Busch Gardens Europe
Encyclopedia
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a 383 acre theme park located in James City County
, Virginia
about 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Williamsburg
, originally developed by Anheuser-Busch (A-B)
and currently owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
, a division of The Blackstone Group. The park opened on May 16, 1975, adjacent to Anheuser-Busch's brewery and near its other developments including the Kingsmill Resort
complex. The park is themed around old-world Europe
.
The park was originally called Busch Gardens: The Old Country, reflecting the European theme. In 1993, the park was renamed Busch Gardens Williamsburg before briefly being named Busch Gardens Europe in 2006 until it returned to the Williamsburg name in 2008. Similarly, its sister park in Florida was originally called Busch Gardens: The Dark Continent until it was officially renamed Busch Gardens Tampa Bay until the same brief switch to Busch Gardens Africa. In 2010, the estimated attendance of 2.8 million placed it in the top 20 most-visited parks in the US.
In addition to its landscaping and European theme, Busch Gardens is widely known for its collection of roller coaster
s, highlighted mostly by Apollo's Chariot
, which won #5 best steel coaster of 2010, as well as its high-tech dark ride
, The Curse of DarKastle
.
as a portion of the company's development investment in the Williamsburg area, which grew to include a brewery, the Kingsmill Resort
, as well as residential and office properties.
The St. Louis-based brewer invested in the area following negotiations held between August Busch, II
and Winthrop Rockefeller
, a son of Colonial Williamsburg's initial chief mentor, John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
. Winthrop Rockefeller had been serving as both governor of Arkansas and chairman of Colonial Williamsburg
in the 1960s and 1970s. (Water Country USA
, a local water park
, was acquired by A-B in the 1990s, and added to the company's theme park activities, which include a number of SeaWorld
properties in other states as well).
In the last part of the 20th and early into the 21st century, as a brewer, A-B found itself competing in an increasingly global market. In 2009, after initially resisting an unsolicited stock bid, A-B announced it had reached an agreement to be acquired by the even larger Belgium-based InBev
. The newer owners announced plans to sell-off the portions of A-B activities which were not part of the core beverage business as it worked to reduce debt incurred to fund the acquisition.
The Blackstone Group
was selected in late 2009 to acquire and operate the 10 former A-B theme parks, including two in the Williamsburg area. In July 2010, the adjacent Kingsmill Resort
was scheduled to be acquired by Xanterra Parks and Resorts
, a company owned by Denver-based Phillip Anschutz.
Wildlife Reserve houses a variety of wild species including gray wolves
and bald eagles
. Busch Gardens is partnered with SeaWorld (also owned by Busch Entertainment Corp.) in the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund
, which offers guests the opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation. The Rhine River Cruise's Boats are battery powered to cut back on power generation and prevent water pollution. In addition Busch Gardens and Water Country USA
both use insects rather than pesticides in the park's commitment to organic gardening
. All brochures, maps, show guides, and all paper products in the restrooms are made from recycled material.
and continues every weekend until the week before Christmas, where it stays open for the rest of December, excluding Christmas day, until New Years Day.
. The current program, entitled Here's to the Heroes, was initiated in February 2005 and has been extended through the 2010 season.
transports guests between the Banbury Cross, Aquitaine and Rhinefeld hamlets; while replica steam trains transport guests between the Heatherdowns, Festa Italia, and New France hamlets.
, with stereotypical red telephone booths and common English architecture. Guest Services windows are located next to the turnstiles of the Main gate. A simulacrum
of the famous St. Stephen's Clock Tower
(Big Ben) is the central element of this area. Banbury Cross also includes The Squire's Galley, serving breakfast and lunch, as well as a funnel cake
shop, ice cream shop, and candy store. The Globe Theatre
, a double-sized replica of William Shakespeare
's performance home, is the most prominent attraction in the area, currently featuring Pirates, starring Eric Idle
and Leslie Nielsen
. The theater previously featured the films Sesame Street presents Lights, Camera, Imagination!, a 4-D film
, Pirates, starring Eric Idle
and Leslie Nielsen
, R. L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse, and Haunts of the Old Country. Prior to the 4-D films, the theater hosted a variety of live shows including Mark Wilson's Worlds Greatest Illusions, America on Ice, Hot Ice, Celebrate America and the People's Choice. Banbury Cross also contains the skyride station nearest to the Main Gate. The Aeronaut (first leg) of the skyride departs to Aquitaine, France, while the Zeppelin (third leg) skyride arrives from Rhinefeld, Germany.
s and a european barn owl. Guests can interact with the animals and see them in action as they demonstrate their skills during daily demonstrations. Prior to 2010, the stables were home to several of the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales until the theme park unit of Anheuser-Busch was sold in 2009. Other points of interest include Pigs in a Kilt, a counter service walk-up.
junior roller coaster named Grover's Alpine Express
, Bert and Ernie's Loch Adventure flume ride, Oscar's Whirly Worms rock-n-tug-type ride, Prince Elmo's Spire shot-n-drop ride, and wet and dry play areas. The area also features a stage for the main show "Sunny Days Celebration" and a gift shop.
era Italy
. A prominent feature within San Marco is Da Vinci's Garden of Inventions. This garden features Italian statues and flowers set amid rides based on sketches by Leonardo da Vinci
. Also in the area is Ristorante della Piazza, featuring Italian cuisine and allowing guests to watch "Festivale Ita located inliano." During the summer until 2008, sounds of the Starlight Orchestra could be heard while dining.
's return to Italy from his famous visit to China
. It contains many of the park's midway games, all with a festival theme. Its attractions are themed around Roman mythology.
. It is largely themed to a runaway ski resort in the German Alps. The third leg of Busch Gardens' skyride arrives and departs from this section. Also in Rhinefeld is Land of the Dragons, a large children's play area featuring a playground, five rides, and seasonal shows.
. There are also smaller play zones, slides, smaller wet play areas and a gift shop: "Dragon Digs." Rides and major attractions include:
. Oktoberfest features many of the park's flat rides. It is also home to a large assortment of carnival-style games. Das Festhaus is a large, air conditioned eating facility where guests can purchase German food or American classics. While eating in Das Festhaus, guests can experience This is Oktoberfest, a show featuring German singing and dancing, or listen to a brass quartet. This section of the park formerly hosted The Big Bad Wolf
, a suspended roller coaster. The Big Bad Wolf was closed on September 7, 2009.
On September 18, 2010, it was announced that in 2011, Oktoberfest will be renovated with new shops and sights including a new beer garden and pretzel shop known as Beste Brezeln und Bier with a Bavarian maypole occupying the flower garden in front of Das Festhaus, along with a 246 feet (75 m) drop tower called Mäch Tower
. Also announced was a new "multi-launch" roller coaster that will open in spring of 2012 on the former site of the Big Bad Wolf roller coaster. On September 17, 2011 it was announced that the new coaster would be called Verbolten
.
. It is home to many boutiques and one of the park's skyride stations, where the first leg of the skyride arrives from England and the second leg departs for Rhinefeld, Germany. The Royale Palace Theatre in France hosts numerous shows throughout the season.
and consists a hub of Canadian-themed shops with a colonial tone throughout the area. Rides in New France include the Busch Gardens Railway departing from Caribou Station and Le Scoot Log Flume
, featuring a 50 feet (15.2 m) plunge through a saw mill. A predominant feature in this area is the Trappers Smokehouse which has an outdoor grill centrally located. Trappers Smokehouse offers grilled and smoked items such as chicken, ribs, and beef brisket.
's Wild Reserve, attractions here are the bald eagles and wolves. Eagle Ridge is a 3,000+ foot area set aside for housing and rehabilitating bald eagles and providing education to visitors. Wolf Haven is a viewing area where guests may observe one of Busch Garden's pairs of wolves. One pair is on exhibition at a time. Busch Gardens also provides Wolf Valley for those wolves not on display. Over 8000 feet (2,438.4 m) of natural habitat is intended to ensure the animals' health and well-being.
s, and groups arriving by buses and motorcoaches. Trams provide shuttle service to and from entrance gates from outlying parking areas.
Within the park itself, three steam locomotive
powered trains operate on a 2 miles (3.2 km) loop of track, providing transportation between the Heatherdowns, Festa Italia, and New France themed areas. Additionally, a skyride provides transportation between the Banbury Cross, Aquitaine, and Rhinefeld themed areas.
The National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) named Busch Gardens the world's Most Beautiful Park for the 21st consecutive year in 2011.
James City County, Virginia
James City County is a county located on the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of the Commonwealth of Virginia, a state of the United States. Its population was 67,009 , and it is often associated with Williamsburg, an independent city, and Jamestown which is within the...
, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
about 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is an independent city located on the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia, USA. As of the 2010 Census, the city had an estimated population of 14,068. It is bordered by James City County and York County, and is an independent city...
, originally developed by Anheuser-Busch (A-B)
Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. , is an American brewing company. The company operates 12 breweries in the United States and 18 in other countries. It was, until December 2009, also one of America's largest theme park operators; operating ten theme parks across the United States through the...
and currently owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a family entertainment company owned by The Blackstone Group. SeaWorld is responsible for the operation and maintenance of eleven theme parks located throughout the United States...
, a division of The Blackstone Group. The park opened on May 16, 1975, adjacent to Anheuser-Busch's brewery and near its other developments including the Kingsmill Resort
Kingsmill
Kingsmill is a name which has been used in James City County, Virginia since the mid-18th century. Initially the name of a plantation, in modern times, the name is attached to a geographic area which includes a large planned residential community, a resort complex, a theme park, a brewery, and a...
complex. The park is themed around old-world Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
.
The park was originally called Busch Gardens: The Old Country, reflecting the European theme. In 1993, the park was renamed Busch Gardens Williamsburg before briefly being named Busch Gardens Europe in 2006 until it returned to the Williamsburg name in 2008. Similarly, its sister park in Florida was originally called Busch Gardens: The Dark Continent until it was officially renamed Busch Gardens Tampa Bay until the same brief switch to Busch Gardens Africa. In 2010, the estimated attendance of 2.8 million placed it in the top 20 most-visited parks in the US.
In addition to its landscaping and European theme, Busch Gardens is widely known for its collection of roller coaster
Roller coaster
The roller coaster is a popular amusement ride developed for amusement parks and modern theme parks. LaMarcus Adna Thompson patented the first coasters on January 20, 1885...
s, highlighted mostly by Apollo's Chariot
Apollo's Chariot
Apollo's Chariot is the first Bolliger & Mabillard hypercoaster, located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, in James City County, Virginia.-Description:...
, which won #5 best steel coaster of 2010, as well as its high-tech dark ride
Dark ride
A dark ride or ghost train is an indoor amusement ride where riders in guided vehicles travel through specially lit scenes that typically contain animation, sound, music, and special effects....
, The Curse of DarKastle
The Curse of DarKastle
The Curse of DarKastle is a 21st century dark ride located at Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is a hybrid ride, combining roving motion-simulating vehicles, 3D videos projected onto screens, physical sets, in-vehicle music and special effects , all perfectly synchronized...
.
Development History
Beginning in the early 1970s, the Busch Gardens theme park was developed by Anheuser-Busch (A-B)Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. , is an American brewing company. The company operates 12 breweries in the United States and 18 in other countries. It was, until December 2009, also one of America's largest theme park operators; operating ten theme parks across the United States through the...
as a portion of the company's development investment in the Williamsburg area, which grew to include a brewery, the Kingsmill Resort
Kingsmill Resort
Kinsgmill Resort is premier vacation, conference and golf resort which located in James City County, Virginia. It is located on a portion of the Kingsmill Plantation first established in the late 17th century. The original plantation structures and their successors have long been in ruins...
, as well as residential and office properties.
The St. Louis-based brewer invested in the area following negotiations held between August Busch, II
Gussie Busch
August "Gussie" Anheuser Busch, Jr. was an American brewing magnate who built the Anheuser-Busch Companies into the largest brewery in the world as company chairman from 1946–75, and became a prominent sportsman as owner of the St...
and Winthrop Rockefeller
Winthrop Rockefeller
Winthrop Rockefeller was a politician and philanthropist who served as the first Republican Governor of Arkansas since Reconstruction. He was a third-generation member of the Rockefeller family.-Early life:...
, a son of Colonial Williamsburg's initial chief mentor, John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
John Davison Rockefeller, Jr. was a major philanthropist and a pivotal member of the prominent Rockefeller family. He was the sole son among the five children of businessman and Standard Oil industrialist John D. Rockefeller and the father of the five famous Rockefeller brothers...
. Winthrop Rockefeller had been serving as both governor of Arkansas and chairman of Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is the private foundation representing the historic district of the city of Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. The district includes buildings dating from 1699 to 1780 which made colonial Virginia's capital. The capital straddled the boundary of the original shires of Virginia —...
in the 1960s and 1970s. (Water Country USA
Water Country USA
Water Country USA is a water theme park in York County, Virginia, about 3 miles southeast of Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. It is the Mid-Atlantic's largest water park, and it offers live entertainment, shops and restaurants, water rides, and other attractions, all of which have a 1950s or 1960s...
, a local water park
Water park
A waterpark is an amusement park that features waterplay areas, such as water slides, splash pads, spraygrounds , lazy rivers, or other recreational bathing, swimming, and barefooting environments...
, was acquired by A-B in the 1990s, and added to the company's theme park activities, which include a number of SeaWorld
SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a United States chain of marine mammal parks, oceanariums, and animal theme parks owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. The parks feature captive orca, sea lion, and dolphin shows and zoological displays featuring various other marine animals. There are operations in Orlando,...
properties in other states as well).
In the last part of the 20th and early into the 21st century, as a brewer, A-B found itself competing in an increasingly global market. In 2009, after initially resisting an unsolicited stock bid, A-B announced it had reached an agreement to be acquired by the even larger Belgium-based InBev
InBev
InBev is a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev. The company existed independently for several years - since the merger between Interbrew and AmBev and until the acquisition of Anheuser-Busch. InBev has operations in over 30 countries and sales in over 130 countries...
. The newer owners announced plans to sell-off the portions of A-B activities which were not part of the core beverage business as it worked to reduce debt incurred to fund the acquisition.
The Blackstone Group
Blackstone Group
The Blackstone Group L.P. is an American-based alternative asset management and financial services company that specializes in private equity, real estate, and credit and marketable alternative investment strategies, as well as financial advisory services, such as mergers and acquisitions ,...
was selected in late 2009 to acquire and operate the 10 former A-B theme parks, including two in the Williamsburg area. In July 2010, the adjacent Kingsmill Resort
Kingsmill Resort
Kinsgmill Resort is premier vacation, conference and golf resort which located in James City County, Virginia. It is located on a portion of the Kingsmill Plantation first established in the late 17th century. The original plantation structures and their successors have long been in ruins...
was scheduled to be acquired by Xanterra Parks and Resorts
Xanterra Parks and Resorts
Xanterra Parks & Resorts is a privately-owned United States park and resort management company based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, controlled by entertainment magnate Phillip Anschutz...
, a company owned by Denver-based Phillip Anschutz.
Overview of Features
The park features a combination of roller coasters and Broadway-style shows.Conservation
Jack Hanna'sJack Hanna
John Bushnell "Jack" Hanna is an American zookeeper who is the Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. He was Director of the zoo from 1978 to 1993, and is viewed as largely responsible for elevating its quality and reputation. His media appearances have made him one of the most...
Wildlife Reserve houses a variety of wild species including gray wolves
Gray Wolf
The gray wolf , also known as the wolf, is the largest extant wild member of the Canidae family...
and bald eagles
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America. It is the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. This sea eagle has two known sub-species and forms a species pair with the White-tailed Eagle...
. Busch Gardens is partnered with SeaWorld (also owned by Busch Entertainment Corp.) in the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund
SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund
-About: is a private, non-profit charitable foundation created in 2003 to allow visitors to , and a chance to get directly involved in wildlife conservation and research...
, which offers guests the opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation. The Rhine River Cruise's Boats are battery powered to cut back on power generation and prevent water pollution. In addition Busch Gardens and Water Country USA
Water Country USA
Water Country USA is a water theme park in York County, Virginia, about 3 miles southeast of Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. It is the Mid-Atlantic's largest water park, and it offers live entertainment, shops and restaurants, water rides, and other attractions, all of which have a 1950s or 1960s...
both use insects rather than pesticides in the park's commitment to organic gardening
Organic horticulture
Organic horticulture is the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants by following the essential principles of organic agriculture in soil building and conservation, pest management, and heirloom variety preservation....
. All brochures, maps, show guides, and all paper products in the restrooms are made from recycled material.
Howl-O-Scream
Howl-O-Scream, the park’s signature Halloween event, features more than a dozen attractions starring vampires, werewolves, witches and skeletons. Guests are immersed in an elaborate Halloween atmosphere including haunted houses and Halloween-themed shows. Howl-O-Scream opens September 24 and continues every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through October 31. The event's mascot is pumpkin-headed Jack. Howl-O-Scream first began during the 1999 season.Christmas Town
Christmas Town is the park's Christmas event that began during the 2009 season. Several Christmas and holiday themed attractions and shows are showcased, including a 50 feet (15.2 m) animated Christmas tree called "O Tannenbaum" that lights up in sync to Christmas music in the Oktoberfest portion of the park. During this park is decorated with millions of lights. Shopping is also an important part of Christmas Town. The event starts on Black FridayBlack Friday (shopping)
Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. On this day, most major retailers open extremely early, often at 4 a.m., or earlier, and offer promotional sales to kick off the shopping season, similar to Boxing...
and continues every weekend until the week before Christmas, where it stays open for the rest of December, excluding Christmas day, until New Years Day.
