Police/Fireman Free Park Entry [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

leslieh

10-02-2001, 07:21 PM

I dont know if this is the right place. But in today's Washington Post Newspaper the Busch Co. Williamsburg, Seaworld, etc. had a full page ad that read: Police, firemen, parametics, get free entry into their parks for the remainder of the year, immediate families also get a free one time addmission. The rumor has it that other parks might follow. If so, My husband is a police officer for 30 years at the U.S. Capitol, he has been a volunteer fireman for 35 years. They stood in the road last week and rasied/collected $7000.00 for the firemen/families of NYC. So we should be covered by 2. This is a thanks to all who work for us. For such little $$$$. Thanks to Busch Company!!!!!

lovethemouse

10-02-2001, 08:04 PM

Wow that's great. Firefighters and police officers deserve any perks sent their way. God Bless 'em. It's good to see Busch stepping up to the plate.... Disney?

TinkerbellRules

10-02-2001, 08:36 PM

I heard this on the news last night. Really wonderful for all those hard working men and women (I have two retired officers, 2 current officers, and an EMT/Search&Researcher in my extended family)!!

jdads2

10-02-2001, 08:44 PM

I wouldn't mind paying extra for my ticket to offset some of the cost. Just my way of showing thanks a little. That might be a way that Disney or any other park could approach it.

"Help Disney show that we all care and are greatful for our servicemen...."

scanmom

10-02-2001, 09:44 PM

Do volunteer firefighters get this deal too? My brother in law is one, and they can't afford much in the way of vacations, so this would be great for them!!! What do you need as way of proof? I'd love to get all the info for him before I mention it...I would'nt want to get their hopes up fo nothing!!:rolleyes:

tonilea

10-02-2001, 10:46 PM

wow! DH and I are both law enforcement officers. That would be so nice.

Our local law enforcement union raised $7000+. I am so proud of our community for being so generous.

Toni
Oct 2000 - off site
Nov/Dec 2001 - ASMo

Buschfan

10-03-2001, 09:17 AM

Very nice jesture on the part of Anheuser Busch! I will look forward to sharing their parks with these honored guests over the next few months. Busch is first class all the way in my book!

scanmom - click on the following link and a pop up screen will appear giving you details about this program

http://www.buschgardens.com/buschgardens/va/index.html

Minybear

10-03-2001, 11:01 AM

I saw this a couple of nights ago and it really pissed me off. We were at SeaWorld last week in California (beside Universal Studios and DL) and my husband is a police officer. Darm if only I had scheduled our trip a week later then we would have gotten free tickets. The only thing my husband does not like to use his badge to get anything free (but thats my husband).

Miss Jasmine

10-03-2001, 12:27 PM

Thank you Anheuser Busch. We are planning a trip to Busch Gardens for later this month. For all the ugly things that people say to DH and for all the ugly ways he gets treated, it's nice to know that there is a company that recognizes that these people are heroes everday. I did not like looking out our Airport's window (where I work) and see DH board a plane on which a very stupid person made a comment about something ticking in his bag. But that is his job.

Thanks again. We'll be sure to drop money in the park for food and souveniers.

cheeringmom

10-04-2001, 01:20 PM

We are planning a trip to wdw before the chance of deployment comes up. Thanks, in advance, for the info. Pam:p

flyingcircus

10-04-2001, 10:29 PM

missjasmine-
What does your husband do that people say ugly things to him???

SlightlyGoofy

10-04-2001, 10:32 PM

I had the idea that policemen/women and other security professionals might be offered free transportation on planes, buses, trains etc which would save the companies big money and give these people who are underpaid a perk worth something.

I forget where or when I read it but there was a state that debating giving a tax break for teachers in their state to encourage new people to move there. Sounded like a good idea to me. Wave of the future?

Slightly Goofy

Miss Jasmine

10-05-2001, 08:08 AM

Flyingcircus,
My DH is in the unique position of being an Airport Police Officer. Even during this crisis people cannot understand why they cannot park on the curb in front of the terminal, why they can't park in restricted lots, etc. When he asks them to move their car and park in the lot he gets quite the variety of comments, up to and including being called horrid names. Of course that is not his whole job, especially now, but that is the part that is most stressful to him.

Anyway, to answer your question, he treats people the way that he would want to be treated. He is very professional (as he has been on the job for 11+ years). I just hate to hear how people treat him for just doing his job. Never would I be disrespectful to a police officer. And what kills me is that these are mostly our elderly population.

