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{{InfoboxShort description|Amusement park in James City County, Virginia}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2025}}
| name = Busch Gardens Europe
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
| image =[[Image:busch_gardens_logo.gif]]
{{Infobox amusement park
| caption =
| ___locationname = [[Williamsburg,Busch Gardens Virginia|Williamsburg]], [[Virginia]] {{flagicon|USA}}
| logo = Busch Gardens Williamsburg Logo.svg
| opening_date = [[May 16]], [[1975]]
| logo_size = 220px
| previous_names = ''Busch Gardens: The Old Country'' <span style="white-space: nowrap">- [[1974]] to [[1992]]</span><br /> ''Busch Gardens Williamsburg'' <span style="white-space: nowrap">- [[1993]] to [[2005]]</span><br />
| ___location = [[James City County, Virginia|James City County]]
| season = [[March]] - [[October]]
| location2 = [[Virginia]]
| area = 250 acres
| location3 = [[United States|U.S.]]
| rides = 25
| opening_date = {{start date and age|1975|5|16}}<ref name=apocsj>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-N5LAAAAIBAJ&pg=3070%2C2491046 |work=Free Lance-Star |___location=(Fredericksburg, Virginia) |agency=Associated Press |title=Old Country 'shining jewel'|date=May 17, 1975 |page=1}}</ref> (as Busch Gardens: The Old Country)
| coasters = 5
| previous_names = ''Busch Gardens: The Old Country'' <span style="white-space: nowrap"> (1975–1992)</span><br /> ''Busch Gardens Williamsburg'' <span style="white-space: nowrap"> (1993–2005, 2008–present)</span><br /> ''Busch Gardens Europe'' <span style="white-space: nowrap"> (2006–2008)</span>
| season = Year round
| area = {{convert|422|acre|km2}}
| rides = 53
| coasters = 10
| water_rides = 3
| owner = [[Anheuser-BuschUnited Parks & Resorts]]
| slogan = "Celebrate, Connect, and Care for the natural world through the power of entertainment."
| slogan = “World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park”
| theme = [[Europe]]
| homepage = [http://www.buschgardens.com/buschgardens/va/]}}
| homepage = [https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/ Busch Gardens Williamsburg Home Page]
'''Busch Gardens Europe''' is a [[theme park]] located in [[James City County, Virginia|James City County]], [[Virginia]] about 3 miles (5 km) southeast of [[Williamsburg, Virginia|Williamsburg]]. It opened on [[May 5]], [[1975]], adjacent to the local [[Anheuser-Busch]] brewery. The park is themed around the history and culture of old-world [[Europe]].
| coordinates = {{coord|37|14|5|N|76|38|40|W|region:US-VA_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| status = Operating
}}
 
[[File:Busch Gardens Williamsburg Main Gate.jpg|thumb|Main gate of Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 2014]]
The park was originally called '''Busch Gardens: The Old Country''', reflecting the European theme. In the early [[1990s]] the park was renamed '''Busch Gardens Williamsburg'''. In [[2006]], the name was changed to Busch Gardens Europe, to once again reflect the European theme. Similarly, Busch Gardens Tampa was renamed to [[Busch Gardens Africa]] at the start of the 2006 season.
 
'''Busch Gardens Williamsburg''' (formerly '''Busch Gardens Europe''' and '''Busch Gardens: The Old Country''') is a {{convert|422|acre|km2|adj=on}} [[amusement park]] in [[James City County]] near [[Williamsburg, Virginia]], United States, located approximately {{convert|60|mi|km|sigfig=1}} northwest of [[Virginia Beach, Virginia|Virginia Beach]]. The park was developed by [[Anheuser-Busch|Anheuser-Busch (A-B)]] and is owned by [[United Parks & Resorts]] as one of the two currently operating [[Busch Gardens]] parks.
Busch Gardens Europe attracts nearly 2.5 million guests annually. The park operates from mid-March until the end of October.
 
The park opened on May 16, 1975,<ref name="apocsj" /> adjacent to Anheuser-Busch's brewery and near its other developments, including the [[Kingsmill, Virginia|Kingsmill Resort]] complex.
== Overview ==
Busch Gardens Europe opened on [[May 5]],[[1975]]. The park features a combination of world class roller coasters and Broadway style shows for all ages. This park is laid out as a large circle that crosses the path between Banbury Cross, England and Heatherdowns, Scotland. Travel on this circle is either clockwise or counterclockwise depending on which attractions are to be seen first. A left turn at this crossroads leads to Italy/San Marco, while a right turn leads to Ireland. Guests may also follow the path straight into Heatherdowns, Scotland. This walkway then croasses the park's railroad, then leads down a steep hill containing thirteen flights of stairs with slanted landings. At the base of this hill is the Rhine River Cruise boat ride. The path then continues up an equally steep hill and stairs leading to Rhinefeld, Germany. Even though the Rhine River Cruise is one of the mildest rides in the park, its ___location is not accessible to strollers, wheelchairs or ECVs.
=== Awards ===
Busch Gardens Europe has been voted the world's Most Beautiful Theme Park for sixteen consecutive years and named the world's Favorite Theme Park for the fourth year in a row by the [[National Amusement Park Historical Association]].
 
The park, originally named 'Busch Gardens: The Old Country', is themed to various European countries. In 1993, the park was renamed to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and briefly named Busch Gardens Europe from 2006 to 2008. In 2015, an estimated 2.78 million people attended the park, ranking 20th in overall attendance among amusement parks in North America.<ref>{{Citation |last= |first= |title=The Global Attractions Attendance Report |date=2016 |editor-last=Rubin |editor-first=Judith |url=https://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_160_611852_160525.pdf |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618050155/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_160_611852_160525.pdf |archive-date=June 18, 2016 |publisher=Themed Entertainment Association |last2= |first2= |author-link= }}.</ref> The park also features notable [[roller coaster]]s, including [[Griffon (roller coaster)|Griffon]], [[Verbolten]], [[Pantheon (roller coaster)|Pantheon]], [[Alpengeist]], and [[Apollo's Chariot]].
Also the park received high accolades in the international Golden Ticket Award, hosted by Amusement Today, in Best Food, Best Shows and Cleanest Park. It also took the top place in the categories, Best Landscaping and Most Beautiful Park.
 
