The ride selection is fantastic almost all of them are world-class. My personal favorite is Pantheon, although, objectively, Verbolten is probably the best ride in the park. However, the rides are really the only thing I have to say that's positive. Ride operations were poor at best. They take a long time to load and unload, with the only exceptions being Griffon and InvadR. The worst offender was Tempesto. In fact, the entire Festa Italia area had pretty poor operations, which is unfortunate since it has some of the best rides in the park. Tempesto is a very short ride, and in the time it took them just to load one train, it could have completed about eight cycles. I also found that Apollo's Chariot and Pantheon were pretty restrictive for larger riders. I'm not that big of a guy, and they had to squeeze me into both of them. (Also, there's a ride operator at Apollo's Chariot who will, without warning, shove the restraint into your thighs and is apparently not afraid to risk permanent damage to your future lineage.) I can't imagine having to push a wheelchair around this park. There are extremely steep hills everywhere. So if you're planning to visit and have a mobility disability, all I've got to say is: good luck. The food was kind of mid, with one exception: the pizza pretzel. That was actually pretty good. To sum it all up, if you only care about rides, this park is a great option. However, when it comes to literally everything else, it's pretty weak. read more

We had a day to take friends with kids to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg VA. There was a lot of entertainment for the kids, and for adults, too. I remember a ride that most of us adults went on that felt like a whirlpool. Maybe it was that whitewater one. We did get very wet! But mostly we focussed on the kids. The kids loved the Big Bad Wolf, the Grover Alpine Express, and for the youngest, Oscars Whirly Worms! The Wolf was a 40mph roller coaster for those over 42-in tall, not, we thought, for little kids. It was a sort of werewolf story-line. Grover was a favorite for the littler kids over 38-in tall, with several drops that were dramatic enough for them. Parents rode-along. Oscars was just for the littlest who can walk. Parents rode-along on this one, too. Some spinning. Some rocking. That's the experience we were after. Nice! read more

Went on a hot day but they have huge fans around to help cool you off. Lots for the little ones to do. A little pricey to rent a scooter for mom for day but with season pass you get a discount which helped. It's a lot of walking but plenty of shade and shops to pop into for a break. Better than average amusement park food as well. read more

Membership experience I'm extremely disappointed with my recent experience at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. My partner and I signed up for what was advertised as a month‑to‑month membership, only to discover afterward that it was actually a locked 12‑month contract. This was not clearly disclosed, and the phrasing on their website is misleading at best. When we attempted to resolve the issue, Busch Gardens responded with legal threats and the possibility of collections rather than any willingness to clarify or make things right. Customer service issues Their customer service was equally frustrating. Any attempt to express confusion or concern was met with escalation rather than support. There was no transparency, no empathy, and no effort to correct the misleading information that caused the issue in the first place. In‑park experience Our visit to the park itself didn't redeem the situation. The food was poor quality, several staff members were rude, and the entire experience can be canceled instantly by a rainstorm with no alternative entertainment options and no reimbursement offered. Because of the lack of clarity, the misleading membership terms, and the unwillingness to resolve the issue, neither my husband nor I will be returning to any Busch Gardens facility again. read more

Busch Gardens Williamsburg - The bad food - Amusement Parks Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

We spent two days at Busch Gardens as first-time visitors. It truly is a beautiful park divided into different European sections. My only point of criticism is the lack of signage to get around. It's not intuitive, however, you can download the app and it will give walking directions. The "kiddie land" is Sesame Street-themed and also has a splash pad area and a playground. There is a themed show that takes place a few times a day in the splash pad area. There is a secondary "kiddie land" Land of the Dragons that features a large treehouse and rope nets along with a few rides. There are also kiddie rides scattered throughout the European areas too. My oldest and I rode the coasters he was tall enough for. Favorites were the new Verbolten , the Big Bad Wolf, and DarKoaster. The railway is a good way to get to other areas of the park. My oldest also loved Escape from Pompeii and my youngest loved le scoot. We definitely plan to return in the future. read more

