Busch Gardens Williamsburg

About Busch Gardens Williamsburg

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: If you have young children, come to the park early, as the Sesame Street section opens earlier than the rest of the park. Then, go directly to Griffon, followed by Curse of DarKastle to minimize your wait on both rides. If you do not care where you sit on Griffon, go for the single rider line if it is open.

Next, ride The Big Bad Wolf since the line for this one tends to be slow due to its low capacity (but it's especially good after dark). After that, head for Alpengeist (and the log flume ride, if you're so inclined). Then take the skyride 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 River Rapids and the Escape from Pompeii. The Loch Ness Monster, except on the busiest days, usually has the shortest lines of all the roller coasters; 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). -- Last edited by Kevin Crossett

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