I have been watching Busch Gardens in Florida and Texas to see how they were planning on handling their re-opening. This has lead to Busch Gardens Williamsburg releasing some information about what we should expect to see. As the Florida park is opening very soon and the Texas park is open they are getting to figure out what works before we have to test it!
To be clear we don’t have a date for when the park will reopen.
What Will It Look Like When Busch Gardens Williamsburg Reopens
Reservation- Based Admission– all visits will require online advice reservations. Even for membership holders. Remember if you have a membership you got an automatic upgrade and will have your pass some months for free.
Temperature Screening– Employees and guests must pass temperature screening.
Parades and Meet and Greets– Queue lines for all rides will have markings for physical distancing and modified seating will be implemented to maintain physical distancing. We will have hand sanitizer available at the entrance and exit of all rides and will increase the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing. Specific protocols will be implemented for water rides for employees and guests and unless play areas meet distancing protocols, they will be temporarily closed. ** A Frugal Chick predicts when the park opens we will not see all the shows we are used to. **
Rides and Attractions– Queue lines for all rides will have markings for physical distancing and modified seating will be implemented to maintain physical distancing. We will have hand sanitizer available at the entrance and exit of all rides and will increase the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing. Specific protocols will be implemented for water rides for employees and guests and unless play areas meet distancing protocols, they will be temporarily closed.
Public Spaces– Across the parks and especially in high-contact areas, enhanced cleaning protocols will be implemented. This includes an increased number of hand sanitizer stations, areas with single-direction guest flow, modified seating in venues to maintain physical distancing and cleaning according to enhanced protocols.
Masks– Employees and guests of 2 years or older MUST wear face coverings while in the park when not eating or drinking or in designated “relaxation areas” of the park.
Physical Distancing– To promote proper physical distancing throughout the parks, we will install signage and markings throughout our guest areas (including on the ground) to identify appropriate, six-foot physical distancing. Lounge chair seating will also be modified to maintain physical distancing. We also encourage contactless payments and plexi-glass will be installed in high-traffic or close-contact areas to maintain a physical barrier.
Ticketing– Enhanced cleaning protocols will be implemented at arrival areas and for high-contact surfaces. Spacing will also be increased for touchless turnstiles enabling appropriate physical distancing.
Restaurants– Restaurants across the parks will include arranged seating layouts to accommodate physical distancing. Tables and chairs will be sanitized with increased frequency, condiment and topping stations will be closed, utensils will be pre-packaged, and guests with refillable products will be provided single-use alternatives. In lieu of traditional menus, single-use paper menus will be used and additional grab-and-go and pre-packaged food offerings will be added. Buffet-style service areas will be adjusted or closed until further notice.
Increased Sanitation– Restrooms, Hand Sanitizer and hand washing stations are added throughout the park.
Contactless Payment– Apple Pay, Android Pay, Google Wallet and More will be added through the park. ** A Frugal Chick makes a note to set one of those up for herself. **
Jazminn says
The face mask is to protect you and others from catching the virus. If you do not recall, anyone can be a carrier and not know it for up to 2 weeks. I can’t wait till Busch gardens to open 🙂 Sounds like we’ll be able to have fun and stay safe.
TVann says
Not going to deal with the ridiculous face mask policy. No one can be expected to wear them in the summer heat. They’ll be lawsuits from people passing out!
Laura says
Remember all of this is tentative right now and it could change. But I have a feeling that the face covering is going to be something that the governor decides- not so much the park. If Virginia operates like Florida they are going to have to submit a plan to the city to reopen and they will dictate some of these things.
Laura says
My guess will be that we will see that number changed. Universal and Disney are both doing five or six I think as their age.
Laura says
If you have never posted before your comment is always awaiting moderation- no matter what you say!
Mark Gronda says
We are a family of 5 and a big customer of Busch Gardens. We normally buy the platinum membership passes. It is very disturbing that Busch Gardens will require face coverings. The putting on and taking off a mask throughout the day actually increases the risk of catching something being that your hands constantly touch surfaces (especially on rides) where you can pick up viruses and germs. Furthermore, if you ever catch a virus or germ, wearing a face covering increases your risk of getting sick being that you interfere with your immune system from purging the virus or germs. Even the Surgeon General explained this. I am so glad we didn’t buy our tickets yet. Since face coverings are required, no thanks, we will pass. At least Lego Land gets it and doesn’t require the use of face coverings!
Ashley Ranes says
The required face masks was the deal breaker for me, i have enough trouble breathing without something over my face in the summer heat
Caren says
When did everyone forget that wearing a face mask for an extended period of time is harmful to us and increased face touching. My 3 year old would be getting way more and spreading way more germs with all her extra face touching…IF I THOUGHT KEEPING A 3 YR OLD IN A FACE MASK WAS POSSIBLE OR ACCEPTABLE.
BUKINATER says
“Your comment is awaiting moderation”
Hilarious!!!
BUKINATER says
Everyone wants to move on from this. Businesses and patrons. So a soft opening like a new business. See the numbers that are brought in and scale from there.
Darlene Martin says
I agree, gonna be way too hot for a face mask , not to mention the tan line it’s gonna leave.
Lori says
Face masks – I just cannot keep one on for long.
I feel like I cannot breathe. Guess I won’t be going back.