Over the past decade, some of my favorite memories have been made at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. It’s the theme park I’ve visited more than any other, thanks to its beautiful scenery, great rides, and proximity to my home. We’ve had annual memberships and season passes a few times because we enjoyed visiting again and again!
I love seeing the park change with the seasons as they host different events, like Howl-o-Scream, Christmas Town, and Summer Nights. They go all out with the decor, shows, and even costumed staff to really set the scene. But no matter what time of year you visit, there’s plenty to enjoy at the World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park (according to the National Amusement Park Historical Association)!
I originally created this guide in 2019, but Busch Gardens has undergone a number of changes since then, so I wanted to update it for 2024 so you know exactly what to expect.
A Little About Busch Gardens Williamsburg…
Currently, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has nine roller coasters. They recently opened the Pantheon, the world’s fastest multi-launch coaster, and Darkoaster, North America’s only all-indoor straddle coaster! Alpengeist is also one of the fastest coasters in the world, and the Loch Ness Monster is the only double interlocking loop roller coaster in existence. Pretty cool, huh?
Busch Gardens has nine main areas based on countries: England, Scotland, Ireland, France, New France, Germany, Oktoberfest, Italy, and Festa Italia. Each area has buildings, food, and music based on that specific country, and the ride themes and landscape also correspond directly with the district.
Each area is super-immersive and unique, with its own special things to offer. In this guide, I’ll take you through each area (going counterclockwise through the park) with information on what rides to expect, how intense they are, typical shows, and the occasional food recommendation.
Let’s dive in!
The Countries of Busch Gardens Williamsburg
England
The first country you’ll discover when you enter Busch Gardens Williamsburg is England. This quaint area features white buildings with brown trim, and during holiday events, the park often strings wreaths or banners between the rooftops.
The main draw of this area is shopping and dining, along with the welcome center. However, it’s also home to the Globe Theatre, one of the park’s main show venues! They do a variety of great shows here, but their retelling of A Christmas Carol is probably my favorite. They’ve done the same shows for Howl-O-Scream and Christmas for the past few years, but they tend to mix it up during the spring and summer to keep things fresh.
We don’t typically eat meals in this area, but I really enjoy the England Sweet Shoppe for coffee and dessert!
You’ll also find the England Skyride here, right between the border of England and Scotland. It goes counter-clockwise around the park, and you can ride it from here to France or arrive here from Germany.
Lastly, families may want to check out the Sesame Street Forest of Fun behind the Skyride entrance. I won’t be going into details about it in this guide, but they have a number of kid-friendly rides and attractions, plus character meet and greets.
Scotland
When you leave England, you’ll immediately step into Scotland. This small but cheerful area only has a couple of things, but they’re worth checking out.
The first main draw here is the Highland Stables. Here, you can meet the famous Busch Gardens Clydesdale horses and even get a photo shoot with one of them! They also have special tours you can add to your ticket to get closer and more personal with the Clydesdales and border collies to learn about their training.
Off by the edge of Scotland (heading toward Italy), they also have an enclosure with a couple of adorable highland cattle, and you can sign up for a 20-minute tour with them as well!
Loch Ness Monster (7/10 intensity)
Scotland’s only coaster is the Loch Ness Monster, and it’s a doozy! This particular coaster was one of the foundational rides at Busch Gardens and the world’s first interlocking loop coaster. Based on the mythic Scottish beast, the ride twists and turns around loop-the-loops into a scarily tight cave and over the surrounding trees and water. Throw in a couple of stomach-dropping hills, and the Loch Ness Monster is a ride you’ll want to experience over and over again.
They just restored the whole ride for 2024, adding some new elements and effects to enhance the experience.
Ireland
Ireland is a bit larger, stretching out quite a ways and packing in a good blend of animal experiences, shows, and rides.
The main section is set up like a colorful Irish village, with a variety of little buildings, plus a castle covered in gorgeous ivy. There are a couple of shops here, and we always enjoy popping into them to see what’s new, especially Emerald Isle Gifts. Food is limited, but they have an outside food stand with typical theme park fare and the Grogan’s Pub.
This area is usually a big event hub, with singers and performers stationed outside during Christmas Town and Howl-O-Scream. It’s also where you’ll find the Abbey Stone Theatre, best known for its Celtic Fyre show, featuring an outstanding line-up of dancers! In this show, you’ll experience a unique Celtic dancing experience during the celebration of an Irish wedding. It’s a literal foot-stomping good time, and you can sing along with classics like “Danny Boy” and “Siul a Ruhn” while the dancers pull out some show-stopping footwork.
