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Welcome to Theme Park Review! Photos & Videos of Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, and FUN!
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| Food |
| Busch Gardens offers better-than-average theme-park food in its three main dining locations: BBQ ribs, chicken, and brisket in the Trapper's Smokehouse; German sausage, pizza, and corned-beef and turkey sandwiches in Das Festhaus; and pasta specialties in the Restorante della Piazza. Families can dine with Elmo and his other Sesame Street friends in Castle O'Sullivan (reservations are required), and the Bistro 205 near Griffon offers a fried-chicken buffet (but this location is only open on busy days). Some might appreciate nursing a pint and listening to Irish music in Grogan's Pub. |
| Operating Season |
| The park is usually open on weekends starting in late March, with seven-day-a-week operation in the weeks surrounding Easter (then reverting to weekends only). Regular all-week operations usually begin right after Memorial Day and last until Labor Day. The park is open weekends in September and October for Howl-o-Scream. |
| Established Seasonal events |
The park holds a number of popular events throughout the year, but the two biggest are Howl-o-Scream (weekends, late September-October) and Christmas Town (Thanksgiving weekend-New Year's Eve).
All attractions except for water rides operate during Howl-o-Scream.
The park runs Griffon, but not other coasters, during Christmas Town (if the temperature is above 42 degrees), along with DarKastle, Europe in the Air, the train, sky ride, and a number of flats.
Glory at the Gardens is a Christian-music festival that usually runs in July, while classic rock bands take over for the Summer Nights series in August. The park has also experimented with Illuminights, a series of brief shows in each country, followed by a fireworks display, in August. |
| Access & Location |
The park is located at One Busch Gardens Blvd. in Williamsburg, VA. Exit 234A off of I-64 will take you right into the park. Note that interstate traffic getting in and out of Norfolk can be very heavy in the summer.
Williamsburg is also served by Amtrak, and there is a city busline that serves the park. |
| Nearby Lodging |
| Hotels are available along Rt. 60 in the Kingsmill area near the park. Note that there is no safe way to walk to Busch Gardens from any local hotel, and staying at Kingsmill can be a bit pricey. The "tourist corridor" on Richmond Road offers a greater variety of hotels and restaurants and it's only a 10-to-15-minute drive to the park from there. |
| Shows |
| The polka dancers and band of "This is Oktoberfest" ( in the Festhaus) is Busch Gardens' oldest show, but there are a variety of others: Irish music and dance ("Celtic Fyre"), Italian music and dance ("Festivale Italiano"), and "stupid pet tricks" ("More Pet Shenanigans"). The Sesame Street Forest of Fun also offers "The Sunny Days Celebration" for the little ones. The park also offers more seasonal shows for Howl-o-Scream and Christmas Town. Show schedules are printed on park maps. |
| Attractions |
| Busch Gardens opens up in phases, and the opening times for each section are provided on park maps (check this when you enter the park). Verbolten will probably open with the park, so you might want to head there first, then hit Apollo's Chariot, the Loch Ness Monster, Griffon, and Alpengeist--all subject to the opening times on the park map. A full-queue wait for Verbolten is only about 40 minutes with five-train operations, so you might want to factor that in, too. Other not-to-be-missed attractions are Curse of DarKastle and Escape from Pompeii. Note that you will probably get soaked on Pompeii, the Roman Rapids, and the LeScoot log flume. Europe in the Air, a simulator, can draw long lines, particularly after the Celtic Fyre show lets out.
