Busch Gardens (Williamsburg) \"partners\" with the National Peanut Board

Are they the "official" supplier of information about peanuts at this park? How exciting! (sarcasm.....)

I saw Gerber (one of the "partners") products sold in several of the restaurants. But I did not notice peanuts, tho they certainly may have been sold in the park.

I wonder if Anheuser Busch has some sort of 'deal' with the National Peanut Board. We were at a Cardinal game tonight and AB sells peanuts ("cardinal" peanuts) inside their stadium....

Gail W,

Well...mystery solved...this just bums me out a bit...SeaWorld will no longer be quite as safe...

The partnership w/Busch Gardens is new.

[url="http://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/pressrelease_71.asp"]http://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/pressrelease_71.asp[/url]

OK...I was poking around the NPB site, and I have to admit that this piece seems pretty responsible...

[url="http://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/document_436.asp"]http://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/document_436.asp[/url]

Thanks nutternomore. I think the concept that the NPB "partnering" with an amusement park is an interesting development.... There certainly were food products containing nuts.

The Busch Gardens staff at the restaurants were not very helpful or knowledgeable re: ingredients. But despite this, we were able to find food for DD (e.g. fruit, sliced meat, ice cream bar). It was nothing near what we are accustomed to at Disney. Disney has completely spoiled me.

I didn't look into food accommodations prior to our trip. Busch Gardens makes this statement about food allergies on their website:

[url="http://www.buschgardens.com/buschgardens/va/dp_special_needs.aspx"]http://www.buschgardens.com/buschgardens/va/dp_special_needs.aspx[/url]

[i]"If you are concerned about food allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg or soy, please speak with a restaurant manager or supervisor to request recipes and product packaging labels before consuming any food items." [/i]

We did do that, but we were uncomfortable with their lack of knowledge.

[This message has been edited by Gail W (edited August 05, 2005).]

The whole idea of a [i]beer[/i] company pairing up with peanuts is no shock to me. What was shocking was the idea that a [i]beer[/i] company is in the [i]family amusement park business[/i]. That's what we're talking about right? (I've never been to Busch Gardens.) Beer, Peanuts. sounds simple to me.

Is [i]beer[/i]a prevalent theme at the Gardens? At any of the A.B. theme parks? From my experience, alcohol is sold at various places at Disney, but it is [i]well concealed[/i] I can't say I remember seeing anyone drinking in the parks or drinking advertised (don't know if it was, just don't remember it from any of our trips) although I was able to order sangria or a beer at the Hoop.

It seems more odd to me that A.B. invested in a family theme parks.............

[i]SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island, SeaWorld San Diego, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Water Country USA, SeaWorld San Antonio, Sesame Place and Discovery Cove............[/i]

..........(is that correct or am I confused?) than the idea of NPB partnering with one one. NPB partner with a company that makes [i]beer[/i]? Seems completely normal...........

If a [i]beer[i] company wasn't involved in the parks, maybe then I would find the whole peanut partnership a little more "hmmmmmmmm".

But maybe it's just me.

Again, do I have this straight? Busch Gardens as in [b]Anheuser Busch[/b]?

General Disclaimer: I am not offering advice in any manner or form. Just wondering. And possibly confused.

Given that we are planning a trip to Orlando and planned on visiting SeaWorld, I called to give 'em heck.

The person I spoke with could finish my sentences when it came to peanut allergy. Talk about aware. I swear she was a member here. Anyway, she said that upper management was very sensitive to the issue of peanuts and PA people. The displays were set up in the parking lot and were only there a few days at each site. Florida has already been the host for the peanut partner.

She said that nightly the park rides are all washed and that should remove residue if it exists. (Never thought about that before. They must wash them well because I've never see an amusement park ride that looked dirty. Worn maybe but you'd expect with all those people using it, after a few years, it would look like a public restroom).

Anyway, I was very pleased with her responses...and she was very nice, understanding and sympathetic.

Still, I have to admit, I don't like to see them hooked up with "the enemy".

HTH

Are there campgrounds at any of their theme parks? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/tongue.gif[/img]

Quote:Originally posted by MommaBear:
Again, do I have this straight? Busch Gardens as in [b]Anheuser Busch[/b]?

Yep. That's the one. Based right here in St. Louis.

Quote:Originally posted by MommaBear:
.........SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island, SeaWorld San Diego, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Water Country USA, SeaWorld San Antonio, Sesame Place and Discovery Cove............

Add[i] Grant's Farm [/i] (here in St. Louis) to the list. The famous clydesdale horses often reside there.

Quote:Originally posted by Gail W:
I wonder if Anheuser Busch has some sort of 'deal' with the National Peanut Board. We were at a Cardinal game tonight and AB sells peanuts ("cardinal" peanuts) inside their stadium....

"AB" being "Anheuser Busch". "Their stadium "being [i]"Busch Stadium". [/i]

In the many Cardinal games I've been to, I've never noticed any advertisement/sponsorship/partnership of the NPB on any print materials. I have the program from Thursday's game here. There are lots of advertisers, but no NPB.

I think the NPB is expanding its marketing efforts. My guess is that [i]I will [/i]be seeing the NPB logo on my Cardinal baseball program in the future. And probably other print material as well.

