SeaWorld Hospitality Centers' end free samples

[GapToothed]

From the Orlando Sentinel:
Busch Entertainment Corp. is about to end of the longest-standing traditions at its theme parks: Free beer sampling.
The company announced this morning that it will close the popular hospitality houses at all of its SeaWorld and Busch Garden parks beginning this month. The facilities will eventually re-open -- without the beer sampling.
In a written statement, Busch didn't offer an explanation for the move. But it said employees at the hospitality centers will remain with the company.
Busch said the Busch Gardens hospitality house in Tampa will close "briefly" at the end of January and re-open with a new "cafe-style menu." The SeaWorld Orlando hospitality house will close for a longer stretch as of Feb. 1 and will ultimately be converted into a new restaurant.
UPDATE: A spokeswoman says Busch is recasting the hospitality centers in order to "expand the facilities' appeal across age groups."

[nursemelis374]

Ahhh man! The Hospitality Center is one of my favorite things at Sea World!

[Roo719]

Okay, who were the two parents who whined about alcohol in the parks? 'Cause you know it was them....not the gazillion ones who loved it and said nothing.

Actually, it is kinda a bummer...but it sounds like it will be back in Tampa, just you gotta pay.

peace,
Roo

[kcnole]

I highly doubt it had anything to do with people complaining about the alcohol and everything to do with inbev not really caring to associate with them anymore since they're trying to sell them off.

[draybook]

I wouldn't complain but why on Earth would anyone want to drink at a family park?

Go get blitzed at home if you're looking to get buzzed.

[kcnole]

Because not everyone is there with their children, and I highly doubt anyone was getting blitzed off the two beers that they gave you. People wanting to drink there is no different than people wanting to drink in Epcot. Heck, Disney has a whole event there and at DCA catering to fans of wine.

[sir clinksalot]

Originally Posted by draybook

I wouldn't complain but why on Earth would anyone want to drink at a family park?

Go get blitzed at home if you're looking to get buzzed.

They sell alcohol at EPCOT too. It wasn't about getting "Blitzed" it was about having a little refreshment and trying new things.

[Xharryb]

I was wondering how long it would be until we started seeing things like this.

[flynnibus]

The 'beer' theme was an essential part to the original Busch Gardens.

They also cut the free 2 cases of beer perk per month to full time employees... on top of the 1,400 they laid off from AB right before xmas.

[flynnibus]

The 'beer' theme was an essential part to the original Busch Gardens.

They also cut the free 2 cases of beer perk per month to full time employees... on top of the 1,400 they laid off from AB right before xmas.

[haunted_hottie]

Originally Posted by draybook

I wouldn't complain but why on Earth would anyone want to drink at a family park?

Go get blitzed at home if you're looking to get buzzed.

Personally, I enjoyed having wine with my meal while at EPCOT and I have also enjoyed the occasional cocktail at Ariel's Grotto bar in DCA AND I have no children (gasp!). And just a note: not everyone drinks while out to get "blitzed."

Meanwhile, on the topic:
It's a shame that they are cutting the free beer sampling, but seems inevitable considering the economy. Everyone is cutting back where they can.

[Athlonacon]

I went there last month after a long day of riding rollercoasters and water rides, it was a VERY welcome relief to just sit for 15 minutes and have a couple cups of ice-cold ales that I normally wouldn't have tried.

To be honest, it was a factor in buying the Fun Card because they have a HUGE range of beers that I've never had the desire to try by the 6 pack. Obviously it wasn't *the* deciding factor but I am very upset to see this aspect of the park go.

I've always disliked Budweiser as a company but had great respect for it as an American institution. Now that it's not even American anymore, despite what all the St. Louis commercials would have you think, I see no reason to drink any of that swill if I have to pay for it in the park.

[AstroBlaster]

I anticipated this change ever since the inbev takeover. The PR spin is BS. Next will be the hospitality centers in the factories.

[Stitchy]

aw, I'm sad to hear this.

I don't even drink, and hate beer...but, I always made a point to stop buy and at least TRY a couple of the beers. I never drank much of them...but, I was willing to try them.


They'll keep the Clydesdales, right?

[Melonballer]

BOOOOOOOOOOOOO! My uncle will be heart-broken when I tell him. He loves Budweiser and loved the hospitality centers.