The park sometimes offers a single-rider line for Griffon. |
| Virtual Queue Options |
| Two versions of Busch's Quick Queue are available. Regular Quick Queue gives you one-time front-of-the-line access for all the coasters and water rides, along with Curse of DarKastle and Europe in the Air. Quick Queue Unlimited Plus is exactly what it says for the same rides and gives you one priority ride on Verbolten (save this for a night ride, if you can). Note that some attractions using Quick Queue restrict you to a particular row of seats. Quick Queue also includes mazes during Howl-o-Scream. |
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| TPR Rating : |     | | Member Rating : |   |
| TPR Notes |
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With a solid collection of roller coasters, a good variety of flat and water rides, and a wide assortment of shows and special events, Busch Gardens offers plenty of fun for thrillseekers and nonthrillseekers alike—along with elaborate theming based on six European countries. The coasters, which are designed to fit the park’s hilly terrain, dominate the skyline, but BG has increased its offerings for riders of all sizes through the addition of an elaborate dark ride and new areas for kids and families.
The park is ideal as a destination by itself, or as part of a visit to Virginia’s “Historic Triangle.” Saturdays during the summer months, and during "Howl-o-Scream" in October, mean big crowds. If you're visiting during the peak tourist season in the summer, go to the park on a weekday, if possible. | |
| Member Reviews |
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| Results 1-20 of 29 for Busch Gardens Europe
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Average Member Rating
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Beautiful park, great atmosphere and a great time.
| | 09-09-2012 | |
beatle11
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This park is by far the most beautifully landscaped and just naturally beautiful park I've visited. The addition of Verbolten to replace Big Bad Wolf gives the park that large family coaster that they had lacked. It's a great addition to a very solid coaster collection. The food here is definitely very above average for a theme park and the overall atmosphere is just awesome. I definitely plan to return here in the future.
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My favorite regional park
| | 07-21-2012 | |
Hang And Bang
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BGW sets the standard for regional theme parks. It has something for everyone - great coasters, 2 kids areas, good food, great shows, interesting stores, and excellent theming - all in a beautifully landscaped, heavily wooded setting. Hidden nooks and crannies add a lot of atmosphere. The only drawbacks are that I have occasionally come across iffy operations, and most of the flats are a bit dated. But the beauty of the park and sense of fun I feel when at BGW far outweigh those minor complaints. I get a giddy, excited feeling when here that's similar to how I feel when at a Disney park. I love this place! The coaster tour is a must, and if you can, get Quick Queue - it frees up time for you to just browse the park and take in the ambiance.
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Both Beautiful and Exciting!
| | 04-03-2012 | |
Nozzy
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Busch Gardens doesn't let you forget that they've been voted best landscaping, and they certainly live up to the title. The theming and flowers throughout the park are both astounding. The coasters may not be many in number, but they are of good quality. As an Arrow lover I liked Loch Ness Monster best, while Alpengeist was good but not as good as I expected. Darkcastle can't compare to Spiderman, but was a good attempt. Food is very good throughout the park, and my family enjoyed the water rides as well- I really like the location of the flume that goes right underneath Alpie. Shows were very enjoyable as well. Ultimately, a great park for environment and thrills and I can't wait to return to try Verbolten!
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The Cream of the Theme Park Crop!
| | 03-30-2012 | |
PhantomNick
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BGE is everything that is right about a theme park. The moment you enter, you realize this place is going to be special. The scenery is the best I have seen (granted I haven't been to Disney yet), as is the food! Don't miss Trapper's Smokehouse for some of the best park food around! The lands are perfectly themed, and there really is so much to do. Plan on spending 2 days so you are not rushed. The essential flats are there, including a GREAT dark ride. The coaster collection is all steel - but they are pretty great ones! Loch Ness Monster is unique and fun, Griffon is fantastic, Alpengeist is a top-notch invert, and then there's Apollo's Chariot. Apollo is the star here, chalked full of airtime! Head to BGE - you won't regret it!
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5 Stars
| | 11-25-2011 | |
chadster
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This probably the only park I will rank 5 stars. They have solid operations, above average coasters, and awesome coaster tour that is well worth the money, and some of the best lanscaping in the business. You will also enjoy a variety of water rides that well done not to mention you can view a few bald eagles. Food is great, beer is even better, this park delivers like no other.