I hope I answered your question.

Mickeyfaniam

10-05-2001, 08:34 AM

scanmom
I can't remember if I was reading a Busch Gardens website or a Seaworld website but it read,
"They understand thet many of our countries firemen are volunteers and that they are welcome too!" So my guess is that this all includes them as well.
My DH is a volunteer firefighter too!

orlandofan

10-05-2001, 10:19 AM

Thank you for that information. My son has been a firefighter and a
rescue squad volunteer since he was in high school. No one understands
the time and effort they put into helping others. Thank you for the info he
can use it and will appreciate it. Maybe Disney can offer something too.

flyingcircus

10-05-2001, 10:29 AM

Miss Jasmine,

I think it is horrible that people treat other people this way! I am a flight attendant, and I go out of my way to say thanks to everyone who is trying to make my workplace a safer place!!

I have noticed lately that when I say thanks to the airport police, customs officials, FBI and National Guards at the airport, they do look a little shocked. But I am truly thankful, and appreciate all the hard work they do. Please let your husband know that he is respected!!

Miss Jasmine

10-05-2001, 11:42 AM

Flyingcircus,
Thanks for your words of support! :D I'll be sure to pass them on. Yes, flight attendents are wonderful, and do stop and say thanks. And thank you for still flying!

I'm sure you have your own passenger stories. DH always likes yanking from the plane the horrible passengers who give the flight crew a difficult time.

flyingcircus

10-05-2001, 02:20 PM

Yes, I do imagine he does have some good stories. It always amazes me what people will say and do, and think they can get away with it. It is a federal offense to interfere with crew- I don't think alot of people knew that. Believe me, whenever there is a call to the police, upon arrival it is always comforting to know there will always be at least 3 police officers ready to cart them off, and there are no IF, ANDS, or BUTS!!!

PMart

10-05-2001, 05:36 PM

I called WDW CRO just to see if they were thinking of offering some sort of deal for Police/Firefighters etc. and I was shocked that the CM didn't flat out tell me NO, he said they were definitly considering this and that at a later date there would be an announcement! Anyone else call them to ask, and what did they tell you? What a great way to say thank you to all of those who protect and serve us!

frannn

10-07-2001, 01:59 PM

The CM told me that their marketing dept was thinking about something like this, but if, when and what they do was not yet determined. I hope they decide this week, though, so our family can utilize whatever they offer. (DH is both police officer & volunteer fireman)

LoDivaLoca

10-07-2001, 06:33 PM

My brother is NYPD & has been doing check-points down by ground zero pretty much ever since this happened... Now, even if I were to try to take advantage of the free admission, how could I prove my brother is NYPD?? (Though I doubt I'll have time to stop at Sea World anyway....)

leejill

10-07-2001, 06:44 PM

:) This really is a great offer from the Busch Company. It's great to see that Disney is considering doing something also. I just hope they do it soon, because we are going down right after Thanksgiving, and it would sure cut down on the cost of our trip. I'm not one to ask for special favors, but it is certainly nice. I'm really looking forward to my vacation down there. I spent a week at the Pentagon on a search team and could use a little magic. And for everyone who gets to take advantage of this...say a little prayer for all of our fallen brothers and sisters in New York while you're there.

bobminter

10-07-2001, 10:23 PM

Originally posted by LoDivaLoca
My brother is NYPD & has been doing check-points down by ground zero pretty much ever since this happened... Now, even if I were to try to take advantage of the free admission, how could I prove my brother is NYPD?? (Though I doubt I'll have time to stop at Sea World anyway....)

I think you need to bring your brother and his offical ID with you.

LoDivaLoca

10-07-2001, 11:40 PM

thanks Bob, but he has to work like 80 hr weeks until the end of the year easily....

well, it's nice that they thought of him anyway!

cheeringmom

10-08-2001, 07:55 AM

Originally posted by LoDivaLoca
My brother is NYPD & has been doing check-points down by ground zero pretty much ever since this happened... Now, even if I were to try to take advantage of the free admission, how could I prove my brother is NYPD?? (Though I doubt I'll have time to stop at Sea World anyway....)

