One of the country’s most popular theme parks is facing a massive backlash from visitors after quietly raising prices.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there is no denying the many changes that have taken place in many aspects of our lives. Changes have been felt around the world in one way or another, from supply chain issues to inflation. Guests visiting theme parks have also seen different health measures updated and enforced, including mask mandates and social distancing.
Credit: Busch Gardens
These changes have caused theme parks to try to adapt as best they can, trying to maintain an enjoyable experience for visitors while making a profit from park operations. This has recently led to a few theme parks making some questionable decisions.
Credit: Busch Gardens
Customers recently noticed an almost hidden price increase at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which now adds a 5% surcharge, in addition to tax, to all checks. Although the purpose of these surcharges is not specified, it is most likely due to the issues mentioned above, such as supply chain issues and inflation. Although small, it’s still not something most guests will enjoy seeing when visiting an already pricey theme park.
Credit: Busch Gardens
An image of these surcharges was shared by BGWFans (@BGWFans) on Twitter, who received it from an anonymous friend of the site. It is specified that the use of a small dark text on a constantly changing screen makes the announcement difficult to perceive for the Guests.
How scummy is this new supplement? An anonymous friend of the site sent us this photo of Trapper’s Smokehouse. The new disclaimer is in small dark text on a dark background on a digital menu screen where prices could have changed just as quickly. Disguise.
How scummy is this new supplement? An anonymous friend of the site sent us this photo of Trapper’s Smokehouse. The new disclaimer is in small dark text on a dark background on a digital menu screen where prices could have changed just as quickly. Disguise. pic.twitter.com/u4uxYmdOPV
Hastin (@hastin) added to the conversation comparing it to when SeaWorld Orlando implemented a similar system. He commented that both parks use digital menu boards and could easily adjust prices on food directly instead of adding the 5% in such a difficult to distinguish way. It should be noted that the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment company operates Busch Gardens and SeaWorld Parks.
It also killed me at SeaWorld Orlando. You have digital menu boards – raise the prices!
(Unless they know something about current prices – consumers already consider them too high.)
That extra 5% thing is driving people crazy.
Credit: Sea World
Related: Orlando Theme Park Quietly Charges Extra for Food to Help ‘Rising Costs’
Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia is an incredibly popular theme park that welcomes thousands of locals and tourists each year. Home to attractions like Apollo’s Chariot, Verbolten, Invadr, Griffon, Tempesto, The Lock Ness Monster and Escape From Pompeii, Busch Gardens Virginia offers thrills and fun for the whole family! And let’s not forget Pantheon, the park’s newest coaster, which opened recently.
Credit: Busch Gardens
Pantheon is a roller coaster capable of rivaling the most exciting in the world, including Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando Resort. The company describes the journey as follows:
Pantheon, the world’s fastest multi-launch roller coaster, will officially launch at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg on March 25, 2022. Members will have exclusive opportunities to ride on select dates, starting now – March 13! Harnessing all the speed and strength of five of the greatest Roman gods, this record-breaking coaster stands 180 feet tall with a top speed of 73 mph, and features a 95° drop, 4 launches, 5 airtime hills and 2 inversions.
Credit: Busch Gardens
We recently saw Busch Gardens Williamsburg launch and modify a challenge involving five of the park’s most popular coasters, Griffon, Alpengeist, Pantheon, Invadr and Verbolten, which sparked controversy as some of these coasters weren’t not available on the first day of the challenge.
Credit: Busch Gardens
Related: Busch Gardens Tampa Announces Summer Celebration Event
What do you think of this increase? Let us know in the comments below!
Credit: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