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Came here for the Food and Wine Festival. Busch Gardens has been in my rotation for years. The park has evolved over the years for the better with great rides and food choices, especially for the festival, which consisted of foods from around the world native to those countries featured along with beverages. Upon entering, we were greeted by a pleasant staff member at the kiosk where you pay for parking. We were directed to the parking section we purchased (VIP), and headed to the ticket kiosk to retrieve our park tickets. Once we were in the park, we headed to the kiosk to purchase the food and wine festival package (we purchased the 15 pack, which allows you 25 items from any festival kiosk, food or drink). The kiosks were located around the park. We enjoyed food and drinks from around the world and the portions were generous. We also took in the attractions and rides as well. Please check out my pics for more details on the food and drinks we got. All in all, we always enjoy our time at Food and Wine Festival. The park also hosts an Octoberfest, Halloween, and Mardi Gras festivals to name a few. I suggest you visit and try out one of them, which is perfect for those who really don't ride (like me). read more

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Busch Gardens on Father's Day wasn't as bad of an idea as I thought. We got there early enough to enjoy the park before it got crowded. Everyone was able to enjoy the rides of their choice without having to wait in long lines. We try to go at least once a year(not much of a ride rider) and enjoy the park through our children and grandchildren. Seeing them enjoy the rides, shows and food, keeps bringing us back. The park is beautifully kept. The employees are always friendly and welcoming. They offer a variety of foods and drinks for all palates. My suggestion to anyone who plans to visit multiple times in one season is to buy a membership that includes parking. read more

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Came here on a random Tuesday with my cousin, auntie and uncle for a day of fun. Many of the shops were closed on this day, I'm guessing that they are all open on the weekends and it is still early in the season. We walked around, so a couple of shows, rode a ride and ate a crazy yummy meal. They have the Wine and Food Festival going on until June 21'st. Can't remember all of the places but they will have dishes from Hawaii, China, Turkey, Italy..... There are several different events going on this year so be sure to check out their website before coming to the grounds. read more

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It was our first time going this past weekend for my sons bday. We got a good deal on tickets with food included for 2 day. However I feel like it's a bit run down for what you pay. The amount of food is a lot for the price but it was okay. I was looking forward to their bbq and the ribs were very hard. The kids did have fun but I feel like they didn't have too many cool off places to eat. Many offered outdoor seating. The park is huge and can be hard to go with a stroller simply due to the hills but it's still worth using one. I may consider it again, but honestly not too sure. Didn't hate it but didn't love it. read more

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of the best places to spend time over the weekend. I've been a season pass holder for 2 years now, and I keep coming back. The staff is usually friendly, the food is not bad for an amusement park, and the rides are amazing!! read more

Shared this review on Google, wanted to share here as well: So many accessibility issues within this park, especially for wheelchair users such as myself. For reference, I use a battery powered chair that is 74 lbs. I got stuck at the loch ness monster exit due to my wheelchair drifting, because the pavement built was uneven. I even scraped my arm on the fence. I had 2 strangers help pull me out, only for the exit to lead me to the middle of a huge hill. A kind woman made sure I got up the hill safely. Not a great start to my day, I didn't even end up getting on the ride because I did not want to go back to that area. The accessibility program itself is extremely flawed. It requires you to walk up and into every single ride, grab a wait time, leave, and come back. Problem is, when nearly half the park has uneven terrain, there's not many places to park my chair to wait. It also drained my battery immensely. Not to mention how painful it would be for other disabled people, who do not use wheelchairs, to walk back and forth all day just to get a wait time. There's a very easy solution to this; let us request wait times virtually. I wasn't able to enjoy the day due to the stress of my battery dying on me, which is exacerbated by the fact that there are so many hills throughout this park, draining the battery even further, just to find somewhere to wait until it's time for me to get on the ride. This isn't just inconvenience, there are so many safety hazards. I just don't think it is a good look for Busch Gardens if someone attending their parks hurts themselves or others due to their own accessibility systems failure This review will probably go no where. But it is a shame because I have been attending this park since I was little. Picture attached below is 3 days after my park visit. It's been nearly 3 weeks and I still have a scar from scraping the fence read more

Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Amusement Parks Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

