arrived just before park open with the VIP parking you are literally steps from the park so if you pack a lunch and want to just sit under a tree where it's quiet to eat. You are only steps away, no inconvenience.
My worst experience was a guest who cut in line, really rude guy with a Nationals T-shirt (no surprise there that someone from the DMV is rude). The employees could mostly be more cheerful and interactive with guests, especially the parking attendants, ticket checkers and even customer service. They aren't exactly rude, but we have definitely lost our touch when it comes to friendliness. I even noticed this at my own job, that I got 5 years ago, it's the first time How To Answer the Phone wasn't even part of the training. When purchasing food I have had some friendly conversations, so go food service! Best employees in the park.
Overall, yes operations can be slow and lines can get long. But I am just the odd ball who isn't bothered by time to think or talk to friends or family that I usually don't get to spend time with. In this point in time we expect way too much instant gratification. Growing up a 45 minute line was normal and I am still fine with it. I am only annoyed when I see fast pass people constantly getting on and I don't see my line moving at all. Something again that was obvious at Hershey Park and Disney but I think they do a better job hiding it or just holding one lane on coasters at BGW.
I'll be back to report on the Insiders Tour, Hallow Scream and hopefully Christmas Town. Hope you all get many more credits and have lots of fun and most of all safe travels. I'll say it again, what a bright spot in the sometimes dark world that is the WWW.
besides this, I have noticed a lot of lights around the park that either completely do not work or look like they’re on their last leg. 
