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Busch Gardens Europe
Busch Gardens Europe
Southeast Williamsburg
view websiteOne Busch Gardens Boulevard
Williamsburg, 23187
800 -343-7946
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Amusement Park
Busch Gardens Europe Description
The almost-hidden theme park is split into seven European countries (most real, one made-up) -- England, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, France, and "New France" (French Canada) -- a nod to the European heritage that was the foundation of America. It's a big-kid roller coaster Nirvana, with a half dozen big coasters that twist, drop, roll, and leave you hanging -- literally. There's plenty for the 8 and under set to do, too, from giant, stomach-roiling swings to bumper cars, water rides, and hilarious animal shows, plus a wolf haven, butterfly garden, and those famous Budweiser Clydesdales.
Kid Tips
Babies: The park is quite large, with ample stroller parking; this is not the place for a baby carrier unless mom and dad have plenty of endurance. Strollers are also available to rent at the main gate.
Toddlers & Pre-K: Little tykes can choose from dozens of rides especially for the under-three set, from gently-flying ladybugs to swirling teacups.
Pre-Teens & Teens: The Griffon is the latest scare-the guts-out-of-teens roller coaster; riders are suspended up to 205 feet in the air and swung in all directions before completing a huge drop -- perfect for dare-devil teens.
Planning Notes
- Bark park. Bringing the dog along on vacation? A puppy-sitting station (which also offers the closest parking to the entrance) is located in the England parking lot ($6 per day fee). Water is provided, but food is not.
- Theme heaven. Each area offers themed rides for all age ranges, as well as themed food and shopping. The park offers more than 50 rides in all, many with a water element.
- Pay to park. Parking is an additional $10.
- Wet set. The water rides are some of the wettest ones around, much to the delight of a 10-year-old, drenched to the bones on a very hot day. Bring a change of clothes and grab a locker if anything other than returning to accommodations is on the day's agenda.
Just the Facts
Hours: Open daily at 10 a.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and on select weekends from mid-March through Memorial Day, and from Labor Day through October. Closing times vary by day and season.
Fees: Over $40
Recommended Time: Half day
Reviews of Busch Gardens Europe
Dont leave Williamburg without seeing Celtic Fyre
By mrswingert July 17, 2010 | Son: Age 7, Daughter: Age 14
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age Kids
Pre-Teens & Teens
What we loved:
Celtic Fyre & Dining with Elmo and Friends
What we didn't love:
Poor Maps and Hard to get around
It did take us a good two days to figure out the layout of Busch Gardens, it is a hard park to navigate. The walkways are small and winey and not every area is connected to the next. The park itself makes a good effort to compete with other theme parks. Still no comparison to Disney. Two things I strongly suggest, or should I say do not leave without doing are Celtic Fyre and Lunch with Elmo and Friends. Celtic Fyre a brand new show presented in the Abbey Stone Theater. Dublins favorite gathering place is transformed for an Irish celebration filled with stories, singers, musicians and the magic of Irish dance. Unforgettable journey with the cast of singers Irish dancers and musicians. We saw the show twice, my son4 who can not sit sill for a minute was in awe and had to see the show again. I think I may have a dancer on my hands. Elmo and Friends at Castle OSullivan an all-you-care-to-eat lunch or dinner kid-friendly buffet. This character meal done right is truly a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Both children got to say hello to all their favorite Sesame Street Friends, take pictures, dance and even throw trash at Oscar! I like that the dining room is setup like a dinner theater, after you got your meal the charters put on a small show then, called you buy table number to the stage for a personal meet and greet. While other tables were finishing there meals. After everyone had a chance for a meet and greet, and dessert was being offered you were welcome to come on stage and dance with the characters. Very nice not having your meal in all your pictures and no anxiety when a character would come to your table. Read More
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