Unleashing the Adventure: Discover the Excitement of Busch Gardens Williamsburg
If you’re looking to experience the sites of the world without leaving United States, then you’ll love Busch Gardens Virginia! The Busch Gardens Park in Williamsburg, Virginia, is the perfect place for a family vacation with lots of fun and adventure. We went during Christmas week which is a little different than most times of the year. It was cooler and some of the rides were closed but over all it was a great day.
Before you create your itinerary for your trip, you’ll want to know about all of the most popular attractions. Here’s what you need to know about the park, where you should spend your time, and other information for planning your trip.
About Busch Gardens Park
Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia is one of the most popular theme parks in the area. The park has been voted “World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park” since 1990, and it’s for a good reason! The theme of the park brings a little slice of Europe to Virginia with artfully landscaped villages.
When you step into Busch Gardens, you’ll feel like you’re walking the Parisian streets of France, the hamlets of Scotland, and the Oktoberfest celebrations of Germany. The park includes nine different villages that embody six countries for you to explore without all of the travel.
The park is located near the banks of the James River and is surrounded by three great historical sites: Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. This area is an hour-long drive to Virginia Beach and Richmond, so you can experience a wide variety of fun without having to leave the area. You can find something that everyone will love! Farm-to-table dining is popular in this area, and you’ll love the activities by the water, too.
Experiences
If you’re looking for fun for everyone, then Busch Gardens is a one-stop-shop. You’ll find everything from rides to shows, shopping options, and great food. Here are just a few of the highlights that you can look forward to seeing on your trip!
Rides
Busch Gardens is one of Virginia’s best attractions, and it’s partially due to their cool rides. The park is home to world-class roller coasters, kid play areas, leisure rides, and more. Their rides are classified as Roller Coasters, High Thrill, Family Rides, Low Thrill, Leisure, Medium Thrill, Kid-Friendly Rides, and Water Rides.
Busch Gardens Park in Virginia will be launching their newest roller coaster, the DarKoaster, in 2023. This will be North America’s first all-indoor straddle coaster. Only bring your adrenaline-loving friends for this one, because it is classified as High Thrill!
Are you not a big roller coaster fan? You will love some of the other rides available. The park features Finnegan’s Flyer, which is an extreme swing ride that is also classified as High Thrill. If High Thrill rides aren’t your idea of fun, then you may enjoy the relaxing Bush Gardens Railway. This is a scenic train ride that anyone can enjoy!
Lastly, another highlight of the park is the Skyride. On the skyride, you can enjoy a leisurely ride through the park in the air. The birds-eye view of the park is absolutely breathtaking! You can even bring your family along. If you’re interested in more rides available, then you can check them out here.
Shows
One of the most popular attractions around the holidays for this park is their set of shows. Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town is where you can enjoy classic holiday favorites with everyone in the family. Each year they perform different shows, and some are even on ice! If you’re interested in catching a show this holiday season, you can check out the show schedule here.
Shopping
Along with the entertainment options, you’ll love the shopping options available at Busch Gardens! There are many different stores and shops where you can buy souvenirs, photos, and more. In the shops below, you can also experience fun activities such as pottery painting, antique photo booths, or even panning for gold.
Some unique gifts and souvenirs that you may find include hand-dipped candles, hand-crafted Capodimonte flowers, and more. Also, depending on which part of the park you’re in, you may find things like Irish crystal, German-made steins, and masks from Italy. Here are a few of the shops that you’ll want to see:
- Emerald Isle Gifts (Ireland)
- Trapper Dave’s General Store (New France)
- Caribou Pottery (New France)
- Acadia Traders (New France)
- German gifts (Germany)
- Busch Gardens Pin Trading (Emporium and Der Marketplatz)
- Carolee Vitaletti Art
If you’re looking for specific kid-friendly shops, then you’ll want to check out Toys O’ the Leprechaun and Abby Cadabby’s Treasure Cove. In these shops, you’ll find some fun clothing, accessories, and of course, toys!