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A really great experience.
| | 11-24-2011 | |
Taylor Finn
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Honestly, I went to this park when I was super young (like 7 years old) and rode my first steel coaster (Lochness Monster). At the time, I obvoiously couldn\'t appreciate what this park has to offer.
Fortunately, I got the chance to return there last spring with my school\'s marching band.
This is a true \'Theme Park.\' The landscaping is absolutely gorgeous and so is all the scenery. You get so immersed in every section of the park. The coaster selection is not as vast as some other parks, but what they do offer is all excellent. There are plenty of rides for every age. and the entertainment and food cannot be matched by many parks. Definitely make a trip to this park if you have the chance.
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One of the nicest parks in the country
| | 11-23-2011 | |
Swimace
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Busch Gardens is one of the most well-rounded parks in the country. It has great scenery and theming, a great collection of coasters, and a nice variety of non-coaster rides. The atmosphere of the park is fantastic for such a large park, the different areas are really well done and the rides blend in with their surroundings.
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Beautiful Park, one of the best parks in America
| | 11-23-2011 | |
Hilltopper39
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Busch Gardens Europe is one of the best non-Disney or Universal parks in America. It is beautifully landscaped in a very picturesque location and boasts a great lineup of coasters. My last visit was the year they opened Apollo's Chariot, and at the time it was a top 10 steel coaster for me. Alpengeist, while not my favorite B&M invert, also very good. The park also had incredible food and some solid shows at the time. I am looking forward to visiting again after they open Verbolten.
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Best non-Disney or Six Flags Park!
| | 11-22-2011 | |
youngforever
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What can I say? Ah, yes... OMG BEST THEME PARK EVER (ASIDE FROM DISNEY)! The theming of all the areas and attractions are amazing! It uses European architecture and is overall beautiful! It has great terrain (walking!) and lots of trees and the Rhine River. All four coasters are some of the best I've ever ridden. Amazing selection of B&Ms and Arrows. Waiting for Verbolten! It has amazing food! (Festhaus- get the mile high corned beef)! Love this place so much!
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Busch Gardens Williamsburg Rides
| | 10-30-2011 | |
bayday5
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Great ride theming. The rides are lacking just a bit. They have some great steel coasters like Apollo's Chariot, Griffon, Loch Ness Monster, and Alpengeist but lack a good family coaster and a good wooden wonder. It also has a good variety of thrill rides and water rides. Overall, good selection, but needs little improvement.
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Simply put, I am very proud to have BGW as my homepark.
| | 08-18-2011 | |
netdvn
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Theming (5 stars) The theming + landscaping is beautifully done with amazing attention to detail not found at very many parks in the states. Despite (IMO) a few mismatched areas (Festa and Griffon), the atmosphere is amazing.
Coasters (5 stars) Simply put, the coaster collection rocks. An awesome trio of B&M coasters plus Loch Ness Monster really makes the park stand out above the rest.
Rides (3 stars) The main thing the park lacks is a collection of unique rides. Outside of Mach Tower, DarKastle and Europe in the Air, the other flats are your basic theme park fare.
Shows (5 stars) Although I haven't seen most of the newer shows, the older ones i saw were actually really good.
Basic attack plan - Hit all the big rides early.
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One Word.
| | 08-17-2011 | |
Schotcher
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Amazing. This park has everything you want and more. Shows, rides, food, scenery. Everything is perfect. And it's right by lovely Colonial Williamsburg.
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Perfect, Perfect, Perfect.
| | 05-19-2011 | |
QueerRudie
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If there were any modern theme park that 'gets it' this would be it. With rides that fit their area, great food and wonderful theming, Busch Gardens Europe is America's best theme-park. The coasters are -primo- and feature unique configurations, and great performance. The Loch Ness Monster is NOT to be missed- especially at dusk into evening. Alpengeist gives it's best rides after dark, and is great to see from under the first drop/Immelman element. A good hint: Start your day at the back of the park (Alpengeist, Mach Tower) and work your way forward towards Loch Ness Monster and Escape From Pompeii- as these two rides tend to have the longest lines early on- and then dissipate as the day goes on.
