Busch Gardens Williamsburg

[Joan1]

Not sure where to post this but here goes

We may be going to Williamsburg for a couple of days at the end of August and was wondering if anyone has been to Busch Gardens Williamsburg?

If you have can you tell me what there is that shouldn't be missed. Is this a park that you should get there at opening or is it a park that is better if you go in late afternoon until closing?

I have a 12yr that likes roller coasters but not really over the top ones and a 10yr old that doesn't like them at all

Thanks for any insight

 

[yaytezIOA]

BGE is known for its coasters. I was at BGE for the grand opening of Griffon, the tallest and first floorless Dive Coaster. Its 200 ft tall, and has two Immelman loops. They also have four other coasters, including Alpengeist, Apollo's Chariot, Big Bad Wolf, and Lochness Monster. All of which are pretty big coasters. They also have a number of log rides, smaller rides, and then Darkastle which is compared to Spiderman. Its a beautiful park, and has lots to do. It is definately a get there early park.

 

[cookiemonstermommy]

Busch Gardens Williamsburg (now called busch gardens europe) is AMAZING. It's by far my favorite amusement park-IMO 100x better than Busch Gardens Africa (tampa bay). If you're only going for one day, I suggest you make it an all day thing if you can--there is so much to see and do.

General Rides: For both kids (and you!) Don't miss Corkscrew Hill--simulated minimal motion ride/movie-not a coaster but very entertaining! My son was 4 when he 1st went on it and had a ball...right next to my 47year old father who had just as much-if not more-fun.


Also Curse of DarKastle--very similar to Spiderman in IOA as far as motion and effects go.

Sky Ride offers not only beautiful views, but a chance to get to another country while resting your feet. Note that it's not a round trip.

There are also smaller attractions throughout the park-Tea Cup equivalent, that Viking ship type thing, etc.

Escape from Pompeii is very fun as well-I didn't list it as a water ride, because if you sit in the middle, you won't get more than a drop or 2. Excellent special effects, more than a splash ride.

Water Rides: Roman Rapids is fun but will get you SOAKED (I'd liken it to bilge rat barges).

Le Flume we usually pass by, it's a run of the mill log flume ride.

Coasters: Alpengeist and Apollo's Chariot are my personal faves. Apollos Chariot is actually where Fabio got hit in the face with a goose, lol. Alpengeist is a suspended coaster, and Apollo's Chariot is a more traditional one, but with only a lap bar-no harness.

I haven't tried the Griffen, but will later this month when i go with ds.

Lochness (traditional upside down steel coaster) and Big bad Wolf (suspended cars) are also very good

Shows: Pirates 3D and the Magic Show in Ireland (forget the name!) are both very fun for adults and kids.

To Eat: Trappers Smoke House is great-smoked/BBQ foods. I don't remember the cost, but a sampler (I'm thinking around $12 or $15?) fed me and my then 17 year old sister--it has brisket, ribs, chicken, fries, and a roll. My then 7year old son loves it too. It's counter service with a large outdoor dining area.

OR, since you're doing a day trip, das Festhaus has mostly German and American foods, also counter service but with huge indoor seating--time it right and you'll see a free show while you eat to make best use of your time and get out of the heat. (refer to the maps)

For Snacks: Caramel Apples in the Sweets store in England (entrance) are amazing-fresh and juicy. The Brownie Sundaes and rootbeer floats are also great-found in most snack shops throughout. Street vendors also sell those huge turkey legs. In Italy, the Italian Ice vendor is great-seems pricey, but you get a HUGE scoop-again, my sister and I shared, with some left over. Plus the usual fare-churros, icees, pretzels, etc.

Tip-If even a drop of rain falls while you're there, go to customer service, they'll give you a free pass for the next day. At least, they still were last year as late as october.

Tip- They've never stopped us from taking a water bottle or a few juice boxes in with us. The only time they've stopped us was when my genius sister was trying to bring in a sausage egg and cheese buscuit from McD's that she had just opened.

Tip- Speaking of the egg sandwich, there are TONS of places to eat within a 10 minute drive from BG-anywhere from McDonalds/Sonic/Wendys/KFC, to Hooters, Golden Corral, fancy restaurants (someone else will have to help you here-I'm a budget mom--it's usually Sonic and Golden Corral for us!), etc.

