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Visitor’s Guide to Busch Gardens Williamsburg
If you want an experience of a lifetime, book your next vacation trip to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This spectacular 383-acre theme park in Williamsburg, Virginia is one of the most beloved in the U.S. Enjoy a landscape of nine European-themed villages, over fifty thrilling rides, and live entertainment featuring exotic animals.
At Busch Gardens Williamsburg, there is fun for kids of all ages. If you’re not getting an adrenaline rush from a ride, eat and drink to your heart’s content at one of the many restaurants. Don’t miss out on all the family fun and excitement this beautiful theme park has to offer. Plan your trip today!
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Ticket Options
Visitors have several ticket options available through the Busch Gardens website, including a ticket plus all-day dining. Guests can choose a single-day ticket for a specific date or multi-day tickets. Fun cards allow for unlimited visits until a certain date, and fun cards allow entry to the Busch Gardens sister park, Water Country USA. If you need a hotel during your stay, the site offers great rates — and you can bundle to save even more money. You can also order tickets here!
Water Country USA
Water Country USA is less than two miles north of Busch Gardens. This water park has pools, rivers, and kiddie water rides for even the youngest members of the family. Once you’ve gotten your fill of the water, you can recharge at one of their many snack and dining options.
Parking at Busch Gardens
In the general parking lot located off of Busch Gardens Boulevard, the parking fee is $30. You can prepay for parking on the Busch Gardens website and just show the receipt to the attendant when you arrive.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Busch Gardens?
Busch Gardens Williamsburg operates on a seasonal basis. The regular season is from March to September. Every October, the park hosts the special Howl-O-Scream event and the Bier Fest, the Busch Gardens version of Oktoberfest. For more themed excursions, visit in November or December for the annual Christmas Town celebration.
It is advisable to always check the website for updates in case there are schedule changes.
What Is The Best Busch Gardens Park Strategy?
There are several things you can do to make your visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg more enjoyable. (Although, you should still be prepared just in case a few things go awry.)
Visitors have the opportunity to purchase a “Quick Queue” pass during the days when the crowds are heavy. This gives you priority access to the rides without waiting very long.
If you get hungry during your visit, Busch Gardens has you covered! There is a wide range of dining and snack options to choose from. You can get burgers, fries, wings, pizza, barbeque, and even pretzels. You can also sample foreign beers. Additionally, you can set up an account with the Food & Wine Cashless Wristband. Simply link your credit or debit card to the band and swipe it for purchases.
When you visit Busch Gardens, prepare for a long day of fun! There are many essential items that you should not leave home without:
- Portable phone charger
- Bottled water and snacks
- Hand sanitizer
- A good hat or baseball cap
- Sunglasses
- A bottle of sunscreen
- Comfortable tennis shoes or sandals. (Remember, you will be doing a lot of walking!)
- A poncho or a raincoat just in case
- A stroller for the young kids
- Comfortable clothing is a must.
The Best Busch Gardens Attractions
Pantheon
According to the Busch Gardens Website, Pantheon is the “world’s fastest multi-launch coaster,” harnessing the power of the Roman gods to send riders hurtling at speeds up to 73 mph. Each section of the roller coaster thrills like its namesake deity.
The Loch Ness Monster Ride
One of Busch Gardens’ top attractions is The Loch Ness Monster Ride. Passengers are treated to a fast 3,240 steel thrill fest that travels over water and through a dark cave. It will have you screaming for more.
InvadR Ride
After opening in 2017, this wooden roller coaster takes riders through a number of twists and turns 60 feet above the ground. The sharp turns over airtime hills will satisfy any adrenaline rush.
Tempesto
This high-speed rollercoaster is a daring, gravity-defying thrillfest. Go around sharp turns, twists, and even upside down at 63 mph while over 150 feet in the air. The signature loop-the-loop will have stomachs churning.
Finnegan’s Flyer Ride
As one of the newer attractions, this ride reaches 80 feet in the air while traveling 45 mph. The double pendulum swings back and forth, giving riders an overview of the park. Finnegan’s Flyer Ride is definitely one of the scariest rides at the park.
Apollo’s Chariot Ride
This hyper rollercoaster is a Busch Gardens favorite. Hold onto your seats as you slowly climb then drop 210 feet from the apex. The twists and turns at 75 mph will have you screaming for more.
Verbolten Ride
This ride is like cruising on the Autobahn. It is a family adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat with thrills.
Battle of Aire
One of the park’s newest attractions takes visitors on a virtual reality thrill. Hop on the dragon and battle for the soul of Ireland. This attraction is one of a kind and continues to receive updates.
Stage Shows
Busch Gardens isn’t just about the rides. Guests can take in one of the family-friendly stage shows at one of the park’s theatres.
Celtic Fyre
You’re in for a treat as you celebrate Irish culture and dance with Celtic Fyre at the Abbey Stone Theatre. Become immersed in a Celtic-style storytelling adventure!
Bel Concertino
The open-air Teatro di San Marco is where you’ll hear the music and sounds of Italy as well as Italian Americans like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Bravo!
Sunny Day Celebration
Celebrate another sunny day with Elmo and all his friends at the Sesame Street Forest of Fun! It’s an interactive show for kids as they dance, since, and play along with their Sesame Street Friends!
Williamsburg: Family Fun Central
Visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg and have the time of your life. If this is your first visit, you will definitely be impressed by the abundance of attractions, rides, and live shows. See for yourself why this family-friendly amusement park is rated as one of the best in the U.S. — but don’t stop there.
The historic Williamsburg area is an entertainment oasis. There is a little bit of something for everyone. When you’re not getting your adrenaline rush at the park, take time out to shop, visit Colonial Williamsburg, or go on exclusive tours. To learn more about planning a trip to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, head over to Relax Williamsburg.