Busch Gardens Williamsburg
A stunning European-themed amusement park featuring thrilling roller coasters, captivating shows, and family-friendly attractions.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter waits
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter waits

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning European-themed amusement park featuring thrilling roller coasters, captivating shows, and family-friendly attractions.
"This park has infinite possibilities with a beautiful atmosphere and an even better ride lineup that has something for everyone."
🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes
This park is large, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring all day . :athletic_shoe:
💧 Free Water Refills
Get free water cups from drink machines to stay hydrated; refillable souvenir cups are a good deal . :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Loch Ness Monster
Scotland Village
Ride the world's only roller coaster with interlocking loops, a classic thrill since 1978 .

InvadR
New France
Experience the excitement of this wooden coaster with thrilling drops and airtime hills .

Griffon
Germany
Brave a 205-foot vertical drop before plunging into a splashdown .

Howl-O-Scream
Various locations
During Halloween season, the park transforms into a terrifying experience with haunted attractions .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Comfort is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes
This park is large, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring all day.
:athletic_shoe:💧 Free Water Refills
Get free water cups from drink machines to stay hydrated; refillable souvenir cups are a good deal.
:droplet:🎟️ Multi-Day Savings
If visiting multiple times or with Water Country USA, multi-day tickets & parking passes offer great value.
:ticket:📱 Use the Park Map
The park map is helpful for navigation and finding attractions, including storing tickets.
:iphone:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes
This park is large, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring all day.
:athletic_shoe:💧 Free Water Refills
Get free water cups from drink machines to stay hydrated; refillable souvenir cups are a good deal.
:droplet:🎟️ Multi-Day Savings
If visiting multiple times or with Water Country USA, multi-day tickets & parking passes offer great value.
:ticket:📱 Use the Park Map
The park map is helpful for navigation and finding attractions, including storing tickets.
:iphone:🎃 Halloween Haunts
Experience Howl-O-Scream for a thrilling, spooky transformation of the park.
:jackolantern:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is widely praised for its beautiful European theming, well-maintained grounds, and impressive collection of roller coasters suitable for all ages. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff, clean environment, and the variety of attractions beyond rides, including shows and themed dining. While food and souvenirs are typically expensive, many find the overall experience to be a great value, especially with multi-day tickets or during special events.
"Extremely well maintained park, clean, inviting and family friendly. Staff were generally friendly and helpful. Plenty of parking - if visiting the park and/or Water Country USA twice or more in a week, absolutely worth buying the multi-day ticket and multi-day parking pass to save, as they are interchangeable between parks. Like nearly all theme parks, food, beverage and souvenir items are priced at a premium. Although a nice perk is they do provide small cups for guests to get free water from the fountain drink machine. We also found the refillable souvenir cup to be a good deal....no charge for refills on day 1 and $2.49 after that vs buying a beverage for three times that price each time. And the cups can be used in consecutive seasons. Pays for itself on a hot day with several refills Plenty of great roller coasters for the thrill seekers (we rode all 10 of them at least once!) and plenty for the little ones as well. Definitely use the map to help navigate the park if unfamiliar with the layout, very helpful walking directions from point to point as well as other great features like storing all tickets or memberships , parking passes etc. If we lived nearby we would certainly have season passes. Many new wonderful family memories made in our long weekend visit. Also it was the last weekend of the summer - not super crowded, not long ride wait times and great ticket deal of buy 1 day, get 2 free!! Very highly recommended!"
Jeff Cafferty
"I’ve been going to this park my whole life and this weekend was one of the best times I’ve had there. The Roller Coaster Insider tour was amazing! Our guides, Dori and Jayne, were knowledgeable and delightful. They took us on a 4 hour roller coaster tour where we went to limited access areas and got to skip the line and ride 4 coasters multiple times. It was a great deal and run by great people."
Matthew Wood
"This place needs no introduction, but it was an amazing experience all around. A couple of the rides were down and one of them we had about a 15 minute wait in line to the ride, then they told us that it wasn't working so that was kind of inconvenient, but besides that the workers were friendly, And the food was very good for the price that we paid.I loved the different themes of the countries that they had, the little bridge with all the turtles in the water was also really cool. Some of the food that you could get was very high-quality I thought for being a theme park. Definitely handled and managed well. One of the nice experiences of the trip was when an employee came up and gave our little group of three free fast passes to get to the front of the line. I thought that was very kind and it was a ride with a long wait so it was very well appreciated. Will definitely be coming back in the future!"
Kalib Hofmann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is located at 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors fly into Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) or Norfolk International Airport (ORF) and then rent a car or take a shuttle to the park.
While direct public transportation to the park is limited, local bus services operate in the Williamsburg area. Many visitors opt for rental cars or ride-sharing services for convenience, especially if flying in from out of state.
If you're staying in Williamsburg, driving is the most straightforward option. The park is a short drive from most hotels. Some hotels may offer shuttle services, so it's worth checking with your accommodation.
Yes, shuttle services are often available from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) and Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) to Williamsburg hotels, which can then connect you to Busch Gardens. It's advisable to book these in advance.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers various parking options, including general parking and preferred parking for a fee. Multi-day parking passes are available and can be a cost-saver if you plan to visit multiple times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Busch Gardens Williamsburg tickets online through the official website, at the park's entrance, or through authorized third-party vendors. Buying in advance online often offers discounts.
Yes, discounts are often available, including multi-day passes, military discounts, and sometimes special promotions. Keep an eye out for 'buy one day, get one free' deals, especially towards the end of the season.
