Busch Gardens Williamsburg comparison

[polymerpig]

We will probably go to Busch Gardens Williamsburg this summer since our family will be meeting in VA for a week. I mainly stick to Disney parks because I really can't handle drops on rides - no roller coasters, etc., and there is so much for me to do at Disney other than rides that make me sick. So places like Universal don't have a lot for me. I'm looking for some real comparisons and examples for what I might encounter at BGW...I really need to know if I can even attempt a ride or not. Clearly the roller coasters are all out - I know that. Some people have said Oh you can do ___ - there is only one drop at the end, but no....I do not even do Splash Mt, Big Thunder, Space Mt. About the most thrilling thing I can do is Dinosaur (or Indiana Jones in Disneyland) (a very different kind of movement)

Anyway...I know I can handle the Rhine Cruise...the tea cup-type things. My big question is about the Flying over Europe ride - it seems like it's like Soarin' which I can do...does this involve any more motion that Soarin'?? I really want to do this one. If anyone has been to BGW and can really give me good comparisons between the BG rides and Disney equivalents I'd really appreciate it. Hoping I can do SOMETHING... besides eat and shop of course

 

[Mrs.Malone]

The Europe ride is milder than Soarin. Your feet don't hang down--there is a platform enclosing you so it's more like a big Star Tours unit that moves up and down. I don't do rollercoasters other than Disney ones and I dislike carnival rides (of which there are many at BGW. Scrambler, the pirate ship that goes up and over, bumper cars, the swings, teacups). I enjoy BGW very much but I only do the Europe ride and the shows, look at the animals, watch the rest of my family ride the big rides or kiddie rides, and go in the shops. Also the Rhine cruise, carousel, train, and skyride (gondola). My kids think I have a pretty boring day! It's a beautiful park but it lacks in what IMO makes Disney so special: family rides that everyone can enjoy.

 

[kellyg403]

I get motion sickness and not a fan of drops or going upside down, so like you there are not a lot of rides at BG that I do. But Flying over Europe was fine for me. Only word of caution, don't sit in the front!

Honestly, it was fine. To me it was a lot more like Star Tours, you sit in a chair you get buckled in and you move to the scence on the screen. Its similar movement to me. I have not been on Soarin' in sometime though.

HTH!


Kelly

 

[ebtbmom]

We go to BG once a year, I hate to say that you probably wont find much there to ride. They have a rapids ride, do you like those? They do have pretty good shows, we always watch the wolves. And it is a beautiful park. The Darkastle ride is fun but there is a spinning motion.

I have to disagree about the Europe ride. The motions on it are very rough and jerky, more so than ST I think. I am a thrill ride person, but after a ride on this I had to sit down for half an hour so I wouldn't loose my lunch!

Have you checked out Water Country? You might like that park too.

Wanted to add, the Pet Shenanigans show is really cute check it out if you can.

 

[violetrose]

The Europe ride is milder than Soarin. Your feet don't hang down--there is a platform enclosing you so it's more like a big Star Tours unit that moves up and down. I don't do rollercoasters other than Disney ones and I dislike carnival rides (of which there are many at BGW. Scrambler, the pirate ship that goes up and over, bumper cars, the swings, teacups). I enjoy BGW very much but I only do the Europe ride and the shows, look at the animals, watch the rest of my family ride the big rides or kiddie rides, and go in the shops. Also the Rhine cruise, carousel, train, and skyride (gondola). My kids think I have a pretty boring day! It's a beautiful park but it lacks in what IMO makes Disney so special: family rides that everyone can enjoy.

ITA.

If you can find a pretty spot to sit and take a load off, it makes for a nice day. I brought a book last time we went and it was a really relaxing day. It's a notch up from the Six Flags parks, but not the caliber of WDW. What sets it apart from the other parks though is the beautiful landscaping and interesting animals. It's also a fun park to navigate, lots of small hills and valleys, with many areas in the shade. I can spend a day there doing nothing but if you are the type who wants to be entertained you probably will not enjoy it.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I don't do big coasters, and therefore am not a big amusement park person.
I also have Vertigo, and totally understand the 'hanging' and 'dropping' thing.

I was great on the Over Europe ride.
And I really, really, have vertigo.
Makes me wonder if other things were going on with the one person who mentioned not doing well on that.

We really loved BG Williamsburg!
Lots to see and do besides the coasters.
Great Park.
Highly recommend.

The show in 'Italy' was really somethig... not just some kids doing theme park fare. Well worthwhile.

The food in Italy is probably much better than in the German FestHaus.
Se saw several who were taking their food up from Italy to the German, where it is air-conditioned.

Enjoy!

 

[hiwaygal]

We are passholders at BG-Europe and neither DH nor I really ride the rides. We're there about once a month during the summer, and lots more in the fall/winter.

