Theme Park Insider - Park Review

Location: Busch Gardens is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, about 10 minutes south of the city's historic core. You can get driving directions by clicking the Busch Gardens link on Theme Park Insider's Google map of U.S. theme parks.

History: Busch Gardens opened in 1975 as Busch Gardens: The Old Country. It also has been known as Busch Gardens Europe. In 2006 and 2007, Theme Park Insider readers voted Busch Gardens in Williamsburg the world's best theme park.

Hours: http://www.buschgardens.com. Busch Gardens in Williamsburg is open daily from late May through Labor Day, and weekends from late March through Halloween.

Tickets: Buy online. Always try to buy your tickets in advance, to save time when you get to the park.

Strategy: As with any theme park, arrive early (at least 30 minutes before opening, tickets in hand) and hit the headliner attractions first (coasters). Once the coaster tour is complete, make sure to hit Curse of the DarKastle as it is a uniquely themed dark ride similar to Universal's Spider-Man attraction.

2013 Update: Busch Gardens announced that in the spring of 2013, they will be hosting their first Food and Wine Festival. The Food and Wine Festival will be held Friday through Sunday between May 31 and June 23.