Hi, I just received an e mail back from the people of A. Busch and they answered within 2 daysYou have a good question. Write them and ask. Good Luck! Pam

dialbud@anheuser-busch.com

PamOKW

10-08-2001, 09:08 AM

It's free admission for the firefighter/police/EMT and free admission for his/her immediate family that accompanies the person the first time. After that, family members get 20% off when they accompany the eligible person but the person continues to get free admission. It doesn't apply to extended family or family visiting without the person.

madkatsmom

10-08-2001, 12:53 PM

What a great "thanks" to all the firefighters, police officers and emt's! We are leaving for Disney World, Disney Cruise and Sea World in 9 days and although our tickets are already purchased (we'll save them for a future visit) we'll be able to take advantage of this offer for our trip to Sea World! (DH is a NJ State Trooper who helped out during the crisis and at our airport) I just called Disney and was told by a CM that disney is not considering any offers :( I'll keep my fingers crossed and keep trying! God Bless America.

jillpra

10-08-2001, 03:19 PM

My husband is a firefighter and we are planning our trip for November 26th. He just called this afternoon and was told that Disney was working on some kind of compensation for firefighters and police but it could be several weeks before it is keyed into the system. The CM told him just to keep checking back.

jillpra

madkatsmom

10-08-2001, 04:03 PM

jillpra, at least you're getting some "positive" answers! I called again after reading your post and was told again that Disney is not offering the program that Annheiser-Busch is! Keep me posted, we leave in 9 days!!
madkatsmommy

Buschfan

10-10-2001, 08:03 PM

It looks like Disney is going to pass on great public relations opportunity. They were quick to match Busch's offer of free admission for firefighters when Florida was hit with massive wildfires last year. It doesn't look like Disney is going to respond in this case. Heck, Busch claims they make money off people who bought a one day pass and go the rest of the year free with a promotion they had this year. I guess they feel that Busch's offer will not receive that much attention and they feel no pressure to match it. We will see... I am even surprised they aren't matching Busch's monthly installment plan for season passes. Jeb Bush recently encouraged Florida residents to visit attractions in their state. Disney is sure not making this Florida resident want to give them any of my family's business.

jillpra

10-11-2001, 08:08 AM

I called this a.m. and spoke with a CM. She said it is their computer that Disney is considerig something for firefighters/Police but that it has still not been decided yet. She said that Disney would do some kind of press release once a decision has been made if they will do something.

jillpra

Buschfan

10-11-2001, 08:10 PM

Sorry, but what is there to consider? Either they match the offer or not. It is not that complicated to let someone in free who shows a badge. I frankly don't believe the spin that it takes weeks to program their computers. A goodwill jesture should not take so much 'soul-searching'. Either you step up to the plate and do it or you sit back and give out excuses as Disney appears to be doing.

madkatsmom

10-12-2001, 08:28 AM

Well said Buschfan!

leslieh

10-12-2001, 09:06 AM

Has anyone gone to the parks using this discount. We are planning to go to BG in Virginia tomorrow. I will let you know how this works. Im taking one extra person with us, I will try to call them today and see if theyre any discounts for extra persons.

Kevin&Kristen

10-12-2001, 11:14 AM

I called Disney yesterday. Their "official" statement is that they have commited to assisting with the clean up of New York and DC. They are currently looking into offering something for the Police & Fire Fighters at the parks.

ckr

10-15-2001, 01:15 PM

DH is a Police Officer and this gesture is GREATLY appreciated -- believe me.

My question is about the 2nd day free option. My understanding is that onece you are in Sea World Orlando, you can get a "2nd day free" pass that lets you return for a second day within 7 days. Does anyone know if this would be an option with the free Police pass?

I realize that DH can go free as often as he wishes before 1/1/2002 and that we can get 25% off -- which is very generous and we may take advantage off. The reason I ask is that we will be in Orlando for T-Giving Day through Saturday afternoon. Since we don't arrive until afternoon on T-G day, we're just trying to decide if we should use the free day on Friday, or if the 2nd day free is available, go for part of the day on T-G Day as well. Again, I'm not trying to be greedy here, just wondering about this part of the puzzle so that I can make a wise decision.

Thanks in Advance for any information you can give me!!!

crazyforpooh

10-15-2001, 09:19 PM

was also for towns who only have 'volunteer' fire squads. I got a reply but not answer to my question so, I called the 800 number they gave me in their return e-mail. They told me they would have to get back to me with an answer but, didn't think it would be for 'volunteer' firefighters.