Finnegan’s Flyer (8/10 Intensity)
The big thrill ride in Ireland is Finnegan’s Flyer. This double swing ride is set on the edge of a small cliff that looks out over the park’s river. Guests buckle in with only a solid lap harness before swinging through the air in a pendulum motion that increases with every swing and eventually turns you almost upside-down at 80 feet in the air!
Battle for the Eire (4/10 intensity)
At the moment, Busch Gardens’ only VR ride is The Battle for the Eire. This quaint experience takes you down into the tunnels of a cave-like area to Fairyland. While you wait, you’ll put on an adjustable “helmet” that your VR device snaps into.
The ride is more of a stadium with a large screen that you’ll view through your “magic glasses.” The seats react to the motion on the screen to simulate the feeling of soaring through the clouds with a dragon as you chase after the stolen Heart of Eire. Overall, it’s a very calm ride and perfect for families, although the wait can be very long. But in good news, it’s always very cool as you wait in the tunnels!
Animal Experiences
If you didn’t know, Busch Gardens does a lot for animal rescue and conservation. This is more heavily showcased in their Tampa location, but there’s a good bit of creatures here, too! The park has a variety of rescued animals, from bald eagles and wolves to dogs and cats, and you’ll see most of them right here in Ireland.
As the path heads out of the Irish village toward France, you’ll find some animal encounters, including:
- Eagle Ridge: This aviary/enclosure is home to several rescued bald eagles who cannot return to the wild.
- Wolf Valley: You can get a close look at the park’s pack of rescued wolves from a viewing platform that looks down into their enclosure. You can also see Howl to Coexist, a daily educational experience featuring the park’s gray wolves. Animal trainers introduce a variety of rescued animals, including an owl, a hawk, and a fox, and discuss how to coexist with these predators. When the wolves come out, the trainers encourage them through various tricks to showcase their powerful jumping abilities. But everything is 100% the animals’ decision, so they may choose whether or not to perform. In our experience, however, they’re usually pretty eager to earn some extra treats.
3. Lorikeet Glen: One of my favorite warm-weather activities here is visiting Lorikeet Glen. This large aviary has a ton of beautiful birds, and it’s so fun to try and spot them all! Visitors do need to take care to stay on the path so they don’t disturb any nests or shy birds.
France
France has always been one of my favorite areas in Busch Gardens Williamsburg, probably because when I first visited, I was still dreaming of visiting Paris! And now that I have been there, it’s a small reminder of what a lovely time we had. It’s particularly pretty during Christmas, but I love it here on a sunny day as well, with its sweet little buildings and fancy fountain.
For shopping, I recommend checking out La Bella Maison. Les Frites serves up some rather delicious poutine (Canadian, I know), and Josephine’s Creamery de Chocolate has fantastic desserts! Most of their ice cream is Ghiradelli, and you can watch them making their waffle cone bowls while you wait. The prices are mostly around $8-$10, but the portions fit the price. You’ll likely want to choose something to share, especially if you try out their delicious Freak Shakes!
The main venue here is the Royal Palace Theatre, an outdoor stadium. In the summer, it is used for concerts, and every Christmas, an impressive ice skating version of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is performed there.
Griffon (8/10 intensity)
By far my favorite ride at the park, the Griffon takes 3 rows of 10 people soaring down its track at 75 miles per hour. Riders on the outer edges get to experience a ride without a track directly under their feet, which really adds to the feel of flying. However, the front row is really the place to be because of the 205-foot, 90-degree drop. And if you happen to be in the center seat of the front row, it’s a ride you will never forget. The coaster hesitates for a couple of seconds at the very edge of the drop before plummeting downward and soaring through some inversions and sending up a spray from a small pond.
New France (Canada)
France seamlessly transitions into New France, a Canadian-inspired area with log buildings and hands-on shopping. You’ll have the chance to create your own souvenirs at Caribou Pottery or pan for gold at Trapper Dave’s General Store. A couple of shops also feature cool arts and crafts from local artists.
You’ll find some snack options here, as well, but we typically grab lunch at the Trapper’s Smokehouse. It has the park’s best value meal, as the sampler meal is enough to feed two people (we’ve done three) for about $23. And the ribs, brisket, and chicken are surprisingly delicious for amusement park food! Marco Polo’s Marketplace and Das Festhaus have similar meal plans, but the meat portions at Trappers Smokehouse are the most filling for one plate.