Military discount
The park periodically offers special rates for members of the US militaryMilitary of the United States
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
. The current program, entitled Here's to the Heroes, was initiated in February 2005 and has been extended through the 2010 season.
Theme park areas
Two attractions provide transportation around the park. The Skyride gondola liftGondola lift
A gondola lift is a type of aerial lift, normally called a cable car, which is supported and propelled by cables from above. It consists of a loop of steel cable that is strung between two stations, sometimes over intermediate supporting towers. The cable is driven by a bullwheel in a terminal,...
transports guests between the Banbury Cross, Aquitaine and Rhinefeld hamlets; while replica steam trains transport guests between the Heatherdowns, Festa Italia, and New France hamlets.
Banbury Cross (England)
Banbury Cross is fashioned after EnglandEngland
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, with stereotypical red telephone booths and common English architecture. Guest Services windows are located next to the turnstiles of the Main gate. A simulacrum
Simulacrum
Simulacrum , from the Latin simulacrum which means "likeness, similarity", was first recorded in the English language in the late 16th century, used to describe a representation, such as a statue or a painting, especially of a god...
of the famous St. Stephen's Clock Tower
Clock Tower, Palace of Westminster
Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, and is generally extended to refer to the clock or the clock tower as well. It is the largest four-faced chiming clock and the third-tallest free-standing clock tower in the world...
(Big Ben) is the central element of this area. Banbury Cross also includes The Squire's Galley, serving breakfast and lunch, as well as a funnel cake
Funnel cake
Funnel cake or funnelcake is a regional food popular in North America at carnivals, fairs, sporting events, and seaside resorts. Funnel cakes are made by pouring batter into hot cooking oil in a circular pattern and deep frying the overlapping mass until golden-brown. When made at concession...
shop, ice cream shop, and candy store. The Globe Theatre
Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre was a theatre in London associated with William Shakespeare. It was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, and was destroyed by fire on 29 June 1613...
, a double-sized replica of William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon"...
's performance home, is the most prominent attraction in the area, currently featuring Pirates, starring Eric Idle
Eric Idle
Eric Idle is an English comedian, actor, author, singer, writer, and comedic composer. He was as a member of the British comedy group Monty Python, a member of the The Rutles on Saturday Night Live and author of the play, Spamalot....
and Leslie Nielsen
Leslie Nielsen
Leslie William Nielsen, OC was a Canadian and naturalized American actor and comedian. Nielsen appeared in more than one hundred films and 1,500 television programs over the span of his career, portraying more than 220 characters...
. The theater previously featured the films Sesame Street presents Lights, Camera, Imagination!, a 4-D film
4-D film
4-D film is a marketing term that describes an entertainment presentation system combining a 3-D film with physical effects in the theatre, which occur in synchronization with the film...
, Pirates, starring Eric Idle
Eric Idle
Eric Idle is an English comedian, actor, author, singer, writer, and comedic composer. He was as a member of the British comedy group Monty Python, a member of the The Rutles on Saturday Night Live and author of the play, Spamalot....
and Leslie Nielsen
Leslie Nielsen
Leslie William Nielsen, OC was a Canadian and naturalized American actor and comedian. Nielsen appeared in more than one hundred films and 1,500 television programs over the span of his career, portraying more than 220 characters...
, R. L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse, and Haunts of the Old Country. Prior to the 4-D films, the theater hosted a variety of live shows including Mark Wilson's Worlds Greatest Illusions, America on Ice, Hot Ice, Celebrate America and the People's Choice. Banbury Cross also contains the skyride station nearest to the Main Gate. The Aeronaut (first leg) of the skyride departs to Aquitaine, France, while the Zeppelin (third leg) skyride arrives from Rhinefeld, Germany.
Heatherdowns (Scotland)
Heatherdowns resembles a Scottish hamlet situated at the top of the hill on the path leading from Banbury Cross. Tweedside Train Station offers a 20 minute ride through the park with additional stops in Festa Italia and at the central train station, Caribou, in New France. Tweedside Gifts is located adjacent to the train station. Heatherdowns is also home to the Highland Stables featuring Scottish Blackface sheep, Border collies, black ClydesdaleClydesdale
Clydesdale was formerly one of nineteen local government districts in the Strathclyde region of Scotland.The district was formed by the Local Government Act 1973 from part of the former county of Lanarkshire: namely the burghs of Biggar and Lanark and the First, Second and Third Districts...
s and a european barn owl. Guests can interact with the animals and see them in action as they demonstrate their skills during daily demonstrations. Prior to 2010, the stables were home to several of the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales until the theme park unit of Anheuser-Busch was sold in 2009. Other points of interest include Pigs in a Kilt, a counter service walk-up.
- Loch Ness MonsterLoch Ness Monster (roller coaster)The Loch Ness Monster is a roller coaster located of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Designed by Ron Toomer of Arrow Dynamics, the Loch Ness Monster was the world's tallest roller coaster when it opened in 1978. It was the first continuous circuit coaster and is a coaster to contain interlocking loops...
is a looping Arrow DynamicsArrow DynamicsArrow Dynamics was a roller coaster and amusement ride design company based in Clearfield, Utah, United States. In 2002, the company went bankrupt but was quickly bought by fellow amusement ride manufacturer S&S Power to form S&S Arrow. During its peak, Arrow Dynamics was responsible for some of...
roller coaster. It is the first and (currently) only roller coaster in the world to feature interlocking loops.
Sesame Street Forest of Fun
Opened on April 3, 2009, Sesame Street Forest of Fun features four new family-friendly rides and attractions themed to Sesame Street, including a ZiererZierer
Zierer is a German company located close to Deggendorf. Zierer manufactures Tivoli and Force line of roller coasters, as well as panoramic wheels, wave swingers, flying carpets, Hextentanz and Kontiki rides...
junior roller coaster named Grover's Alpine Express
Grover's Alpine Express
Grover's Alpine Express is a sleigh-themed Zierer junior roller coaster located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, located in Williamsburg, Virginia.-Ride layout:...
