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Busch Gardens EuropeWilliamsburg, VirginiaDescriptionLocation: Busch Gardens Europe 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 Europe 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 was later renamed Busch Gardens Williamsburg and is now known as Busch Gardens Europe. In 2006, Theme Park Insider readers voted Busch Gardens in Williamsburg the world's best theme park. Hours: http://www.buschgardens.com. Busch Gardens Europe 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. Parking: Buy online. Purchase your parking pass online, as you will save 10%. You can upgrade to preferred for $10 more at the parking toll booth. Reservations: Busch Gardens does not have a ride reservation system, but does allow you to book dining packages in advance. Strategy: Go directly to The Griffon. Get ye to DarKastle second in the morning, because the lines will be pretty long by noon; if you miss the morning, try again in the evening after 8:00, when the crowd has thinned out. After DarKastle, ride the Big Bad Wolf--the line for this one tends to be a bit slow because of its low capacity, so it makes sense to ride it early (but it's especially good after dark). After that, head for Alpengeist (and the log ride, if you're so inclined), then take the skyway from Rhinefeld to Banbury Cross (or just walk), and head to Festa Italia and Apollo's Chariot. If it's a hot day, check out the Roman Rapids there and the Escape from Pompeii. Then go to Grogan's Pub in Ireland or the Brew Master's Club. The Loch Ness Monster, except on the busiest days, usually has the shortest lines of BGE's coasters (no insult intended here--it's a fun ride); so, you can probably pick up a ride there any time during the day. If you really need to beat the heat, head over to Killarney and queue up for Corkscrew Hill, where you wait inside in air-conditioned comfort (but if you're wet from the water rides, you'll freeze to death). [Update this description | Read previous versions] Photos
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