==History==
In [[2003]] Busch Gardens was awarded the Applause Award in honor of the park's "management, operations and creative accomplishments that have inspired the industry with foresight, originality and sound business development."
From the early 1970s, the Busch Gardens theme park was developed by [[Anheuser-Busch|Anheuser-Busch (A-B)]] as a portion of the company's development investment in the Williamsburg area, which grew to include a brewery, the [[Kingsmill Resort]], and residential and office properties. The park opened {{Years or months ago|1975}} in 1975 as Busch Gardens: The Old Country.<ref name=apocsj/><ref name=jimshorts>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=e0VQAAAAIBAJ&pg=7288%2C2987125 |work=St. Petersburg Independent |___location=(Florida) |last=Moorhead |first=Jim |title=Jimshorts |date=January 15, 1976 |page=3B}}</ref>
 
The St. Louis-based brewer invested in the area following negotiations held between [[Gussie Busch]] and [[Winthrop Rockefeller]], who was the governor of Arkansas and the chairman of [[Colonial Williamsburg]] in the 1960s and 1970s.<ref>{{cite book|last1=O'Brien|first1=Kerry A.|title=Back to Williamsburg|date=2008|publisher=O'Brien Books and Publishing|___location=Virginia|isbn=9780615175263|page=30|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2m2ud9neskYC&pg=PA30|access-date=15 December 2015}}</ref> ([[Water Country USA]], a local [[water park]], was acquired by A-B in the 1990s, and added to the company's theme park activities, which also include a number of [[SeaWorld]] properties in other states.)
Busch Gardens Europe was voted as the "World's Best Theme Park" in the 2006 Theme Park Insider Awards. The ride '''Curse of DarKastle''' won the 2005 Theme Park Insider Award for "World's Best New Theme Park Attraction."
 
In 2008, Anheuser-Busch was acquired by [[Belgium]]-based [[InBev]]. The new owners announced plans to sell off the portions of A-B activities that were not part of the core beverage business.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}} The [[Blackstone Group]] was selected in late 2009 to acquire and operate the 10 former A-B theme park properties, including two in the Williamsburg area. In July 2010, the adjacent [[Kingsmill Resort]] was scheduled to be acquired by [[Xanterra Parks and Resorts]], owned by Denver-based [[Phillip Anschutz]].{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}
=== Conservation ===
Busch Gardens is dedicated to wildlife conservation and animal care. Jack Hanna's Wildlife Reserve houses a variety of wild species including grey wolves. The Eagle Ridge is a sanctuary for injured bald eagles that are rehabilitated until they recover.
 
By mid-March 2020, the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] delayed the opening of the park for the 2020 season. The park remained closed until August 6, 2020, when they reopened with ''Coasters and Craft Brews''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-30|title=Busch Gardens Williamsburg announces all-new 'Coasters and Craft Brews' event starting August 6|url=https://www.wtkr.com/news/good-news/busch-gardens-williamsburg-announces-all-new-coasters-and-craft-brews-event-starting-august-6|access-date=2021-01-13|website=WTKR|language=en}}</ref> The event featured limited capacity, required advanced reservations, as well as temperature screening of guests upon arrival, and at select villages within the park. The park also hosted ''Taste of Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Halloween Harvest'' (in place of Howl-O-Scream), ''Christmas Celebration'' (in place of Christmas Town), ''Winter Weekends'', and ''Mardi Gras'' events throughout the year.
The Rhine River Cruise's Boats are battery powered versus the usual fuel burning motors to cut back on power generation and prevent water pollution. In addition Busch Gardens and Water Country USA both use insects rather than pestcides in the park's commitment to organic gardening.
 
Beginning in January 2021, the park began its year-round operation.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-05|title=Busch Gardens to open all year long with limited capacity special events|url=https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/williamsburg/busch-gardens-to-open-all-year-long-with-limited-capacity-special-events/|access-date=2021-01-13|website=WAVY.com|language=en-US}}</ref> The previous operating season of Busch Gardens Williamsburg was late March through early January. The Winter Weekends and Mardi Gras limited-capacity events marked the first time that the park had ever been open during the winter months.
Busch Gardens Recycles 500 tons of materials annually. All brochures, maps, show guides, and all paper products in the restrooms are made from recycled material.
 
==Overview==
'''Material Recycled Breakdown:'''
The park features a combination of roller coasters and Broadway-style shows. The park is divided into "countries", each representing its own unique style of food, music and themed attractions.
*Batteries - 2 tons
*Cardboard - 225 tons
*Drink containers (Aluminum, glass, plastic) - 12 tons
*Light bulbs - 1.5 tons
*Miscellaneous material - 40 tons
 
== Countries =Conservation===
[[Jack Hanna]]'s Wild Reserve houses a variety of wild species including [[Gray wolf|gray wolves]] and [[bald eagle]]s. Busch Gardens is partnered with SeaWorld (also owned by [[United Parks & Resorts]]) in the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, to offer guests the opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation. The [[Rhine]] River Cruise attraction's boats are battery-powered in an effort to cut back on power generation and prevent water pollution. In addition, Busch Gardens and [[Water Country USA]] both use insects rather than pesticides in the parks' commitment to [[Organic horticulture|organic gardening]]. All brochures, maps, show guides and paper products are made from recycled material.
Shows, restaurants, shops, and [[roller coaster]]s are divided throughout the park into organized "hamlets" themed after promiment European countries. The skyride transports guests between Banbury Cross, Rhinefeld, and Aquitaine. Replica [[steam train]]s transport guests between Heatherdowns, Festa Italia, and New France. Currently, Busch Gardens Europe is divided into nine hamlets representing six different countries.
 
<gallery perrow="7">
=== Banbury Cross (England) ===
File:Grey Wolf Interacting with Trainer.JPG|Gray Wolf Interacting with Trainer
Upon entering Banbury Cross, guests are transported into England, complete with stereotypical red telephone booths and common English architecture. A variety of shops await guests in this small hamlet. Guest Services windows are located next to the turnstiles of the Main gate. Stroller, wheelchair and ECV rentals are provided on the right side of Banbury Cross just inside the entrance. The famous St. Stephen's clocktower is the central element of this area. Banbury Cross also includes The Squire's Galley, serving breakfast and lunch, as well as a [[funnel cake]] shop, ice cream shop, and candy store. The Globe theater, a double-sized replica of William Shakespeare's performance home, is the most prominent attraction in the area, currently featuring Pirates [[4-D film|4-D]]. Banbury Cross also contains the nearst skyride station to the Main Gate. The Aeronaut (first leg) of the skyride departs to Aquitaine, France, while the Zeppelin (third leg) skyride arrives from Rhinefeld, Germany. Riders who get on the skyride at this point must negotiate a steep upgrade for access to the boarding area.
File:Barn Owl at Busch Gardens.JPG|Barn Owl at Busch Gardens
File:Green Bird at Busch Gardens.JPG|Eclectus Parrot at midday.
File:Bald Eagle Busch Gardens.JPG|One of three bald eagles on display at Eagle Ridge.
</gallery>
 
===Howl-O-Scream===
=== Heatherdowns (Scotland) ===
[[File:Big Ben Busch Gardens.jpg|left|thumb|Big Ben in Banbury Cross (England), decorated for Howl-O-Scream]]
Heatherdowns is a quaint Scottish hamlet situated at the top of the hill on the path leading from Banbury Cross, England. It is the second of Busch Gardens' European hamlets. The central attraction in this area is the [[Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster)|Loch Ness Monster]], When this coaster premiered in 1978, it was the tallest and longest looping coaster in Virginia. Tweedside Train Station offers a 20 minute ride through the park with additional stops in Festa Italia and at the central train station, Caribou, in New France. Tweedside gifts is located inside the train station. Heatherdowns is also the home to the world famous [[Clydesdale (breed)|Clydesdale horses]]. Other points of interest include Pigs in a Kilt, a counter service walk-up.
[[Howl-O-Scream]], the park's signature Halloween event, began in 1999 and offers more than a dozen attractions featuring vampires, zombies, clowns, witches, and skeletons.
 