, Bert and Ernie's Loch Adventure flume ride, Oscar's Whirly Worms rock-n-tug-type ride, Prince Elmo's Spire shot-n-drop ride, and wet and dry play areas. The area also features a stage for the main show "Sunny Days Celebration" and a gift shop.
- Bert and Ernie's Loch Adventure is a flat flume ride with water effects
- Oscar's Whirly Worms is a rocking, spinning pirate shipPirate ship (ride)A pirate ship is a type of amusement ride, consisting of an open, seated gondola which swings back and forth, subjecting the rider to various levels of angular momentum....
-style ride - Prince Elmo's Spire is family friendly a shot-n-drop drop tower ride from ZamperlaZamperlaZamperla is a designing and manufacturing company in Vicenza, Italy. It is best known for creating thrill rides and roller coasters worldwide. The company also makes smaller coin operated rides commonly found inside shopping malls....
- Grover's Alpine ExpressGrover's Alpine ExpressGrover's Alpine Express is a sleigh-themed Zierer junior roller coaster located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, located in Williamsburg, Virginia.-Ride layout:...
is a ZiererZiererZierer is a German company located close to Deggendorf. Zierer manufactures Tivoli and Force line of roller coasters, as well as panoramic wheels, wave swingers, flying carpets, Hextentanz and Kontiki rides...
family-friendly roller coaster standing 24 feet tall
Killarney (Ireland)
Formerly known as Hastings, England, this section of the park was re-themed in 2001 as Ireland, the newest country in over 20 years. This area features Celtic Fyre, at the Abbey Stone Theatre, a celebration of Irish dance. Previously, the theatre housing Celtic Fyre was named the Magic Lantern Theatre, and housed some of the best theme park musical reviews in the United States. Shows such as Kaleidoscope, Hats Off to Hollywood, Journey into Music, Stage Struck, and Rockin the Boat are some of the names of these productions. Grogan's Grill offers Irish cuisine in this area. Outside the gateway next to Dining with Elmo, the walkway makes a sharp left turn and begins a long, moderately steep climb toward Aquitaine, France. Several animal sanctuaries and an animal performance theater are situated along this path.- Eagle Ridge & Wolf Valley - Animal exhibits located just outside the village.
- Europe in the AirEurope in the AirEurope in the Air is a motion simulator ride located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, a theme park in Williamsburg, Virginia. The attraction is similar in both ride and production to that of Disney's Soarin' Over California and Star Tours. Because of the theming of the park, Europe in the Air...
- An immersive, motion simulatorMotion simulatorA motion simulator or motion platform is a mechanism that encapsulates occupants and creates the effect/feelings of being in a moving vehicle...
above the wonders of Europe, including StonehengeStonehengeStonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in the English county of Wiltshire, about west of Amesbury and north of Salisbury. One of the most famous sites in the world, Stonehenge is composed of a circular setting of large standing stones set within earthworks...
, Neuschwanstein Castle (the inspiration for the park's The Curse of DarKastleThe Curse of DarKastleThe Curse of DarKastle is a 21st century dark ride located at Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is a hybrid ride, combining roving motion-simulating vehicles, 3D videos projected onto screens, physical sets, in-vehicle music and special effects , all perfectly synchronized...
attraction in Germany), and the ColosseumColosseumThe Colosseum, or the Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre , is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire...
in Rome, using video projection nearly seven times clearer than broadcast HD, according to the park's website. Europe in the Air replaced Corkscrew Hill for the 2010 season. - Pet Shenanigans Theater - An outdoor venue that currently hosts the More Pet Shenanigans show.
San Marco (Italy)
When Italy/San Marco was opened, it completed the outer circle walkway around Busch Gardens. Part of the park's expansion included a high pedestrian bridge across the Rhine River into Oktoberfest, Germany. San Marco is based upon RenaissanceRenaissance
The Renaissance was a cultural movement that spanned roughly the 14th to the 17th century, beginning in Italy in the Late Middle Ages and later spreading to the rest of Europe. The term is also used more loosely to refer to the historical era, but since the changes of the Renaissance were not...
era Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. A prominent feature within San Marco is Da Vinci's Garden of Inventions. This garden features Italian statues and flowers set amid rides based on sketches by Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci was an Italian Renaissance polymath: painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist and writer whose genius, perhaps more than that of any other figure, epitomized the Renaissance...
. Also in the area is Ristorante della Piazza, featuring Italian cuisine and allowing guests to watch "Festivale Ita located inliano." During the summer until 2008, sounds of the Starlight Orchestra could be heard while dining.
- Da Vinci's Cradle - A standard magic carpet amusement ride that swings back and forth, gaining in height until it rotates over the top. It does not invert riders.
- Escape from PompeiiEscape from PompeiiEscape from Pompeii is a shoot-the-chutes water attraction designed by Intamin located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia....
- A shoot-the-chutes boat ride featuring an extensive indoor portion within the city of PompeiiPompeiiThe city of Pompeii is a partially buried Roman town-city near modern Naples in the Italian region of Campania, in the territory of the comune of Pompei. Along with Herculaneum, Pompeii was destroyed and completely buried during a long catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius spanning...
, featuring fire and water effects. - Little Gliders & Little Balloons - Family-sized carnival rides themed to Da Vinci's inventions.
- The Battering Ram - A high-capacity, high-thrill swinging shipPirate ship (ride)A pirate ship is a type of amusement ride, consisting of an open, seated gondola which swings back and forth, subjecting the rider to various levels of angular momentum....
. - The Flying Machine - A lightly themed troikaTroika (ride)The Troika is an amusement park ride, designed and manufactured by HUSS Maschinenfabrik in the mid-1970s. The ride is available in both transportable and permanent forms, although due to the total weight and size of the ride , transportable Troikas are unpopular and uncommon...
ride that spins riders.