Summer Camps
The great thing about Busch Gardens is that it is just as amazing in the summer time as it is winter! The park hosts summer camps for kids to participate in educational experiences while in a fun environment. Your child will experience animal interactions, STEM and art activities, and more!
With the summer camp programs, you can choose a day camp, weeklong camp extended care, and a 1-day camp extended care. These options allow you to have an earlier drop-off or later pick-up for your camper. The goal of the extended care packages is to make summer camp as accessible as possible to all kids regardless of your schedule!
Special Events
During the winter, Busch Gardens is known for their Christmas theme in the park. The summer time is known for all of the kid’s camps and activities. There’s truly an event for every season! Food festivals also mix in with these seasons, and many are included for free with park admission.
You can expect festivals and celebrations for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, and more! You can find the schedule of upcoming events here.
Plan Your Visit
Now that you know a little bit about the park and know of some fun things to do, it’s time to plan your visit! Below you’ll find everything you need to help you plan your visit to the park: amenity options, dining, hours, fees, and more!
Amenities
Busch Gardens has selected their preferred hotels to bring you the highest quality service and the best stay possible. Here are some of their options and what you can expect at each one:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Williamsburg
DoubleTree is the closest hotel to Busch Gardens. This hotel is a modern family-friendly hotel.
Featured Amenities:
- Indoor & Outdoor Heated Pool, Tennis/Basketball Courts
- 24-hr Fitness Center
- Arcade Game Area, Pool Table
- Grab & Go Market, On site Restaurant with Bar
- Contemporary spacious guest rooms with modern amenities and Wi-Fi available
Kingsmill Resort
The Kingsmill Resort is also located next door to Busch Gardens. This resort is the only AAA Four Diamond Condominium Resort in Williamsburg featuring all the comforts and conveniences of home.
Featured Amenities:
- Three pools, including lazy river pool complex
- Three restaurants, full-service spa, golf, tennis, walking/biking trails
- Marina that includes jet skis, pontoon boat, kayaks, paddleboards & more
- Kingsmill garden and beehive tours
Colonial Williamsburg Woodlands
The Colonial Williamsburg Woodlands is located next to the Williamsburg Visitor center. The Colonial offers spacious guestrooms, a heated outdoor pool, breakfast buffet and access to a variety of resort amenities, which are included in the $10 daily resort fee.
Featured Amenities:
- Enhanced Continental breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, onsite parking
- Seasonal outdoor pool with splash park & Fun Zone with Mini Golf and more
- Resort Outlet Booklet with up to $350 in savings
Williamsburg Lodge
The Williamsburg Lodge is located within walking distance to Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area and newly renovated Art Museums and Historic Taverns.
Featured Amenities:
- On-Site Restaurants & walking distance to Historic Taverns
- 3 Legendary Golf Courses
- Full-Service Spa, Wellness, and Fitness Center
- Indoor Pool & Seasonal Outdoor Resort Pools
- Resort Outlet Booklet with up to $350 in savings
Wyndham Garden Williamsburg
The Wyndham Garden Williamsburg is located across the street from Water Country USA and is one of the closest hotels to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This hotel is also a AAA Three Diamond Hotel that is both affordable and elegant.
Featured Amenities:
- Spacious outdoor pool and poolside-covered patio
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
- Fully stocked Lobby Market where you can purchase snacks, drinks and more
- Pet-Friendly Hotel (additional fees apply)
Dining
From full meals to sweet treats, you’ll find everything you need for dining at Busch Gardens. There are many different sit-down, self-service restaurants throughout the park as well as over 15 different snack locations. You can find the snack locations near your favorite rides and attractions for easy access! Below are a few options to choose from, but for more information, check out the dining page.
