Planning a family trip to Virginia? Busch Gardens, Virginia may be on your bucket list for a fun vacation destination. Billed as North America’s oldest and most beautiful theme park, Busch Gardens offers a variety of exciting attractions and entertainment options.
Busch Gardens offers an unforgettable experience with more than 50 rides and shows, including everything from roller coasters to water parks and live music events.
basic details
Busch Gardens is located in Williamsburg, Virginia and typically operates from March to October each year. We recommend checking opening hours, current show offerings, and any changes to show times before visiting. You can also check to see if there are any special events happening while you’re planning your visit.
During the summer, the park typically opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. Opening hours are extended on weekends and some holidays. Ticket prices start at a discounted price of $25 per day if you purchase a multi-day pass (3 or more days) and $70 for a full day of fun.
If you live nearby or plan to stay for a while, Busch Gardens also offers monthly passes, annual passes, or membership plans to fit your individual or family needs. You can also purchase tickets to our sister waterpark. America, land of water.
keep up to date
Busch Gardens often hosts a variety of shows and events. For example, some of this year’s most important events include Howl-O-Scream and Beer Fest. We recommend downloading for the latest information on current products. app.
How to get tickets
We recommend purchasing tickets online rather than at the gate for easier access. Choose from a variety of packages, including season passes and multi-day tickets. Check out discounts for military, AAA members, and seniors.
You can also find all-in-one vacation packages that include tickets instead of having to buy them separately.
If you want to wait until you get to the park, you can buy tickets at the gate. The sale ends one hour before closing time, so plan accordingly.
what to expect
Arrive prepared for lots of fun and adventure. With over 50 thrill rides, from family-friendly roller coasters to extreme water slides, Busch Gardens has something for everyone. For a more relaxing experience, the park also features a variety of shows and exhibits, including an animal care center and the Eagle Valley Birds Show.
In addition to the rides, Busch Gardens offers plenty of entertainment and dining options. With dining options ranging from quick bites to full-service restaurants, and events like live music performances and special festivals held throughout the year, you’ll never run out of things to do.
Things to do at Busch Gardens
It helps to decide what you want to do before you arrive at the park. Trying to see everything in one day is usually not recommended.
Busch Gardens features:
- rides and coasters
- show
- Tour by train or bus (or book a private tour)
- encounter with animals
- Restaurant for snacks and meals
- Buy souvenirs and fun memorabilia
- Youth and Children’s Camps (Check Current Offerings)
- Special events like Beerfest and Howl-O-Scream
To plan your day in advance, look at the map and plan a practical route. You can also use posted wait times to plan the order in which you visit rides and attractions.
Visiting tips
Want to make the most of your visit? Follow these tips.
- Please take advantage of it coupon, discounts, and loyalty programs. Busch Gardens offers a variety of discounts for seniors, military, and AAA members. We also offer a loyalty card program with great benefits for frequent visitors.
- If you hate lines (and who doesn’t?), consider upgrading your ticket to a “quick queue” option that lets you skip the line.
- Plan ahead and familiarize yourself with the layout of Busch Gardens. The park is divided into 10 sections, each with its own identity (per country) and attractions to explore.
- If you’re not sure what to see, consider booking a guided tour. Tour options include animal encounters, behind-the-scenes roller coaster tours, family fun, VIP tours, and more.
- Don’t try to see everything in one day. Especially for young children, it can be most fun to spend a few days exploring the park if you have time, rather than cramming everything into her day.
- Download the Busch Gardens app for up-to-date wait times and maps.
- Are you on a budget or are you a picky eater? Bring a refillable water bottle and snacks. There are plenty of food options within the park, but outside food and drinks are allowed and can help you save money. You can also save money by purchasing a food plan before entering the park.
- Don’t forget to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the weather. Busch Gardens is primarily outdoors, so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket or umbrella. Also, bring essentials such as a hat and sunscreen.
Popular attractions in Busch Gardens
Here are some of the top attractions and thrill rides you won’t want to miss at Busch Gardens.
- Griffon: The world’s first dive coaster. This one-of-a-kind roller coaster offers a thrilling experience with an 85-foot drop and speeds up to 57 miles per hour.
- Escape from Pompeii: This state-of-the-art water ride will get your heart racing as you tour the Roman ruins of Pompeii, enjoying blasts of fire, screens of fog, and geysers.
- Dark coaster: This new ride is the first all-indoor straddle roller coaster.
Attractions recommended for thrill seekers
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, here are some of the best thrill rides and attractions Busch Gardens has to offer.
- Apollo’s chariot: Ride America’s tallest roller coaster and prepare to fall nearly 200 feet at speeds of up to 113 miles per hour.
- Tempest: Experience this steel upside-down coaster that launches atop a vertical tower and falls at speeds of 90 miles per hour.
- Verbolten: Venture into the Black Forest and enjoy a roller coaster experience with multiple drops and speeds up to 55 mph. (Note: This ride is temporarily discontinued as of September 2023.)
Best family attractions
Busch Gardens is a wonderful place for the whole family. Here are some popular attractions you shouldn’t miss with your kids.
- Sesame Street Fun Forest: This classic park area features Elmo’s castle for water play, themed rides and playgrounds for kids, and a chance to meet the characters.
- Busch Gardens Railway: Take a scenic park tour aboard this miniature steam train. It’s a fun and leisurely ride for all ages.
- Kinder Karusel: This classic merry-go-round features kids-friendly animals such as horses and chariots.
- Land of Dragons: This park area is perfect for little ones, with classic fun such as treehouses, climbing nets, and ladybug rides.
- Animal encounter: Throughout the park, you can see and learn about animals such as Clydesdale horses, wolves, sheep, birds, and reptiles.
Busch Gardens VA: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions.
Is Busch Gardens Williamsburg worth the trip?
that’s right! Busch Gardens offers thrilling rides, live shows, and events. Plus, we offer a variety of ticket packages, so you can find the option that best suits your budget and family size.
What city is Busch Gardens, Virginia?
Busch Gardens is located in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Are there hotels near Busch Gardens?
Yes, there are many hotels and resorts It’s right next to Busch Gardens. Many of these offer special rates to park visitors. You can also purchase discount packages that include flights, hotels, and tickets.
Which is better: Busch Gardens, Florida, or Virginia?
It depends on your preferences and what kind of experience you are looking for. Both parks have their own attractions and shows, so it’s worth researching which one suits your needs better.
If you want access to a variety of amusement parks, such as SeaWorld and Legoland, Florida may be a good choice.
How many Busch Gardens are there in America?
Currently, there are only two Busch Gardens parks in the United States. One is in Tampa Bay, Florida, and the other is in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Are there water rides in Busch Gardens, VA?
Yes, there are several water rides in Busch Gardens, Virginia. These include Escape from Pompeii, Grand Expedition Rapids, and an Elmo-themed splash park for kids.
Busch Gardens: Something for Everyone
Busch Gardens is an amusement park for all ages. From thrilling rides to family-friendly attractions, there’s plenty of fun to do in this Virginia destination. With a variety of ticket packages and services available, find the option that fits your budget and have fun for the whole family.
Susan is the owner of Travelin’ Coupons, a website focused on finding the best deals on attractions, tours, museums, hotels, and more. Susan has over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, spending half her career working in hotels and the other half in tourist attractions.
