How to do Busch Gardens VA on budget?

[andrews_dad]

I purchased Super Grovers from Sesame Place for use at SeaWorld and Aquatica. But, I see these passes get me free paking and entry to Water Country USA and Busch in VA, which mapquest says is 4 hours one way from me. Kid sare 4 and 6, so doubt they will be into the historical stuff (and wife and I are not intio that, either : ) Anyhow, are these two parks worth 4 hours each way with kids 4 and 6? One day each, two days each? Water Country comparable to Aquatica?? Any places to stay you guys think are safe and at least 2 bedrooms?? Any info is accepted. Thinking of a short trip....

 

[lisaross]

They r great parks. We are going back this summer. Why do u need a hotel with 2 bedrooms? We will be staying at the govenors inn short distance from the parks and free breakfast. You only need. 1 day at each park

I purchased Super Grovers from Sesame Place for use at SeaWorld and Aquatica. But, I see these passes get me free paking and entry to Water Country USA and Busch in VA, which mapquest says is 4 hours one way from me. Kid sare 4 and 6, so doubt they will be into the historical stuff (and wife and I are not intio that, either : ) Anyhow, are these two parks worth 4 hours each way with kids 4 and 6? One day each, two days each? Water Country comparable to Aquatica?? Any places to stay you guys think are safe and at least 2 bedrooms?? Any info is accepted. Thinking of a short trip....

 

[rnorwo1]

We are going to Wmsbg this summer. We have 3 kids, so we always look for homes/condos. Check homeaway.com/vrbo.com, they had many available. We chose Wyndham Kingsgate... Got a 2 BR for approximately $83 a night. Not sure if it'll be as affordable for a shorter stay since sometimes they add cleaning fees.

 

[Mickey527]

I might get screamed at but I think the meal plan they have at Busch Gardens and Sea world is the best value of any park. If you get there early enough you can do the buffet bfst, a big lunch and dinner, and grab snacks and drinks throughout the day. You will definately eat more than the $38 or so it will cost you for an adult, I think kids are $15.
Last year at Sea World my grandson grabbed a tray of strawberries and a drink at each show and at them during the show while I grabbed a small salad and ranch dressing. the food is not all junk, there are lots of fresh fruits and veggies.

 

[HM]

Don't count out the historic sites of Williamsburg and Jamestown. Our kids liked them at a young age.
In Williamsburg, you can just walk through without paying an entrance fee, but you won't be able to enter the buildings, but you can still see gardens, some outdoor features and animals.
At Jamestown, my son watched a man carve an arrowhead and let him try, tried on a suit of armor like the settlers used, and walked around a sailing boat the settlers would have used to get there and he loved it all (even in the sprinkling rain we had that day).

 

[andrews_dad]

Don't count out the historic sites of Williamsburg and Jamestown. Our kids liked them at a young age.
In Williamsburg, you can just walk through without paying an entrance fee, but you won't be able to enter the buildings, but you can still see gardens, some outdoor features and animals.
At Jamestown, my son watched a man carve an arrowhead and let him try, tried on a suit of armor like the settlers used, and walked around a sailing boat the settlers would have used to get there and he loved it all (even in the sprinkling rain we had that day).

Thansk for info. Might stroll the free part and see if the kids are interested enough to pay for something.

 

[andrews_dad]

They r great parks. We are going back this summer. Why do u need a hotel with 2 bedrooms? We will be staying at the govenors inn short distance from the parks and free breakfast. You only need. 1 day at each park

Kids can't rest if they in same room as me. I have a snoring issue. Wife is able to block me out (while I talk or snore).

 

[havaneselover]

Two days each is my vote. I keep the cost down by packing food (snacks) and using refillable cups. I refill them with water.

Also I keep the kids far away from the arcade and carnival games.

 

[Janet Hill]

Check out timeshare rentals. There are 3 Wyndham properties in the area and you can get these relatively cheap.

A free activity that my kids loved at that age was taking the ferry. It crosses the James River which is very wide at that point. We never ventured out one across as the kids just wanted to get back in line and go back. The ferry is for cars, but you can get out and check out the view.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg does not have the all you eat wristband. They do have meal vouchers for purchase online that save a couple of bucks.

Second the Jamestown recommendation. It's separate from Colonial Williamsburg and is total hands on experience geared towards kids. You can touch everything.