I am shocked by the bad reviews. It's been over 25 years since I have been here and decided to go on a Wednesday. Pros and cons but still a great day. I went to a amusement park not a 5 star resort. You need to have realistic expectations. We had no lines. I don't know if that is an economy thing or a just a random slower day in the middle of summer. There is plenty of shade and places to sit and they have these huge industrial fans to help cool you off. Plenty of parking. But the cost of parking is outrageous!! Don't bring cash....it's all cashless. The tram to the park was fun and interactive. There are lots of hills and you will walk a lot! The staff was very friendly. Some friendlier than others. The rides were great. One did break down while we were on it. But it was a quick fix and we were not hanging upside down. These things are going to happen. Food was good. Gourmet.. no but plenty of options. Once again, it's a theme park. We got the food pass and that is the only way to go. Alcohol is also stupid expensive but that is to be expected. We used the lockers which is only $7 for the day but parking is $37. Make it make sense. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. If you like roller coasters and rides then this is worth checking out. There is something for everyone including animals, shows, rides and pubs and shopping. I would definitely go back but almost don't want to because the day was so perfect with weather and lines that I want to remember it that way. I don't have a lot of pictures but will share what I have. read more

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This is an amazing park. Except the fact that when I put my hat on my belt loop LIKE I DID ALL DAY AT KINGS DOMINION, they wouldn't allow it. Like seriously? Y'all don't even have any coasters that get close to 90mph!! So the disrespect and irritation continued all day. I LOVE the coasters here. This was my bday. read more

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I went there with my wife last week and were having a great time until we went to go on a ride. Darkoaster we went to go On the ride and I was told I am too big and to get off the ride. It front of a room full of people. I felt ashamed and embarrassed. Worse yet I tried to communicate this to them directly and nothing. Messaged there president on linked in nothing. This has got to be the worst customer service. I have lost a large amount of weight over the last 2 years and have been able to go on rides aside from this one. Will never go to any of there parks again. read more

We weren't sure if we could spend a whole day here but we absolutely did! We came for the Christmas Town on a Saturday, so we got here right when it opened at noon and left when it closed at 10 pm and we still missed some things to do. Tickets were reasonable (we paid around $215 for 2 people including all-day-dining) and parking was an additional fee and it was WELL worth it. We did 2 roller coasters, 3-4 shows, got 3 full meals each, the train, a game or two, and all in all had a great time. We were really impressed with the caliber of the shows, the ice skaters definitely seem like they're professionals. The Christmas decorations were absolutely beautiful and put us in the Christmas spirit. I don't know why this is the first time we've been here since we've lived in the DC area for around 7 years but we absolutely will be back! read more

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Bunch of pussies open the rides. Literally getting sunburned and the entire park is shut down. read more

Busch Gardens Williamsburg - It's just clouds. Open the rides you pussies! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

Christmas Town 2025! Boy is Christmas the greatest time of year or what! This place was absolutely beautiful and obviously riding rides in the dark with lights around is a special experience. So on the terms of beauty of the scenery and the fun of the attractions this place excels. Now food and drinks are always expensive so can't knock it too much but it always seems to get pricier so that does stop this place from being more than 4 stars. Lastly the staff were mostly super helpful and kind but there were some occasions of those on rides hassling us about what we had on making us remove neckwarmers on one occasion even though no other ride had made us and not helping when it was stolen after just one ride. So overall service was good because on most occasions we had no issues. Overall it was a fun trip and would come again, just hope prices don't keep rising forever :) and would like more consistency in service amongst attractions read more

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Everyone that works here looks miserable and is rude. We ate at the Marketplace and upon checking out and paying their ridiculous prices for disgusting unhealthy food was told they were completely out of stock of napkins. I asked if she meant, her register, the entire marketplace or the entire park because I was with children and needed napkins to eat the meal - she just kept repeating "we're completely out of stock" Also I am very sick of waiting on myself and then being asked for a tip - especially after I was paying $7.50 for a single smart water bottle. read more

This is my second visit to this park, and I must say this is probably one of my favorite theme parks I have ever been to in my entire life. Now, this is coming from a girl who lived in California whole life, and visited every theme park on the West Coast what I really like about this theme park is one how clean it is, and the European themes throughout the park the rides here are fantastic, and even when I came a few years back on a Saturday the lines were not super long and people seem to be polite while waiting in lines. My friend and her family and I on this particular visit went on a Wednesday. The weather was beautiful, the longest line we waited in was approximately 20 minutes. We really enjoyed this park. Additionally, I am active duty military so as long as your ID me me is up-to-date and current you were able to get into the park for Free. I repeat you are not able as an active duty member to take your ID card up to the window and get a free ID card you must do everything online and through ID me for some odd reason my ID was acting funny. Thankfully, my friend sister, who was with us was active duty and was able to get the three of us in for free. read more