We were already planning on going to Busch Gardens during our December trip and already have our tickets but, I thought we would try to go to SeaWorld with this most generous offer. I will say I was a bit upset not about the free admission not being offered but at the fact that they don't consider 'volunteer' firefighters as firefighters. We live in a small town of 4500 people give or take a few hundred and our volunteer firefighters, EMT's and paramedics are the only firefighters we have. They all work very hard to keep trained and up to date and also risk their lives when their is a house or brush fire in our town along with also working their full time jobs.

On the first Sunday of every month as their fundraiser they put on a wonderful breakfast for all you can eat this past October's breakfast we raised $1600 for the firefighter families of N.Y. and are very proud to be a part of their firefighter family.

God Bless all each and everyone.

I am very proud to be a wife of a 'volunteer firefighter' and our town's fire inspector.

Please don't take this wrong but I just needed to vent somewhere and I consider you all an extended part of my family.

bobminter

10-15-2001, 10:01 PM

Originally posted by crazyforpooh
was also for towns who only have 'volunteer' fire squads. I got a reply but not answer to my question so, I called the 800 number they gave me in their return e-mail. They told me they would have to get back to me with an answer but, didn't think it would be for 'volunteer' firefighters.

We were already planning on going to Busch Gardens during our December trip and already have our tickets but, I thought we would try to go to SeaWorld with this most generous offer. I will say I was a bit upset not about the free admission not being offered but at the fact that they don't consider 'volunteer' firefighters as firefighters. We live in a small town of 4500 people give or take a few hundred and our volunteer firefighters, EMT's and paramedics are the only firefighters we have. They all work very hard to keep trained and up to date and also risk their lives when their is a house or brush fire in our town along with also working their full time jobs.

On the first Sunday of every month as their fundraiser they put on a wonderful breakfast for all you can eat this past October's breakfast we raised $1600 for the firefighter families of N.Y. and are very proud to be a part of their firefighter family.

God Bless all each and everyone.

I am very proud to be a wife of a 'volunteer firefighter' and our town's fire inspector.

Please don't take this wrong but I just needed to vent somewhere and I consider you all an extended part of my family.

I think you are asking to many questions, most people do not distinguish the difference between volunteer and paid firefighters (and nor should they). I think you are over complicating the issue. If you have a photo I.D. you should be good to go !!

HaveFun

Bob

cheeringmom

10-16-2001, 07:53 AM

stating your dh is a FF if your dh doesn't have a figherfighter ID? My hubby was a volunteer also because of the small town we lived in and they had an identification cards just for being a volunteer. I'm sure you will have no trouble. Good luck and take the much needed break! Have fun! Pam

tonilea

10-18-2001, 11:08 AM

Any new info?

Kevin&Kristen

10-18-2001, 12:43 PM

I called Universal this morning - they have not decided what they want to do yet. We leave for WDW Saturday and we will ask at check in.

waltfan

10-18-2001, 08:38 PM

I already have annual passes for WDW, Universal and Sea World! Oh well.

Please keep all those who lost their lives on 9/11 in your prayers. With the low airfares I am booked for my next set of days off, hoping they don't call me in on overtime.

Mickeyfaniam

10-19-2001, 09:18 AM

volunteer firefighters
I know I read on one of the sights...seaworld or Busch Gardens....down on the bottom of the page that was about this offer.......I wish I could remember where.....It clearly stated that they understand half of our nations firefighters are volunteers and that they indeed are included. I am working right now, but later I will try to find this again. I am POSITIVE I read this!

leslieh

10-19-2001, 06:33 PM

Ok, we went to Busch Gardens in VA last Saturday. Everything went great. DH showed his sft. badge and they gave us 5 one day tickets. DH was sent to get a Heros ID with pix for future use the rest of the year. They even gave 20 percent food and shopping coupons. It was a great gift from the AB Co.

leslieh

10-19-2001, 06:35 PM

police sgt. badge. He is also a 30 year volunteer fireman too.

tonilea

10-19-2001, 09:02 PM

I would really prefer not to travel with my badge, has anyone used a commission card (picture id)?
thanks!
Toni

lmyers

10-20-2001, 08:05 AM

I called Busch Gardens this Thursday. Free Park entry for active military members and their immediate families for the first visit. It includes Sea World too. Must be active duty with proper ID.

Delaney

10-21-2001, 09:26 AM

based upon the cuts that Disney is doing it doesn't seem feasible that they are going to offer any discounts to anyone.

Del

Buschfan

10-21-2001, 07:33 PM

leslieh - It is great to hear your pleasant experience at the park in Williamsburg. The in park discounts they offered are better than my season pass discount of 10%. Glad to see how AB is handling this offer.

tonilea - an id card should be fine. I would call the park just to make sure. They should have plenty of experience with this program by now.

