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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay vs Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Which one is better and why?

From Daniel Etcheberry
Posted July 26, 2010 at 1:12 PM
I would say Busch Gardens Williamsburg is better because:

a) The location is beautiful. The one in Tampa is in a bad neighborhood.

b) It has a dark ride (Dark castle) unlike the one in Tampa that doesn't have any.

c) The riverdance show is by far much better than Katonga.

p.s. I'm not a fan of roller coasters, so that I will live it to you to decide which has better ones.


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

From Andy Milio
Posted July 26, 2010 at 2:26 PM
Williamsburg has better thrill rides, like Escape from Pompeii (my favorite ride). I also hate coasters, but I vote for BGW. BGT is good though....

From Formula 40
Posted July 26, 2010 at 8:36 PM
I depends on your preference. I think BGW has a better collection of thrill rides. If you like animals, BGT is definitely the place to be. I think they have better animal attractions/shows than Animal Kingdom. There are more and better shows at BGW. Overall, I think BGW is probably better but like I said before, it depends on your preference. They're both great parks.

From Anthony O'Neal
Posted July 26, 2010 at 9:06 PM
Both are great parks, in my opinion.

If I had to pick one, I'd take the Williamsburg park. I just really liked Apollo's Chariot. I also liked the landscaping at BTW.

That's not to take anything from the Tampa park, because we had a great time there, too.

From Charles Reichley
Posted August 10, 2010 at 9:44 PM
Having just visited BG-Tampa, I'd still say my home park, BGW, is better. It's just more sleepy, more enjoyable to walk around, and I think it has slightly better shows.

BG-Tampa wins slightly on the thrill rides, but only because BBwolf is gone. BGT really does have the animals though, which is cool in and of itself.

Water Country USA, on the other hand, beats Adventure Island hands down.

From Bob Miller
Posted August 12, 2010 at 7:59 AM
I would say BGW because I knew someone who just got back from there and they liked it

From Mike Gallagher
Posted August 12, 2010 at 8:30 AM
I've been to BGT only once, and BGW, I think four times. Maybe next month again.

I'm not much into animal exhibits, so I'll give a slight edge to BGW, but they're really about even.

At BGW, you've got Nessie, which is still a favorite of mine, and you used to be able to (still can?)have a really good corned beef sandwich in the Festhaus.

BGT has the better selection of coasters, especially Sheikra, and a terrific Log Flume. And Gwazi may not be a great coaster, but at least it's a woodie. That's ONE thing BGT has bragging rights on.

The neighborhood is definitely better in VA.

From Tyler Bell
Posted August 12, 2010 at 8:18 AM
BGW,GREAT RIDES SHOWS AND ROLLERCOASTERS!

From Pyra Dong
Posted August 13, 2010 at 8:09 PM
I haven't been to BGW... but just from reading, hearing, and seeing many things... it sounds like BGW is better as a whole. Nicer scenery, people, location, care.(My only sadness would be the animal section in BGT because during those days when I don't feel like getting in a queue, I really just enjoy watching the animals)

Hmmm, but you also can't beat BGT's close location to other cool theme parks.

And wait! Riverdance better than KaTonga???? Those cloggers occasionally visit Tampa and perform... very impressive but NO WAY does that beat KaTonga

From Nick Markham
Posted August 15, 2010 at 7:12 PM
So, I have only been to BGT, but I have to say, the overall atmosphere and theming of BGW seems a bit superior to its Tampa counterpart. I think BGT has the better invert (Montu) and Dive Machine (SheiKra0 but everything else... well, the theming is not quite to the height of BGW.

From Ali Salem
Posted August 15, 2010 at 7:37 PM
Nah Griffon is definitely the superior dive machine to Sheikra. Theming and Atmosphere wise BGW is the best by far (and one of the most beautiful parks in the world) in terms of roller coasters idk. Tampa has more but the 4 in Williamsburg are all world class and awesome. Once spain is built (with the tower ride and flying coaster) I believe BGW will be the best hands down.

From Nick Markham
Posted August 16, 2010 at 8:10 AM
^Remember Spain, the tower drop ride, and flying coaster are all rumors...

From Michael Breen
Posted December 22, 2010 at 10:03 AM
Busch Gardens Africa vs. Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

It could go either ways.

Roller Coasters:
-BGT Air Grover vs BGW Grover's Alpine Express (BGW probably because I saw a picture of the theming and it looked a lot better than Air Grover)
WINNER: BGW

-BGT Montu vs BGW Alpengeist
WINNER: BGT

-BGT Sheikra vs BGW Griffon
WINNER: BGW (There was something about Griffon that was more fun and the location and theming might've made it more enjoyable for me)

-BGT Kumba vs BGW Apollo
WINNER: BGW (I couldn't group them with anything else and I hate Kumba. It's so boring, rough, and hurts my ears really bad)

-BGT Gwazi vs BGW Loch Ness Monster
WINNER: BGW (Gwazi is so rough and Nessie has everything, airtime, loops, tunnel, theming, everything! Gwazi never races at the same time either)

There are more coasters at BGT than BGW making the rest go for BGT. The animals at BGT are incredible. BGW lacks that but BGW has incredible scenery, food, employees, location, shows, theming, etc. BGT-IDK what land I'm in at the park because there are no signs. BGT doesn't have that much theming anyway.


OVERALL WINNER: Busch Gardens Williamsburg

From S G
Posted February 6, 2011 at 2:18 AM
Both are AWESOME parks... The beauty of BGW is undeniable however all the animals at BGT is something the Virginia park can't compete with.

Both have great rides, shows, and food.

I WOULD rate them as a tie BUT since BG Tampa is building a new roller coaster (Cheetah Hunt) I will have to give it the advantage for now.

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