=== KillarneySt. (Ireland)Patrick's Day ===
In 2021, Busch Gardens Williamsburg celebrated their first [[Saint Patrick's Day|St. Patrick's Day]] celebration. This event celebrates Irish culture in all ten hamlets (or lands) throughout the month of March, featuring [[Irish cuisine|Irish-themed cuisine]], [[Music of Ireland|music]], live entertainment, and special events, as well as having the park's various rides in operation. Those attending Das Festhaus will be able to view various [[Irish stepdance]] performances that have been shown in the park over the years, including the award-winning ''Celtic Fyre''. Appearances from Virginia's Irish Dance Schools can also be seen in the San Marco Theatre. For younger children, a scavenger hunt is hosted by a leprechaun, Clancy, who is also available throughout the day for photos. For adults, there is a variety of alcoholic beverages available throughout the park, various Guinness products, and green beer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-26 |title=Erin go bragh: Busch Gardens brings St. Patrick's Day festivities to the 'burg |url=https://wydaily.com/news/local/2021/02/26/erin-go-bragh-busch-gardens-brings-st-patricks-day-festivities-to-the-burg/ |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Williamsburg Yorktown Daily |language=en-US}}</ref>
Formerly known as Hastings, England, this section of the park was rethemed in 2001 as Ireland, the newest country in over 20 years. The most promiment attraction in this section of the park is the 4-D simulator Corkscrew Hill, in which riders are shrunken into miniature size to travel through old magical Ireland. This area also prominently features shows including the Irish dancing show Emerald Beat and the thrilling family show Secrets of Castle O'Sullivan. Grogan's Grill offers realistic Irish cuisine in this area. Outside the gateway next to Castle O'Sullivan, the walkway makes a sharp left turn and begins a long, moderately steep climb toward Aquitaine, France. Several animal sanctuaries and an animal performance theater are situated along this path.
 
=== SanNight Marcoof (Italy)Oktoberfest ===
Night of [[Oktoberfest]] is an annual 21-and-up event hosted in the Oktoberfest part of the Germany Hamlet, started in 1976. The event offers German inspired food, alcoholic drinks, a DJ, games, raffles, and use of some select ride attractions in the Germany Hamlet of the park.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Night of Oktoberfest at Busch Gardens {{!}} Visit Williamsburg |url=https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/events/night-oktoberfest-busch-gardens |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=www.visitwilliamsburg.com}}</ref>
When Italy/San Marco was opened, it completed the last link in the outer circle walkway around Busch Gardens. Part of the park's expansion included a high pedestrian bridge across the Rhine River into Oktoberfest, Germany. San Marco is based upon [[Renaissance]] era [[Italy]]. [[Escape from Pompeii]] is a [[Shoot-the-Chutes]] ride transporting guests to a 1920s dig of the ruins of Pompeii. The ride features prominent fire effects and a fifty-foot plunge. A prominent feature within San Marco is Da Vinci's Garden of Inventions. This garden features Italian statues and flowers set amid picture-perfect Renaissance-style rides. The Flying Machine,a circular ride, Da Vinci's Cradle, a magic carpet-type ride, and The Battering Ram, a swinging Viking ship, all utilize the forces of gravity and laws of motion to send riders on a variety of thrills. They are also based on Da Vinci's sketches. The Little Balloons and the Little Gliders are children's attractions based in Da Vinci's Garden. Also in the area is Restorante Della Piazza, featuring Italian cuisine and allowing guests to watch the long-running Holiday in Roma show or listen to a Starlight Orchestra performance while enjoying their meal.
 
===Christmas Town===
=== Festa Italia (Italy) ===
Christmas Town is the park's Christmas event which began during the 2009 season. Several Christmas and winter holiday-themed attractions and shows are exclusive to the season, including a {{convert|50|ft|m|adj=on}} Christmas tree called "O Tannenbaum" that lights up in sync to Christmas music in the Oktoberfest hamlet of the park. Each show venue from the park offers a holiday-themed performance during Christmas Town, ranging from reinterpretations of classic Christmas stories (Scrooge No More) to ice skating (Twas That Night on Ice), and a-cappella performances (Gift of Harmony). Many of the [[flat rides]] are in operation as well as the park's train, skyride, and roller coasters (traditionally, [[Verbolten]], [[InvadR]] and [[Pantheon (roller coaster)|Pantheon]] since their opening, and recently [[Apollo's Chariot]], though previous Christmas town seasons saw [[Tempesto]], [[Griffon (roller coaster)|Griffon]], and [[Alpengeist]] also operate.) During the celebration, the park is decorated with millions of lights and dozens of real Christmas trees. Shopping and dining are also a prominent part of Christmas Town, with many of the park's restaurants offering food and drinks catered to the season and colder weather. The event typically begins from the weekend before Thanksgiving, and continues every weekend until the week before Christmas, where it stays open for the rest of December until a few days after New Year's Day.<ref>[http://www.christmastown.com Christmas Town Official Website]</ref>
Festa Italia is themed around a fair celebrating Marco Polo's return to Italy from his famous visit to China. The most prominently featured ride in this section is [[Apollo's Chariot]], a Bolliger and Mabillard [[Hypercoaster]] with a 210-foot drop. Also in the area is Roman Rapids, a river rapids raft ride which uses ancient Roman architecture and sculpture to drench riders. Coin-operated squirt guns have been mounted on the rails alongside the viewing area of Roman Rapids so that nonriders can make a wet ride even wetter! Turkish Delight, a spinning teacup ride, Tradewinds, a circular speed ride, and Elephant Run, a children's ride, add to the fun of this section. Train passengers from Tweedside and Caribou stations can load and unload here, Festa Italia also features numerous food vendors and carnival games.
<gallery perrow="7">
File:Banbury Cross, England in Christmas Livery..JPG|Banbury Cross, England in Christmas Livery.
File:Aquitaine, France at Dusk..jpg|Aquitaine, France at Dusk.
File:Nighttime View of New France..JPG|Nighttime View of New France.
File:The Streets of the North Pole (formerly Rhinefeld, Germany) Adorned with Lights..JPG|The Streets of the North Pole (formerly Rhinefeld, Germany) Adorned with Lights.
File:Town Center of the North Pole..JPG|Town Center of the North Pole
File:50-Foot Tall Christmas Tree with Das Festhaus in the Background..JPG|50-Foot Tall Christmas Tree with Das Festhaus in the Background.
File:Italy's "Escape From Pompeii" Transformed into the Polar Pathway..JPG|Italy's "Escape From Pompeii" Transformed into the Polar Pathway.
File:A View of Santa Claus with the Polar Pathway in the Background..JPG|A View of Santa Claus with the Polar Pathway in the Background
</gallery>
 
==Hamlets==
=== Rhinefeld (Rhineland Germany) ===
This section is based upon [[Germany]].The main attraction of Rhinefeld is the [[Curse of DarKastle]], a motion-based dark ride themed around [[Ludwig II of Bavaria]]. It debuted in 2006 with enhanced animation and a new ride experience. It features simulated shattering ice, hot/cold transitions, a simulated freefall, and the juxtaposition of physical sets and 3D screens. The second and third legs of Busch Gardens' skyride arrive and depart from this section. Also in Rhinefeld is Land of the Dragons, a large children's play area featuring a playground, five rides, and seasonal shows.
 