As far as Disney goes, they need to offer discounts to get people in the parks. Busch Entertainment has said to the local media here, that there has been no drop in attendance and has been no need to cut jobs at Busch Gardens in Tampa. I trully believe if Disney offers a similar deal as AB, that they would still profit from the increase spending in their parks that these people would bring. Now is not the time to be stingy with discounts. Get people in the parks even though they might only be paying $30 instead of $50. They make nothing and have to cut employees when people don't visit at all. There are several ways to obtain a discount to Busch Gardens for one day, something I have not seen Disney offer even to Florida residents or AAA members.

xplor144

10-23-2001, 04:15 PM

When should we assume Disney and Universal are not going to make an offer like this? I am taking my family of 6 to Disney for Thanksgiving, and it would be wonderful to be able to "do" it cheaper- we are trying to get some leave in and a vacation for hubby before another batch of deployments starts.
BTW- does anyone know if the "service" member has to be present? There are lots of families around here that would love to take advantage of this offer, but their sponsors are not here.
Amy
freebiewithme@aol.com

Buschfan

10-23-2001, 06:54 PM

Unfortunately, this offer is not for the military. The sponsor has to be with the family which prevents any abuse. It is an understandable rule. I believe Disney or Universal would of matched this program by now if they were going to do it. The busy holiday season is approaching soon and they would of at least offered something up until Thanksgiving. I hope I am wrong in this case though.

tonilea

10-23-2001, 08:04 PM

At this point, I do not think Disney or Universal will match the Busch Gardens / Sea World offer. Don't get me wrong, I would love it if Disney matched BG/SW. (These are my personal feelings and do not apply to anyone else..... I do not want to offend anyone..... ) But I found myself becoming annoyed because Disney was not matching the offer. Instead of being upset at Disney (they certainly are not obligated to give free or reduced admission), I intend to thank BG/SW the only way I know how..... by spending more of my money in their park.

I have been so upset with WDW for the last few days, because of the reduced hours, and cancellation of EE. But, I am going to try to be more positive, afterall, we went for the first time last year, stayed off-site (so no EE) and had a fabulous time. So, I am still going and I am going to have a wonderful time. Though I may change my ressies to off-site. I certainly feel like benefits are being reduced, without a corresponding reduction in Price!
:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Sorry for ranting, but I do feel a bit better
Toni:)

tonilea

10-23-2001, 08:19 PM

Buschfan

10-23-2001, 09:32 PM

Sorry, I just noticed an above post about the Military being included. This is even better! Explains why I read on another board that the Williamsburg park was crowded last weekend. Hope a lot of the millitary familes in the nearby Norfolk area enjoyed themselves. A co-worker told me the Tampa park was crowded last Saturday also. Busch is really advertising this offer on the local radio here. Glad to see people taking advantage of this offer. This is one of the few times where crowds won't bother me. The fact that my family's 2yr BG/SW season passes are helping these honored guests visit for free, makes me feel really good. I will drink a Bud to that!!

xplor144

10-23-2001, 11:15 PM

Buschfan- I understand what you are saying about the service member needing to be present to keep down abuse. But there are an awful lot of family members here who have said goodbye to their soldiers- not even knowing where they were going or when they would be back. It would be awful nice if they could take advantage of this offer too. Most likely the "guys" from here won't even be back until after the first of the year- after this gift is gone.
Amy

Buschfan

10-24-2001, 08:09 AM

Amy,

I understand your tough situation. Why not send a quick e-mail and explain your situation. I have always received a quick response in the past resulting with a phone call and an e-mail. It sure wouldn't hurt. I am including the link to the feedback form below.

http://contactus.anheuser-busch.com/contactus/talktous.asp

Todd

Miss Jasmine

10-25-2001, 08:52 AM

I would really prefer not to travel with my badge, has anyone used a commission card (picture id)?

LOL. A few months ago my DH bought a special wallet from Galls just so he could have one of his extra badges with him at all times. It also has a space for his ID card. I guess not all Police Officers are the same. :)

When we go to the Theme Parks I always end up getting stuck with his wallet in my backpack. That badge is heavy. :D

tonilea

10-25-2001, 09:00 PM

I guess what I really meant was I don't want to carry my badge without a weapon. I don't think they would appreciate me bringing a gun on the plane. :earseek: I always carry both here..... I sorta consider them a "matched set".....

