If a European vacation isn’t in the cards for you this year, a visit to Williamsburg, Virginia could do the trick. At Busch Gardens Williamsburg, visitors are transported — by train, no less — through Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, and England. You can build a loaded baked potato at Ireland’s O’Tators before digging into a cannoli in Italy’s Marco Polo’s Marketplace. Then, head to Germany for OktoberZest, a show that promises to entertain with music and dancing that celebrates German culture.
Once the novelty of a European-themed park has worn off — there are the rides. The Busch Gardens roller coasters don’t disappoint. The park is home to rides like Griffon, which drops passengers 205 feet at 75 miles per hour, and Apollo’s Chariot, which consistently receives top marks by Golden Ticket Awards.
When to Visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens in Virginia is a seasonal park, closing in early January and reopening in mid-March every year. As expected, the park is busiest over summer holiday weekends, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. However, keep in mind the park is also crowded during Halloween-themed Howl-O-Scream weekends (running late September through late October) and Christmas Town weekends (Thanksgiving through early January).
To avoid the crowds and maximize the number of rides you can take, plan your visit during the week (particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) or during a non-holiday weekend. Regardless of when you visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg, arriving at the park before it opens will ensure you enjoy at least a few rides before it gets crowded.
How to Select the Best Busch Gardens Williamsburg Tickets
If you’re planning a summer or fall visit, the standard Busch Gardens 1-day ticket offers access to the Virginia park for one day between March 15 and Nov. 1, 2020, typically priced at $88.99. During the Christmas Town season (November to January), ticket prices vary between $34.99 and $59.99, depending on the day.
Moreover, buying tickets online and in advance will ensure you secure the best prices for your trip to Virginia’s Busch Gardens.
Simplify the Busch Gardens Experience
Depending on your desired park experience, consider purchasing ticket add-ons in advance. If you want great seats for Celtic Fyre, an Irish step dancing show, paying a little extra will be well worth a reserved seat. If you know food will play a big part in your day, add on an All-Day Dining Deal + Drinks, allowing access to an entrée, a side or dessert, and a drink every 90 minutes. Virginia’s Busch Gardens also offers quick queue access, granting priority status at your favorite rides and roller coasters.
Additionally, Busch Gardens Williamsburg features a Transferable Ride Locker Pass for securing your belongings while enjoying rides, as well as a Quick Pay Cashless Wristband that allows for purchases without the hassle of searching for your wallet.
Hotels Near Busch Gardens VA
When it’s time to escape the buzz of the park, a hotel near Busch Gardens provides a welcome retreat. For a taste of luxury, consider a stay at the nearby Kingsmill Resort. It stands out as Williamsburg’s only AAA Four Diamond Condominium Resort, featuring championship golf courses, a spa, multiple pools (including a lazy river), and several restaurants, all conveniently located near Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Additionally, the shuttle service to and from the theme park is complimentary, making it an excellent choice for visitors.
In terms of proximity to the park, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Williamsburg is exceedingly convenient. The hotel offers both indoor and outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness center, a game room, and an internet café. Plus, for a nominal fee, you can take advantage of the daily shuttle service to and from Busch Gardens.
Where to Eat at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Due to park policies, you cannot bring your own food into the venue (except for single-serve snacks and water), making it a perfect opportunity to indulge at one of Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s many European-themed eateries.
Meat lovers can head to New France’s Trapper’s Smokehouse for barbecue ribs, chicken, and brisket. Everyone in the family will find something to enjoy after visiting the Marco Polo’s Marketplace, where a variety of Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian meals await.
Busch Gardens Roller Coasters You Won’t Want to Miss
In addition to tried-and-true Busch Gardens roller coasters — Apollo’s Chariot, Verbolten, Griffon, Alpengeist, and the Loch Ness Monster — don’t miss the new Finnegan’s Flyer, which swings passengers 80 feet into the air.
Starting in 2020, Busch Gardens Williamsburg visitors can experience the fastest multi-launch roller coaster in the world. The Pantheon features four launches, two inversions, a 95-degree drop, and reaches speeds of up to 73 m.p.h.