Some reviews mention teacher discounts as well.Operating hours vary by season and day. It's essential to check the official Busch Gardens Williamsburg website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit, as they can change.
Yes, multi-day tickets are available and are often a great value, especially if you plan to visit for more than one day or combine your visit with Water Country USA.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers a preschool pass for children ages 3-5, allowing them free admission during specific periods. This is a fantastic way to introduce young children to the park.
🎫 🎢 Onsite Experience
Top roller coasters include the Loch Ness Monster (with interlocking loops),
InvadR (a wooden coaster), Griffon (with a massive drop), and Verbolten (a launched coaster). Many visitors rave about the variety and thrill of the coasters.Absolutely! The park features Sesame Street Forest of Fun and Land of the Dragons, offering gentle rides, splash zones, and playgrounds perfect for toddlers and young children.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is beautifully themed around six European hamlets: England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, and Italy. Each village offers unique architecture, food, and atmosphere.
Yes, Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed Halloween event that transforms the park into a terrifying experience with haunted houses, scare zones, and themed shows. It's designed for thrill-seekers and those who enjoy a good scare.
The park offers a variety of live entertainment, including musical performances, acrobatic shows, and themed presentations. Check the park's schedule upon arrival for showtimes and locations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Like most theme parks, food and beverages at Busch Gardens Williamsburg are priced at a premium.
However, many reviewers note that the quality is good for theme park fare, with some unique options available in different themed areas.Yes, the park offers a range of kid-friendly options, including classic theme park staples like pizza, burgers, and chicken tenders. Many restaurants have dedicated kids' menus.
Generally, outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are not permitted inside the park, with the exception of baby food and formula. However, free water is available from fountains.
Each European-themed village offers distinct culinary experiences. You can find German bratwurst in Germany, fish and chips in England, and various pastries and treats throughout the park.
Yes, Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers refillable souvenir cups. The initial refill is free on the day of purchase, and subsequent refills are available at a significantly reduced price, making it a cost-effective option for frequent drinkers.
📸 📸 Photography
The park's European villages offer picturesque backdrops with charming architecture. Look for scenic spots near the bridges, water features, and themed buildings. The Loch Ness Monster and Griffon coasters also make for dramatic photo opportunities.
Generally, cameras and phones are not allowed on the roller coasters for safety reasons. However, many rides have designated photo opportunities before or after the ride, and some offer on-ride photos for purchase.
Early mornings or late afternoons, especially during the 'golden hour,' can provide beautiful lighting for photos. Weekdays, when crowds are lower, also make it easier to capture unobstructed shots.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide scenic shots of the villages and close-ups of rides and details. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
While generally encouraged, be mindful of other guests and avoid blocking pathways. Professional photography or videography may require special permits, so check with park management if you plan extensive shoots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For slightly older kids and teens, the park offers a thrilling selection of roller coasters and water rides. Consider purchasing a preschool pass if you have a child aged 3-5 for free admission. The park's beautiful European theming also provides a visually engaging experience beyond just the rides, making it a well-rounded destination for a family day out.
🎢 Thrill-Seekers
Many reviewers praise the park's coaster lineup as one of the best. Consider the Roller Coaster Insider tour for exclusive access and multiple rides on select coasters. For the ultimate thrill, visit during Howl-O-Scream for a terrifyingly fun Halloween experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Take advantage of the free water cups available throughout the park to stay hydrated without constant purchases. The refillable souvenir cup is also a good investment if you plan on buying multiple drinks. While food can be pricey, packing some snacks or planning a meal outside the park can help save money. Look for deals like 'buy one day, get two free' tickets if available.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Busch Gardens Williamsburg Coasters
For those seeking extreme thrills, Finnegan's Flyer offers an intense swing experience, while Mach Tower provided a unique drop tower thrill before its closure. The park consistently updates its offerings, with new construction hinting at future additions. Whether you're a seasoned coaster enthusiast or a first-time rider, Busch Gardens Williamsburg delivers an unforgettable roller coaster experience.
When planning your ride strategy, consider using the park's map and app to locate your desired coasters and check wait times. Some visitors have even participated in specialized tours like the Roller Coaster Insider tour, which offers exclusive access and multiple rides on select coasters.
A European Escape: Themed Villages and Atmosphere
This attention to detail extends to the dining and shopping experiences within each village, offering a taste of local flavors and souvenirs. Walking through these themed areas feels like a mini-European vacation, complete with charming bridges, fountains, and cobblestone paths. The Loch Ness Monster coaster, for instance, is nestled within the Scotland-themed area, enhancing the mythical ambiance. The park's beauty and thematic coherence are frequently praised by visitors, making it a visually stunning destination.
Beyond the rides, the park offers a variety of shows and attractions that complement the European theme. From street performers to stage productions, there's always something to discover. The overall atmosphere is often described as 'the World's Most Beautiful Theme Park,' a testament to its stunning design and well-maintained grounds.
Family Fun for All Ages
As children grow, they can transition to family-friendly coasters like InvadR or enjoy attractions like Escape from Pompeii for a refreshing splash. The park also features animal encounters and shows that appeal to a broad audience. Parents will appreciate the availability of stroller rentals, family restrooms, and a variety of kid-approved food options. The park's commitment to creating a welcoming environment for families is evident in its diverse offerings.
Many visitors highlight the park's ability to provide a memorable experience for multi-generational families, ensuring that everyone from grandparents to toddlers can find something to enjoy. The combination of thrilling rides, charming theming, and dedicated children's areas makes Busch Gardens Williamsburg a top choice for family vacations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit