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BGE Trip - 8/15/09

Busch Gardens Williamsburg: My trip to Williamsburg

From Ben Sutton
Posted August 16, 2009 at 9:48 AM
I went up to Busch Gardens for the day from Raleigh, NC. I had to go to ride the Big Bad Wolf for the last time.
It wasn't real crowded despite the warm weather. I guess it was because of the economy.
I got there a little after 1 and left at 9:45pm.
I noticed they raised the parking fee from $10 to $12. It wasn't a big deal. I guess I should of expected it after they raised the ticket price.
I rode Griffin twice, BBW twice, Apollos Chariot twice, Alphengueist, Dark Castle, Escape from Pompeii, and Lochness. The ride lines weren't too bad. The longest wait was Dark Castle which was about 45 minutes and the shortest was Apollos Chariott which was about 10 minutes. Most of the ride lines were about 30 minutes.
When I went to the Big Bad Wolf, I noticed their was no signs out there about the Wolf's closing. I was really surprised by this. I don't know why BGE didn't do this. Their are some people who may not know that the Wolf is closing. I didn't ask any ride attendants about it.
I saw a couple of banners promoting Howl-O-Scream. They mentioned 15 new scare zones/attractions and new twists on returning favorites for this year. I can't wait.
Finally, I ran into a friend and his family in the park. He told me about this $20 meal deal BGE is doing. For $20, you get 2 meals (entre, choice of side item or desert, drink) and 2 coupons for free medium drinks. Thats a good deal right there. I wish I had knew about this because I spent close to $15 on just 1 meal.

PS, if anybody lives around the Raleigh/Durham, NC area, how do you get to Busch Gardens.
I usually take 264E to I-95N to I-294N and then 64E. That takes me about 3 1/2-4 hours with little stopping. I would like to find a shorter route if possible.


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Joshua Conlon
Posted August 16, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Hey Ben, I live in Goldsboro. I think the directions you gave are the same ones I take. BGE is kinda in a weird location for us drivers coning up from the south. There are really only two ways to get there from NC and they are both about the same time wise.

As far as your food, my wife and I always share a sampler platter. It's enough food for both of us and a cheaper way to go.

From Jasmine Grant
Posted August 16, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Your trip sounds like it was a great one. I hope for the same luck when me and my family go on our trip this December down in Orlando. Well I live in Fayetteville and I would have to agree with the person who responded 1st there really are just two was to get there without taking more than 3 hours and 45 minutes. So i would just stick to my norm.

From Eli Katzman
Posted August 16, 2009 at 8:17 PM
Jasmine, I have a friend that's going off to college, that is going to Fayetville state to play basketball! How close do you live to the university?

From Daniel Williams
Posted August 18, 2009 at 10:25 AM
You could take 58 across the bottom of the state, and catch up with 64 and head west, but it doesn't really save you anything. There are also so back roads in and around Hopewell, but those only save you time if you catch all of the lights right, and are going to Williamsburg itself... Having to drive THROUGH the 'Burg to get to BGE loses all of that time savings (Though, it takes you right past Cities Grille, easily the best restaurant in Williamsburg).

From Tyler S.
Posted August 18, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Yeah you could take Route 5 up through Hopewell and Charles City

From Fran Emory
Posted August 18, 2009 at 5:01 PM
I live in Raleigh but am from the Williamsburg area. We have Season Passes and hit the park about once a month.

I have tried the same route you take and it seems to be the most efficient. I will say getting off at the first 295N exit, 460 East and then taking Route 10 (John Tyler Highway) is a very beautiful drive, especially when the leaves are changing. You can also find lots of Plantation Houses, if you like that sort of thing. Taking Rt 10 doesn't save any time, only because you end up going through Williamsburg and there so many stoplights, but sometimes, the scenic ride is relaxing and beats the crazy drivers on the interstates.

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