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My favorite park!
| | 05-05-2011 | |
DECoasterNerd
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Although I live 4-5 hours away (depending on traffic), I can't imagine not having an annual pass for BGW! Although it doesn't have nearly as many coasters as parks closer to me (SFGAdv, Dorney, Hershey), what it does have are excellent (okay, Loch Ness may not be "excellent", but is fun and comfortable for an Arrow). The park is BEAUTIFUL and full of shade. Theming is on par with or maybe only slightly second only to Disney. The food is very good. Prices for food and beverage are at "theme park prices" but much more reasonable than Cedar Fair or Six Flags. The shows are well done and many can be taken in during a meal (very time efficient). Love the reasonably priced Quick Queue as well, and tremendous availability of beer!
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Amazing park
| | 04-15-2011 | |
Geauga Dog
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In my opinion Busch Gardens Europe is exactly what a non-Disney regional theme park should be. That may have sounded biased but the park does have stunning landscaping, great attention to detail in the park's theming, top-notch shows, food that is beyond the typical park fare and a nice selection of rides that blend in very well with their surroundings.
My only complaint is that the park is too far from my house to visit more often.
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Wonderful Park
| | 04-02-2011 | |
chadster
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Busch Gardens Europe is one of the best kept parks in the industry. The care and love put into the landscaping is evident with vibrant lively colors. The rides are equally as well maintained blending in with the landscaping. With their collection of three solid B&M's and a classic Arrow abd their selection of flats, you can't go wrong with this park. For the coaster nerds, invest in the coaster tour, it is well worth the money.
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Very Good, but With a Flaw
| | 03-27-2011 | |
rcdude
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Busch Gardens is an excellent park. The landscaping is the best of anywhere I've been, the coasters are great, the non-coaster rides are generally pretty good, and the theming is second only to Disney. However, the one thing the park lacks is a good collection of family rides. Most of the attractions that have low enough height restrictions for children are either generic or too scary for them.
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Theme park perfection!
| | 03-25-2011 | |
PhantomNick
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Busch Gardens Europe is truly a masterpiece of a theme park. I was blown away with how gorgeous the park was, from the pristine landscaping to the incredibly well-done theming. There really is so much to do here, with a nice ride assortment, great shows, and quite honestly the BEST park food I have ever had the pleasure of devouring! Trapper's Smokehouse is can't miss, as are their fantastic coasters, led by the amazing Apollo's Chariot. We had a blast there, and can't wait to go back!!
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Beautiful is an Understatement
| | 03-24-2011 | |
GwaziBSRider1
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I've been to this park several times and I just love it. It's incredibly beautiful, especially if you can't afford to visit Europe! The coasters are incredible and the food is delicious. You just can't go wrong with this park!
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A Coaster has never been so beautiful
| | 03-24-2011 | |
Team Thriller
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Busch Gardens Williamsburg. It is indeed a famous park with a big hype. It has been voted most beautiful park in the world for many many years now. Before I went, I was definitely expecting a lot. Did it live up to its hype?.... YES!!!. It is a top notch park. The coasters and quality is for sure their strong point. I just felt like the park wasn't complete when it came to ride selection. I felt like I was repeating rides for hours... but that wasn't a horrible thing since the rides are awesome!
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| Thrill Factor | | | Family Friendly | | | Efficiency | | | Food and Drink | | | TPR Rating | |
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| Pros |
- Beautifully landscaped.
- Better-than-average park food.
- Good assortment of special events during the season.
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| Cons |
- Summer days can be very hot and humid.
- Currently lacks a big "family" coaster.
- Kids areas are concentrated in just two parts of the park.
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| Admission Policy |
Pay One Price
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