The park is separated into 10 different hamlets themed to traditional interpretations of European villages from [[England]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[Scotland]] and [[Ireland]].
=== Oktoberfest (Bavarian Germany) ===
Along with Rhinefeld, this section is also based on Germany. [[Oktoberfest]] celebrates the German festival of the same name.
 
Busch Gardens Williamsburg features two main transportation attractions that provide convenient access to different areas of the park; The Aeronaut Skyride, a [[gondola lift]] that allows guests to travel between the Sesame Street Forest of Fun, Aquitaine, and Rhine Feld hamlets; and the [[Busch Gardens Railway]], a replica [[Steam locomotive|steam]] train that transports guests between the Heatherdowns, Festa Italia, and New France hamlets. The train is not only a practical mode of transportation but also serves as a thematic element of the park's "Old Country" atmosphere. Families with young children can especially benefit from using the train as a means of traveling together and enjoying the park's various hamlets.
The roller coaster in this section is The [[Big Bad Wolf (roller coaster)|Big Bad Wolf]], one of the first suspended roller coasters. The park maintains that the coaster moves at the [[speed]] of [[fright]], which has been clocked in the area of 40 mph. Some experts dispute this claim.
 
===Banbury Cross (England)===
Oktoberfest also features a variety of flat rides including bumper cars, the katapult (a scrambler flat ride), the waveswinger, along with other kiddie rides. Oktoberfest is also home to a large assortment of carnival-style games. Das Festhaus is the largest eating facility in North America where guests can enjoy authentic German food or American classics. While eating in Das Festhaus, guests can also experience "This is Oktoberfest," an upbeat show featuring German singing and dancing.
[[File:Banbury Cross, England.JPG|200px|thumb|2014 Street View of Banbury Cross, England]]
Banbury Cross is fashioned after old England, with phone booths and classic [[Tudor architecture|Tudor English architecture]]. Guest Services windows are located next to the [[turnstile]]s of the main entrance gate. A [[simulacrum]] of the famous [[Clock Tower, Palace of Westminster|Elizabeth Tower]] (known colloquially as [[Big Ben]]) is the central element of this area. Banbury Cross also includes The Squire's Grill, serving breakfast and lunch, as well as a [[funnel cake]] shop, ice cream shop and candy store. The Globe Theatre, a double-sized replica of [[William Shakespeare]]'s [[Globe Theatre]], is the most prominent attraction in the hamlet. In 2014, the theatre was renovated to once again hold live performances. For many years preceding 2014, the Globe Theatre's entertainment lineup consisted of 4-D films, including ''Haunts of the Old Country'', ''Pirates 4-D'' and ''R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse''. Prior to the 4-D films, the theater hosted a variety of live shows including Mark Wilson's World's Greatest Illusions, America on Ice, Hot Ice, Celebrate America and the People's Choice. It currently features an American music show, “American Jukebox: Summer Remix”, showcasing American hits through the decades.
 
=== AquitaineHeatherdowns (FranceScotland) ===
[[File:Heatherdowns, Scotland.JPG|thumb|200px|Backfield view of Heatherdowns, Scotland]]
Centering around the quaint French village of Aquitaine, this section is based upon [[France]]. France is home to many quaint French shops and one of the park's skyride stations, where the fist leg of the skyride arrives from England and the second leg departs for Rhinefeld, Germany. The Royale Palace Theatre in France hosts numerous shows throughout the season with a main "feature" during the summer months, summer concert series in the late summer, and themed show for Howl O' Scream in September and October. With the removal of the Le Mans Raceway family car ride, the new roller coaster [[Griffon (roller coaster)|Griffon]] ,which is now open, will really bring in the crowds. Bolliger and Mabillard have been contracted to construct this new roller coaster which has a 205-foot tall 90<sup>o</sup> drop. Griffon was set to open on May 25, 2007, but opened May 18th and is currently operating for riding at the world's most beautiful Theme Park.
[[File:Tweedside railway station in the Heatherdowns (Scotland) hamlet at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.jpg|left|thumb|Tweedside railway station in the Heatherdowns (Scotland) hamlet at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.]]Heatherdowns is a Scottish hamlet situated at the top of the hill on the path leading from Banbury Cross (the park's English hamlet). Tweedside Train Station offers a 20-minute ride through the park with additional stops in Festa Italia and at Caribou Station, in New France. Tweedside Gifts is located adjacent to the train station. Heatherdowns is also home to the Highland Stables featuring [[Scottish Blackface]] sheep, [[Border Collies]] and [[Clydesdale horse|Clydesdales]]. Guests can interact with the animals and see them in action as they showcase their herding skills in daily demonstrations. Guests can also have pictures with the Clydesdales. Prior to 2010, the stables were home to several of the [[Budweiser Clydesdales|Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales]] until the theme park unit of Anheuser-Busch was sold in 2009. Other points of interest include seasonal kiosks for the park's Food and Wine Festival (in late spring) and the Summer Nights festival.
* [[Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster)|Loch Ness Monster –]] A looping [[Arrow Development]] roller coaster. It was the first and the only remaining roller coaster in the world to feature interlocking loops. It closed in 2023 to receive a makeover from [[Premier Rides]].<ref>[http://www.buschgardens.com/bgw/Explore/Rides.aspx?id=496 Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Loch Ness Monster] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527061152/http://www.buschgardens.com/bgw/Explore/Rides.aspx?id=496 |date=May 27, 2010 }}</ref>
 
