Busch Gardens, VA VS Hershey Park

[kandb]

We are a family of 5 ( 12, 12 and 7 years). Our children have their spring break the last week of April. We are going to go to either Hershey/Lancaster for the week or Williamsburg/Busch Gardens for the week.

We are in Northern NJ, so Williamsburg is an extra 3 hour drive but we have never been.

We would be doing Williamsburg 4/25 thru 4/28 and then do Busch Gardens 4/29 and 4/30. Will the crowds be manageable at this time of year? If we went to Hershey, it would be a few hours on 4/29 and then the day on 4/30.

Any suggestions on which to pick?

 

[jormom1030]

I live 20 minutes from Hershey. Go to Busch Gardens.

 

[pa. dad]

Like you, I'm closer to hershey.
I'd check the hours of the park and what attractions are open pre season.

 

[ForeverAlice]

Busch Gardens VA in my opinion is cleaner and an overall better experience. When I was on their site the other day I noticed they also have a pass called a fun card you can buy online for 77 per person instead of the one day ticket which costs the same but would only work for the one day. I think the only catch is you have to pre purchase the card on their website but I am sure if you call they would have more info.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

We are a family of 5 ( 12, 12 and 7 years). Our children have their spring break the last week of April. We are going to go to either Hershey/Lancaster for the week or Williamsburg/Busch Gardens for the week.

We are in Northern NJ, so Williamsburg is an extra 3 hour drive but we have never been.

We would be doing Williamsburg 4/25 thru 4/28 and then do Busch Gardens 4/29 and 4/30. Will the crowds be manageable at this time of year? If we went to Hershey, it would be a few hours on 4/29 and then the day on 4/30.

Any suggestions on which to pick?

I'll make the decision for you based of Hershey Park site is appears that Hershey is not repeat not open either of those days.

 

[maranara]

We have those Fun Cards and go to Busch Gardens 3 or 4 times a year! It's awesome. We joke that it's my daughter's happy place - last year she asked to go for her birthday instead of a party. Seriously. And we LOVE Williamsburg too - DH & I both went to college there so it's always our choice for vacation (we live in Northern VA). Crowds in Williamsburg won't be bad at all that time of year. VA schools all had spring break last week or this week. Busch Gardens is only open Fri-Sun so it will be fairly crowded there, but manageable. The big coasters will have 45-60 min waits. Let me know if you have more specific questions!

 

[kandb]

I'll make the decision for you based of Hershey Park site is appears that Hershey is not repeat not open either of those days.

It is actually opened 4/29 and 4/30. The website is tricky. If you are looking at the "spring" hours at Hershey, it says it's closed those days but if you click on "summer" hours then it shows its open. It's really done poorly. I did that once before myself.

 

[kandb]

Thank you everyone. We are leaning towards going to Williamsburg/Busch Gardens. Will check ride status for our dates.

 

[dancemonkey]

We love Hershey! But I think Busch Gardens would have better e
Weather!

 

[NYCANC]

Heading to BGW next week- we love it there! Look online since they have some great deals on passes. We love Williamsburg too. Great vacation!

 

[kandb]

Heading to BGW next week- we love it there! Look online since they have some great deals on passes. We love Williamsburg too. Great vacation!

Yes, they do have a great pass for when we are going (Unlimited Williamsburgh and BG including parking for 7 days), $99 adult, $79 children 12 and under.

 

[Hikergirl]

We've been too both, I'd go to BG and Williamsburg over Hershey.

 

[KangaFan]

We go every spring or summer. Just like Disney, park opening has the shortest lines and they usually open 30 mins before the official time. They do a staggered opening with the areas in the back opening later than those closest to the entrance.

 

[Crystal824]

Busch Gardens VA in my opinion is cleaner and an overall better experience. When I was on their site the other day I noticed they also have a pass called a fun card you can buy online for 77 per person instead of the one day ticket which costs the same but would only work for the one day. I think the only catch is you have to pre purchase the card on their website but I am sure if you call they would have more info.

We have been to both several times. While I like Hershey (in fact we are going there for the Disunplugged meet this summer), there is a ton more to do in Williamsburg if you plan to be there for a week. Hershey is good for a long weekend, but I think a week might be too long. Also, BG is just a better park IMO.

 

[ajnesbitt07]

I live in Lancaster and go to Hershey often. If you decide to come this way, let me know and I can make some suggestions on fun things to do beyond Hershey Park! It's a beautiful time of year in Lancaster County

I haven't been to Busch Gardens in several years, but I have very fond memories of it growing up!

 

[ebradley23]

I live in Richmond, and we go to Busch Gardens almost every weekend (season passes). I love the park. It's beautiful with lots of shade. Great rides and fantastic food. You can pre-purchase meals on their web site or app to save $$. Just know the portions are huge. We usually purchase 2 adult meals and split with my big eater kid. PS Do NOT Google anything about Verbolten. Just ride it for the best roller coaster experience ever. If you google it will ruin the fun.

 

[kandb]

That's for the advice. I am a ride chicken but I know my daughter, husband and hopefully my 7 year old son will be going on it.

 

[kandb]

We decided to go to Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. We will go to Williamsburg/Jamestown for 3 days and spend 2 days at Busch Gardens. Looking forward to both!

 

[NYCANC]

We decided to go to Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. We will go to Williamsburg/Jamestown for 3 days and spend 2 days at Busch Gardens. Looking forward to both!

Have a great time!
Jamestown is wonderful!
And when you are in Williamsburg- get lunch at The Cheese Shop!
If you are a bread person- get the bread ends and the house dressing! And a sandwich

 

[kqlehman]

The Chocolate World ride is currently being renovated, so next time you come you'll be able to see the new version. I love Hershey! There's a ton to do besides just the park.