Tip-The grounds are beautiful (award winning, actually) and meant to be enjoyed. There are TONS of photo ops, with old looking buildings, bridges, lakes, rivers, rides, flowers, animals, fountains, etc. Having said that, wear comfy shoes.

Have Fun!

Kelly (who looking back on this post, thinks she should write a book about BGE!)

 

[ChrisFL]

Kelly (who looking back on this post, thinks she should write a book about BGE!)

I think you just did!

While I love BG Tampa since I lived there for a long time, BGW (Sorry, I cant get used to using "Africa" and "Europe" to describe them) is a very beautiful park with very good rides and great good. I love Apollo's Chariot! Alpengeist is also very good and themed quite well. I still like the Loch Ness Monster as well, even though its definitely not smooth.

But BY FAR MY FAVORITE is Big Bad Wolf...its just so different, a rare coaster type and it's one of the best suspendeds ever built

 

[keishashadow]

We drove down (8+ hours) for a long weekend early in August.

Hotels are very expensive, avoid the motel6 at all costs crappiest $100+ dump i've ever seen.

It was hot, humid & crowded; don't think we'll return.

We were there when they open; do a odd staggered sort of starting the rides.

Coasters are great; lines were horrendous. Only got on 2 of them Big Bad Wolf & Loch Ness. Gave up on Roman Rapids ride after an hour wait; just too steamy. Rode Pompeii couple times, quick fun. Dar kastle was just ok in my mind. Did like the haunted lighthouse, with actor who plays 'doc' in BTTF & weird AL too. So glad to see the gondola rides haven't been discontinued ala MK.

It's a pretty park but; lots of big hills to traipse up & down - very spread out; i was huffing and puffing by the end of the day.

Even if you don't ride the Loch Ness, there is an area down by the small lake where you can sit & watch the car roar past - fun to see the riders faces.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

cookiemonstermommy, that was a great informative post! I am saving the info for when we return. We went a few years ago in May and really loved BGW. October sounds like a good time to go there, yes? Thanks!

 

[yaytezIOA]

One thing that never ceases to amaze me about all the Busch parks is the food. They give you a lot of food for a reasonable price. BGE is no exception. The sampler at the smokehouse is excellent, and just under 15 dollars.
I really wish it was closer than 12 hours for us, I'd love to go back.

 

[Joan1]

Thank you so much for all the information, very helpful
We will be there mid week so hopefully we will beat the weekend crowds. I know it will still be crowded but maybe less then the weekends would be

 

[lindalinda]

We had a great time there, went on spring break one year and it was not crowded at all. Of course it WAS snowing so that may have been why. I loved the Alpengeist coaster. There were some strange coasters too, seems like one was called big bad wolf that kind of swung you around.

Anyway, what I wanted to note was WEAR COMFY SHOES. Its really hilly.

 

[ChrisFL]

Anyway, what I wanted to note was WEAR COMFY SHOES. Its really hilly.

Yes, you defintiely get your exercise walking around there!

 

[LovintheLodge]

Not sure where to post this but here goes

We may be going to Williamsburg for a couple of days at the end of August and was wondering if anyone has been to Busch Gardens Williamsburg?

If you have can you tell me what there is that shouldn't be missed. Is this a park that you should get there at opening or is it a park that is better if you go in late afternoon until closing?

I have a 12yr that likes roller coasters but not really over the top ones and a 10yr old that doesn't like them at all

Thanks for any insight

You are going at a great time. The end of August is not as crowded since many kids are already back to school. The last 3 times we've been there (2001,2002,2006) we were there that week and got to do everything we wanted. If you have enough time, check out Water country USA...great water park nearby. You can purchase multi-day tickets that include both parks. My family loves BGW. It is a beautiful park! As far as hotels, there are a lot of options. Have a great time! Maybe I can get there this year...I am missing BGW after reading the posts.

Cookiemonstermommy gave great advice...right on the money.

 

[cookiemonstermommy]

cookiemonstermommy, that was a great informative post! I am saving the info for when we return. We went a few years ago in May and really loved BGW. October sounds like a good time to go there, yes? Thanks!

October is excellent, they have Howl-O-Scream later in the evenings, at no additional fee (ie, if you go to the park in the am, stay for HOS) and most rides stay open throughout the HOS except Pompeii and maybe one other.

October lines are much shorter (you should have no problem getting on everything you want) and the environment is beautiful. The only real downside is it's "chilly" so water rides may be out. By chilly I mean 60s.