===Sesame NewStreet FranceForest (French Canada)of Fun===
Opened on April 3, 2009, Sesame Street Forest of Fun features four new children and family rides and attractions themed to Sesame Street, including a [[Zierer]] Force roller coaster named Grover's Alpine Express, Bert and Ernie's Loch Adventure flume ride, Oscar's Whirly Worms rock-n-tug-type ride, Prince Elmo's Spire, a [[Zamperla]] shot-n-drop ride a small drop tower and wet and dry play areas. The area also features a stage for the main show "Sunny Days Celebration" and a gift shop. The hamlet also contains the Skyride station nearest to the Main Gate. The Aeronaut (first leg) of the Skyride departs to Aquitaine, France, while the Zeppelin (third leg) Skyride arrives from Rhinefeld, Germany.
This is the only non-European themed region. It is based on French colonial [[Canada]]. It consists of a hub of Canadian-themed shops with a colonial tone throughout the area. The second-largest attraction here lies on the border of Rhinefelf and New france.[[Alpengeist]], one of the tallest and fastest inverted coasters in the world, built by [[Bolliger & Mabillard]] sits in a remote ski resort-themed area, "Alpengeist" means Ghost of the Alps. Griffon, which is now open to the public, has a drop ten feet higher than Alpengiest. "Griffon" evokes the power of the lion and the eagle, in a mythological adventure guarenteed to thrill guest with it's first intial plunge at 90 degrees. Rides in New France include the Busch Gardens Railway departing from Caribou Station and Le Scoot Log Flume, featuring a 50-foot drop. New France also features the Canadian Paladdium Theater. This theater housed American Jukebox in 2006.
* Bert and Ernie's Loch Adventure – A flat flume ride with water effects
* Oscar's Whirly Worms – A rocking, spinning [[Rockin' Tug]] ride
* Prince Elmo's Spire – A family-friendly shot-n-drop [[Drop tower (ride)|drop tower]] ride from [[Zamperla]]
* Grover's Alpine Express – A [[Zierer]] family-friendly roller coaster standing 24 feet tall
 
===Killarney (Ireland)===
== Roller coasters ==
[[File:Killarney, Ireland (Busch Gardens).JPG|right|200px|thumb|2014 street view of Killarney, Ireland.]]
=== Existing ===
Formerly known as Hastings, England, this section of the park was re-themed in 2001 as Ireland, the first new country in over 20 years. Following the addition of this country, the park's attendance was reportedly boosted by 17% after the 2001 grand opening, and was awarded a top prize by the [[Themed Entertainment Association]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=O'Brien |first=Tim |date=2000 |title=Ireland comes to Busch Gardens Williamsburg |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/209445681 |journal=Amusement Business |volume=34 |issue=1 |id={{ProQuest|209445681}} }}</ref> This area features ''Celtic Fyre,'' at the Abbey Stone Theatre, a celebration of Irish dance. In 2021, ''Celtic Fyre'' was named the number one Best Amusement Park Entertainment by [[USA Today]], adding to the collection of awards and praise already collected by Busch Gardens Williamsburg over the years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amusement Park Entertainment Winners (2021) {{!}} USA TODAY 10Best |url=https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-amusement-park-entertainment/ |access-date=2023-02-15 |website=10Best |date=2 July 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Previously, the theatre housing Celtic Fyre was named the Magic Lantern Theatre and housed some of the best theme park musical revue in the United States. Shows such as Kaleidoscope, Hats Off to Hollywood, Journey into Music, Stage Struck, Totally Television and Rockin' the Boat are some of the names of these productions. Grogan's Grill offers Irish cuisine in this area.
[[Image:BGE-Loch Ness Monster.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The [[Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster)|Loch Ness Monster]].]]
*'''[[Griffon (roller coaster)|Griffon]]
Griffon is Busch Gardens Europe's third roller coaster in ten years. It had a soft opening on Mother's Day, May 13th, 2007, but is still advertising the official opening date of May 25. Griffon had what is being called a "Sneak Peek Week" May 18th - May 24th. Griffon will be a floorless dive machine constructed by Bolliger & Mabillard. It will stand 205 feet tall with a 90<sup>o</sup> first drop. It will feature two Immelman loops, one vertical drop, one 87<sup>o</sup> drop, a splash zone, and an airtime hill. Griffon will be the second dive coaster in America (the first being [[SheiKra]] at Busch Gardens Africa), the first floorless dive coaster in the world, the tallest dive coaster in the world, and the only dive coaster in the world with two inversions.
*[[Apollo's Chariot]]
*[[Alpengeist]]
*[[Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster)|Loch Ness Monster]]
*[[Big Bad Wolf (roller coaster)|Big Bad Wolf]]
*[[Griffon (roller coaster)|Griffon]]
 
Outside the gateway next to Castle O'Sullivan, the walkway makes a sharp left turn and begins a long, moderately steep climb toward Aquitaine, France. Several animal sanctuaries and two animal performance theaters are situated along this path. Originally named Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve when it opened in 2000, the animal sanctuary was considered its own section of the park, but in 2017 the Wild Reserve was merged with Killarney and renamed the Jack Hanna Trail.
=== Defunct ===
* Finnegan's Flyer – [[S&S Sansei]] [[Screamin' Swing]] opened in the spring of 2019. The ride swings guests at 100 feet at 45&nbsp;mph.
*[[Drachen Fire]]
* Eagle Ridge & Wolf Valley – Animal exhibits located just outside the village.
*Glissade
* Pet Shenanigans Theater – An outdoor venue that previously hosted the ''More Pet Shenanigans'' show.
*Wild Maus: Has since been relocated to [[Busch Gardens Africa]] as Cheetah Chase
* Lorikeet Glen – A covered bird sanctuary for Lorikeets and other brightly colored birds. Guests can enter and the birds will approach and land on them.
*Die Wildkatze
*Das Kätzchen
*Das Winderblind
 
===San Marco (Italy)===
== Animal Attractions ==
[[File:San Marco Street View.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Street view of San Marco, Italy]]
=== [[Jack Hanna]]'s Wild Reserve ===
[[File:Mix It Up San Marco.JPG|right|125px|thumb|A performance of "Mix It Up" in San Marco.]]
There are various kinds of birds that inhabit [[Jack Hanna’s Wild Reserve]]. A big attraction here are the [[Bald Eagle]]s and [[Wolves]].
When Italy/San Marco was opened, it completed the outer circle walkway around Busch Gardens. Part of the park's expansion included a high pedestrian bridge across the Rhine River into Oktoberfest, Germany. San Marco is based upon [[Renaissance]] era Italy. A prominent feature within San Marco is Da Vinci's Garden of Inventions. This garden features Italian statues and flowers set amid rides based on sketches by [[Leonardo da Vinci]]. Also in the area is Ristorante Della Piazza, featuring Italian cuisine and allowing guests to watch "Mix It Up." During the summer until 2008, sounds of the Starlight Orchestra could be heard while dining.
* [[Escape from Pompeii]] – A shoot-the-chutes boat ride featuring an extensive indoor portion within the city of [[Pompeii]], featuring fire and water effects as well as falling statues to simulate the destruction of the city.
* Little Gliders & Little Balloons – Kiddie-sized carnival rides themed to Da Vinci's inventions.
* The Battering Ram – A high-capacity, high-thrill [[pirate ship (ride)|swinging ship]]. This does not go upside down.
 
