Hello, thrill seekers! I’ve been looking forward to writing this post for a while now. I’ve had the fortunate “problem” of having too much to write about this summer, but the time has finally come for me to tell you about one of my favorite places in Virginia: Busch Gardens!
Similar to my Paris guide, this will actually be part of a mini-series I hope to do based on the different seasonal events that Busch Gardens hosts every year (Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town). But for now, I want to give you the ins and outs of the World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park (according to the National Amusement Park Historical Association)!
Busch Gardens has six main areas, all based on countries: England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, and Italy. Each area has buildings, food, and music based on that specific country, and the ride themes and landscape also correspond directly with the district.
One of my favorite aspects of this park is how immersive the different areas are. Within a few feet, you can transition from a French village to a German town without feeling jarred or out of place.
For the sake of organization, I’ll be doing this particular guide by attraction type, rated from best to least and/or intensity.
Let’s dive in!
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Roller Coasters
Currently, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has 8 roller coasters. They just recently opened the Pantheon, which is currently the world’s fastest multi-launch 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?
1. Alpengeist (10/10 intensity)
Hands down, this is the most intense roller coaster in the park. Every single 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 between Germany and France.
2. Invadr (9/10 intensity)
Next in ride intensity is Invadr, 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 have you wondering whether how the train 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 seconds at the very edge of the drop before plummeting downward and then soaring through a couple inversions and sending up a spray from a small pond.
5. Tempesto (7.5/10 intensity)
Located in the Festa Italia area, Tempesto is probably the most unique launch coaster at the park, because it shoots off in both directions. 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!
6. Loch Ness Monster (7/10 intensity)
This particular coaster was actually one of the foundational rides at Busch Gardens, and it continues to impress. Based on the mythic Scottish beast, the ride twists and turns around two interlocking 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.
7. 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 quickly 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 just 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!
8. 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!
Busch Gardens Virtual Reality Rides
Battle for the Eire (4/10 intensity)
At the moment, Busch Gardens’ only VR ride is The Battle for the Eire, located in Ireland. 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 itself is more of a stadium with a large screen that you’ll view through your “magic glasses.” The seats react along with the motion on the screen to simulate the feeling of soaring through the clouds along with a dragon as you chase after the stolen Heart of Eire. Overall, it’s a very calm ride and perfect for families.
Busch Gardens Water Rides
You’ll find a total of 3 water rides at Busch Gardens, all of which are relatively low-key and family-friendly. And on a hot day, they sure feel amazing!
1. 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!
2. 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.
3. Escape from Pompeii (4/10 intensity)
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.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Thrill Rides
Busch Gardens has a great variety of rides outside of their coasters that’ll still keep you on your toes.
1. Mach Tower (9/10 intensity)
If you’re a fan of steep drops, the Mach Tower is the ride for you. This giant tower in Oktoberfest carries guests 240 feet off the ground, rotates, and then plummets back toward Earth. You’ll get the best view in the park from the top, but be sure to brace yourself before the drop to avoid whiplash.
2. Finnegan’s Flyer (8/10 intensity)
Finnegan’s Flyer is the main thrill ride in Ireland. Two giant swings are 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!
3. 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 suprising thrill ride you’ll definitely want to try out.
Family-Friendly Rides
The rest of the rides in the park are all family-friendly, but don’t assume that means dull. Several of these reach moderate thrill levels and are experiences that everyone can enjoy. They’re also the classics that you’d expect to find at every theme park, so be sure to check them out if you have time.
1. The Battering Ram (5/10 intensity)
The Battering Ram is a classic boat swing ride located in Italy. Guests will swing back and forth in increasingly high pendulum motions until your face is nearly parallel with the ground!
2. Le Catapult (5/10 intensity)
You’ll be turning every direction in this scrambler ride located in New France. Hold on tight and get ready to get dizzy.
3. Da Vinci’s Cradle (4.5/10 intensity)
Also located in Italy, this small thrill ride will rock guests back and forth and up and down as it circles through the sky.
4. Der Autobahn (4/10 intensity)
Challenge your friends to bumper cars at the Autobahn arena in Oktoberfest.
5. 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 around at increasing heights. There is also a smaller children’s version of this ride just a few feet away.
6. 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 in Italy.
7. 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.
8. Kinder Karussel (2/10 intensity)
The Kinder Karussel is a cute carousel that’s great for kids of any age. Located in Germany, it’s short, sweet, and often accompanied by rounds of “yee-haws.”
Shows
One of the defining features of Busch Gardens is its shows. These daily performances take place in themed theaters around the park and add a lot of flavor to the international feel of each area.
Animal Shows
If you didn’t know, Busch Gardens does a lot for animal rescue and conservation. The park has a variety of rescued animals from bald eagles and wolves to dogs and cats. The park has two animal shows featuring some of these animals that you won’t want to miss.
1. Howl to Coexist
This daily show is an 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 a variety of tricks to showcase their powerful jumping abilities.
2. More…Pet Shenanigans
This show may be aimed toward kids, but it’s one that every animal lover will enjoy. You’ll certainly laugh as the starring cast of rescued shelter animals perform a variety of tricks and “shenanigans” all over the stage.
Musical Shows
1. Celtic Fyre
In the Abbey Stone Theatre, experience a unique Celtic dancing experience during the celebration of an Irish wedding. It’s a literal foot-stomping good time, and you’ll be able to sing along with classics like “Danny Boy” and “Siul a Ruhn” while the dancers pull out some show-stopping footwork.
2. Oktoberzest
Das Festhaus in Germany serves as both a restaurant and theatre. In the room’s center, you can see daily song and dance performances with a German flair.
3. Bel Concertino
The open-air Teatro di San Marco in Italy offers a more classical experience while you dine. A men’s trio will serenade you with songs from classic singers such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
Dining Experiences
Frankly, there are way too many food stands, restaurants, and buffets to discuss all of them, so I’m just going to mention a couple that I go to time and again because they’re exceptionally delicious.
1. Best Brezeln Under Bier
This small shop is directly next to the Mach Tower and offers the best soft pretzels in the park. Do not get them from any other food stand or shop because these are the best ones. They cost the same price as all the other pretzels in the park but only here are they soft and freshly made.
2. Trappers Smokehouse
The park’s best value meal is at the Trappers Smokehouse in France. A sampler meal is enough to feed two people (we’ve done three) for about $20. And the ribs, brisket, and chicken are surprisingly delicious for amusement park food! Marco Polo’s Marketplace and Das Festhaus do similar styles of meal plans, but the meat portions at Trappers Smokehouse are the most filling for one plate.
3. Creamery de Chocolate
Get your ice cream fix at this amazing shop in France, right next to the Griffon souvenir shop. 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!
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.
Stay tuned for upcoming guides to what’s going on this year with Howl-o-Scream and Christmas Town events!
Happy travels!
For more fun amusement park guides, visit the Amusement Parks page!