- Burgermeister’s Hideaway: adult beverages
- Das Festhaus: German fare, pizza, and sandwiches with a show
- Brauhaus Craft Bier Room: adult beverages
- Squire’s Grille: American food
- Trapper’s Smokehouse: ribs, brisket, chicken, and more
- Marco Polo’s Marketplace: Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian
Animals
While rides are some of the most popular attractions at Busch Gardens, your family will love checking out the animals! The park is home to habitats for animals such as Clydesdale horses, Border Collies, Black Face sheep, Scottish Highland cattle, gray wolves, birds of prey, reptiles, aviary birds, red foxes, and Norway rats.
Plenty of Options for Food in the Park and Lodging Nearby
Hours & Fees
The next portion of your trip planning will be determined by the time of year that you schedule. While fees typically stay the same, hours and days change based on the season. The park hours and schedules are updated periodically. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on a particular day, be sure to check back on their park schedule in a few weeks.
Tickets & Membership Fees:
Ticket price varies depending on the package you select. One specific date ticket for one person starts at $39.99, and you can add extra add-ons based on the time of year. During Christmas Town, you can purchase a ticket + all-day dining for $40 more than a ticket.
Christmas Town Fun Cards are for an unlimited admission to Christmas Town. Prices begin at $76.99 each. You also have the option for an any day ticket, which you purchase one admission on any day of your choosing within 6 months of purchase.
You also have the option to bundle your ticket admissions and save! During the holidays, you can purchase 2-day and 3-day tickets and save up to 30%. If you’re looking to have unlimited visits to the area, you can purchase a 2023 Fun Card. These are available in 1-Park and 2-Park Fun Cards. The prices for these range from $112.99 to $131.99.
Membership Options:
If you’re interested in visiting the park year-round, then you’ll benefit from purchasing a membership. Memberships come in 1-Park and 2-Park options. Below is a breakdown of each membership:
2-PARK BASIC: $183 per member
- Valid for 12 months at Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Water Country USA withblockout dates
- Includes admission to Howl-O-Scream & Christmas Town
- 5% off in-park discounts
- Exclusive member events, monthly rewards and more.
- Automatic Renewal
2-PARK UNLIMITED: $240 per member
- Unlimited admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Water Country USA for 12 months with no blockout dates
- Includes admission to Howl-O-Scream & Christmas Town
- Free General Parking
- 2 Free Guest Tickets
- 10% off in-park discounts
- Free Digital Photo Download
- Exclusive member events, monthly rewards and more.
2-PARK PREMIER: $315
- Enjoy unlimited admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Water Country USA for 12 months
- Includes Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town
- Free Preferred Parking
- 4 Free Guest Tickets
- Up to 20% In-Park discounts
- FREE 1-Day PhotoKey
- Exclusive member events, monthly rewards and more.
11-PARK PLATINUM: $408 per member
- Enjoy unlimited admission for 12 months 11 PARKS – Busch Gardens (VA & FL), Water Country USA (VA), Adventure Island (FL), Sesame Place (PA & CA), SeaWorld (FL, TX, & CA) & Aquatica (FL & TX).
- Includes Howl-O-Scream & Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- Free Preferred Parking
- 6 Free Guest Tickets
- Up to 30% In-Park discounts
- Free Annual PhotoKey
- 1 free Single-Ride Quick Queue per visit
- Exclusive member events, monthly rewards and more.
1-PARK BASIC: $156 per member
- Valid for 12 months at Busch Gardens Williamsburg withblockout dates
- Includes admission to Howl-O-Scream & Christmas Town
- 5% off in-park discounts
- Exclusive member events, monthly rewards and more.
1-PARK UNLIMITED: $216 per member
- Unlimited admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for 12 months with no blockout dates
- Includes admission to Howl-O-Scream & Christmas Town
- Free General Parking
- 2 free Guest Tickets
- 10% off in-park discounts
- FREE Digital Photo Download
- Exclusive member events, monthly rewards and more.