===Festa Eagle RidgeItalia (Italy)===
Festa Italia is themed around a fair celebrating [[Marco Polo]]'s return to Italy from his famous visit to China. It contains many of the park's midway games, all with a festival theme. Its attractions are themed around Roman mythology.
[[Eagle Ridge]] houses injured and rehabilitating bald eagles and provides education to visitors.
* [[Apollo's Chariot]] – The very first [[Bolliger & Mabillard]] Hyper Coaster featuring dives towards and around ponds and hills. Apollo's Chariot also features a deep purple and gold color scheme which is easily visible from the park entrance and surrounding parking lots.
* [[Roman Rapids]] – An [[Intamin]] '''River Rapids''' ride among Roman ruins, which is deliberately designed to drench guests.
* Tradewinds – A permanent-placement [[music express]] ride.
* Elephant Run – Another child-friendly [[music express]] ride.
* Turkish Delight – A variation of a [[teacups]] ride.
* [[Tempesto]] – A [[Premier Rides]] [[Sky Rocket II]], featuring three launches, an inline twist, and a non-inverting loop. It goes about 60&nbsp;mph backward and forwards.
* [[Pantheon (roller coaster)|Pantheon]] – An [[Intamin]] multi-launch coaster.
Festa Italia also includes the Festa Train Station of the Busch Gardens Railway.
 
===Rhinefeld Wolf Valley(Rhineland Germany)===
[[File:Rhinefeld (Germany).JPG|200px|thumb|A street view of Rhinefeld, Germany]]
In order to provide more room for Busch Garden's Grey Wolves a new habitat called [[Wolf Valley]] has been constructed in front of Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve. Wolf Valley is where the bald eagles were kept on display until 2005.
[[File:Rhinefeld.jpg|left|thumb|Rhinefeld in the spring.]]
This section is based on the country of Germany. It is largely themed to a runaway ski resort in the German Alps. The third leg of Busch Gardens' Skyride arrives and departs from this section. Also in Rhinefeld is Land of the Dragons, a large children's play area featuring a playground, five rides, and seasonal shows can be found.
* [[Alpengeist]] – A [[Bolliger & Mabillard]] inverted roller coaster. It is themed to a ski-lift taken over by a local legend, the '''Alpengeist''' (German for "Ghost of the Alps"). In addition to its cyan and white Alpine color scheme, the station of [[Alpengeist]] features ski gear and other decorations to simulate a ski lodge in the Alps. This ride inverts riders six times.
* Kinder Karussel – The park's antique Herschell Carousel.
* Land of the Dragons – Interactive children's play area featuring a treehouse, children's rides and previously a [[Ferris wheel]].
 
===Land Clydesdalesof the Dragons===
When it opened in 1994 (replacing the former Grimms Hollow children's area), Land of the Dragons was the main kiddie area at Busch Gardens. It is home to Dumpherey the Dragon, the area's mascot. Other major notes taken to Land of the Dragons includes its dragon-themed 3-story tree house, a wet play area with waterfalls, squirting geysers, and a serpent that inhabits the area. There are also smaller play zones, smaller wet play areas and (formerly) a gift shop called Dragon Digs.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is home to the famous Anheuser-Busch [[Clydesdale (breed)|Clydesdales]]. These magnificent horses are located at the stables between Barnbury Cross and Heatherdowns.
* Flutter Splutter – A flying dragon ride.
* Chug-A-Tug – A boat ride.
* Bug-A-Dug – A [[music express]]-like ride with ladybug cars that are red and yellow.
* Dragon-themed Treehouse
* Brook – A wet play area
 
As of the 2012 season, the Lost Children building has been relocated from its former building, dubbed Wild Moose Lodge, in New France, to what was formerly the Dragon Digs gift shop.
== External links ==
* [http://www.buschgardens.com/buschgardens/va/default.aspx Busch Gardens Europe web site]
* [http://www.bgescape.com BGEscape]
* [http://www.rcdb.com/pd20.htm Roller Coaster Database entries for Busch Gardens Europe]
* [http://www.thrillnetwork.com/stories_view.php/230/busch_gardens_williamsburg_review.html Review of Busch Gardens Europe from ThrillNetwork.com]
*[http://www.howl-o-scream.com/williamsburg/index.htm Busch Gardens Europe Howl-o-Scream official website.]
 
===Oktoberfest (Bavaria, Germany)===
[[File:Das Festhaus.JPG|thumb|left|200px|Das Festhaus in Oktoberfest, site of live performances, shops, and eateries.]]
[[File:OKTpretzelshop.jpg|thumb|right|Beste Brezeln und Bier as viewed from the Oktoberfest bridge from San Marco.]]
Like Rhinefeld, this section is based on Germany during the annual celebration of [[Oktoberfest]]. Oktoberfest features many of the park's flat rides. It is also home to a large assortment of carnival-style games. Das Festhaus is a large, air-conditioned eating facility where guests can purchase German food or American classics. While eating in Das Festhaus, guests can experience shows that rotate throughout the year. This section of the park formerly hosted [[Big Bad Wolf (roller coaster)|The Big Bad Wolf]], a suspended roller coaster. The Big Bad Wolf was closed on September 7, 2009.
 
On September 18, 2010, it was announced that in 2011, Oktoberfest would be renovated with new shops and sights, including a new beer garden and pretzel shop known as Beste Brezeln und Bier with a Bavarian maypole occupying the flower garden in front of Das Festhaus, and a [[Moser's Rides]] {{convert|246|ft|m|adj=on}} Roto-Drop called [[Mäch Tower]], which was a drop tower-observation tower hybrid that closed in 2023. Also announced was a new [[Zierer]] '''ESC''' roller coaster that opened in the spring of 2012 on the former site of the [[Arrow Dynamics]] Suspended Coaster, '''The Big Bad Wolf'''. In September 2011 it was announced that the new coaster would be called [[Verbolten]]. On May 18, 2012, Verbolten officially opened to the general public.<ref name="VOD">{{cite web|title=The Wait Is Over For Busch Gardens' Verbolten|url=http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/Media-Room/Press-Releases/04_2012/Verbolten-Opening|work=Blog|publisher=Sea World Parks Blog|access-date=April 5, 2012|author=Bush Gardens Williamsburg|date=April 5, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413051513/http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/Media-Room/Press-Releases/04_2012/Verbolten-Opening|archive-date=April 13, 2012}}</ref>
 
The area also hosts a large part of the annual BierFest festival, which features a large number of beers from around the world, with at least 22 different beers on tap throughout the whole area. German-themed food and non-alcoholic beverages are also sold during the festival.
 
