Boom 'n July Crowds
Busch Gardens Williamsburg: What are the crowds likely to look like on July 3rd this year since the park is having fireworks?
We are thinking of heading to Busch Gardens Williamsburg on July 3 (Friday) for their Boom 'n' July celebration. We live pretty close to the park (about an hour), have summer fun passes, and are not working that day, so there is not a lot of planning ahead that we need to do. However, I'm wondering if anyone knows what the crowds are usually alike for the days that they have fireworks around the 4th. I know that it will probably be crazy on Saturday since that's the 4th, so we aren't even thinking about going then. Friday is still a weekday, and the last time we went on a Friday there were almost no lines. Does anyone have an idea of what it might be like this year on the 3rd? Also, has anyone seen their fireworks before? Is it worth going to see? Thanks!
Generally the park is pretty crowded. Because the 4th is on a Saturday, many will have off on the 3rd and may decide to do Busch on the 3rd and do more of the traditional family things on the 4th, so I imagine it will be crowded.
Our experience has always been that the park is crowded on all the fireworks days. And be aware that folks start staking out "premium" viewing areas, like the bridge to Festa Italia, hours in advance.
HOWEVER, we've used the popularity of the fireworks to our advantage. Two years ago we were on the lift hill of LNM with the fireworks exploding seemingly right over our heads -- beautiful! Last year, we were in Griffon's queue and could still see a good bit of the show. And we were glad to ride Griffon a couple of times, because as soon as the show was over, the line almost immediately at least tripled.
They do put on a great fireworks show, I think, so don't let the crowds stop you. Just be prepared. Are they doing the Black Forest picnic /special viewing area? My email about the event didn't mention it, so I'm guessing not, but some of the major events haven't gotten the usual press this year, so maybe they are doing it and I just haven't heard. I've read reviews that the picnic food isn't outstanding, but I'd be willing to pay for it to get the special seating for the fireworks, I think, if I wanted to watch them.
This may be our first year in a while not to go at some point during the weekend -- but I have a feeling we'll slip in somehow!
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