Toni

Miss Jasmine

10-26-2001, 07:24 AM

Toni,
We're going to Busch Gardens this Sunday. I'll check with them about the ID card thing. I'll post here Tuesday with the answer. :)

I know about the matched set thing. It really does no good to have your badge when you don't have anything to back it up with. :D I think this was more of a case of a boy and his toys (either that or well so and so has one).

ckr

10-26-2001, 11:44 AM

Will you also check on the "2nd Day Free" policy (as it applies to these Police Officer's family free tix) for me? I've asked a few times on different boards and haven't gotten an answer. (Guess I could just call, eh? ha ha!)

We'll be getting off the Disney Cruise on T-G day and if we can get the 2nd day free, would want to go for part of the day on T-G day, then the 2nd day being Friday. If not, we'll just spend Friday there. See what you can find out, if you don't mind. Thanks!

Miss Jasmine

10-26-2001, 01:12 PM

ckr,
I'll see what I can find out. Don't know if I'll be able to get SW info out of BG employees, but I will try!

Any one else? :D

ckr

10-26-2001, 03:33 PM

Not only for checking for me, but for also understanding what the heck I was referring to!!

It's been a long week! Have a great weekend!! :0)

maciec

10-26-2001, 10:03 PM

I couldn't find any other posts regarding this so I thought I would share what I found out

Just out of curiosity I called BG to ask what they considered to be "immediate family" and the girl told me that "immediate family" was considered to be anyone who lives in your house.

I called because I wanted to see if that included our parents and they said only if they live with you and then they told me the rest.

I think that this is so wonderful for them to do. My husband was suspicious when I told him ... he thought when I told him all he would have to do is show his badge he said "I'm not badging my way into a park! We will pay the admission price!" I had to further explain what Anheiser-Bush was promoting and he was absolutely floored. He really was taken aback with their genorosity. It sad that it takes such a tragedy for our police officers, firefighters, and EMS personell to be appreciated.

Anyone who lays their life on the line for another is a HERO in my book!

Miss Jasmine

10-30-2001, 08:19 AM

Toni,
Just an ID is fine, in fact that is all that they asked for.

CKR,
I could not find an answer to your questions. Your best bet is to contract SWO directly and ask them

Here is what to expect when you go to BG/SW:

There is a special area set up to process the America Heros. Make sure you get to the park early. We were early and waited for the parking lot to open. Let's see BG opened at 10:00 and they opened the parking lot a little befor 9:30. We didn't get into the park until almost 9:50. It takes a while to process. They will first ask you whether you are police, fire, EMS or military. They the American Hero fills out the corresponding sheet. It's then that they ask you for an ID and ask how many guest tickets you will need. DH said I need three tickets, one for my wife and two kids. They never asked to see my ID or anything. FYI, I do have a small badge charm on my necklace, so I don't know if that had anything to do with it. After the sheet is filled out, DH was told to go stand in a line for processing. There is a portable trailer set up, where they take your information, take your picture and give you an admission pass/ID which is plastic and they give you a packet of information along with guest tickets. Family is asked to wait and does not stand in line. In the packet is a lanyard. They would like you to wear the plastic ID which states "American Hero". DH did not want to wear his (like that was a big surprise) so he plopped it over my head. No big deal. I can guarantee that NOBODY thought that I was on the job. :) After that we went into the park. Even though it was not supposed to open until 10:00 Montu was already up and running and we got right on.

So, allow yourselves some extra time to be processed. We were one of the first there and it still took about 15 to 20 minutes. The funny thing is that the ID said it was good for BG only. I wonder if DH would have to go through the same process at SWO.

They were checking your bags as you entered the park (sort-of). I could have walked right in, but I shoved my backback under the nose of one of the security guards. Maybe I wasn't high risk because of DH, I don't know.

We had fun. Not crowded walked on to most rides. The biggest wait was about 25 minutes for Gwanzi and that was only becuase they had one coaster going for Lion and one coaster going for Tiger. When we went back later and they had two online for each one, it was almost walk on.

Rhino Rally's water portion was closed down, but they didn't tell you until you were on the ride, so we wasted about 15-20 minutes for the 5 minute land portion. This ride bothered me because there weren't that many barriers between the animals and the land rovers.

All day all DH and I could think was, this is not Disney. But again, we really enjoyed the coasters and Kumba is still our favorite.