Busch Gardens? (Haymarket: sale, amusement park, buy)

[kcrossley]

Does anyone have any information on who InBev intends to sell Busch Gardens to now that they've completed the purchase of Anhaeuser-Busch?

[Mr Williamsburg]

There is lot's of speculation. But no one is talking. Most likely are European and Middle Eastern park operators. Some were hoping that Augie Busch would step up and buy it . Flush with cash after the sale to InBev. I have tried to get close friends who work for AB to talk to no avail ( They would be fired) They already lost their two cases of Budweiser monthly allowance !

[kcrossley]

Does anyone have anymore info on this? The last thing I read was that both Disney and Universal Studios were interested. I also read that most other amusement park companies are either struggling with their own parks or don't have the cash needed for an acquisition of this size.

[Mr Williamsburg]

Haven't heard anything. Most likely suitor would have been Dubai which is developing a Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove there. But even they seem to be having cash issues.
Busch Employees I know say they are managing the park just the same as last year, no major changes. In fact the entertainment schedule seems like it will be better than last year. If you have or buy a season pass there is a preview day for passholders on Sunday March 22, 2009 . Each spring, they open the park for pass members before we open to the rest of the public, and it’s not just a normal day at Busch Gardens. This year, Jack Hanna and his furry friends will be here. And pass holders would be the first to see the new Sesame Street 4-D movie, “Lights, Camera, Imagination!”

[dvcgal]

I don't think Disney is interested in the park any longer. I have a gf that works for Kingsmill, and she was telling me that at first there was some interest and there was even a visit from some Disney reps but apparently Disney owns land somewhere else here in VA and they decided against the Busch purchase.

[kcrossley]

That's interesting. I wonder where their property is and how many acres they purchased?

[dvcgal]

Some one mentioned Haymarket, Virginia and I have to be totally honest that I'm not sure if this is real or rumor and...I have no clue where Haymarket, VA is.