Keisha, Sorry you had that experience with hotels. Once in July, we spent $36 a night at Motel 6 (yeah, it's dumpy, but it has a pool, and hey-it's a Motel 6 ). I've never seen them quote over $69/night.

There are so many options, from the Motel 6, Hiltons and Marriots, B&Bs, luxury resorts (kingsmill), etc.

We usually stay at the Marriot Courtyard (?) during peak seasons for around $89 a night not incl. AAA discount and that has an indoor pool, whirlpool and a free hot/cold breakfast buffet with fresh waffles. Mmm

And Haunted Lighthouse is no more. It's now Pirates 3D-with Lesley Neilson and Eric Idle.

Kelly

 

[melanie18]

If you have time, try to hit Water Country also. We had a blast there (loved it more than Busch Gardens actually).

 

[Fan2CSkr]

October is excellent, they have Howl-O-Scream later in the evenings, at no additional fee (ie, if you go to the park in the am, stay for HOS) and most rides stay open throughout the HOS except Pompeii and maybe one other.

October lines are much shorter (you should have no problem getting on everything you want) and the environment is beautiful. The only real downside is it's "chilly" so water rides may be out. By chilly I mean 60s.

Kelly

Thanks for the additional info. I have a better theme park experience if the weather isnt too hot and muggy. Oct sounds perfect for us. Is HOS geared to adults or are kids OK too? When we stayed last time we were at the Hilton garden Inn nd it was nice with a full breakfast package but I would rather be closer. Any restaurants you eat at that you like?

 

[AlexandNessa]

Has anyone stayed at the Kingsmill Resort & Spa? Looks nice and relatively reasonable. Mike and I were considering a long weekend there, but I'd love to hear from others who have stayed there.

 

[damo]

We did BGW about 4 years ago and really, really enjoyed it. I think once Hard Rock Park opens in Myrtle Beach we'll do another trip.

I loved Apollo's Chariot and the food is really, really good. We made a lot of use of the single rider's line for Apollo's Chariot. Your 12 year old might want to do that if the rest of your family isn't into coasters. You kind of have to push your way through the regular line to finally get to the single rider's line. It isn't a very good setup but just keep saying, "excuse me, going to the single rider's line" and people will move aside and let you through.

Griffin and Darkastle look cool.

 

[cookiemonstermommy]

Fan2-HOS is great for adults, and my son (7 at the time) and sister (17 at the time) had a ball as well. They have different ratings for the walk throughs and performances..4 pumpkins is for adults, 3 is for teens and so on. What age are your kids? They have everything from special "spooky" shows for the pre-k set to school age shows, tp walk throughs that made my 48year old father scream and jump back (well, I did too, but lets pick on him for now!).

If you have young ones, you might want to stay out of Italy, as they have some creepy clowns that follow you, blow a horn at you and jump out at you, etc. My son didn't appreciate it, but the rest of my family had a ball with it--have some awesome pics of the clowns I'll see if I still have them.

As far as food goes, like I said, I'm a dunce about nice places--I'm all about budget, so the Golden Corral is about as fancy as we get. There is a real good BBQ place, I'm pretty sure it's called Red Hot and Blue.

(i'm going down there with ds later this month, I'll try and remember to post an update)

Kelly

 

[Joan1]

Has anyone stayed at the Kingsmill Resort & Spa? Looks nice and relatively reasonable. Mike and I were considering a long weekend there, but I'd love to hear from others who have stayed there.

This is where we are staying and interested in reviews too

 

[lorax123]

This is where we are staying and interested in reviews too

I'd like some info too! We are considering going down in August. It looks nice and I found a package for $700 for 3 days that includes passes and hotel acitivites.

The have a 4 night family package for $999 that seems to include a lot.
Is it worthwhile to the package plans?

Any other way to get discounts?

I was at this park when I was 12. I enjoyed it then. It looks even better now.

BTW, think it would better to wait until the end of August? less crowds? Like the week of the 20th, 2 weeks before labor day?

 

[Detailor]

If you have time, try to hit Water Country also. We had a blast there (loved it more than Busch Gardens actually).

YES! I agree wholeheartedly! We liked the Williamsburg Busch Gardens a lot, but had a great time at Water Country. I'd highly recommend a visit.

Dick Taylor