Have only been to WDW and Six Flags Parks....

[msim]

which theme park would you choose for 8-14 year olds, Hershey Park in PA or Bush Gardens Williamsburg? Will be in DC for several days and have two more to use- don't know whether to go north or south. The options are:

Hershy Tour, Hershey Park

or

Colonial Williamsburg and Bush Gardens Williamsburg.


Our family is equally divided- can anyone say anything that would sway us in either direction?

Thanks!

 

[BonnieA]

Well Busch Gardens is consistently voted americas most beautiful theme park. And it really is. The shows are excellent, the rides are excellent. They have world class coasters. A new dark ride this year- curse of darkastle. And if you really like theme parks, Paramounts Kings Dominion is just north of Richmond on 95, you can hit that one on the way to Williamsburg. But I'm not a fan of that park.
I've been to Hershey Park. It's got some good rides but I think Busch Gardens is a much nicer park. It is my second favorite park (disney parks being first).

 

[java]

hmmm I just asked ds(11) and he said they are both good. Hershey has more rides IMHO-but more old fashioned and older park feeling. Busch Gardens is a beautiful park- some great coasters and really fun 3-d shows and rides(Goosebumps and another more intense ride simulator) It just feels lilke a more up to date park. Lots more places to spend your money- fun shopping. But that being said we finished that park in about 7 hours-while we spent even longer at Hershey. And Hershey has the CHOCOLATE!! (but then again Busch Gardens has the BEER!) Aah decisions decisions
edit to add Hershey is more like six flags and Busch Gardens is more like Disney in feel.

 

[buzz2400]

I am equally divided. Both have their pros and cons. One thing if you do pick hershey, there is a little zoo that is free with your admission. Also there is a roller coaster ride that you really get wet on. I don't remember the name but it was in the far right corner if I remember correctly. I wish I had brought ds's bathing suit because he did get drenched. Maybe you should pull each park up on the internet and look at what rides they have and maybe then you could decide. sorry I wasn't much help.

 

[kandmwedding]

I'd go with Busch Gardens. While there are a few things other than the park to do in Hershey (they have a great spa), there's more in Busch Gardens. You can hit the parks, which like another poster said are more modern than Hershey, or tour Williamsburg. There's also the Busch factory that still offers tours, I think.

 

[BonnieA]

I'd go with Busch Gardens. While there are a few things other than the park to do in Hershey (they have a great spa), there's more in Busch Gardens. You can hit the parks, which like another poster said are more modern than Hershey, or tour Williamsburg. There's also the Busch factory that still offers tours, I think.

Sorry, Anheiser Busch no longer offers brewery tours at that location.

But there is a very nice water park owned by Busch called Water Country.

 

[puffkin]

Busch Gardens has great coasters, but it doesn't have a lot of "other" rides. The park is nice, but I wasn't overly impressed. It is nowhere near a "Disney" type park. There is a lot more to do in the area though with all the historical sites and such.

Hershey is an all around "old fashioned" type family amusement park. There are lots of rides for all tastes and ages. ZooAmerica, which is included with admission is also fun, as is Chocolate World. There is not as much to do in teh surrounding area, but there are a lot of nice outlet malls close by as well as the Hershey Spa.

I would choose Hershey if your main focus is the park, and Busch Gardens if you would like to see other things besides the theme park.

 

[MagicalMom]

I vote for Busch Gardens! I love that place. It is lovely & very well taken care of. To me Hershey Park has more of a six flags feel to it, while Busch Gardens feels more like Epcot, if ya know what I mean.

 

[MagicalMom]

I just wanted to add that with Busch Gardens you can get a combo ticket that includes the water park. I think it's called water Country USA. There are also lots of shows, great resturants & a petting zoo. You can always spend time in Colonial Williamsburg too. There is a lot to do in the area.

 

[disney1990]

Sorry, but my vote goes to Hershey Park -- it was my children's favorite place to go -- and now my grandchildren.

 

[kareneast]

I agree with whoever said the Hershey feels like an old fashion amusement park. You can do the park, the tour and the zoo in one day. The tour is not a tour through an actual factory. It is a continuous ride (similar to Space Ship Earth or Imagination) that shows you the history of Hershey Choc. and how it is made, at the end you get a piece of chocolate (usually a Hershey's Miniture).

Busch Gardens is more themed. Also there is Water Country and Colonial Williamburg, so there is a lot more to do.

So, I guess it really depends on how much of the 2 days you want to fill. If you want to be busy the entire 2 days, I would go with Busch Gardens. Personally, I enjoy both parks for different reasons.

 

[bubba73]

I have been to BG before and would love to go again. I haven't been to Hershey but again would love to go. So I guess I can only speak of which I know so my vote would be for BG.

 

[Leota]

I have only been to Hershey - but just wanted to say I don't find it at all like a Six Flags - It is sooooo much cleaner & well kept than any Six Flags I have been to.(I am a Six Flag season pass holder) That & my all time favorite Coaster (The Great Bear) is there...

The water coaster is called Roller Soaker & it's a kids Dream - suspended coaster with water to dump on people below. The people below are also armed with water cannons. Lots of fun.

 

[wildernessfamily]

The Roller Soaker at Hershey will definitely get you wet. So be aware of that, if it is a cool day or you don't like your feet/ shoes wet all day. Just bring a towel or sandals. My family likes both parks. They have a lot of different things to offer. I like to be able to cool off in a show at least once a day so I like Busch Gardens because of that. But the rest of my family never stops the rides. Either would have lots of excitement and fun rides they are just themed different. I agree that they are both cleaner than 6 flags. Have fun which ever you choose.

 

[Grumpy_Disney_Dad]

As a season pass holder for Busch Gardens ihave to say that besides WDW BG is my favorite park. LOts of shows for all age groups, Great food, and fantasic rides. Not to mention Water Country USA right down the street. Williamsbiurg has so much to offer besides just BG too. If yo want a real treat look into staying at the new Wolf Lodge that just opened