Allow me to give you a little background, in case you’ve never been to this theme park. There are two versions of Busch Gardens.  One is in Tampa and is a theme park based around Africa.  The other is in Williamsburg, and is based around Europe.  In Williamsburg, the park is broken into a handful of pieces — England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Germany, and France.  Each “country” has its own architecture and feel, with attractions that are based on things that might be found there.  I can’t speak for Busch Gardens Tampa (never been there), but I think Busch Gardens Williamsburg has done a very, very good job keeping “on message” with the Europe theme.  It’s also generally regarded as one of the most beautiful theme parks in the world.

Given all of this, imagine my surprise when I find that Busch Gardens Williamsburg has added a new section between Italy and England called Sesame Street Forest of Fun.

I’m a huge fan of Sesame Street, mind you.  The show started right after I was born, so I grew up with Grover, Big Bird, Ernie and Bert.  My kids love the show too, even if my nearly seven-year-old daughter tells us she’s too old for it.  The issue is that no one told me the show was based in Europe!

Wait.  It’s not based in Europe?  Well then, that’s a problem.

Whether this was a decision by the park’s new owners, or this was something that was in the works before they took over, we’re seeing a watering down of a brand.  BG had a clear message that “when you come to this park, you’re visiting Europe”.  There wasn’t a ride in the park that didn’t, at least in its name, follow that message.  Until now.

BG did make an *attempt* to fit the furry monsters and the giant bird into the theme, but it’s an impossible task.  Nothing short of giving the well known trashcan-loving monster the new name of Oscar Von Grouch would fix the mistake.  It’s like Kentucky Fried Chicken suddenly selling hamburgers.  It just doesn’t fit.

When you’re thinking about your own business and considering a change … please think about this example.  Busch Gardens surely will make some money from the Sesame Street characters, but they’ll pay the price by losing their hard earned identity.

Bonus Content
Here are a few funny comments posted on Facebook when I mentioned in my status update that I was confused about Sesame Street moving to Europe:

• Did you see Oscar Le’Grouch and Big Van Der Bird? [Editor's note: Yes, I stole this joke.]
• Did Big Bird speak French?
• Did Big Bird drink any Busch Beer, he might have been speaking French after a 6 pack!!!
• Big Bird is from France. It’s true. Always thought Oscar was British.

Do I need to chill out and lighten up?  Feel free to say so in comments!