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Okay, this is my first time coming to this park. It was a great time to go as it was Food & Wine festival so each little area was a different country and different things on their menu. We got on everything but the Dark Koaster bc it got shutdown and the Verbertron as it started raining at the end of the day. Best day to go is a Sunday! We basically had a 10 min or less wait for every ride. I will say the minimum heights in the park ate a bit tall so it might not be the best place for little ones. My only grievances were that there weren't that many shaded eating areas and that there was only 1 indoor eating food area with ac. I'm used to there being more. Overall it was a good day and we will go back read more

Busch Gardens is a beautiful park with lots to see and to for all ages. Spring is a wonderful time to visit before the heat and humidity of summer arrives. read more

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I love theme parks, so I had to check out Busch Gardens here in Williamsburg, VA. Every time we come to Virginia, this is a must-visit for us. I like that it's never too crowded and offers plenty of rides for everyone--from little kids to adults. There are also shows if you want a break from the thrills, and the train ride around the park is always a relaxing favorite of ours. Overall, it's a great theme park for all ages, and if you visit in the summer, the water park is open too. read more

I was visit a friend in Norfolk and I have a Platinum pass for Seaworld so we grab a free military ticket for him a couple of discounted all-day dining passes. The location is awesome. There are so many trees that it kept the park comfortable all day for us. ** Dining ** ** Coasters ** ** Staff ** ** Fireworks ** It was so easy to get in and out of the parking area. We will be coming back in the future to spend a couple of leisurely days. read more

Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Smokehouse Sampler at the Trapper's in New France - Amusement Parks Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

Came to Busch Gardens, the day after Christmas, the Christmas decorations and lighting were so beautiful. The log ride was lit up with music and lighting. Christmas village was decorated with Santa chatting with children. Had spiced wine and German beer in Germany, they have wine tasting in Italy, foods from each country were well represented here. Most of the roller coasters were closed, but all of the kids rides were open. Park is clean, great guest services from food, ride operators, vendors. Nice array of shops from crafted artisan, Sesame Street novelties and to Nutcrackers and German Steins. Park was not so crowded but some of the rides had a 60 minute wait, which isn't too bad. read more

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Outside of the folks in costume, everyone seemed to hate their jobs and did not give a single care about being there. The good: The decorations related to the Winter Wonderland were lovely. The elves and people working the Santa line were amazing. Also, top tier Santa! He had a real beard and everything. We loved the folks taking our pictures too, even if I felt kind of rushed. The bad: They are charging Disneyland prices and not even close to being Disneyland caliber. When we walked up to purchase popcorn (which mind you they had some 10+ flavors on the menu) the guy told me none of the ones I wanted was available "because he hadn't gotten around to making it" with no offer of if or when it could be available. I finally asked him what he had available, and he said 2 things. So ok, I bought one of those. Same thing with another one of the workers in line when we were grabbing pizza. Blank looks, no actual service, confused or dazed, or all of the above. Your employees probably need help. read more

Busch Gardens is such a beautiful park year-round, but there's something extra special about visiting during Howl-O-Scream! I've always loved the park's layout, and how each section represents a different country. It reminds me of Epcot. We came for Howl-O-Scream on a Friday evening and were surprised by how smooth everything went. We got to the park around 5 PM with little to no traffic getting in, which was honestly shocking considering it's spooky season? Parking is $35, but they do offer memberships that include free parking and other perks. Definitely worth looking into if you plan to visit more than once because it pays off in two visits. At 6 PM, the whole park transformed into a haunted playground. It was such a cool transition to witness. The fog, the music, the decor, incredible. Throughout the night, scare actors walked the paths, popping out from behind corners and keeping everyone on edge. For someone who doesn't get very scared, I sure did jump a ton. There were several haunted walkthroughs scattered throughout the park, each with its own theme. We did the "Bloodshot"that's located inside Pompeii (so cool), and "Werewolves: The Wolf's Revenge", which was tucked away in the trees. So much fun. We saw the "Monster Stomp" show as well. This was hands down my favorite part of the evening. The talent was unreal. Ride lines were surprisingly short. I finally got to ride Pantheon for the first time and absolutely loved it. Easily one of the best coasters in Virginia. Apollo's Chariot still holds up as a close second for me. Between rides and scares, we stopped by the Festhaus in Germany, which is always a great spot for food, drinks, and live entertainment. One of the coolest discoveries of the night was a hidden speakeasy tucked away inside the park, but I won't tell you where! They served themed cocktails and beer. It was the perfect quiet escape from all the chaos outside. The park was clean, the staff were friendly, and the overall experience was fantastic. Can't wait to come back. Whether it's for the next festival, a summer visit, or another round of Halloween fun! read more