Festa Italia (Italy)
Festa Italia is themed around a fair celebrating Marco PoloMarco Polo
Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant traveler from the Venetian Republic whose travels are recorded in Il Milione, a book which did much to introduce Europeans to Central Asia and China. He learned about trading whilst his father and uncle, Niccolò and Maffeo, travelled through Asia and apparently...
's return to Italy from his famous visit to China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. It contains many of the park's midway games, all with a festival theme. Its attractions are themed around Roman mythology.
- Apollo's ChariotApollo's ChariotApollo's Chariot is the first Bolliger & Mabillard hypercoaster, located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, in James City County, Virginia.-Description:...
- A Bolliger & MabillardBolliger & MabillardBolliger & Mabillard Consulting Engineers is a roller coaster design consultancy based in Monthey, Switzerland. The company was founded in 1988 by Walter Bolliger and Claude Mabillard, with Bolliger acting as president and Mabillard as vice-president...
Hypercoaster reaching over 200 feet (61 m) high, featuring dives towards and around ponds and hills. Apollo's Chariot also features a deep purple and gold color scheme. - Roman RapidsRoman RapidsRoman Rapids is a white-water river rafting ride located in Festa Italia of Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia. It is themed after a canal race through Roman ruins and leaves riders completely soaked after the ride.-Ride experience:...
- A circular-raft rapids ride among Roman ruins. - Tradewinds - A permanent-placement music expressMusic ExpressA Music Express is an amusement park and carnival ride based on the original Caterpillar rides of Germany. Several near-identical ride designs are also produced by other companies; Musik Express by Italian company Bertazzon and US Majestic Rides, Himalaya by American company Wisdom Rides,German...
ride. - Turkish Delight - A typical spinning "teacup" ride.
Rhinefeld (Rhineland Germany)
This section is based upon GermanyGermany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. It is largely themed to a runaway ski resort in the German Alps. The third leg of Busch Gardens' skyride arrives and departs from this section. Also in Rhinefeld is Land of the Dragons, a large children's play area featuring a playground, five rides, and seasonal shows.
- AlpengeistAlpengeistAlpengeist is a full-circuit inverted roller coaster, built by Bolliger & Mabillard, in 1997 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Alpengeist has an Alpine mountain region theme...
- A Bolliger & MabillardBolliger & MabillardBolliger & Mabillard Consulting Engineers is a roller coaster design consultancy based in Monthey, Switzerland. The company was founded in 1988 by Walter Bolliger and Claude Mabillard, with Bolliger acting as president and Mabillard as vice-president...
inverted roller coaster, Alpengeist is themed to a ski-lift taken over by a local legend, the Alpengeist (Ghost of the Alps). - Kinder Karussel - The park's antique Herschell Carousel.
- Land of the Dragons - Interactive children's play area featuring a treehouse, children's rides and a Ferris wheelFerris wheelA Ferris wheel is a nonbuilding structure consisting of a rotating upright wheel with passenger cars attached to the rim in such a way that as the wheel turns, the cars are kept upright, usually by gravity.Some of the largest and most modern Ferris wheels have cars mounted on...
.
Land of the Dragons
When it opened in 1994 (replacing the former Grimms Hollow children's area), Land of the Dragons was the main kiddie area at Busch Gardens. It is home to Dumpherey the Dragon, the area's mascot/character. Other major notes taken to Land of the Dragons include its dragon-themed 3-story tree house, a wet play area (known as "Brook" with waterfalls, squirting guisers, and a "serpant" inhabiting the area), and a dragon-egg Ferris wheelFerris wheel
A Ferris wheel is a nonbuilding structure consisting of a rotating upright wheel with passenger cars attached to the rim in such a way that as the wheel turns, the cars are kept upright, usually by gravity.Some of the largest and most modern Ferris wheels have cars mounted on...
. There are also smaller play zones, slides, smaller wet play areas and a gift shop: "Dragon Digs." Rides and major attractions include:
- "Eggory Deggory"- a Ferris wheelFerris wheelA Ferris wheel is a nonbuilding structure consisting of a rotating upright wheel with passenger cars attached to the rim in such a way that as the wheel turns, the cars are kept upright, usually by gravity.Some of the largest and most modern Ferris wheels have cars mounted on...
with "dragon egg" carts - "Chug-a-Tug"- a boat ride
- "Bug-a-Dug"- a music expressMusic ExpressA Music Express is an amusement park and carnival ride based on the original Caterpillar rides of Germany. Several near-identical ride designs are also produced by other companies; Musik Express by Italian company Bertazzon and US Majestic Rides, Himalaya by American company Wisdom Rides,German...
-like ride with ladybug cars - "Flutter Splutter"- a flying dragon ride
- Dragon-themed Treehouse
- "Brook"- a wet play area
- "Dragon Digs"- a gift shop
- "Riffle Rapids"- A mini flume that ran under the Treehouse that had dragon-shaped boats, a small drop and rapids. (This ride was relocated to the Sesame Street Forest of Fun and was renovated and renamed as "Bert and Ernie's Loch Adventure" mini flume.)
Oktoberfest (Bavarian Germany)
Like Rhinefeld, this section is based on Germany during the annual celebration of OktoberfestOktoberfest
Oktoberfest, or Wiesn, is a 16–18 day beer festival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, running from late September to the first weekend in October. It is one of the most famous events in Germany and is the world's largest fair, with more than 5 million people attending every year. The...
. Oktoberfest features many of the park's flat rides. It is also home to a large assortment of carnival-style games. Das Festhaus is a large, air conditioned eating facility where guests can purchase German food or American classics. While eating in Das Festhaus, guests can experience This is Oktoberfest, a show featuring German singing and dancing, or listen to a brass quartet. This section of the park formerly hosted The Big Bad Wolf
Big Bad Wolf (roller coaster)
The Big Bad Wolf was a suspended roller coaster in the Oktoberfest section of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. First opened in 1984, the ride operated for 25 years and the ride closed on September 7, 2009...