Invadr (9/10 intensity)
Invadr is the park’s only wooden roller coaster. The fact that it’s wood does add a good deal to the craziness of this ride because, quite frankly, it jerks a lot more than the others, and it’s LOUD. It may also make you wonder how the coaster stays on the track. But it fits the tone of the Viking theme at the edge of New France. This ride will send you flying over nine hills and then dashing around turns that seem impossibly tight at a speed that feels far faster than its 50 mph.
Le Scoot (5/10 intensity)
Right between Invadr and Alpengeist, you’ll find Le Scoot. This log flume ride takes you high up in the air through a “sawmill.” The first part of the ride is fairly relaxing, and you’ll get a great view of the park. But be prepared for the 50-foot finale drop and the accompanying splash!
Le Catapult (5/10 intensity)
This family-friendly scrambler ride in New France will have you whipping around in every direction! Hold on tight, and get ready to get dizzy.
Germany
Germany is another village-style area featuring brightly-colored buildings, festive music, and some of my favorite shopping in the park. German Gifts is always a fun one to explore, with its nutcrackers, Christmas ornaments, cuckoo clocks, and ornate steins.
And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, the Wikommenhaus has delicious treats like ice cream, cookies, and hot cocoa, depending on the season!
This is also where families will find Land of the Dragons, Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s second child-specific area.
Alpengeist (10/10 intensity)
Hands down, this is the most intense roller coaster in the park. Every time I ride it, I think, “That was crazier than I remember.” You literally cannot get used to the thrill of this ride. Along with being incredibly fast, Alpengeist also sends you flying 195 feet into the air and then flips you upside-down six times! The whirlwind of stomach-dropping moments is amplified as your feet dangle free and you whip around the ski-slope-themed track. Quite frankly, it’s the most likely to give you whiplash, but wow! You’ll find it right at the edge of Germany after you cross the bridge from New France.
Kinder Karussel
Germany is also home to an adorable carousel, complete with plenty of pretty horses and ornate benches. Great for kids and kids-at-heart!
Oktoberfest
From here, Germany transitions into Oktoberfest, which is more of a carnival-style area. The main section has a cute market with wares ranging from Busch Gardens pins to crafts from local artists, plus carnival games where you can play to win prizes and an arcade.
At the back you’ll find Das Festhaus, the primary dining and show venue in Oktoberfest. It’s a large dining hall where you can grab a la carte meals to enjoy while you watch the latest show. These change seasonally like all the other shows, and while they will occasionally do the same one a couple of years in a row, they’re always fun to check out. During Christmas Town, you’ll also find the iconic Christmas tree right outside Das Festhaus.
If you don’t want to grab a meal at Das Festhaus (or just want something extra), I highly recommend the soft pretzels from German Beer & Pretzels. They’re the only hand-made ones in the park, and they’re quite delicious!
Verbolten (7/10 intensity)
Located in the Oktoberfest section of Germany, Verbolten is probably tied with the Loch Ness Monster for overall intensity. What I love about this ride is the story. As you wait in line, you’ll pass through rooms filled with abandoned luggage and old TVs showing security footage of people wandering around the Black Forest crying for help. Once on the ride, you’ll find yourself in a dark building full of flashing lights and scary outlines. But from here, you’ll experience one of three different storylines, so you never know quite what to expect. And when you think things are calming down, the whole train will drop before erupting from the Black Forest and dashing around the rest of the track. It’s no wonder this ride often has over an hour of wait time!
Darkastle (6/10 intensity)
Currently the newest ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, the Darkoaster is an all-indoor straddle coaster located in the previously empty castle on the edge of Oktoberfest. You’ll journey through the “cursed” castle grounds on snowmobile-style vehicles, facing funky weather, unexpected twists and turns, and cool lighting effects. This is a pretty neat ride, and you do get quite different experiences based on whether you lean forward or sit back. It’s a great new ride and one I’m excited to try again next time!
Der Autobahn (4/10 intensity)
For a chill time, challenge your friends to bumper cars at the Autobahn arena in Oktoberfest. They also have a smaller version just for kids!
Der Wirbelwind (3.5/10 intensity)
If you enjoy calm breezes and gentle rocking motions, you’ll love Der Wirbelwind, a peaceful swing ride that spins you at increasing heights. There is also a smaller children’s version of this ride just a few feet away.
RIP Mach Tower
Another highlight of Oktoberfest used to be the Mach Tower, located right next to the pretzel shop across from Verbolten. Sadly, they removed it recently and turned it into the Prost Patio, an extra seating area. 🙁
Italy
From here, you’ll cross another scenic bridge and enter Italy, a relatively elegant area featuring lots of gardens and hedges, columns, and Roman-style buildings. The main shopping and dining area is right at the beginning, featuring just a couple of shops, a gelato spot, and Marco Polo’s Marketplace.