1-PARK PREMIER: $288 per member
- Enjoy unlimited admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for 12 months
- Includes Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town
- Free Preferred Parking
- 4 free Guest Tickets
- Up to 20% In-Park discounts
- Free 1-Day PhotoKey
- Exclusive member events, monthly rewards and more
Vacation Packages:
If you’re looking for the biggest experience while saving money, then you’ll want to schedule a vacation package through Busch Gardens. You’ll get to explore Williamsburg, Virginia and also have fun at the park. You’ll start by choosing a package and your choice of accommodations from select hotel properties. If you’re looking for something more customizable, you can purchase tickets and add on extras that fit your family best. See more about the vacation packages here.
Special Offers:
Busch Gardens also offers a variety of special tickets and discounts. You have the option to book groups, corporate events, and more. For corporate events, contact Busch Gardens for more assistance.
Group Tickets:
A group of 15-99 people for the date selected at the time of purchase ($44.99 each)
2-Day Group Tickets:
Two days at the park with a group of 15-99 people for the date selected at the time of purchase ($83.99)
3-Day Group Tickets:
Three days at the park with a group of 15-99 people for the date selected at the time of purchase ($90.99)
Military Discounts:
Varies based on active-duty and veterans. Restrictions apply: learn more!
See Everything at Busch Garden from the Sky
Direction & Contact Information
Williamsburg, Virginia is easy to get to no matter the direction you’re coming from. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Richmond, Virginia Beach and other Hampton Roads destinations. Busch Gardens is located at the following address:
1 Busch Gardens Boulevard
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Here are the driving directions as the park has given them from different directions:
Driving Directions
- From Virginia Beach and Norfolk
- Drive up I-64 West.
- BUSCH GARDENS: Take Exit 243A and follow this road directly to the park entrance.
From Richmond
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- Hop on I-64 East.
- BUSCH GARDENS: Take Exit 243A and follow this road directly to the park entrance.
From Washington, D.C.
An easy drive south will transport you from the nation’s capital.
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- From I-95 South, take Exit 84A for I-295 South.
- Take Exit 28A for I-64 East toward Norfolk/VA Beach.
- BUSCH GARDENS: Take Exit 243A and follow this road directly to the park entrance.
From Raleigh, NC
Just north of North Carolina, our world-class theme park and water park adventures await, only a few hours distance from Raleigh.
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- Take US-64 East to I-95 North toward Richmond.
- Exit onto I-295 North and merge onto I-64 East.
- BUSCH GARDENS: Take Exit 243A and follow this road directly to the park entrance.
If you prefer to fly in, there are three airports in Hampton Roads and Richmond, which are all 45 minutes within Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Richmond International Airport, Norfolk International Airport, and Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport.
For bus and train rides, check out the local schedules at Amtrak, Greyhound, and Williamsburg’s local WATA service.
Local Weather
If you’re looking to visit the Williamsburg, VA area, you’ll love it no matter the time of year! With mild weather year-round, you’ll be able to enjoy the park and what it offers each season. Below are the average high and low temperature for each month. Average rainfall days varies between 6-9 days out of the month.
January49° / 29°
February52° / 30°
March60° / 37°
April71° / 46°
May78° / 55°
June85° / 64°
July89° / 68°
August87° / 67°
September81° / 61°
October71° / 50°
November62° / 40°
December53° / 33°
Park Map
If you’re looking to download the park map ahead of time, you can find that here.
Accessibility
Busch Gardens has Park Accessibility Guides to improve the experience at the park for guests with disabilities and functional needs. The guides provide details about different rider requirements, accessible entrances and exits, park accommodations, and more. You can find more information on park accessibility by contacting Guest Relations by email or at (757) 229-4386. 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Family Fun at Busch Gardens
Now that you have everything you need to start your family adventure at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, what are you waiting for?! The next step is to purchase your tickets and schedule everything you’ll need. You can start today by purchasing your tickets here.
