Please please help us to solve a mystery

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another

United Kingdom
1192 Posts
Joined: 03 Apr 2004
Status: offline

Posted - 08 Jan 2008 : 22:15:10

I'm also positive it is Busch Gardens. Not sure if it is still there, when we went in March 2007 we didn't have any 'little ones' with us so we didn't go to Land of the Dragons.

It is a lovely photo Ali.

Frances

http://www.villasflorida.com/florida-vacation-rental-3257.aspx

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dawn burley

United Kingdom
602 Posts
Joined: 28 Feb 2005
Status: offline

Posted - 08 Jan 2008 : 22:51:28

Thanks for posting the photo it's lovely and really captures the moment. It certainly looks like Busch gardens to me also. We go most years and unfortunately have not seen the gnome. However, if you can find the approximate spot with the sign behind, it would still make a lovely photograph, especially knowing you had tried your hardest.

Dawn

http://www.orlandovillas.com/florida-vacation-rental-2003.aspx

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Nina A

United Kingdom
1458 Posts
Joined: 07 Feb 2005
Status: offline

Posted - 09 Jan 2008 : 08:27:57

Hi again Ali, I have this back from the guide authors, not great news but all is not lost yet! Will let you know when I hear more.

'Yes, this is definitely Busch Gardens, down in the Bird Gardens area; I'm pretty sure this whole area is now the Land of the Dragons kids' play area, and I certainly haven't seen this gnome character in recent years. We will try to make some enquiries and see what we can find out, but I suspect this may be long gone as the park has undergone several fairly drastic makeovers since 1994'.

Fingers crossed

Nina
http://www.orlandovillas.com/florida-vacation-rental-3217.aspx
http://www.orlandovillarental.com/florida-vacation-rental-3219.aspx
http://www.orlandovillarental.com/florida-vacation-rental-3302.aspx

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Nina A

United Kingdom
1458 Posts
Joined: 07 Feb 2005
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Posted - 09 Jan 2008 : 22:06:15

Hi Ali, This is the latest, I'll keep you posted.

'As regards the photo, I've emailed it on to a contact of ours at Busch Gardens in the hope the gnome might still exist. We can definitely identify it as the old Dwarf Village, which closed in 1995 to make way for Land of the Dragons, but we have no way of knowing if the 'gnome' still exists (I suspect it doesn't). However, the Bird Gardens area has some pretty similar-looking areas for photo possibilities, and the signage is still similar, so they might be able to find a suitable spot'.

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ali5

United Kingdom
35 Posts
Joined: 26 Aug 2007
Status: offline

Posted - 10 Jan 2008 : 18:29:25

Nina

What can I say. Even though I suspected that the gnome was no longer there everyone, especially yourself, has been soooo helpful. What a group of friends !!!!

You are an absolute

THANK YOU

Ali

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Susan J

United Kingdom
1141 Posts
Joined: 13 May 2003
Status: offline

Posted - 11 Jan 2008 : 15:11:12

What a shame - I can remember roughly where the gnome was, but the exact spot isn't there now. Your father looks so happy thee, what a lovely photo -no wonder he remains dear to his grandchildren. I would send this photo to Busch directly and tell them the story -I am sure someone at Customer services will enjo helping you with this.

Susan J

http://www.villasflorida.com/Villas/113.aspx

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Solana

United Kingdom
785 Posts
Joined: 30 Aug 2004
Status: offline

Posted - 11 Jan 2008 : 23:17:55

Ali, what a brilliant photo nad I am amazed at how clever everybody is at tracking this down, hope the children get their photo as a memory of their special grandad.

Jocelyn And Alistair

www.orlandovillas.com/Villas/2189.aspx

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Nina A

United Kingdom
1458 Posts
Joined: 07 Feb 2005
Status: offline

Posted - 14 Jan 2008 : 09:52:30

Hi Ali, I've heard again and as I thought the news isn't good. I think Susan J's idea is a good one though, you've nothing to lose.

'We have heard back from our Busch Gardens contact and she has confirmed the location of that person's photo was the old Dwarf Village, but very sadly, it has been completely built over by the Land of the Dragons area and the 'gnome' in the pic is now long gone, unfortunately. As I think I said last time, the family may be able to find a similar background for an up-dated pic in the Bird Gardens area if they have a good look around, but the actual one from their photo no longer exists'.

Sorry I didn't have better news for you but I'm sure you'll all have a wonderful time creating new memories

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ali5

United Kingdom
35 Posts
Joined: 26 Aug 2007
Status: offline

Posted - 14 Jan 2008 : 15:41:21

Not a problem Nina - thanks for the trouble you went to.

Never mind - it is slightly disappointing, especially for the kids, but I am sure that once we are at Disney we can find another magical spot for photo sessions.

Ali

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Susan J

United Kingdom
1141 Posts
Joined: 13 May 2003
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Posted - 16 Jan 2008 : 12:51:43

Do write to Busch Gardens - the e-mail address is on their web site -you may have a pleasant surprise. [no typos on this one, sorry I am terrible if I get busy!!]

Susan J

http://www.villasflorida.com/Villas/113.aspx

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