Busch Gardens Virginia

[joycepa]

My Dh is putting in his requests for vaction for next year and dd's want to visit Busch Gardens VA. Does anyone know if it would make any difference as far as crowds are considered if we visited very early in June or the third week in August?
Also, Does anyone have any suggestions for hotels with suites? DD15 would like to bring someone and I would prefer a suite rather than 2 rooms.

 

[luvmyboys]

VA native here. The 3rd week of August will be much less crowded, and maybe not quite as hot. (That one is always a crap shoot though!)

I love, love, love Busch Gardens in Williamsburg!

ETA: I have no suggestions regarding hotel rooms, as we usually drive up for the day.

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

we were down this yr in June and last yr in August, both times crowd levels were reasonable. Last yr we stayed at the marriot at fords colony, this yr we stayed at kings creek plantation. Loved both places, but actually prefer kings creek due to location. It is next door (walking distance) to the water park.
Have fun.

 

[NCRedding]

We love BGW. I can't help with the crowd levels since I've never been either of those times. I do know that between early and late May lots of school groups visit during the week which can affect crowds,but I expect most of the school group trips would be over by early June.

We've stayed at the Embassy Suites, which is a little distanced from BGW, but is a typical ES--the rooms may be a bit smaller than normal though. I'd also look at renting a timeshare--Wyndham has several in the area (they used to be Fairfield). We've stayed at Kingsgate, which was nice and not too far from the Embassy Suites. There is also a Homewood Suites (or used to be) near this same area.

 

[joycepa]

Thanks for all the info. We are definitely going to try for the third week in August. I will look into Kingsgate.

 

[ajk912]

I would go for very early in June because the humidity isn't as bad in early June as it is in July and August. Early June is still actually kind of nice! It won't be 90s yet..probably mid 80s. Mid August is still hot hot hot...especially with the humidity that makes you sticky. I live in Richmond, about an hour away.

As for crowds..a lot of VA schools let out MID June, so early June would be a GREAT time to go. Most schools don't let start back up till September 7 (or something ridiculous) next year..so vacationers will still be out full swing in August!

 

[GeorgeY]

BGW is one of our favorite parks. My wife generally hates theme parks (Funny since we live next to WDW) but loves Busch Gardens and the themeing and the natural environment.

We usually visit every other year and we stay at the Hapton Inn and Suites on Capitol Landing Road. It is not on the major Tourist coridor area, but easy drive to Busch Gardens (5 minutes), Colonial Williamsburg (5 minutes) Richmond Road tourist area (5 minutes).

I can't help on the time, as we always go late july and it is usually very hot, wet and crowded on the weekends. I do advise avoiding a weekend where there is a concert as it is extremly packed.

George

 

[SideshowBob]

SSB also a big BGV fan! Used to live in Richmond as well, and had annual passes there. Loved the Loch Ness Monster!





A classic in every aspect, this popular interlocking double-looping roller coaster gives you a peek at Scotland's most infamous "monster." Reaching 13 stories into the air with a 114-foot drop, this "creature" offers a spine-tingling, breathtaking ride at speeds up to 60 mph.

 

[nataliesdaddy]

VA native here. The 3rd week of August will be much less crowded, and maybe not quite as hot. (That one is always a crap shoot though!)

I love, love, love Busch Gardens in Williamsburg!

ETA: I have no suggestions regarding hotel rooms, as we usually drive up for the day.

thanks for your input - I have been wondering about busch. I wonder what is going to happen when the Anheuser buy out goes through. WIll SW and Busch gardens still be as nice? Yes? No? Guess we wil find out.

 

[KirstenB]

My Dh is putting in his requests for vaction for next year and dd's want to visit Busch Gardens VA. Does anyone know if it would make any difference as far as crowds are considered if we visited very early in June or the third week in August?
Also, Does anyone have any suggestions for hotels with suites? DD15 would like to bring someone and I would prefer a suite rather than 2 rooms.

If you mean the first week in June, that would get my vote. Our county is west of Richmond, and the first week in June is my kids' last week. Virtually everyone east of us still has another week of school after ours'. August is still busy as heck, on the other hand, since much of the state doesn't go back to school til after labor day.

 

[PlainJane]

I would pick the first week of June because many kids are still in school.

As far as hotels, my family has stayed at Ford's Colony, Kings Creek, Powhatan Plantation, and Kings Gate. They are all very nice. Kings Gate is my least favorite of the four though because the accommodations are small in comparison to the others.

 

[Nala56]

My husband and daughter went Father's day weekend last year. No crowds, no lines, great weather. They had a great time. They stayed at Marriott.

 

[tiggerlover]

I would vote for the first week in June as I think the crowds would be smaller and it usually isn't as hot and humid as it is in August. Our schools get out on June 18th in Hampton Roads so I would think that would be a bonus because the "locals" will still be in school the first week of June.

As far as lodging I have heard wonderful things about the Great Wolfe Lodge, I know a lot of people I work with go up there for a weekend get-away with there kids and rave about it.

 

[JimFitz]

DO NOT STAY IN THE DAYS INN!!! My family stayed there and the walls were paper thin. The couple next door must have been newlyweds or just started dating.........my wife and I heard everything ALL NIGHT LONG, AND I MEAN ALL NIGHT. Gave me an inferiority complex.

There was a Busch Lodge there that I remember looked nice.

 

[JimFitz]

I would stay Great Wolf....I have not been to the one there, but have not heard bad things about any GWL.

 

[joycepa]

I'll definitely look into GWL!! We have always wanted to visit the one in the Poconos and never seem to get there.
It's been many years since we were at BGW. We will probably spend 3 or 4 days there and either go to the beach or to Kings Dominion. My kids are crazy about amusement parks.
Thanks for all the info.