, a suspended roller coaster. The Big Bad Wolf was closed on September 7, 2009.
On September 18, 2010, it was announced that in 2011, Oktoberfest will be renovated with new shops and sights including a new beer garden and pretzel shop known as Beste Brezeln und Bier with a Bavarian maypole occupying the flower garden in front of Das Festhaus, along with a 246 feet (75 m) drop tower called Mäch Tower
Mach tower
Mäch Tower is a drop tower design amusement ride, located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, in James City County, Virginia.-Description:Located in the park's Oktoberfest section, Mäch Tower's base is encircled by two concentric rings of pillars from which festive blue, orange, and red banners hang...
. Also announced was a new "multi-launch" roller coaster that will open in spring of 2012 on the former site of the Big Bad Wolf roller coaster. On September 17, 2011 it was announced that the new coaster would be called Verbolten
Verbolten
Verbolten will be a Zierer multi-launching steel roller coaster scheduled to open in spring of 2012 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia. Details about the ride were released on September 17, 2011 including a teaser video, ride statistics, and more...
.
- Der Autobahn (Bumper Cars)
- Der Autobahn Jr. (Kiddie Bumper Cars)
- Der Roto Baron (Red Baron)
- Der Wirbelwind (Waveswinger) - classic yo-yo swings ride
- Wirbelwindchen (Kiddie Swings)
- Mäch TowerMach towerMäch Tower is a drop tower design amusement ride, located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, in James City County, Virginia.-Description:Located in the park's Oktoberfest section, Mäch Tower's base is encircled by two concentric rings of pillars from which festive blue, orange, and red banners hang...
- Opened on August 19th, 2011, this 246 feet (75 m) tall free-fall tower is located on the site previously occupied by Der Katapult, which has been moved to New France. Riders are seated in a 30-person ring around the tower, which rotates as it makes its way to the top. Special effects include vibrating seats and on-board audio. - The Curse of DarKastleThe Curse of DarKastleThe Curse of DarKastle is a 21st century dark ride located at Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is a hybrid ride, combining roving motion-simulating vehicles, 3D videos projected onto screens, physical sets, in-vehicle music and special effects , all perfectly synchronized...
- An indoor, technological dark rideDark rideA dark ride or ghost train is an indoor amusement ride where riders in guided vehicles travel through specially lit scenes that typically contain animation, sound, music, and special effects....
haunted house in which an ancient German king terrorizes guests with 3D effects, water, and wind in a motion-simulator style. - VerboltenVerboltenVerbolten will be a Zierer multi-launching steel roller coaster scheduled to open in spring of 2012 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia. Details about the ride were released on September 17, 2011 including a teaser video, ride statistics, and more...
- Brave The Black Forest - A family-style Driving through the Black Forest themed launch coasterLaunched roller coasterThe launched roller coaster is a modern form of roller coaster which has increased in use in the last decade. In place of a traditional chain lift, the launched coaster initiates a ride with high amounts of acceleration via one or series of Linear Induction Motors , Linear Synchronous Motors ,...
with a top speed of 53 mph scheduled to open in spring of 2012.
Aquitaine (France)
Centering around the village of Aquitaine, this section is based on FranceFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. It is home to many boutiques and one of the park's skyride stations, where the first leg of the skyride arrives from England and the second leg departs for Rhinefeld, Germany. The Royale Palace Theatre in France hosts numerous shows throughout the season.
- GriffonGriffon (roller coaster)Griffon is a Bolliger & Mabillard diving machine roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. On opening, it was the tallest of its kind in the world at . Griffon originally had two other potential names — "IronEagle" and "Voltare" — before Busch Gardens decided on the name "Griffon". Griffon has...
- The Diving Machine roller coaster, named after the legendary creature, the griffinGriffinThe griffin, griffon, or gryphon is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle...
; contains a ninety-degree drop from 205 feet, 2 immelman loops, and a "splashdown" finale; the brother ride of Busch Gardens AfricaBusch Gardens AfricaBusch Gardens Tampa Bay is a 19th century African-themed animal theme park located in the city of Tampa, Florida...
's SheiKraSheiKraSheiKra is a Bolliger and Mabillard diving machine roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. It is situated in the Stanleyville section of the park. SheiKra was the first dive machine roller coaster in North America. It is tied with Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia as the second tallest roller...
.
New France (French Canada)
New France is based on French colonial CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and consists a hub of Canadian-themed shops with a colonial tone throughout the area. Rides in New France include the Busch Gardens Railway departing from Caribou Station and Le Scoot Log Flume
Le Scoot Log Flume
Le Scoot is a log flume ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg located in the New France area. It is themed after mountains and a saw mill.- Ride Experience :...
, featuring a 50 feet (15.2 m) plunge through a saw mill. A predominant feature in this area is the Trappers Smokehouse which has an outdoor grill centrally located. Trappers Smokehouse offers grilled and smoked items such as chicken, ribs, and beef brisket.
- Le Scoot Log FlumeLe Scoot Log FlumeLe Scoot is a log flume ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg located in the New France area. It is themed after mountains and a saw mill.- Ride Experience :...
, a traditional high-in-the-sky theme park log flumeLog flume (attraction)Log flumes originally referred to a special construct used to transport lumber and logs down mountainous terrain to a sawmill by using flowing water. Today, however, the term is also used to refer to an amusement ride consisting of a water flume and artificial hollow logs or boats... - Le Catapult - a basic carnival scrambler
Roller Coasters
Existing (listed by first year)
- Loch Ness MonsterLoch Ness Monster (roller coaster)The Loch Ness Monster is a roller coaster located of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Designed by Ron Toomer of Arrow Dynamics, the Loch Ness Monster was the world's tallest roller coaster when it opened in 1978. It was the first continuous circuit coaster and is a coaster to contain interlocking loops...
(1978 — present) - AlpengeistAlpengeistAlpengeist is a full-circuit inverted roller coaster, built by Bolliger & Mabillard, in 1997 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Alpengeist has an Alpine mountain region theme...
