Busch Gardens is the name of two popular theme
parks, located in Williamsburg, Virginia and Tampa Bay, Florida.
Originally owned and founded by Anheuser-Busch, the parks were acquired
by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, which is a division of the
Blackstone Group. While the two parks have very different themes, they
both feature numerous rides and attractions that are suitable for the
entire family.
History
The first Busch Gardens was original opened in Pasadena, California by Adolphus Busch, cofounder of Anheuser-Busch. Other Busch Gardens locations that followed were located in Van Nuys, California and Houston, Texas. These parks would eventually close by the 1970s, leaving the remaining Busch Gardens locations in Williamsburg and Tampa Bay. The original Busch Gardens were intended to market Anheuser-Busch products, but would later turn into full-fledged theme parks with multiple rides and attractions. The parks would still promote the Anheuser-Busch brand, and even featured the company’s signature Clydesdale horses, which were kept in stables on park grounds. Upon Busch Gardens’ acquisition by the Blackstone Group, the Clydesdale horses would be removed.Busch Gardens Williamsburg
The Williamsburg location of Busch Gardens first opened in May of 1975. The park holds a European theme, and features numerous rides and attractions that span across 383 acres. Much of the landscaping and architecture within the park reflects its European theme. The park is divided into several sections, most of which are meant to represent various parts of Europe:- Banbury Cross: This section of the park is meant to represent England, shown through its English architecture and even the famous red telephone booths. Here, guests can visit prominent structures like the St. Stephen’s Clock Tower, representing the famous Big Ben, and the Globe Theatre, meant to replicate the popular theatre of William Shakespeare.
- Heatherdowns: From Banbury Cross, park guests can venture towards the Scottish hamlet, Heatherdowns. The kiddies are sure to enjoy the multiple animals in this part of the park.
- Killarney: After a traveling through England and Scotland, be sure to pay a visit to nearby Ireland in the Killarney area of the park. Rides you will find here include The Flying Machine and The Battering Ram.
- San Marco: Take in the sights of Italy at San Marco, and enjoy rides like Da Vinci’s Cradle and Escape from Pompeii.
- Festa Italia: If San Marco wasn’t enough Italy for you, then be sure to stop by Festa Italia to check out Apollo’s Chariot and Roman Rapids.
- Rhinefeld: Rhinefeld is the German section of park, taking on the theme of a mountain ski resort. If you’re up to it, you’ll definitely want to check out the inverted roller coaster, Alpengeist.
- Oktoberfest: The German fun and festivities continue in Oktoberfest, the Bavarian German area of Busch Gardens. The adults are sure to enjoy the beer garden area, while the kids will love the bumper cars of Der Autobahn and Der Autobahn Jr.
- Aquitaine: You will find numerous boutiques throughout Aquitaine, the French section of the park.
- New France: This part of the park is meant to represent French Canada. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, make sure you visit Trappers Smokehouse for some of the best grilled and smoked dishes.
- Sesame Street Forest of Fun: This section of the park follows the theme of the popular kid’s show, with attractions like Prince Elmo’s Spire and Bert and Ernie’s Loch Adventure.
- Land of the Dragons: This area of the park is another kid-themed section, with rides and attractions that are perfect for the little ones. Kids can play in the Dragon-themed Treehouse or take a ride on the Eggory Deggory, a Ferris wheel featuring dragon eggs for carts.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Unlike its Williamsburg counterpart, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay takes on an African-themed animal park adventure. The park is divided into multiple sections meant to reflect an African safari:- Morocco: This is the park’s main entrance, where guests can ride the Gwazi, a wooden, 90-foot roller coaster.
- Bird Gardens: Here guests can enjoy numerous animal and garden exhibits.
- Congo: The Congo area of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is home to the Kumba rollercoaster and Congo River Rapids.
- Jungala: At Jungala, families can experience up-close encounters with animals like they were on a real safari tour.
- Egypt: This area of the park transports guests to an Egyptian marketplace where they can visit a replica of King Tutankhamen’s tomb or ride the inverted steel coaster, Montu.
Admissions
Be sure to look online for any available Busch Gardens coupons or promotional deals. Group discounts and seasonal specials are offered during various times of the year. Ticket prices and offers may vary between the two parks. For example, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay also offers multi-park tickets to the nearby SeaWorld for an additional cost.- Adult admission: $79.99 at the gate or $69.99 online
- Child admission: $71.99 at the gate or $61.99 online