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First and last time going to this amusement park! Toooooooo entirely big, definitely not for Senior citizens. I love walking but this is ridiculous especially in 100 degrees weather! Not enough water stands or machines to cool your core off. The food at Squires Grill was totally disgusting the hamburger my grandson said he spit out, the cashier Noah M. was very rude toward my grandson, he kept yelling WHAT when he didn't understand what he was saying and I had to intervene because of his aggressive tone! Then when I re-enter to order again for my other son Noah ignored us and I had to go to another cashier. His behavior was not at all acceptable and I will never return to this establishment!! read more

Busch Gardens is a family favorite that always makes for a wonderful day. I am thankful that it now stays open mostly year round as it's the perfect place to spend our weekends as a local. The membership passes are the way to go for us. You get your moneys worth and then some! read more

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Service has definitely gone down. Pre purchased my parking but the bar code did not work so I had to pay again when I came in. Then there was no way to get to the disabled parking area. I brought my dad with me and we had a parking placard but the parking lot attendant directed us to general parking. Then when we got to the entrance and only 2 of the then self check out kiosks were operating. No real life people so I had to go to guest services. Line there was long so it took forever just to get in. Very frustrating. Once in the park it was ok but they really need to improve the entry procedures. read more

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Loved getting to go to Christmas town. The entrance was a little too much and so chaotic and challenging. It took us 45 minutes just to get through the gate . Once inside it was great though. read more

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My family and I decided to play hooky in May, the week before school got out. That's mainly relevant because apparently a lot of their staff will be high school kids, so while they are still in school, they generally only have 2 people max working in places... Like in the food places, one person rings up while one dishes food. It tragically makes the line go really slow, which sucks when you are waiting for things like Rita's shaved ice on a hot day. Or there will be one person working two carnival games, so you have to stand around waiting for him to come back if your kiddo wants to play a game before you leave. Some of the food is good, and some is super disappointing and not at all worth the price. The kids opted for bacon cheese fries for lunch and it was literally room temperature fries from a warming tray, and cold shredded cheese. No melting was involved, so it was just sort of bland and weird. They also don't have lids for anything, so if you leave your husband and kids outside while you grab food, it is really difficult to carry your $6 fountain soda without spilling if you have more than one, or food too. They really want you to purchase the specialty cups with lids apparently. They also only have about three water bottle filling stations, but the alternative is wait in a huge line to get a drink that they pour. We didn't see any self-serve drink dispensers like they have at SeaWorld. They do have a really great program if you have disabilities, like if your kiddos are on the spectrum like mine. There is no way they can stand for 50 minutes, crushed in by people on all sides waiting in the line, so they sign off on this paper you carry around and you get to come back in 50 minutes. They never would have been able to ride any of the more popular rides without it, so it was really great that they got to go sit down in the shade and eat shaved ice while waiting their turn. The app is somewhat helpful, but it isn't super convenient to walk around with your phone up all day, so I do wish the rides themselves were a little more helpful. Like some of the rides list the MINIMUM height, but not the maximum height if it is a kiddie right. Seems like something that would be posted on the sign before you wait in the line? And maybe list a little bit more of what the ride consists for of before you get on. Does it contain upside downtime, sideways riding, etc. It seems that they just kind of take for granted that people already know what each coaster and stuff consists of, which can be pretty nerve wracking if it is your first time visiting. The parking is a bit on the expensive side, and the handicapped parking was unmarked how to get there. Overall, I'm not sure if this place merits a return trip. It was okay, but rather expensive and underwhelming in my opinion. read more

Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Bacon cheese fries - Amusement Parks Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

7 self service machines and 4 out of service Waited 30 minutes to get my ticket. Get a maintenance guy. So unprofessional!. read more

Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Amusement Parks Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

This is the greatest adventures in the United States and unlike many other amusement parks is that it is safe and clean. The food is tasty and comes out rather quickly. Lines move and the entertainment is family friendly. Finally, there are rides for all ages! read more

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Busch gardens is so much fun! I felt like a kid again. I went as a guest with some friends. Since it's spooky season howl-of-screams was happening which added a festive touch. I rode roller coasters for the first time in years and had a blast. The funnel cake was delicious and I had some refreshing Rita's. Can't wait to go back again. read more

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I had a blast after visiting since childhood. I enjoyed each ride. I also enjoyed the shaded areas. I was also excited to enjoy Rita's Italian Ice. The wait times were not extensive, and I picked a slow day to visit. I was not happy that a few rides were closed due to maintenance. However, I recommended this park. It was clean, friendly, and fun. There was ample parking available for all vehicles. However, the bathrooms need to be remodeled. I would have also liked a different variety of shows and restaurants. Overall, I will return again. The highlight of my trip was riding the Pantheon, Apollos, Tempesto, and Griffon Rollercoasters. I was lit for sure! read more

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If you're considering the Elite VIP Tour at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, don't hesitate--book it! This was easily one of the top five vacation experiences of my life and, without question, the best amusement park experience I've ever had. Our VIP guide, Jayde, was absolutely phenomenal. She handled every single detail from the moment we arrived until we left. We literally did not wait in line for anything. She escorted us directly onto the rides, making the entire day completely stress-free. Jayde also took our food and drink orders, went to the restaurants and vendors for us, and delivered everything while we relaxed at a table. It felt like first-class service all day long. One of the things I appreciated most was that she captured our entire day. She took photos of us at the rides, throughout the park, and even candid pictures that we never would have gotten on our own. Those memories are priceless. Jayde was professional, friendly, organized, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to making sure we had the best day possible. She exceeded every expectation. If you're lucky enough to get Jayde as your Elite VIP guide, you're in for an unforgettable experience. She turned an amazing day at Busch Gardens into a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Thank you, Jayde, for making our visit absolutely perfect! read more

I spent around 150 dollars maybe more for the "quick pass" i have been waiting on pantheon in the quick pass lane for over 25 minutes and the normal line is 10, i have tried to call the worker over and she has not let me on at all her name is chelsea and she has not let me on since i got here. this is extremely disrespectful,inappropriate and unprofessional behavior, if this happens again you will hear from my lawyer. read more