This dining venue gives you options for Italian, Mediterranean, or Asian food, which you can take right over to the San Marco Theatre to enjoy. The open-air theatre has covered and uncovered seating facing a small stage. Unlike the other venues, which tend to feature a lot of dancing and upbeat music, the shows at the San Marco Theatre are typically a bit more refined, featuring vocal groups or classical pianists. They’ll still throw in plenty of fun crowd-favorite songs, though.
Escape from Pompeii (4/10 intensity)
Italy’s water ride is Escape from Pompeii, but you’ll certainly feel the heat in this recreation of Pompeii’s demise. The Escape from Pompeii takes you through a quick tour of Pompeii as it begins to crumble from Mount Vesuvius’s eruptions. Fires erupt all around you, and falling statues threaten to crush your boat, but you’ll escape just in time as your boat plummets to safety.
The Battering Ram (5/10 intensity)
The Battering Ram is a classic boat swing ride located in Italy. Guests will ride back and forth in increasingly high pendulum motions until their faces are nearly parallel to the ground!
Flying Machine (3/10 intensity)
The Flying Machine takes sets of cars spinning through the air in a circular path above Da Vinci’s Garden.
Festa Italia
The final area of Busch Gardens Williamsburg is Festa Italia, and it’s packed with great rides, including 3 roller coasters! This area is another carnival-style section, with games, another arcade, and circus vibes. We don’t typically shop or eat here, but I do recommend trying Rita’s Italian Ice!
Tempesto (7.5/10 intensity)
Tempesto is a thrilling launch coaster, taking guests backwards, forwards, and upside down. Guests will take off going one way, and then the train reverses, dropping the guests down an incline and shoot halfway up the other end of the track. The train hovers for just a moment before once again shooting straight ahead at 63 mph and encountering several tight rolling inversions through the air as well as a loop!ntering several tight rolling inversions through the air as well as a loop!
Apollo’s Chariot (6.5/10 intensity)
Last in intensity but certainly not least in enjoyment is Apollo’s Chariot. This is a crowd favorite and an award-winning coaster with its initial 210-foot drop. According to Busch Gardens, you’ll actually drop a total of 825 feet while on this ride while cruising at up to 73 mph! But despite the number of drops on this coaster, the ride is incredibly smooth, and you won’t face any loops, so it’s not nearly as crazy as some of the other coasters. It’s another one you’ll definitely want to ride more than once!
Pantheon (8/10 intensity)
Although this roller coaster is the fastest multi-launch in the world, it’s still not the most intense in the park (in my opinion). It’s a fantastic ride with several loops and fast take-offs, but the ride is incredibly smooth—so smooth that you hardly feel some of the sharpest turns. It reaches 73 mph, has 4 launches, and a 95-degree drop! You’ll find it in Festa Italia, behind the teacup ride.
Roman Rapids (4/10 intensity, 10/10 soak factor)
If you don’t want to get wet, just avoid the Roman Rapids. There is literally no “lucky” escape from the torrential downpour you will receive on this ride. Your raft of six will spin through a series of tight turns and sudden drops, along with a series of fountains and a waterfall. It’s a great ride and perfect for the end of a hot summer day. However, I highly recommend bringing a change of clothes.
The Trade Wind (6.5/10 intensity)
Don’t underestimate the power of this classic ride in Festa Italia. The Trade Wind is a bobsled ride that whips guests around a hilly, circular track at breathtaking speeds. The gravitational pull will have you pinned against the outer edge of the car as you whirl around, so be sure to put small riders inside! It’s a surprising thrill ride you’ll definitely want to try out.
Turkish Delight (2-8/10 intensity)
The spinning teacups of Turkish Delight in Festa Italia can be just as crazy or calm as you choose for them to be. So get on and spin your heart out, or settle for some slow turns.
Closing Thoughts on Busch Gardens Williamsburg
And there you have it! I hope you enjoyed this guide to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and that it answered the questions you may have had about the park! If you have more, feel free to post them below, and I’ll answer them as best as I can. For the most up-to-date information on show times and events, however, check the park website because these do change regularly. But that’s half the fun!
I also have guides on past Howl-o-Scream and Christmas Town events. Again, they change things up at least a little bit every year, but those can give you some good ideas of what to generally expect from their events.
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Thanks for stopping by, and I wish you a wonderful trip to Busch Gardens Williasmburg. Until next time, happy travels!
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