Here are some insider tips for your next trip to Busch Gardens Europe. Get there early, if you get there early you might have to wait in a long line at the entrance to the park, but it's well worth it. Buy your tickets in advance. If you do buy your tickets at the park, please keep in mind that you will be in a long line for tickets.
After you get into the park everyone goes toward Italy; go the opposite way go towards Ireland or go straight to Loch Ness Monster. Ireland has some things to do. Go and see the new show Emerald Beat. If you like Riverdance or Lord of the Dance, you will love this show. Please keep in mind that people will start lining up early, so get there at least a half an hour early. They do open the doors at that time too. If you have time before that show starts or before the other one starts, go and do Corkscrew Hill. It might be a little of a wait, but the ride is air conditioned. If you are feeling hot, visit that ride. After that, head towards France where they have good resturants in that area. Smokehouse is a great place to eat. They have barbeque ribs, chicken. But you do have to eat outside.
New this year is Sesame Street Forest of Fun, aimed at the younger set, and there is an opportunity to dine with Elmo and friends.
Busch Gardens Europe General InformationWith dozens of thrilling rides and attractions, ten main stage shows, a wide variety of authentic foods and shops, and a magical children's area, Busch Gardens Europe is the ticket to a world-class adventure.
Each Fall, Busch Gardens Europe hosts Howl-O-Scream, an annual "festival of fright" at the park. For 2009, Howl-O-Scream begins on Sept. 25 and runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 31.
In 2009, Busch Gardens Europe will have Christmas Town, so watch for more information.
2009 Admission Rates
- Adult $59.95
- Child (ages 3 to 9) $49.95
- Children Under 2 Free
Williamsburg Bounce Ticket
- 7 consecutive calendar days of unlimited access to Busch Gardens Europe, Colonial Williamsburg, and Water Country USA
- *note: Water Country USA closes for the summer season on Sept. 7, 2009.
- Adult $98.80 if bought on line on the Busch Gardens website, it's a 20% savings over the regular price
- Child (Ages 6-17) $82.00
- Children Under 6 Free
Busch Gardens + Water Country USA Discovery Ticket
- 7 consecutive calendar days of unlimited access to Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA
- Regular (Ages 3 & Up) $69.95
7-for-1 Williamsburg Flex Ticket
- 7 consecutive calendar days of unlimited access to Busch Gardens Europe, Water Country USA, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Victory Center, Historic Jamestown & Yorktown Battlefield.
- Also includes parking at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.
- Adult $170.45
- Child (Ages 6-17) $131.95
- Children Under 6 Free
Season Passes:
Busch Gardens Europe Virginia Resident Fun Card
- For Virginia state residents, the Fun Card gets you unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Europe through September 7, 2009. Proof of VA residency required.
- Regular (ages 3 & up) $59.95
1 Park Pass - Busch Gardens
- Formerly called the "Silver Pass," this 1 Park Pass grants you unlimited admission to Busch Gardens Europe for all of the 2009 season. The pass includes complementary general parking at Busch Gardens.
- Regular (ages 3 & up) $99.95
2 Park Pass - Busch Gardens & Water Country USA
- Formerly called the "Gold Pass," this 2 Park Pass grants you unlimited admission to Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA for the entire 2009 season. The pass includes complementary general parking at both parks.
- Regular (ages 3 & up) $139.95
Platinum Pass - Busch Gardens & Water Country USA
- Grants you 1 year of unlimited admission from the date of purchase to the following parks:
- Busch Gardens Europe
- Water Country USA
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (FL)
- SeaWorld San Antonio
- SeaWorld San Diego
- Aquatica, Adventure Island in Tampa
- Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA
- Pass includes complimentary general parking at all of the above parks, as well as complimentary preferred parking (when available) at the Virginia parks.
- Regular (ages 3 & up) $199.95
- 4 or More Passes $149.96 each (25% discount)
Parking
General Parking is $12.00
Campers & Preferred Parking $20
Tour buses are eligible for free parking.
*Prices subject to change
Purchase a one day general parking ticket online and save $2.00! Parking Ticket is valid for general parking at Busch Gardens Europe for one car on any one operating day during the 2008 season.
*$2.00 savings based on general parking fee of $12. eParking ticket must be purchased online in advance.
Awards
Busch Gardens Europe has been voted the world's "Most Beautiful Theme Park" for nineteen consecutive years by the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) and has been named the "Favorite Theme Park" in years past.
Additionally, Busch Gardens has ranked highly in Amusement Today's international "Golden Ticket Awards" survey in the categories of "Best Food," "Best Shows" and "Cleanest Park." The European-themed park took the top honors for "Best Landscaping" again this year, as well as winning the new category of "Most Beautiful Park."
Busch Gardens was also named the “World’s Best Theme Park” in the 2006 Theme Park Insider Awards. The win is a first for Busch Gardens, though the park's “Curse of DarKastle” ride won Theme Park Insider's “World’s Best Theme Park Attraction” award in 2005. The Theme Park Insider Awards are given each year based on votes casted on their website. Only the site's 12,000 registered members -- theme park fans from all 50 U.S. States and 80 countries -- are eligible to cast ballots.
In 2003, Busch Gardens received the prestigious Applause Award from the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) and Amusement Business Magazine. The Applause Award is given in honor of a park's "management, operations and creative accomplishments that have inspired the industry with foresight, originality and sound business development."
Location
Located three miles east of historic Williamsburg, VA. 150 miles from Washington, DC, and 50 miles from Richmond, VA and the Norfolk and Virginia Beach resort areas.
Virginia Travel & Traffic Updates
For around the clock traffic and travel information on Virginia's interstates, travelers can dial 511. The Virginia 511 system updates callers and Web site visitors with information about road construction, traffic and weather conditions, traffic incidents, transit information, lodging, food, gas and more. The service is available 24 hours a day by dialing 5-1-1 or by visiting www.511Virginia.org. Outside Virginia, 511 Virginia can be accessed by calling 1-800-578-4111. Hearing impaired users (TDD users) can call 711 and ask to be connected to 511.
Picnic Areas
Picnic areas are located in each parking lot. Picnics and coolers may not be taken in the park. (Exception: Baby food and Medicine are permitted, but not in glass containers)
Pet Care
Pet care is provided in the England Parking Lot. Pets are not allowed in the park. $7.00 for regular guest per pet / all day, $4.00 for season passholders. The facility is ventilated but not temperature controlled. Pets will be offered fresh water but it is the owners responsibility to bring food and feed their pet. Trained service animals are welcome at Busch Gardens Europe. For more information consult the park's accessibility guide.
Smoking Policy
Busch Gardens and Water Country USA are committed to a safe and friendly environment; therefore the park has provided designated smoking stations throughout the park. All indoor areas will remain smoke free environments. Outdoor smoking stations are designated in guest areas by smoking urns, benches and "Designated Smoking Area" signs, which are located near most restrooms. These signs are clearly denoted on the park maps.
Attire
In keeping with the family image of Busch Gardens Europe, guests must wear appropriate clothing while in the park. Shirts, pants, and shoes must be worn at all times