Are you heading to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia, and need tips for the best trip ever?
If so, you’re in the right place!
Voted the World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park consistently since 1990, Busch Gardens Williamsburg boasts a European-themed aesthetic that is simply breathtaking.
Combined with award-winning entertainment and world-renowned attractions, this theme park is a must-visit for the ultimate day out in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Spanning over 100 acres, there is so much to see and do during your visit that a little advance planning is extremely helpful.
If you’re heading to this Virginia theme park for the first time, getting some hints and tricks will help you get the most from your visit.
These 13 beginner tips will ensure you have the most incredible theme park experience.
Are you ready? Let’s get started!
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1. Get There Early
Beat the crowds and make sure you arrive at Busch Gardens Williamsburg as early as possible.
Not only will you enjoy a more calm park experience with low wait times for attractions, but you’ll also get great parking close to the gates.
It is also the best time to admire how beautiful the theme park actually is.
The morning light with the birds chirping showcases Busch Gardens Williamsburg in all its glory.
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2. Know What to Pack
What you pack can make or break your day out at this Virginia theme park. The state of Virginia typically has a mild climate and you can enjoy warm, sunny days at the theme park.
However, you also need to be prepared for wet weather as Williamsburg receives a lot of rainfall.
You can also take water and snacks into the park with you which is a great money saver.
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3. Find Quiet, Shaded Spots
Inspired by the natural beauty of six European countries, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is full of quiet, shaded spots.
The trees that make up the landscape of the park create plenty of naturally shaded areas so there are plenty of cool corners to relax in.
A lot of the bench seating across the park is also either in shaded areas or has umbrellas.
During the summer months when Virginia is warm and sunny, you can rest assured that there will be many places to escape the heat and direct sunlight.
4. Know the Best Time to Go to Busch Gardens Williamsburg
As with any theme park, there are times that are arguably better to visit this Virginia theme park.
Weekdays always have lower crowd levels than weekends, with Tuesday and Wednesday having the lightest attendance along with mid-September.
In addition to weekends, the park will also be busier over holidays and while schools are out.
In terms of weather, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are the most comfortable for enjoying this theme park.
5. Download the Park App
Before you visit, make sure to download the Busch Gardens app. The app is an incredible tool that will help you get the most out of your park visit.
The new interactive map is the best resource, guiding you seamlessly between attractions.
It also notifies you of schedule changes and unexpected opportunities that pop up during your park day.
Plus, you can store your tickets, passes, and upgrades all within the app for a hands-free experience.
It is best to familiarize yourself with the app before you visit so you can easily navigate it during your trip.
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6. Pass on Preferred Parking
Preferred Parking is one of the most popular add-ons for Busch Gardens Williamsburg. However, my recommendation is to skip it.
There are four options for parking at BGW, all of which have their own benefits. Preferred parking is the middle ground between general and VIP.
It has two lots that allow you to walk to the entrance, however, general parking also has lots within walking distance.
On low-crowd days, general parking is often moved to a preferred lot, so you may still get preferred parking without the price tag.
If being on the doorstep of the park is crucial for you, go for the VIP parking which offers the closest parking possible.
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7. Save Time and Money and Buy Discounted Busch Gardens Williamsburg Tickets Online
To save you both time and money, make sure you buy your tickets to this Virginia theme park online.
Purchasing in advance eliminates one of the entrance lines, saving you the time you would’ve spent queuing and getting you into the park faster.
You will also save a lot of money if you buy online in advance. The tickets purchased at the gate are the most expensive you will ever find.
Even purchasing directly on the Busch Gardens website will save you money. The official website regularly offers discounts throughout the year.
However, for the best deals, look at official resellers like Groupon.
These authorized ticket sellers will provide the best deal, saving you dollars you could spend on upgrades, merchandise, or food instead.
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8. Know What’s Included with Your Park Ticket
It’s important to know what’s included in your park ticket before you visit.
This will not only avoid disappointment but ensure you don’t miss out on things that are all part of the price.
What’s included in your park ticket varies depending on the ticket option you choose.
However, all tickets include your admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, inclusive of access to all attractions and shows.
Food, drinks, and parking are not included in your entrance ticket but you can select parking and dining add-ons.
9. Purchase the All-Day Dining Deal
When you purchase the Busch Gardens All-Day Dining Deal, you have no need to worry about your next meal.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg has a strict policy against bringing food into the park, with the exception of single-serving snacks.
You are therefore guaranteed to need to purchase food throughout the day.
While purchasing your theme park ticket, you can upgrade to the Ticket + All-Day Dining Deal.
For a set price, you can enjoy an entree, a drink, and a side or dessert every 90 minutes during your day at BGW.
By purchasing this deal, you will save money and be able to enjoy your meals without worrying about the cost.
10. Have a Plan to Conquer Your Day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
By having a plan in place for how you’re going to conquer your day at this Virginia theme park.
This way you can make sure you hit everything you want to and spend less time aimlessly wandering the park.
Make a list of all the attractions, shows, and animal experiences that you HAVE to do, and put together a plan on which order you’re going to tackle them.
The Busch Gardens app shows exactly what time shows and experiences are on each day, allowing you to plan which attractions you are going to hit in between.
It is also extremely helpful as it navigates you around the park, meaning there’s no more getting lost.
11. Purchase Quick Queue
To help you save time spent queuing, allowing you to hit as many attractions and experiences as possible, you should definitely purchase Quick Queue.
This ticket upgrade is Busch Gardens’ fast pass to the attractions, providing you with priority access over the standby line.
Standard Quick Queue gives you priority access once each day for included attractions.
While Quick Queue Unlimited allows you to ride the same attractions, again and again, all day, skipping the line each time.
When it comes to shows, most are first-come, first-seated, however, you can also purchase Reserved Seating for Celtic Fyre.
12. Do a VIP Tour
The best way to experience Busch Gardens Williamsburg is on a VIP Tour.
The theme park offers multiple different VIP and behind-the-scenes tours that dramatically enhance your BGW experience.
The Roller Coaster Insider Tour is perfect for theme park geeks, providing you with a backstage pass to the workings of two iconic Busch Gardens attractions.
The Family Fun is ideal for Busch Gardens’ youngest thrill-seekers.
This 2.5-hour tour gives your entire family priority access to family rides in Sesame Street, Character meets, and close encounters with Busch Gardens wildlife.
However, for the ultimate VIP Busch Gardens Williamsburg experience, visitors can embark on the Elite VIP Tour.
Not only do park experts plan out the perfect theme park day, aligned with your own wants, but your group also gets a personal guide for the day, priority access to all attractions, reserved seating at all shows, and two exclusive experiences.
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13. Hangout at the Bürgermeister’s Hideaway
Enter the secret speakeasy at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and spend time at Burgermeister’s Hideaway.
Hidden away in Germany, Burgermeister’s Hideaway boasts an inventive menu of seasonally-inspired flights.
No matter your tipple, there is a flight for you and you can choose from cocktails, mocktails, beer, or wine.
The experience also includes immersive entertainment while you enjoy your drinks, but I’ll keep the spoilers to a minimum.
Just know that this is the ultimate Busch Gardens Williamsburg experience that you will recommend to everyone you know.
14. Discover the Wild Life Exhibits
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is so much more than its attractions and shows.
The animals that call Busch Gardens their home are also a major part of the BGW experience.
The park has a huge rescue and conservation project where visitors can learn about these animals in their natural habitat.
Meet Clydesdale horses, get up close to gray wolves, and interact with black face sheep.
Not only do the wildlife exhibits offer an educational experience, but they also provide you with unique opportunities for special encounters with incredible animals.
15. Arrive Early to the Shows
When it comes to the shows at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, you want to make sure you arrive early.
While you can purchase Reserved Seating for Celtic Fyre, all other shows are on a first-come, first-seated basis.
Although you will get a good view whenever you arrive and wherever you sit, the best seats can only be enjoyed if you arrive early.
The doors to each show open half an hour prior to the start time and the earlier you can get there, the better.
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My Final Thoughts on Planning the Perfect Busch Gardens Williamsburg Trip
With these tips you are bound to have the most amazing day ever at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
This theme park in Virginia has something for everyone from pulse-pounding rides, serene scenic strolls, incredibly delicious dishes and a whole lot of fun!
So whether you are a theme park solo traveler, heading out with your besties or a day out with the family, your adventure awaits at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Steph is a UK-based freelance travel writer and theme park enthusiast.
She currently lives in England with her partner and son but is passionate about exploring the world.