The area also contained the trackless dark ride ''[[Curse of DarKastle]]''. The attraction opened on May 1, 2005, and closed on September 4, 2017, to make way for a temporary Howl-O-Scream maze, ''Frostbite''. On January 23, 2018, it was announced that Curse of DarKastle would not reopen for the 2018 season and would be officially closing for being a burden with maintenance costs. The building that harbored the dark ride was used as event space, such as Santa's workshop for Christmas Town and a walkthrough maze for the 2021 Halloween event Howl-O-Scream. On September 6, 2022, it was announced that a new [[Intamin]] '''Family Launch Straddle Coaster''' named [[DarKoaster: Escape The Storm]] would open in the space during Spring 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/virginia/williamsburg/busch-gardens-williamsburg-darkoaster-roller-coaster-ride/291-027fba3e-5183-4d09-bc77-ea48209b6cec|title=Busch Gardens Williamsburg announces DarKoaster indoor roller coaster|date=September 6, 2022|last=Collette|first=Christopher|access-date=September 15, 2022|website=[[WVEC]]}}</ref> DarKoaster opened to the public on May 19, 2023, as North America’s first all-indoor straddle coaster.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-20 |title=Busch Gardens announces 'DarKoaster' new indoor roller coaster to open soon |url=https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/busch-gardens-announces-darkoaster-new-indoor-roller-coaster-to-open-soon/ |access-date=2023-05-24 |website=WRIC ABC 8News |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Der Autobahn – (Bumper Cars)
* Der Autobahn Jr. – (Kiddie Bumper Cars)
* Der Roto Baron – (Red Baron)
* Der Wirbelwind (Waveswinger) – classic yo-yo swings ride
* [[DarKoaster: Escape The Storm]] — (Indoor Straddle Coaster)
* [[Verbolten]] – Brave The Black Forest – A family-style, Black Forest themed [[launched roller coaster]] with a top speed of 53&nbsp;mph.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVi3Az8ahcw-0 YouTube video released during the September 17, 2011 Pass-members Appreciation Event.] {{Limited access}}</ref> It also has a free fall when the track drops vertically while staying on a horizontal plane.
* [[Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge]] – a [[steel roller coaster]] with a top speed of 40 mph. It is the spiritual successor to the original [[Big Bad Wolf (roller coaster)|Big Bad Wolf]].
 
===Aquitaine (France)===
[[File:Entering Aquitaine, France.JPG|200px|thumb|Entering Aquitaine, France in 2014]]
This section, centered on the village of Aquitaine, is based on [[Belle Époque]] France. It is home to many boutiques and one of the park's Skyride stations, where the first leg of the Skyride arrives from England and the second leg departs for Rhinefeld, Germany. The Royal Palace Theatre in France hosts numerous shows throughout the season.
* [[Griffon (roller coaster)|Griffon]] – A [[Bolliger & Mabillard]] [[Dive coaster|dive]] roller coaster, named after the legendary creature, the [[griffin]]; contains a ninety-degree drop from 205 feet, 2 Immelmann loops, and a "splashdown" finale; the brother ride of [[Busch Gardens Tampa Bay]]'s [[SheiKra]]. Year Opened: 2007
 
===New France (French Colonial)===
[[File:Le Scoot Log Flume.JPG|right|100px|thumb|The Final Plunge of Le Scoot Log Flume in New France.]]
New France presents a unique shopping experience that showcases the French colonial influence in Canada, featuring a range of stores with merchandise that complements the overall colonial theme. Rides in New France include the Busch Gardens Railway departing from Caribou Station and the [[Le Scoot Log Flume]], featuring a {{convert|50|ft|m|adj=on}} plunge through a sawmill. A predominant feature in this area is the Trappers Smokehouse, which has an outdoor grill centrally located. Trappers Smokehouse offers grilled and smoked items such as chicken, turkey legs, ribs, and beef brisket.
* [[Le Scoot Log Flume]] – A traditional high-in-the-sky theme park [[Log flume (attraction)|log flume]]
* Le Catapult – a basic carnival scrambler
* [[InvadR]] – a [[Great Coasters International]] [[wooden roller coaster]] opened in 2017. InvadR is themed around the Viking invasion of New France. It has 9 airtime hills, a 74-foot drop and goes up to 48&nbsp;mph.
 
==Roller coasters==
[[Image:BGE-Loch Ness Monster.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The [[Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster)|Loch Ness Monster's]] interlocking loops]]
[[File:Griffon, Alpengeist, and Loch Ness Monster.JPG|thumb|right|200px|[[Griffon (roller coaster)|Griffon]], [[Alpengeist]], and [[Loch Ness Monster]] roller coasters shown in close proximity.]]
 
===Existing (listed by first year)===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Name
!Manufacturer
!Type
!Opened
|-
|[[Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster)|Loch Ness Monster]]
|[[Arrow Development]]
|Custom Looper
|1978
|-
|[[Alpengeist]]
|[[Bolliger & Mabillard]] (B&M)
|[[Inverted Coaster]]
|1997
|-
|[[Apollo's Chariot]]
|Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M)
|[[Hyper Coaster]]
|1999
|-
|[[Griffon (roller coaster)|Griffon]]
|Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M)
|[[Dive Coaster]]
|2007
|-
|[[Grover's Alpine Express]]
|[[Zierer]]
|Force 190 Coaster
|2009
|-
|[[Verbolten]]
|Zierer
|ESC Coaster
|2012
|-
|[[Tempesto]]
|[[Premier Rides]]
|[[Sky Rocket II]]
|2015
|-
|[[InvadR]]
|[[Great Coasters International]] (GCI)
|Wooden Coaster
|2017
|-
|[[Pantheon (roller coaster)|Pantheon]]
|[[Intamin]]
|LSM Launch Coaster
|2022
|-
|[[DarKoaster: Escape The Storm]]
|Intamin
|Family Launch Straddle Coaster
|2023
|-
|[[Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge]]
|Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M)
|Family Inverted Coaster
|2025
|}
 
===Defunct===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Name
!Manufacturer
!Type
!Opened
!Closed
!Replaced By
|-
|'''Die Wildkatze''' (German for The Wildcat)
|[[Anton Schwarzkopf|Schwarzkopf]]
|Wildcat
|1976
|1983
|[[Big Bad Wolf (roller coaster)|Big Bad Wolf]]
|-
|'''Das Kätzchen''' (German for The Kitten)
|[[Allan Herschell Company]]
|Little Dipper
|1976
|1984
|
|-
|[[Glissade (roller coaster)|Glissade]]
|[[Anton Schwarzkopf|Schwarzkopf]]
|Jet Star - Jumbo Jet
|1975
|1985
|[[Sand Serpent|Wild Maus]]
|-
|[[Drachen Fire]]
|[[Arrow Dynamics]]
|Custom Looper
|1992
|1998
|Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge
|-
|[[Sand Serpent|Wild Maus]]
|[[Mack Rides]]
|[[Steel roller coaster|Steel]] - [[Wild Mouse]]
|1996
|2003
|[[Curse of DarKastle]] ([[DarKoaster: Escape The Storm|DarKoaster: Escape the Storm]])
|-
|[[Big Bad Wolf (roller coaster)|Big Bad Wolf]]
|[[Arrow Dynamics]]
|Suspended Coaster
|1984
|2009
|[[Verbolten]]
|}
 