The rides we will ride together are: train, sky ride, carosel, Rhine cruise, and Dark Tower. A friend of mine who has some pretty significant motion sickness says she can ride Soarin' but absolutely cannot handle the Flying over Europe ride.

We usually try to see all one or two shows a visit, and we just LOVE LOVE LOVE walking around and enjoying the atmosphere and shops and food and everything.

While it's not WDW, BG-Europe has won the Most Beautiful Theme Park in the Country Award from the National Amusement Park Historical Association for 21 years in a row.

 

[Wishing on a star]

They have a rapids ride

It was a hot day when we were there.
DS wanted to do the Roman Rapids...
We waited in the long line.

I like rapids rides!
But, this was the one huge disappointment for me at BG.
Not a great rapids ride.

But, a really great park!
Again, highly recommend.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I don't get motion sickness so much...
I can do the spinning and motion!!!!

But, I do have some real vertigo. (Hanging, Dropping, Heights)

I think it might be helpful to try to distinguish between the two????

Anyhow, I am not really seeing how Europe can be all that bad for motion sickness??? Perhaps there is something there that can be a trigger for some, few, people???

I did not have the slightest problem with Europe at all.
In fact, wanted to do it again, just to see it, and enjoy that 'WHOOOOOSH' of nice cool air-conditioned air in those parts!
Yes, it was HOT that day!

 

[My2Pixies]

We live about 45 minutes from BGW and are there several times a year. Flying over Europe is the only ride that makes me motion sick. It is *very* jerky and we avoid it like the plague.

Now, Curse of DarKastle, another indoor ride, is an amazing ride in comparison. Very smooth and quite original. It's a must do for us.

 

[lovetoscrap]

I have terrible motion sickness and Europe in the Air was like sitting in hell! I had taken my Dramamine which allows me to ride everything including the thrill rides in Disney, but I was miserable. DH doesn't get sick on anything and has been known to ride the biggest coasters several times in a row with out getting off and he said that Europe made him feel a little oogy. The motion and the visual are not smoothy synced like Soarin. The movement is jerky like Star Tours only more severe.

I ride everything at WDW except the thrill rides and I have done all those except for Everest without too much trouble, I just don't enjoy them. At BGW I can ride the train and will do the River Rafting ride if I have taken my dramamine. I did the bumper cars but now I have a hip injury and can't do them. Otherwise there is nothing there I can ride. BG doesn't have any tea cups I don't think? There are the typical carnival things like a Scrambler and a boat that goes back and forth and swings. I won't ride any of those. I would have been fine in DarKastle if it didn't have spinning. If you can do tea cups then it will probably be okay for you. The slow rides are just carnival type that go in circles and most don't allow adults unless they accompanying small children. There is a Merry Go Round if you like those (they make me sick just to watch!)

The shows are good and it is a very pretty park, food isn't bad so like others said bring a book and while family is on rides do some people watching and read. I crocheted almost an entire hat when we were there 2 summers ago! They just don't really have any "in between rides", it is either for small children or rides designed to make you (well, me at least) puke.

 

[polymerpig]

WOW - Thanks so much everyone for your responses. It has helped a lot...although I think because of the mixed reactions to Europe in the Air I think I will just have to take some Dramamine and suck it up and try it. I'll report back in August how I reacted to it Things like Soarin' and Dinosaur make me a little queasy but I'm over it pretty quickly. Spinning things like teacups and even the carousel (I think there are teacups at BG - Turkish Delight maybe??) take a bit longer for me to recover but I'll be okay IF I was the one in control of the teacup action (ie NO extra spinning). Anything with drops, roller coasters, etc...I'm just sick for the day so just don't do them.

I only do the Europe ride and the shows, look at the animals, watch the rest of my family ride the big rides or kiddie rides, and go in the shops. Also the Rhine cruise, carousel, train, and skyride (gondola). lacks in what IMO makes Disney so special: family rides that everyone can enjoy.

Sounds like my plan will be similar. Agree about the family rides...that's why I'm pretty upset they are replacing Snow White with one I can't do

Only word of caution, don't sit in the front!

Honestly, it was fine. To me it was a lot more like Star Tours, you sit in a chair you get buckled in and you move to the scence on the screen. Its similar movement to me. I have not been on Soarin' in sometime though.
Kelly

Thanks for the tip about where to sit! I have not done Star Tours...maybe I will practice on that in April...

They have a rapids ride, do you like those? They do have pretty good shows, we always watch the wolves. And it is a beautiful park. The Darkastle ride is fun but there is a spinning motion.

I have to disagree about the Europe ride. The motions on it are very rough and jerky, more so than ST I think.
Have you checked out Water Country? You might like that park too.

Wanted to add, the Pet Shenanigans show is really cute check it out if you can.

