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Need Info for Hersheypark or Busch Gardens Williamsburg at Christmas

Are either of the parks worth the visit? What kind of rides and activities can I expect?

From John Jackson
Posted October 30, 2009 at 7:28 AM
Does anyone have experience with either Hersheypark or Busch Gardens Williamsburg at Christmas? I'm going to be in D.C. during Thanksgiving week and was thinking about going to one of them the Friday after Thanksgiving. I'm guessing that the coasters aren't running, so I'm just curious as to whether it's worth the trip, and if so, which park is better.


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

From Jason Jackson
Posted October 30, 2009 at 7:52 AM
I have heard that Hershey has a nice event. This is the first year for ChristmasTown at Busch Gardens, but I imagine it will be a class act as Busch usually does. I know at Busch the only coaster operating will be Griffon and that is weather dependent. I don't know about Hershey. You can check the www.christmastown.com website for Busch.

From Bob Miller
Posted October 30, 2009 at 8:41 AM
John, I have never been to Hershey for Christmas
but like Jason said, I heard it's nice. You could try looking at Hersheys' web site to get a better idea of what will be up and running. Chocolate World tour is nice, although some of the younger crowd on here, think it's lame, to each his own I say. And if you didn't see on the news, we've had snow in the center of the state already, so keep that in mind.

From Donna Tolliver
Posted October 30, 2009 at 9:33 AM
As Jason said, this is BGW's first year so unfortunately no one has firsthand experience yet. However, bear in mind that Colonial Williamsburg has a long tradition of events at Christmas time. Plenty of info and daily events calendars on colonialwilliamsburg.com. Although most of the events have an historical flavor, of course, and so may not interest you, it's worth at least considering, I think.

Christmastown poses a real dilemma for DH and me, as we love love love BGW but also love Williamsburg, and now there will be even more great things competing for our time! We do already have our passes for the grand opening of Christmastown, tho, and I can't wait ~

From Jake Jones
Posted October 30, 2009 at 7:13 PM
That's so cool that they are going to attempt to keep Griffon Open. At Hersheypark, I think even keeping 1 coaster open would be great to, and a worthwhile investment.

From Eli Katzman
Posted October 31, 2009 at 8:30 AM
I would have to say that Hershey should keep open Lightning racer. It's not too fast, it's smooth (no one will complain), and it's got an EXTREMELY HIGH loading capacity.

From Jake Jones
Posted November 1, 2009 at 3:27 PM
^I'm not sure if wood+extreme weather mix. I am not saying any coaster could withstand the extreme weather, but I think it would be harder on a wood coaster.

From Eli Katzman
Posted November 1, 2009 at 8:46 PM
well what would you recommend for hershey? Super dooper pooper scooper? Trailblazer? I don't think so. Great Bear probably won't be picked, so I think that Lightning racer is the highest candidate right now.

From Nick Markham
Posted November 1, 2009 at 8:48 PM
Hey Bob, if you thinking already having snow in the middle of the state is extreme, try having snow in the begining of October and then having it snow all the way through JUNE! And I wonder why we only have Lagoon...

From Jay Norman
Posted November 1, 2009 at 9:23 PM
We've always liked Hershey, but have younger kids who aren't yet into the big rides. It is a good chance to ride the easier stuff, like the monorail. Hershey does a decent job of decorating the place, having things open and having lots of hot chocolate and kettle corn. Might have to check out Busch this year!

From Jake Jones
Posted November 1, 2009 at 10:22 PM
^^^None will be picked now, as parks would have to have planned this in advanced and advertised this big as a change from previous years. And if given the choice, I would definitely pick Great Bear over LR. This is not relevant as it won't happen in 2009 unless they tried to surprise guests (which would make no sense at all).

From Jake Jones
Posted November 1, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Double Post Sorry

From Eli Katzman
Posted November 2, 2009 at 8:29 AM
Jay, BGE (BGW)'s mildest coaster is Nessie...

From steve lee
Posted November 2, 2009 at 8:44 PM
Eli's totally right. That first drop on Grover's Alpine Express almost has ejector air.


(I jest, but that drop was extremely surprising on the back row)

From Jason Jackson
Posted November 7, 2009 at 3:11 PM
A friend of mind who works at Busch has been decorating trees. Apparently there are over 600 live Christmas Trees and they are all decorated. I hear there are lights and garlands every where.

From Bob Miller
Posted November 8, 2009 at 3:08 PM
John, just got an email from Hersheypark saying not to miss the town of Hershey because they'll have all these Christmas decorations up all over the place, if this helps any.


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