Busch Gardens and the Williamsburg area have been a favorite vacation spot of my family for as long as I can remember. I'm from New York, but my family manages to go down to Williamsburg usually several times each year. And no trip is complete without time spent at Busch Gardens. Those who have never visited the park are in for a treat and taste of the Old World.

Voted the "Most Beautiful Park in Country" for several years in a row, Busch Gardens Williamsburg serves up all the charm of Europe. The park is divided into several countries and areas. The only downside of this park is that it is only open late March thru weekends in October, due to the weather.

Banbury Cross, England

Banbury Cross is located at the park entrance. Many services are located here, including ticket sales, photo sales, stroller/wheelchair rentals, etc. There are also a few stores, including a candy store and large gift shop. There are also a few eateries. Banbury Cross opens a bit earlier than the rest of the park, so if you're looking for breakfast in Busch Gardens, this is where you're going to do it. Banbury Cross is one of 3 locations the skyride loads/unloads in.

R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse is a 4-D adventure show held in the Globe Theater. This show, lasting about 20 minutes, is about exactly what it says. A haunted lighthouse. Combining a 3D movie with effects such as water and effects with the seats, a good time is in store for your family.

Heatherdowns, Scotland

One of the smallest countries in the park, Scotland is home to two park favorites. Scotland is one of the train station stops along the park loop.

The famous Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales stable is located here. The horses are always available for viewing here. Several times during the day you even have the opportunity to take a picture with them.

Loch Ness Monster was the park's first roller coaster. Still going strong, the Loch Ness Monster features interlocking loops over the lake (Rhine River), and more twists, turns and surprises.

Killarney, Ireland

The newest of the lands at Busch Gardens, replacing Hastings, England is Ireland. Ireland offers a little bit of everything - shopping, food, shows, a thrill ride... you can even attend beer school.

Irish Thunder brings you right in the middle of Ireland. Watch in awe the troop of Irish dancers, singers and fiddle players. A really classy show. This show fills up fast so get there early for a good seat!

Corkscrew Hill is a 3D motion theater attraction. The long cave like setting for the line might bother some little children. The ride itself is cute and not that rough. Lines may be really long and are hidden, be sure to ask an attendant the wait time. May the luck of the Irish be with you!

The Secrets of Castle O'Sullivan a show that's an "auction" of a castle a young man has inherited in Ireland. But there are many secrets to this castle, including a leprachaun named Clancy plus much more. See what happens and if he ends up selling his piece of Ireland or not. Not the best of shows, but worth a viewing once and a nice way to get inside for a while.

Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve was added to the park only a few years ago. See wolves, bald eagles, reptiles and other birds. You can catch a wolf training demonstrating a few times each day. There is also a pets show featuring animals the park rescued from local animal shelters.

Aquitane, France

Aquitane is mostly known as a shopping area. There are several stores and snacking areas here. Aquitane is another location to catch the skyride.

Le Mans Raceway is one of your classic antique cars driving along one of three tracks. A family favorite, great for little kids who want to "drive" on their own.

The Royal Palace Theater, a large outdoor theater, is home to the show Imaginique during the summer, as well as other special events. Imaginique is an acrobatics show of acrobatics, lights and more.

New France

New France is another land of interesting shopping, food and fun. Lots of stores of interest here include personalized gifts (jewelry, pottery painting, carvings, etc.) and old time photos.  New France is also home to another train stop in the loop.

American Jukebox  is one of the most entertaining shows on property, you won't want to miss it! Singing and dancing to old time favorites as well as newer songs added all the time, you'll be dancing along in your seat. I've seen this show SO many times and I never get tired of it. The performers are all having the time of their lives and you can really tell. Don't miss it!

Le Scoot is a classic log flume ride. Good if you're looking to get a bit wet but not completely drenched.

Rhinefeld, Germany

More snacks, shops and fun! Rhinefeld is the last of 3 skyride stations. Also home to the ever classic Carosel.

Alpengeist is an awesome suspended inverted coaster. This monster of a coaster is known to scare people, but in the end they love it. Thrill ride enthuastists, don't miss this one!

Land of the Dragons is the perfect place for little ones to run around and have some good little kid fun. Shows, slides, water, treehouses.. they're bound to have a blast.

Rhine River Cruises is something often mislooked and forgotten in the park. Take a boat ride down around on the Rhine River, a completely HUGE manmade lake in the middle of the park. Nice and relaxing. Only downside is having to get down there. Be prepared to make the return trip up a massive hill OR up lots and lots (and lots) of stairs.

Oktoberfest, Germany

Oktoberfest.. shopping, GAMES, food, fun, shows.. everything is here. Home to one of the larger gift stores, it's a great place to shop for your souvenirs. Anything you buy in the park can be sent up to the entrance for later pickup. Arcade like and carnival games and prizes are everywhere in Oktoberfest! Large groups visiting the park can have a feast in the Black Forest Picnic Area behind the Festhaus.

The Big Bad Wolf is a suspended train coaster, going through a German village then plunging down towards the Rhine River. This coaster has gotten a bit rough feeling over the years, but still worth a ride.

The Festhaus is really the anchor to Oktoberfest. A small store, lots of food and shows throughout the day make this a popular stop in the park. Several times each day the Oktoberfest dancers and band come and perform on the stage in the center of the huge complex.

Curse of Dar Kastle is new this year and unfortunately I haven't had an opportunity to check it out yet. I hear it's a very intense, dark/inside thrill ride of some sort.

San Marco, Italy

Once again, food.. shopping.. and rides. An outside open eatery features musicians and dancers throughout the day. This area has a few kids-only small rides. Some other rides like the pirate ship and other classics are located here.

Escape from Pompeii is a large boat flume ride that you will get very wet on. Viewers on the platform will probably get even more wet. Glide into the burning ruins of Pompeii... will you escape? Lots of fun and the water feels great after coming out of the fire filled building.

Festa Italia, Italy

Arcade games, shopping, and more attractions! This is also another station in the train circuit. Also home to smaller type rides like teacups, etc.

Roman Rapids is one family float ride that you will get SOAKED on. Lots of fun and a great way to beat the heat!

Apollo's Chariot is super long and super high hypercoater. Really fun and a really smooth ride. Do not miss this.

Food

Food is generally really good through the park, with typical theme park prices. Some unique food to each area located in each country. Recommended eats include Das Festhaus in Oktoberfest and Trappers Smokehouse in New France.

Holidays in the Parks

If you have an opportunity to do so, check out Busch Gardens in October for Hall-o-Scream! The park is transformed at night into a Halloween playground and is decorated for the holiday. Special nighttime rides and activities include Legend of Sleepy Hollow train ride, Haunts of the Olde Country 3D show, Fiends in the Festhaus show, Festia Dementia.. and much more!!

If you're looking for a great place for your next vacation for everyone, consider making Busch Gardens your destination!!