Thanks for the show info - will definitely check them out. I do like rapid rides that don't have drops - there was one at the old Opryland park in Nashville that was great - got soaked, but no drops. Does this one have drops? (Does Kali River have drops in AK? Thought I heard it did, but almost never get to AK so haven't checked it out). Know there is a Water Country but haven't checked into details yet - thanks for reminder.

ITA.
I can spend a day there doing nothing but if you are the type who wants to be entertained you probably will not enjoy it.

I'm good with doing nothing

The rides we will ride together are: train, sky ride, carosel, Rhine cruise, and Dark Tower. A friend of mine who has some pretty significant motion sickness says she can ride Soarin' but absolutely cannot handle the Flying over Europe ride.

While it's not WDW, BG-Europe has won the Most Beautiful Theme Park in the Country Award from the National Amusement Park Historical Association for 21 years in a row.

AAHHH - guess I won't know about Soarin vs Europe til I just try it. I am looking forward to just being there because it is so pretty.

I like rapids rides!
But, this was the one huge disappointment for me at BG.
Not a great rapids ride.

Not great because it is mild and no drops? If so that's okay with me

I don't get motion sickness so much...
I can do the spinning and motion!!!!

But, I do have some real vertigo. (Hanging, Dropping, Heights)

I think it might be helpful to try to distinguish between the two????

I did not have the slightest problem with Europe at all.
In fact, wanted to do it again, just to see it, and enjoy that 'WHOOOOOSH' of nice cool air-conditioned air in those parts!
Yes, it was HOT that day!

Guess that would be my distinction too - can spin a bit and will recover - drop and hang..no thank you.

Flying over Europe is the only ride that makes me motion sick. It is *very* jerky and we avoid it like the plague.

Now, Curse of DarKastle, another indoor ride, is an amazing ride in comparison. Very smooth and quite original. It's a must do for us.

Tell me more about DarKastle...read about it - sounds like I'd love the story-, watched Youtube videos...but really can't tell how I'll do based on those - videos capture the scene in front of you, not really what your body is doing. Can you describe it in a little more detail - how much motion and how violent is the spinning? Most of the ride smooth? Compare motion to say Dinosaur? Thanks

I have terrible motion sickness and Europe in the Air was like sitting in hell! I had taken my Dramamine The motion and the visual are not smoothy synced like Soarin. The movement is jerky like Star Tours only more severe.

At BGW I can ride the train and will do the River Rafting ride if I have taken my dramamine. BG doesn't have any tea cups I don't think? I would have been fine in DarKastle if it didn't have spinning. If you can do tea cups then it will probably be okay for you. There is a Merry Go Round if you like those (they make me sick just to watch!)

They just don't really have any "in between rides", it is either for small children or rides designed to make you (well, me at least) puke.

Uh Oh... back to thinking I'll be sick To be honest, I have to close my eyes for the "transition" parts of Soarin'...going over the cliffs, etc...if I am prepared to cope with the visuals what is the physical movement of the seat platform like? (I know - it would help if I could compare it to Star Tours but have never done it). It is too bad there are no "in-betweens"

Again, thank you all so much for your input...I really appreciate it.

 

[Wishing on a star]

"The motion and the visual are not smoothy synced like Soarin. The movement is jerky like Star Tours only more severe...."

Hhhhmmmm,
Now I am wondering... could the ride have sometimes been 'off' somewhat???? Or, has it been adjusted????

I don't mind motion-theater rides...
Have been on some that I liked...
I did NOT like Star Tours for this reason stated... totally agree on that.
But, do not remember Europe being quite so bad like that.

I was there the last week of May two years ago... 2010, unless my brain is fried right now and I am not remembering right!

What dates have you others ridden it???

 

[lovetoscrap]

WOW - Thanks so much everyone for your responses. It has helped a lot...although I think because of the mixed reactions to Europe in the Air I think I will just have to take some Dramamine and suck it up and try it. Things like Soarin' and Dinosaur make me a little queasy but I'm over it pretty quickly. Spinning things like teacups and even the carousel (I think there are teacups at BG - Turkish Delight maybe??) take a bit longer for me to recover but I'll be okay IF I was the one in control of the teacup action (ie NO extra spinning).


Thanks for the show info - will definitely check them out. I do like rapid rides that don't have drops - there was one at the old Opryland park in Nashville that was great - got soaked, but no drops. Does this one have drops? (Does Kali River have drops in AK? Thought I heard it did, but almost never get to AK so haven't checked it out). Know there is a Water Country but haven't checked into details yet - thanks for reminder.


