Are you a thrill seeker? Yes? No? Maybe? Well whatever the answer I highly suggest you head over to Busch Gardens and give their rides a try. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is known for their family friendly attractions featuring Live Entertainment, Roller coasters, kid friendly rides and so much more. Boosting country themed sections of the park, it seems as though you’re traveling the world yet no passport needed.
The first country you will encounter as you walk through the entrance of the park is England, which has some gift shops, fresh food, funnel cakes, photo station, henna tattoos, fudge, and BAM! Starbucks! Okay yeah of course I found the starbucks, and of course I took full advantage of their delightful selection.
In the England part of the park they feature a London Rocks Live show, whenever you visit the park make sure to look at the signs where the shows are held. Taking a photo of the sign or writing down the show times will help you out a lot when your planning your visit. Mapping out your visit isn’t always needed but helps if you are with your kids and want to experience the whole park in one day.
A bit of a quick 411 about myself, I hadn’t been on a rollercoaster for over 12 years before I visited Busch Gardens this summer. I know I know! GEEZE JESSICA! How could you have waited so long? Um. To be honest I don’t know, I would like to blame it on me becoming a mother or maybe just the fact that I was always pushing a stroller when I visited this park. Let’s just say none of those excuses could have worked this visit since this time.
Normally I think people would blog about Top Blah Roller Coasters of Blah, starting from their least favorite to their most favorite. In the spirit of being differnt lets start with my most favorite roller coaster. Warning, you are not allowed to bring have loose articles while on the rides so there will be no videos in this post BOO! I know right geeze! But safety first of course. I do however have a photo of each entrance for you to look for in the park while you visit.
#1 The Griffon
This coaster boosts three rows which seats 8 people in each row. If you are a SUPER thrill seeker sit in the front row. Why might you ask should you do so, well to put it lightly you will be dangled 205 feet in the air, this is an experience that basically has your heart pounding through your ears. After you hang there for about 5-8 seconds (sorry I was a little to scared and lost count) you then experience a 205-foot, 90-degree, 75 mph free fall. Yep! at a 90-degree angle you will free fall at 75 miles an hour at 205 in the air. Oh and it happens again so you get to do that twice yay! This one was so good I rode it twice before the lines got to long. YES YES YES my favy of all of the coasters!
#2 Tempesto
OKAY shame on me I didn’t get a shot of the Tempesto entrance BUT I was able to get a shot of the seats as I waited in line. This was my 2nd favorite of all the roller coasters because when you think you are about to be shot up forwards, you are just as quickly taken backwards and then hung upside down for a few seconds. Just to be shot forward again, spun around and then dropped. Guests daring enough to take on Tempesto will race into unbelievably tight turns at 63 miles per hour and defy gravity as they roll through a complete inversion 154 feet in the air. Inversion as you are dangling and no longer in your seat lol. DEFINITELY my #2 on this list.
#3 The LochNess Monster
In my opinion, going to a park and being totally surprised about how each of the roller coasters twist, turn, and drop you is the preferred way to go. It leaves your mind open to be surprised, take the LochNess Monster ride, TOTALLY surprised! Made with twist, turns and of course some free falling followed by some loops. You will be surpirsed as you enter a cave which is 100% pitch black. The moments you do see a hint of light is instantly gone as you are spun for what seems like forever in pitch black cave. I rated this number 3 because it caught be off gaurd how scary it was to be on a roller coaster in pitch black darkness.
#4 Alpengeist
Get ready to be twisted as you enter through loops and race up and down the tracks. Coming in as my number 4 I rated this one below the others not because it isn’t as good, but only cause it was a tough decision to make. This coaster rates a little less on my Thrill Seeker scale only because it was more of a FUN ride versions a spine tingling “oh no what’s going to happen next” type of ride. German villagers have long told stories about a legendary snow beast they call Alpengeist®, the Ghost of the Alps. Like any good ghost story, it’s what you don’t see coming that scares you the most.
