Key Entertainment at Historic Busch Gardens
The Park's Best Roller Coasters, Rides and Attractions
Sep 6, 2009
Owned by Busch Entertainment Corporation, a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, Busch Gardens has been in operation since 1975. The expansive park is located in the heart of historic Williamsburg, Virginia and within moments of Colonial James Town.
Anheuser-Busch Create Busch Gardens
Plans to expand the Busch business began in 1969 when Anheuser-Busch purchased nearly 3,000 acres of land near the James River. In 1973 work to create the park began. Today Busch Gardens operates more than 50 rides.
Keeping with the spirit of history that is celebrated throughout much of the Williamsburg, Virginia area, Busch Gardens offers food, music and art from the various countries that helped to make up the original American colonies when the United States first began.
Italy, France, England, Scotland, Germany and Ireland are countries that are presently featured at the park. Each country has its own section on the grounds. The Apollo Chariot roller coaster is located near Ireland and is one of the largest rides at Busch Gardens. With a drop of 200 feet and a total of nine dips, the roller coaster is a visitor favorite.
Fun Activities and Attractions at the Park
After visitors finish the thrill ride, they can take a short walk to nearby photo shops to purchase a picture of themselves screaming or bracing against the dips of the roller coaster. Pictures are also available at the park’s entrance and exit gates so that visitors can purchase photographs of other thrill rides they rode while they visited Busch Gardens.
Jack Hanna’s Wild Reserve opened in 2000. The reserve includes an educational display with live eagles. Visitors can observe and photograph the eagles, read and learn about the history of the birds as well as the habits and personalities of the specific eagles that live at the reserve.
The wolf exhibit is another animal reserve at the park that attracts a large number of daily visitors. Currently, about six wolves born between 2000 and 2006 live at the reserve. Trainers respect the animal’s instinctual habits and do not force them to perform.
Wild Rides at Busch Gardens
Exploring the Wild Reserve is a good way to learn about exotic or rarely seen animals up close and in person. Oktoberfest and Curse of Dark Kastle are other popular sites at Busch Gardens.
Adults and children can enjoy riding through Curse of Dark Kastle, a ride that offers a cool break from standing outdoors, particularly on exceptionally hot days. The 3-D ride can have long lines of people waiting to get into it. However, cool fans blow in the waiting area and offer a welcomed respite from the summer’s heat.
Fun for the Entire Family
Souvenir and sundry shops are situated throughout the park. As featured on The Food Network, all of the food that is served at Busch Gardens is prepared right at the park. Visitors who dine in the Italy section of the park can sit down and watch an art show at the large stadium that is situated beneath a broad overhead canopy.
Other rides and attractions at Busch Gardens include the Big Bad Wolf roller coaster, Roman Rapids, Loch Ness Monster roller coaster, Alpengeist and Griffon. Sesame Street Forest of Fun with Big Bird, Elmo and Kermit the Frog opened in 2009. Land of the Dragons is another attraction that children can enjoy. There is a water ride section, several roller coasters and concerts that are put on at the park.
There is so much to explore at Busch Gardens. Typically a family can spend an entire day there. Before or after visiting the park, families can also take a short less than twenty minutes drive to vacation at Colonial James Town and go back in time and relive how life was in America during the start of the country.
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