So Long AB Parks

[crazydaveh]

Well, the announcement should come in at any second. AB is selling out to InBev to be Anheuser Busch InBev. Will they sell the parks? Most likely, since they are using the capitol from the sale to finance the deal.

I was at SW today. There was a lull over the park, employees said they felt betrayed and blindsided.

That A needs to go ASAP for loyal AB fans.

 

[rainfully]

Being from St. Louis... this absolutely kills me.

 

[NemoRocks78]

Damn

I just took this shot yesterday at BGA...

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/NemoRocks/ab-1.jpg">

 

[crazydaveh]

This killed me today as I drove into SeaWorld and Aquatica!

<a href="http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i37/crazydaveh/?action=view&current=aquaticapreviewday137.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i37/crazydaveh/aquaticapreviewday137.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

A takeover may not be bad news for the parks - sure there will be changes........................ but lets just wait and see

 

[crazydaveh]

I just hope whoever leads the parks does it with the quality that AB has done.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

I just hope whoever leads the parks does it with the quality that AB has done.

Takeokers don't necessarily mean job losses. Just cos the park has changed owners, it may well still trade under the same name. Those in charge will still have an input - you can't put a rookie in charge or goodness knows what will happen

 

[celticdog]

There was a huge article in our local paper:

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-07-15-0100.html

Since BGE(Busch Gardens Europe) is just a 45 minute drive for me, I've been watching this closely. It's the best theme park outside of Disney. I will be heading there next week. I'll have to pick up some souveniers, they'll soon be limited editions and collectors items.

If, or when it gets sold, I don't forsee any drastic changes except for names and logos. I would imagine that some of the animal and conservation programs may disappear. That would be sad as we look forward to seeing the wolves, eagles and other assorted animals.

 

[BikerJim]

My guess is that the Free Beer at the HH and the Clydsdales will be the first to go. Maybe they will put Rollercoasters in all the space.

 

[crazydaveh]

BikerJim, You'll still have your spot out on the patio or inside with Steve sitting and drinking next to ya!

 

[BikerJim]

Dave,

I was outside with Larry & Barb today. Tomorrow I am meeting Steve over there. As long as the Beer is Free, I will be there my regular 4 or 5 times a week.

BikerJim

 

[crazydaveh]

If only you didn't work the weekends!

 

[darthjohnny]

Here's an article from the Orlando Sentinel saying PETA shows interest in buying the parks:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-peta2008aug20,0,2621350.story

I doubt this will ever happen. They probably just want to get their name out there in the news again.

 

[crazydaveh]

Here's an article from the Orlando Sentinel saying PETA shows interest in buying the parks:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-peta2008aug20,0,2621350.story

I doubt this will ever happen. They probably just want to get their name out there in the news again.

That's crazy! I understand where PETA is coming from and the message they're trying to send, but do they not realize that a lot of the animals in the parks have been in the parks their entire life and if they were to be let into the wild, they most likely could not survive!

I think it's a publicity stunt, and I don't think AB or InBev would sell to them knowing this, even though the mighty dollar is powerful!

 

[Rabflmom]

That's crazy! I understand where PETA is coming from and the message they're trying to send, but do they not realize that a lot of the animals in the parks have been in the parks their entire life and if they were to be let into the wild, they most likely could not survive!

I think it's a publicity stunt, and I don't think AB or InBev would sell to them knowing this, even though the mighty dollar is powerful!

>>>>>>

Man, if InBEv did think about really selling to PETA, I would hope the Busch family would step up and get it back. I can't imagine watching something my family worked so hard to build be destroyed by an animal rights group. The parks would not survive without the wonderful shows. I wonder what types of clauses are in the original contract to sell? Maybe something about who it can or can't be sold to or it is null and void. I know one super millionaire that when he decided to sell his main business, he put in a clause that the buyer would continue to pay his children's health, life, and car insurance for 10 years since he had done that for them using company profit their whole lives(his children were in their 50s) He figured they were so lazy it would take them that long to get it for themselves LOL

 

[NoVa Mom]

OMG! I cannot believe that is actually a true story!!! I heard that on tv but thought it was fake!! Someone actually thinks he will be doing those animals a favor by setting them free??? I am all for animals in nature but those animals were born at Seaworld!! They would not last one minute in the ocean!!! Please, someone with common sense fix this mess! I hope the Busch family steps in to preserve the proud work they have done on behalf of conservation.

I love BGE and the wolves and eagles there are great teaching tools for my kids to learn from! They have just added a new area where exotic birds and large snakes and small birds are available to touch and learn from. My kids love it! I am not impressed by these InBev freaks!

 

[a2grafix]

I wonder when and if InBev takes over, will they eliminate the free beer at the Bud pavilion?