originally posted on 2/14/2020
Photo: Seth Angelilli. View full-sized image.
Under cloudy, rainy, winter skies, 123 ACE members and their guests from six states and the District of Columbia arrived at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia) to enjoy a day to shake off the winter coaster blues. Visiting a park closed for the winter is always a little odd, but with a tram awaiting the arrival of attendees, it felt as if the park was coming alive just for ACE. The excitement began immediately as the tram traveled past the greenhouses, behind the train station and right past Invadr before arriving outside the Festhaus.
The sight of Busch Gardens’ coasters welcomed attendees on arrival.
Photo: Edan Grossman. View full-sized image.
Photo: Edan Grossman. View full-sized image.
As all settled in for the day, Regional Representative Elizabeth Ringas welcomed attendees, introduced the regional rep team and event volunteers, and shared the sad news that the heavy overnight rain required that they remain on solid surfaces for the construction tour. It is disappointing when plans have to be altered.
Regional Representative Elizabeth Ringas.
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
Attendees gathered in the Festhaus.
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
The morning was turned over to representatives from Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Cindy Sarko, director of brand communication, and Suzy Cheely, director of design and engineering, who introduced Pantheon and led the group out into the park. Attendees were able to take in the sights of the closed park, including the disassembled Flying Carousel (Der Wirbelwind Swing Ride). While overlooking the construction site, Cheely offered insights and information about Pantheon. It was immediately clear that everyone was excited to ride, even when the coaster was viewed from this far away vantage point.
Video: Luke Reynolds.
Cindy Sarko.
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
Busch Gardens’ Suzy Cheely shared details of Pantheon to onlookers.
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
Upon returning from the quick look into construction progression, Cheely shared more about Pantheon and answered questions, as well as presented a few videos.
Video: Luke Reynolds.
Photo: seth Angelilli. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
Following Busch Gardens’ presentation, a few door prizes were given, and the team from Premier Rides stepped up for its presentation. Attendees had the honor of hearing engineers Alex Tanner, John Byrne and Paul Brenckle share insights on West Coast Racers as well as many of their other projects. Their presentation kicked off with Icebreaker (SeaWorld Orlando’s new Premier coaster) trivia questions and concluded with an opportunity to win Premier Rides-branded swag for those answering some tough questions.
Video: Luke Reynolds.
Presenting from Premier Rides were (l – r) John Byrne, Paul Brenckle and Alex Tanner.
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
The day offered a great opportunity to catch up with American Coaster Enthusiasts 2020 plans, such as festivities launching World Roller Coaster Appreciation Month, ACE’s upcoming Share the Moment campaign, national events plus the international Italy trip and a bit of a regional update including the 2020 events calendar. ACE Mid-Atlantic Assistant Regional Representative Billy Tyson volunteered to share his experiences on previous international trips along with an extensive slideshow that took the event into a lunch break. The meal brought generous surprises with the addition of lasagna and the park’s remarkable desserts to complement the planned pasta buffet. The dessert buffet truly made for a challenging decision, with carrot cake, two kinds of cheesecake and fudge.
Maggie Sellers from Kings Dominion address attendees.
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
After lunch, presentations picked back up after a few more door prizes. Maggie Sellers, communications manager of Kings Dominion (Doswell, Virginia), was introduced. Although Kings Dominion does not have a new roller coaster this year and recently announced the removal of The Crypt, a Huss suspended Top Spin ride, Sellers had a lot to share regarding winter improvements throughout the park. These include a new restaurant and new food options to accompany the waterpark investments coming in 2020. She also took this opportunity to share Kings Island’s presentation regarding Orion’s construction and its April 11 opening.
Video: Luke Reynolds.
From Six Flags America were Denise Stokes, Dave Johnson and Jamie Foresteire.
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
After a few more names were called for door prizes, Six Flags America’s team of Dave Johnson, director of marketing; Denise Stokes, communications manager; and Jamie Forestiere, sponsorship fulfillment coordinator, stepped up to share what visitors can look forward to in 2020. With a continual focus on improving the guest experience at the Upper Marlboro, Maryland, park, a new entrance plaza is expected this year as is a fresh coat of paint for Joker’s Jinx. After the removal of the old ticket booths in 2019, the new plaza option not only looks beautiful but is designed to enhance the flow of guests into the park. The presenters also shared a construction update on the new Harley Quinn Spinsanity, which will be the tallest and fastest pendulum ride in the Mid-Atlantic.
Video: Luke Reynolds.
The day concluded with a live auction of some amazing items donated by Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Kings Dominion and Six Flags America. The auction raised $1,280 for the various ACE charities.
Video: Luke Reynolds.
A final round of door prizes was given. Although some were small tokens, everyone won something.
Attendees offered thanks to the amazing team members at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, who generously gave their time to organize and produce an enjoyable day and to all the speakers who shared their Saturday and passion with ACE members.
— Elizabeth Ringas
ACE Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
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