Meet Alpengeist. One of the tallest, fastest, most insane coasters in the world. Before you can say “boo,” the floor drops beneath your feet. The surprises have begun. What comes next is what many coaster enthusiasts still call the ride of a lifetime. After climbing to an Alpine high 195 feet, riders are hurtled through six staggering inversions at speeds up to 67 miles per hour.
#5 Apollo’s Chariot
I rated this one as number 5 because it was a very classic up and down roller coaster. Being one of the longest roller coasters I have ever been on, you are taken to great hieghts and then dropped in a classic downward motion. Like the Olympian sun god, Apollo’s Chariot races toward daring heights, only to dazzle riders on the way back down with one of the smoothest, fastest trails ever blazed. From mind-bending climbs to the weightless wonder of floating airtime, you’ll see what has kept coaster enthusiasts coming back for more year after year–and why Apollo’s Chariot reigns as one of the mightiest coasters of all time.
When your finished riding the roller coasters don’t forget to visit the many arcades and game stations. Check out what I won! Brought these two back for my 2 princesses at home. Also don’t forget to check out the live performances throught the park, always make sure to take a photo of the time boards which show you whenever a show will begin. Planning your day using these time’s for the shows you want to watch will give you the max experience for your visit.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg has something for everyone, check out our 5 OF THE BEST FUN & KID FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS AT BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG post. Featuring some helpful information about the rides and attractions.
Have you been to Busch Gardens Williamsburg? What was your favorite ride?
robin masshole mommy says
I’ve been to the one in Tampa, but that was years ago. I would love to go to this one someday.
Leigh Anne Borders says
I really hope to go to Busch Gardens one day. I love all the pictures and it seems like so much fun.
Krista Bel says
These are such beautiful memories. This would make a nice adventure
Sarah Bailey says
I would love to visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg someday. I am pretty sure this place would look more fascinating during the holiday season.
Elizabeth O. says
It looks like there are plenty to look forward to here! I would love to take the whole family and just have fun and enjoy. The attractions are really cool!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
I would love to experience a day or two at Busch Gardens. It looks like a really fun place. Although I may not avail of their rides, I’d definitely be exploring the food choices. 🙂
Kelly (@KickingWKelly) says
I have not been to Busch Gardens in years! We had so much fun. I think it is time for a visit!
Erin (@FaithFoodFamFun) says
I’ve always wanted to go to Busch Gardens but since we have Carowinds right down the road, we never made it. I might have to change all that because your photos make me want to go – like right now!
angie the freckled rose says
I’ve always wanted to visit Busch Gardens! It looks like it would be so much fun. All of the rides look amazing!
karlyn cruz says
Busch Gardens Europe is the most beautiful Park that I have been to with shady paths phenomenal theming gourmet food and well done shows that would make Disney and Dollywood jealous! On top of that this place has great thrills as well.
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
Oh how fun! I’ve Busch Gardens near my home in Tampa numerous times, but not this one! I’d love to visit it, though!
eazynazy says
oh wow this place looks so beautiful ..Nice pictures too
Jennifer L says
wow heard of Busch gardens but never been. Looks like such a fun place to visit!!
Clark Albert says
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is surprisingly beautiful . I am planning to visit this Christmas.
Hannah Marie says
I can’t say I’m a thrill seeker because I’m afraid of heights! Haha! But I believe there are still lots of activity for me there! Awesome place!
The Mad Mommy says
We love amusement parks! Busch Gardens is definitely on our list!
sparkofsouthernmoms says
I would love to go there and look around! It is gorgeous!
Misty - Frosted Moms (@frostedevents) says
Looks a beautiful place to bring my kids and I bet being there was so much fun.
Wildish Jess says
So jealous! I haven’t been to that Busch Gardens in so long! I’d love to visit again.
angela Milnes says
This is really a terrific looking place. I’d love to go there with my family. Thanks for sharing.