A Day That Defied Reality: Our Elite VIP Tour at Busch Gardens Williamsburg The Beginning: Already Impressed Before We Even Entered Let me start by saying this: I've been to theme parks countless times throughout my life. I thought I knew what to expect. I was wrong. Wonderfully, spectacularly wrong. Our day began at 10:15 AM when we arrived at Busch Gardens Williamsburg for our 11:30 AM Elite VIP Tour. Meeting Tyler: The Man, The Myth, The Legend I can confidently say that Tyler alone would have made this experience worth every penny. His energy, knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm set the tone for what would become one of the most memorable days our family has ever shared. The First Hour: Three Hours Saved. Yes, You Read That Right. Within the first hour, our group of four had ridden the top four roller coasters at Busch Gardens. Let that sink in. Four coasters. Sixty minutes. For context, on a typical busy day at the park, the wait times for these attractions can easily exceed 45-90 minutes each. Based on the posted wait times we saw at each ride, Tyler saved us approximately three hours of standing in lines - just in that first hour alone. This wasn't just VIP treatment; this was time-travel. The "Snacks" Revelation: A Glorious Understatement Tyler explained that "snacks" meant anything any of us wanted, anytime, all day long. Waters? Check. Energy drinks? Check. Icees, churros, soft pretzels? All of it. Throughout our eight-hour tour, our group sampled pretty much every food option the park had to offer. The funnel cakes with ice cream and toppings were a particular favorite. The various cakes, cupcakes, cheesecake, cookies - I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Tyler took care of everything with a simple tap of his card, never once making us feel like we were imposing or asking for too much. The Moment Everything Changed "This tour lets you ride any ride, without waiting, in any seat you want, as many times as you want." This wasn't just a theme park visit. This was a day where the normal rules didn't apply. A day where "I don't want to wait 90 minutes for that ride" simply wasn't in our vocabulary. Rides, Rides, and More Rides We rode everything. The coaster behind-the-scenes experience gave us an incredible up-close look at the inner workings of these engineering marvels. Feeding the Beast: Two Meals, Zero Complaints Our VIP tour included two full meals, and Tyler made sure we experienced the best the park had to offer. Lunch was at Das Festhaus, and at 6:30 PM took us to Trapper's Smokehouse, where the aroma of smoked meats had been tempting us all day. It did not disappoint. The Verdict: Eight Hours of Perfection Here's what truly made this experience exceptional: Tyler. Yes, the VIP perks are incredible. Yes, skipping lines changes everything. Yes, the all-inclusive food and drinks feel almost too good to be true. But a VIP tour is only as good as the guide who leads it, and Tyler was nothing short of outstanding. His knowledge of the park, his ability to read our group and adjust on the fly, his genuine care that we were having the best possible time - that's what transformed this from a great day into an unforgettable one. This tour was planned as part of a grand send-off for Ben and Jakub, who will be returning to Europe in June after their time with us. They came to America expecting a typical theme park experience. Instead, they got a day where magic was real, lines didn't exist, and every wish was granted before they even knew they had it. Would I Do It Again? In a heartbeat. Without hesitation. This wasn't just a theme park visit. This was an experience that redefined what a family day out can be. For anyone considering the Elite VIP Tour at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, here's my advice: Do it. Not "think about it." Not "maybe someday." Just do it. The Numbers Don't Lie Time saved in lines: Likely 6+ hours over the course of the day Rides experienced: Every operational coaster and major attraction Meals enjoyed: 2 full sit-down meals plus unlimited snacks and drinks Special experiences: 2 (Coaster behind-the-scenes + Animal Encounter) Professional photos: 33 captured memories included Memories made: Priceless Final Thoughts Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Elite VIP Tour is, quite simply, the gold standard for theme park experiences. From the moment we parked 100 feet from the entrance to the moment we left after eight hours of pure joy, everything was handled. Every need anticipated. Every wish granted. To Kate and the VIP Tours team who handled our booking and answered our questions with patience and professionalism - thank you. To Tyler - you're the real MVP. You took what could have been a fun day and turned it into something our family will talk about for years. Your passion for what you do shows, and we're grateful we got to experience it. And to anyone reading this review, wondering if the Elite VIP Tour is worth it: It's worth it. Every single penny. read more

Beautiful park--clean, beautifully decorated, and almost Halloween-ready! The coasters are incredible--smooth, fast, and full of thrilling drops (even the wooden one was smooth!). The dark rides kept us on our toes with awesome surprises. We grabbed the all-day dining pass, which was such a win--good food every 90 minutes! Plenty of parking, short lines (never more than 30 mins!), and nonstop fun. A fantastic park for thrill-seekers and families alike! read more

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It never fails. I arrive at the front of the line for Verbolten, one of many high speed roller coasters in the park, and i start to get anxious and wonder why the hell do I do this to myself. Then after an approximate one minute ride of hills, turns, and unexpected drops, I find myself wanting to get in line again! BG has 7 major roller coasters as well as several other thrill rides that do not ddisappoint. There are other rides as well to fit everyone's preference from the train to a kid friendly section in Sesame's Forest of Fun. I grew up in Virginia and went to college nearby. I even worked at Busch Gardens my junior year but this review is NOT biased at all!! I took this beautiful, exciting and entertaining park for granted all those years! After visiting the Busch Gardens Tampa several times, it is not nearly as great as this one. It's no wonder why this park has been voted America's most beautiful theme park. It is well decorated with colorful flowers and trees creating good shade for those hot summer visits. It represents 5 countries of Europe and does not diappoint with the food representations of Germany, France, Italy, New France, England, and Germany. My favorite is the beef cannelloni in Italy and the Irish stew in Ireland; not your typical pizza, burgers, and hot dogs found in other theme parks. And of course, the beer! Prost! Other than the rides, the entertainment is fantastic. You can see shows varying from Celtic dancers to a celebratory audience involved song and dance in Germany's festhaust. There is something for everyone. My only complaint is the longggg line and tram ride to the parking lot which seems to be located in Mongolia. I hope to be back for the return of the beloved Big Bad Wolf in 2025!! read more

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