Quote:Originally posted by MommaBear:
[b]Are there campgrounds at any of their theme parks? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/tongue.gif[/img][/b]

I noticed a campground at Jamestown. (And I thought about your family.) [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

There are lots in the area. You may have heard in the news of the Boy Scouts' annual Jamboree which took place while we were there. (Terrible tragedy occurred. President Bush visited and spoke.)

While vacationing in California this past Spring, we went to Sea World. I had no idea that there would be this huge beer extravaganza there. Hubby and I started laughing because we thought it was cool! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] I actually hung out at this place (for a while because my little one was sleeping and the other 2 boys wanted to go on the rides) which, by the way, gave free samples (large at that) of different beers and other alcoholic beverages that they made. They also had a little teaching school that you could sign up for (free of charge) to learn about their beer. It was a silly educational tour. lol

Anyway, they won't let you leave their highly guarded area with an alcoholic anything. Not to mention, I didn't see 1 single peanut anywhere. Not saying they didn't have any but I just didn't see them being sold.

So although yes a little odd that a "family" amusement park would have this, it was still fun!

Quote:Originally posted by LaurensMom:
[b]Given that we are planning a trip to Orlando and planned on visiting SeaWorld, I called to give 'em heck.

The person I spoke with could finish my sentences when it came to peanut allergy. Talk about aware. I swear she was a member here. [/b]

That's good news. I hope that awareness trickles down to the staff who actually work in the food service at Sea World. Unlike Disney, my experience at Busch Garden was that the restaurant staff were not knowledgeable nor were they helpful. I hope your experience at Sea World is better.

This can't be surprising--it's in *Virginia*. We're a peanut state. I'm surprised you didn't see roasted peanut stands everywhere at Busch Gardens.

ygg

Quote:Originally posted by Nutternomore:
[b]Gail W,

Well...mystery solved...this just bums me out a bit...SeaWorld will no longer be quite as safe...

The partnership w/Busch Gardens is new.

[url="http://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/pressrelease_71.asp"]http://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/pressrelease_71.asp[/url]

[/b]

Looks like there will be lots of new PB menu items at these parks. Here is the text of the article nutternomore found on the NPB website: (I added the bold)

[b]Peanuts Make A Splash At Sea World and Busch Gardens[/b]

Contact: Kristin Altman
(404) 367-2740

June 10, 2005 (Atlanta) - The National Peanut Board (NPB) has partnered with the SeaWorld Adventure Parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio and Busch Gardens Williamsburg to offer guests fun, peanut-themed attractions and food. As part of this year-round sponsorship, Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC) will introduce peanut-inspired menu items in restaurants and kiosks and host the National Peanut Board's Thirllin' & Grillin' interactive multimedia mobile tour at these selected parks.

"The National Peanut Board is thrilled to link with Sea World and Busch Gardens. These favorite American theme parks embody the same sense of fun as peanuts, another American favorite," explained Marie Fenn, president and managing director, National Peanut Board. "Busch Entertainment parks are known for outstanding food and we're pleased to offer hungry patrons a selection of fun and nutritious dishess to satisfy their cravings. In addition, guests entering the parks can visit our entaining and educational Thrillin' & Grillin' interactive mobile tour that will introduce to a whole new world of peanuts beyond sandwiches and snack nuts."

[b]New peanut menu items will be featured in three separate dining establishments in each of the selected BEC parks, including Shark's Underwater grill in Orlando, the flagship restaurant in the BEC park system. Menu items include: Grilled Salmon with Creamy Peanut Herb Sauce, Asian Peanut Chicken Salad with Peanut-Ranch Dressing, Pan-Seared Peanut-Herb Crusted Grouper, Makahiki Luau Peanut-Banana Lava Cake, PBCB Smoothie, Peanut Butter Chocolate Cloud Cake and more.Park guests will have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary samples of these new menu items on designated weekends. [/b]

In addition to the new menu items, NPB's Thrillin' & Grillin' Tour will visit each of the parks and other destinations as it travels across the nation this summer. A 32-foot peanut towers over the bright red mobile marketing unit packed with fun facts, recipes and diet information about peanuts and peanut butter. The interactive fun includes cooking demonstrations, game and coloring kiosks, and an exhibit showing how peanuts grow. Buddy McNutty, NPB's character mascot, will entertain children and adults alike, and peanut farmers will be on-hand to teach visitors firsthand about peanut farming.

"We look forward to working with the National Peanut Board and providing our guests with this exciting new look at USA-grown peanuts," said Joe Couceiro, vice president of marketing for SeaWorld Orlando. "By tasting peanuts in new ways at our parks and visiting the Thrillin' & Grillin' tour, our visitors will experience this favorite culinary staple in new light. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are proud to team with American's peanut farmers."

The National Peanut Board will extend its promotional presence further by sponsoring Sea World Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular in 2005 and 2006 and Bud & BBQ Fest in 2006, offering food sampling and additional peanut attractions.

Summertime revelry at Sea World and Busch Gardens just got a whole lot "nuttier"...and is now more fun than ever.

I am going to e-mail them. With the growing rate of peanut allergy how ignorant can people be. On another note, we just had a great safe trip at Disney World.

Reraising

Absolutely unacceptable.

Amusement parks: maybe next you should remove handicapped accessibility features.

Idiots.