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Williamsburg With Kids Going To Busch Gardens Guide

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Our second day in the Williamsburg area started like this. Coffee on our balcony at partner, Kings Creek Plantation.

It was awesome, although nobody needed any caffeine this morning as were all super excited… we were going to travel partner Busch Gardens, Williamsburg Virginia!

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We were the first people there…. because we were taking a tour before the park opened.

VIP options Busch Gardens

I had no idea what to expect. I had heard great things about the park, and Pete had been there as a child, but other than that, I didn’t know too many specifics. As soon as we walked in, we were all blown away! I would say it is a mix between Universal Studios and Epcot at Walt Disney World. It’s not really like either of those, but that is the closest “feel” I can put into words. 

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The park is divided into eight different countries. They were all awesome and feature food, entertainment, and rides from the area.

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If you are traveling with little ones, be sure to stop by the height checkers at the entrance, each of the rides has different height requirements and it is a fun way to find out what rides everyone can go on. Emmy was able to go on close to 90% of the rides. 
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Our tour leader, Alexis was awesome. She showed us behind the scene areas, shared special insights with u,s and then walked us directly onto the rides with no waits. They offer different types of tours starting at an additional fee of only $50 per person and I can’t recommend doing this enough. 

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We ate lunch in Germany and planned it so that we had our lunch on the table (self serve, cafeteria style dining) right as the live show started. I would recommend checking the show schedule and doing the same. The food was all delicious and we had toured the kitchen to see everyone cooking home style earlier. Don’t forget dessert here. It is amazing!

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There are so many things to do at Busch Gardens, Virginia that I really think that you need at least two days to explore, even if you purchase the VIP tour. If you are like us, and only have one day to pack it all in here is what I would recommend you do…

  • See the Clydesdale horses. They are beautiful and it is fun to see them up close.
  • Plan all of the rides you want to go on before you get there. Map them out, and get to them first thing in the morning….specially if there is a chance of rain as they can be closed for safety.
  • Have a snack in each land, and pick a couple to have your main meals in.
  • If you are traveling with little ones, head to the Forest of Fun. There are also other attractions sprinkled throughout the park for them.
  • Book a tour before you go. You won’t regret it!
  • See the Bald Eagles. There are few chances to see these majestic birds so close. These birds, like most in captivity, were injured and are unable to survive in the wild. The wolves are also so close so take a look at them too!
  • Go on the sky ride….it’s a totally different view from up there!
  • Take the Rhine river cruise. It goes in areas that are not accessible by foot and the land is beautiful surrounding the river.
  • Ride on the train early. This will help you get a bearings of the park.
  • Bring your pet if you are traveling with them. There is an onsite Pet Kennel in the England parking lot for them to stay at while you are off having fun. Please call ahead for an appointment.

Clydesdale Busch Gardens VA

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We all had such a great time, although this is the ultimate sign of a good day….Emmy fell fast asleep before we even left the parking lot, and we can’t wait to go back!

Have you been to any of the Busch Gardens?

Heather Reese
the authorHeather Reese
Heather Delaney Reese is the storyteller and photographer behind the lifestyle and family travel blog, It's a Lovely Life®! For the past decade, she has vacationed over 150 days a year with her family. She is a vegan, and loves being by the water, spending time with her children, husband, 2 Shih Tzus and Cat.

34 Comments

  • We used to go to Williamsburg all the time and we loved it. Sounds like some things have changed, but it still sounds awesome. I would love to take my kids there sone day. Thanks for sharing.

  • I had no idea there was a bush Gardens in Williamsburg. I thought there was only one down in Florida. Looks like a place I need to put on my travel list. Those desserts alone are calling my name.

  • Busch Gardens is such a great theme park. I love it so much because it’s not all about one thing. Of course, there are rides, but there are also animals, and all kinds of cool stuff.

  • I’ve never been to Busch Gardens, but our closest one is in the Tampa, FL area. After seeing this, I would love to make a visit this summer. I didn’t know they even offered tours, either.

  • We’ve not visited any of the Busch Gardens yet. My son isn’t tall enough for the kinds of rides he’s going to want to go on, so we’re holding out a while longer.

  • This place looks ultra adorable! I love all of the props and that British telephone booth. Looks like a great, family-friendly experience!

    Kelly

  • I have always wanted to go to Busch Gardens. I think it would be a wonderful place to go. It looks amazing!! Very beautiful and looks like so much fun too.

  • First off, your family is adorable. My family also loves Williamsburg! There is just so much to do. We love the hotels and the historic area. Busch gardens is also a blast for older children. xo

  • I’ve been there a few times and it’s always fun! When I go with the kids, we do coasters. When I go with the boyfriend, we do shows and lighter rides. lol

  • We’ve never been to any of the Busch Gardens but I definitely would want to see any of those someday. That place is beautiful!

  • I used to work at the one in Tampa and I always knew they were different I just didn’t realize just how much until now! Wow I will def be visiting here in the future! great post!

  • What is that lip color your daughter is wearing in all the photos and how did she make it last all day? Isn’t that weird that that is what I focused on? Still that’s what impacted me! Didn’t even know there was a BUsch gardens here…it’s so close to me instead of Florida!

  • I have never been there, but I have heard such wonderful things! Looks like you guys had a really great time! Adding it to my bucket list. 🙂

  • You guys practically had the park to yourselves! It’s so much fun to be able to enjoy a theme park without huge crowds cramping in all around you.

  • Never been to Busch Gardens in Virginia before but I have visited the one in Tampa. Looks like a fun place to visit.

  • I had no idea there was a Busch Gardens in Virginia! I’ve been to the one in Tampa numerous times and I love how different these two appear to be. I would enjoy a visit!

  • I have always wanted to go to Busch Gardens. Williamsburg looks like a great place to go and relax.

  • I lived in Florida for so long but never been to Busch Gardens! Now I’m in Montreal and there isn’t one here! SO sad! Looks like you all had a great time too!

  • I love that park and have fond memories of the spending time there with our family in the 80’s. Remember with happiness dining in the German Hall.

  • Williamsburg and Busch Gardens are such fabulous experiences! I went there several times as a child and absolutely loved it. The tours, I agree, are absolutely FABULOUS!

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