Not great because it is mild and no drops? If so that's okay with me

Tell me more about DarKastle...read about it - sounds like I'd love the story-, watched Youtube videos...but really can't tell how I'll do based on those - videos capture the scene in front of you, not really what your body is doing. Can you describe it in a little more detail - how much motion and how violent is the spinning? Most of the ride smooth? Compare motion to say Dinosaur? Thanks

Uh Oh... back to thinking I'll be sick To be honest, I have to close my eyes for the "transition" parts of Soarin'...going over the cliffs, etc...if I am prepared to cope with the visuals what is the physical movement of the seat platform like? (I know - it would help if I could compare it to Star Tours but have never done it). It is too bad there are no "in-betweens"

Again, thank you all so much for your input...I really appreciate it.

I would compare the motion of Europe to Dinosaur-- the sudden side to side and back and forth. The good news is that I lived through it so you will too! I would definitely try Star Tours if you have a chance because if you don't like it then you won't like Europe. But I haven't been on Star Tours since they refurbed it so maybe it is less jerky now?

I like Dinosaur and I don't remember much about DarKastle because I was trying to hold on to my lunch but I don't think it was nearly as jerky as Dino, and the spinning was like a teacup but there wasn't a whole lot-- a few rotations each time.

River Rapids is LAME! I love Kali and the one at BG is a real disappointment. I can't remember any drops. I remember the last time I rode it I kept waiting for a little drop and none ever came.

Forgot about that area where the Turkish Delight is. I'm not sure that any of my family has done the teacups like ride, but my thrill seeking girls love the other rides back there.

 

[lovetoscrap]

"The motion and the visual are not smoothy synced like Soarin. The movement is jerky like Star Tours only more severe...."

Hhhhmmmm,
Now I am wondering... could the ride have sometimes been 'off' somewhat???? Or, has it been adjusted????

I don't mind motion-theater rides...
Have been on some that I liked...
I did NOT like Star Tours for this reason stated... totally agree on that.
But, do not remember Europe being quite so bad like that.

I was there the last week of May two years ago... 2010, unless my brain is fried right now and I am not remembering right!

What dates have you others ridden it???

That is possible. I don't remember when we rode it but I think it was pretty soon after it opened, like in the first few weeks? So maybe they have adjusted things since then?

 

[Wishing on a star]

I would compare the motion of Europe to Dinosaur-- the sudden side to side and back and forth. The good news is that I lived through it so you will too! I would definitely try Star Tours if you have a chance because if you don't like it then you won't like Europe. But I haven't been on Star Tours since they refurbed it so maybe it is less jerky now?

I like Dinosaur and I don't remember much about DarKastle because I was trying to hold on to my lunch but I don't think it was nearly as jerky as Dino, and the spinning was like a teacup but there wasn't a whole lot-- a few rotations each time.

River Rapids is LAME! I love Kali and the one at BG is a real disappointment. I can't remember any drops. I remember the last time I rode it I kept waiting for a little drop and none ever came.

Forgot about that area where the Turkish Delight is. I'm not sure that any of my family has done the teacups like ride, but my thrill seeking girls love the other rides back there.

Yes, great post....
I hope they re-did Star Tours, because I did NOT like the way it was.

And, yes, Roman River Rapids has to be the lamest water ride, ever...

Anyhow,
OP, it is a GREAT park!!!!
Go with a great attitude, and enjoy!

 

[Lorelei Lee]

Another question:

I am plus sized. I fit on all the rides at WDW. How are all the rides at Busch?

 

[hereyago]

Another question:

I am plus sized. I fit on all the rides at WDW. How are all the rides at Busch?

Loch ness monster, love it, but it's not very above size friendly. I forgot to add earlier: Apollo's Chariott, Alpengeist have a seat at the front of the entrances where you can sit down and see how well you fit. Alpengiest has a couple seats in the back rows that are bigger size friendly. Apollo's chariott, the seats on the outside are more easier to get into. I don't know about Griffon, I don't get anywhere near the ride except to watch my DD13 sit in front and scream Hi Mom from the top.

 

[hereyago]

I live about 30 minutes away from BG.

I don't like rollercoasters-I'll do loch ness, but Apollo's chariott I screamed bloody murder, Griffon-not going to happen. I loved the Big Bad Wolf when they had it, waiting to see what the next roller coaster will be.

I like to do the Europe air thing, but I have to sit in the back and i like feeling the fans because if not, I would hurl.

Dark Kastle: you know, I am not a fan-I love HM at Magic Kingdom, but Dark castle I like to put my hands out and look like I am poking things that are 3d, but I'm just odd that way.lol.

Have a great time, it is a beautiful park. Also, FYI, you can always bring a picnic lunch as they have picnic tables in a couple areas-parking lots.

 

[Mrs.Malone]

I really enjoy hanging around around the splash zone at the Pompeii ride. It's fun to watch the big splash and see unsuspecting spectators getting splashed too. There are lots of benches there and you can pay a couple of quarters and squirt the people on the ride with a water gun.