(1997 — present) - Apollo's ChariotApollo's ChariotApollo's Chariot is the first Bolliger & Mabillard hypercoaster, located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, in James City County, Virginia.-Description:...
(1999 — present) - GriffonGriffon (roller coaster)Griffon is a Bolliger & Mabillard diving machine roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. On opening, it was the tallest of its kind in the world at . Griffon originally had two other potential names — "IronEagle" and "Voltare" — before Busch Gardens decided on the name "Griffon". Griffon has...
(2007 — present) - Grover's Alpine ExpressGrover's Alpine ExpressGrover's Alpine Express is a sleigh-themed Zierer junior roller coaster located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, located in Williamsburg, Virginia.-Ride layout:...
(2009 — present) - VerboltenVerboltenVerbolten will be a Zierer multi-launching steel roller coaster scheduled to open in spring of 2012 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia. Details about the ride were released on September 17, 2011 including a teaser video, ride statistics, and more...
(2012 Under Construction)
Defunct (listed by closing year)
- Die Wildkatze (1976 — 1983)
- Replaced by Big Bad WolfBig Bad Wolf (roller coaster)The Big Bad Wolf was a suspended roller coaster in the Oktoberfest section of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. First opened in 1984, the ride operated for 25 years and the ride closed on September 7, 2009...
- Replaced by Big Bad Wolf
- Das Kätzchen (1976 — 1984)
- GlissadeGlissade (ride)Glissade was a roller coaster at Busch Gardens Europe in Virginia. The Glissade stood where the Izzy/Wild Maus once stood and today The Curse of DarKastle exists in this spot.- Type :*Steel - Sit Down...
(1975 — 1985)- Replaced by Wild Maus
- Drachen FireDrachen FireDrachen Fire was an Arrow Dynamics roller coaster that operated from 1992 to 1998, at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.- History :Initially, Drachen Fire was to be designed and built by Bolliger & Mabillard. Busch Entertainment contacted the young company to build two multi-inversion sit-down coasters at...
(1992 — 1998) - Wild Maus (1996 — 2003)
- Moved to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as Sand Serpent
- Replaced by Curse of DarKastle
- Opened as the Wild IzzyIzzy (mascot)Izzy was the official mascot of the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics. Named Whatizit at its first introduction at the close of the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, the computer animated character with the ability to morph into different forms was a departure from the Olympic tradition in that it did...
as a tie in to the Izzy, mascot of the 1996 Olympic Games1996 Summer OlympicsThe 1996 Summer Olympics of Atlanta, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad and unofficially known as the Centennial Olympics, was an international multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States....
, for which Budweiser was a sponsor.
- Big Bad WolfBig Bad Wolf (roller coaster)The Big Bad Wolf was a suspended roller coaster in the Oktoberfest section of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. First opened in 1984, the ride operated for 25 years and the ride closed on September 7, 2009...
(1984 — 2009)- Will be replaced by a multi-launching roller coaster in spring of 2012 called VerboltenVerboltenVerbolten will be a Zierer multi-launching steel roller coaster scheduled to open in spring of 2012 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia. Details about the ride were released on September 17, 2011 including a teaser video, ride statistics, and more...
.
- Will be replaced by a multi-launching roller coaster in spring of 2012 called Verbolten
Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve
Along with various birds that inhabit Jack HannaJack Hanna
John Bushnell "Jack" Hanna is an American zookeeper who is the Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. He was Director of the zoo from 1978 to 1993, and is viewed as largely responsible for elevating its quality and reputation. His media appearances have made him one of the most...
's Wild Reserve, attractions here are the bald eagles and wolves. Eagle Ridge is a 3,000+ foot area set aside for housing and rehabilitating bald eagles and providing education to visitors. Wolf Haven is a viewing area where guests may observe one of Busch Garden's pairs of wolves. One pair is on exhibition at a time. Busch Gardens also provides Wolf Valley for those wolves not on display. Over 8000 feet (2,438.4 m) of natural habitat is intended to ensure the animals' health and well-being.
Highland Stables
Busch Gardens’ Highland Stables features Scottish Blackface sheep, Border collies, black Clydesdales and a european barn owl. Guests can interact with the animals during daily demonstrations.Parking and Transportation
At the park, special parking areas are provided for persons with special needs or disabilities, recreational vehicleRecreational vehicle
Recreational vehicle or RV is, in North America, the usual term for a Motor vehicle or trailer equipped with living space and amenities found in a home.-Features:...
s, and groups arriving by buses and motorcoaches. Trams provide shuttle service to and from entrance gates from outlying parking areas.
Within the park itself, three steam locomotive
Steam locomotive
A steam locomotive is a railway locomotive that produces its power through a steam engine. These locomotives are fueled by burning some combustible material, usually coal, wood or oil, to produce steam in a boiler, which drives the steam engine...
powered trains operate on a 2 miles (3.2 km) loop of track, providing transportation between the Heatherdowns, Festa Italia, and New France themed areas. Additionally, a skyride provides transportation between the Banbury Cross, Aquitaine, and Rhinefeld themed areas.
Awards and recognition
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| NAPHA National Amusement Park Historical Association The National Amusement Park Historical Association was founded in 1978 by a former employee of Chicago's Riverview Amusement Park, and NAPHA has grown throughout a long period of time to include amusement parks from all over the world. NAPHA preserves amusement park history and historic rides. ... Survey: Most Beautiful Park |
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The National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) named Busch Gardens the world's Most Beautiful Park for the 21st consecutive year in 2011.
| NAPHA National Amusement Park Historical Association The National Amusement Park Historical Association was founded in 1978 by a former employee of Chicago's Riverview Amusement Park, and NAPHA has grown throughout a long period of time to include amusement parks from all over the world. NAPHA preserves amusement park history and historic rides. ... Survey: Favorite Theme Park |
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Sources
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg expansion announcement page
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg official website
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-o-Scream official website
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town official website
- Roller Coaster Database entries for Busch Gardens Williamsburg