== Entertainment ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Event
!Name
!Performance Space
!Opened
!Replaced
|-
| rowspan="6" |'''Mardi Gras'''
''Late January to Late March''
|Sunny Days Celebration
|Sesame Street Forest of Fun
|2010
|
|-
|New Orleans Brass Jazz Band
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2021
|Festhaus Varieté: Comedic Jugglers
|-
|Carnaval Imaginique: A Golden Jubilee Spectacular
|Globe Theatre, England
|2022
|
|-
|Bourbon Street Brigade
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2024
|
|-
|The Craw Daddies
|Aquitaine, France
|2025
|Mardi Street Party (France); revival of Samba Jamboree
|-
|Mardi Street Party
|Killarney Village, Ireland
|2025
|Samba Jamboree; revival of Mardi Street Party (France)
|-
| rowspan="4" |'''St. Patrick's Day Celebration'''
''March''
|Celtic Fyre
|Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland
|2010
|Emerald Beat
|-
|Sunny Days Celebration
|Sesame Street Forest of Fun
|2010
|
|-
|Dublin Over
|Killarney Village, Ireland
|2021
|
|-
|Killarney Village Celebration
|Killarney Village, Ireland
|2022
|
|-
| rowspan="4" |'''Kids' Weekends'''
''Late March to Late April''
|Celtic Fyre
|Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland
|2010
|Emerald Beat
|-
|Sunny Days Celebration
|Sesame Street Forest of Fun
|2010
|
|-
|Dublin Over
|Killarney Village, Ireland
|2021
|
|-
|Oom-Pah Band
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2021
|OktoberZest (partial)
|-
| rowspan="6" |'''Food & Wine Festival'''
''Late April to Late June''
|Celtic Fyre
|Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland
|2010
|Emerald Beat
|-
|Sunny Days Celebration
|Sesame Street Forest of Fun
|2010
|
|-
|Sesame Street: Let's Play Together!
|Globe Theatre, England
|2018
|Elmo Rocks!
|-
|Dublin Over
|Killarney Village, Ireland
|2021
|
|-
|Trio di Roma
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2024
|
|-
|We Are Oktoberfest
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2025
|OktoberZest; second revival of This is Oktoberfest
|-
| rowspan="7" |'''Summer of Wonder'''
''Late June to Late July''
|Celtic Fyre
|Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland
|2010
|Emerald Beat
|-
|Sunny Days Celebration
|Sesame Street Forest of Fun
|2010
|
|-
|American Jukebox: Summer Remix
|Globe Theatre, England
|2023
|Britmania; revival of American Jukebox
|-
|Sounds of San Marco (daytime set)
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2023
|Bel Concertino
|-
|We Are Oktoberfest
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2025
|OktoberZest; second revival of This is Oktoberfest
|-
|Broken Turnstiles
|Aquitaine, France
|2025
|Abbey Taverns
|-
|Sounds of San Marco (nighttime set)
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2025
|
|-
| rowspan="7" |'''Bier Fest Brews & BBQ'''
''August''
|Celtic Fyre
|Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland
|2010
|Emerald Beat
|-
|Sunny Days Celebration
|Sesame Street Forest of Fun
|2010
|
|-
|American Jukebox: Summer Remix
|Globe Theatre, England
|2023
|Britmania; revival of American Jukebox
|-
|Sounds of San Marco (daytime set)
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2023
|Bel Concertino
|-
|We Are Oktoberfest
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2025
|OktoberZest; second revival of This is Oktoberfest
|-
|Broken Turnstiles
|Aquitaine, France
|2025
|Abbey Taverns
|-
|Sounds of San Marco (nighttime set)
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2025
|
|-
| rowspan="5" |'''Howl-O-Scream'''
''Early September to Early November''
|Monster Stomp on Ripper Row
|Globe Theatre, England
|2014
|[[Pirates 4-D]] (2011); second revival of Monster Stomp
|-
|Fiends (2024 revival)
 
* Fiends: The FREAKquel
* Fiends (2025)
|Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland
|2024
|Jack is Back; third revival of Fiends in the Festhaus
|-
|The Witching Hour
|Oktoberfest
|2024
|revival of Jack's Haunting Hour
|-
|Skeletones in Your Closet
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2025
|Phantoms of the Festhaus; revival of Skeletones
|-
|Spirit Spellebration
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2025
|Skeletones
|-
| rowspan="3" |'''Halloween Spooktacular'''
''Late September to Early November''
|[[Count von Count|Count]]'s Countdown to Halloween
|Sesame Street Forest of Fun
|2017
|
|-
|Monster Game Show
|Sesame Street Forest of Fun
|2024
|
|-
|Monster Street Party
|Aquitaine, France
|2024
|
|-
| rowspan="13" |'''Christmas Town'''
''November to Early January''
|Celebration of Lights at O'Tannenbaum
|Oktoberfest
|2009
|
|-
|England Carolers
|Banbury Cross and Globe Theatre, England
|2009
|
|-
|Santa's Fireside Feast
|Castle O'Sullivan, Ireland
|2009
|
|-
|Polar Pathway: Spectacle of Lights
|''Escape from Pompeii'' exterior
|2011
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |Gloria!
| rowspan="2" |Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland
|2011
|Rejoice
|-
|2023
|Celtic Fyre: A Christmas Celebration
|-
|Scrooge No More!
|Globe Theatre, England
|2014
|A Sesame Street Christmas
|-
|'Twas That Night
|Royal Palace Theatre, France
|2015
|
|-
|Elmo's Christmas Wish
|Sesame Street Forest of Fun
|2021
|
|-
|Up on the Haustop
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2021
|Deck the Halls
|-
|Celtic Christmas Trio
|Killarney Village, Ireland
|2023
|
|-
|Merry Misfits
|Aquitaine, France
|2023
|
|-
|Wisemen
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2023
|Unto Us
|}
==Defunct rides and attractions==
 
=== Rides and Roller Coasters ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Name
!Manufacturer
!Type
!Opened
!Closed
!Replaced by
|-
|Gladiator's Gauntlet
|Vekoma
|Canyon Trip
|1988
|1993
|
|-
|Questor
|
|Simulator ride
|1990
|1996
|King Arthur's Challenge
|-
|Sea Dragon
|Mack Rides
|Sea Storm
|1987
|1998
|[[Apollo's Chariot]]
|-
|Eagle One Monorail
|Westinghouse Electric Corporation <ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04sdUYV13uI Westinghouse Electric Corp. C-100 Busch Gardens Williamsburg Eagle One Monorail (1978)]</ref>
|Monorail
|May 1975
|1998
|
|-
|[[Drachen Fire]]
|[[Arrow Dynamics]]
|Custom Looper
|1992
|1998
|Festhaus Park
|-
|King Arthur's Challenge
|
|Simulator ride
|1996
|2001
|Corkscrew Hill
|-
|[[Sand Serpent|Wild Maus]] (formerly Wild Izzy)
|[[Mack Rides]]
|[[Wild Mouse]] roller coaster
|1996
|2003
|[[Curse of DarKastle]]; relocated to Busch Gardens Tampa as "Cheetah Chase"
|-
|Le Mans Raceway
|Arrow Dynamics
|Antique car ride
|1975
|2006
|[[Griffon (roller coaster)|Griffon]]
|-
|Big Bad Wolf
|Arrow Dynamics
|Suspended Roller Coaster
|1984
|2009
|[[Verbolten]]
|-
|Riffle Rapids
|
|Children's water ride
|c. 1994
|c. 2009
|relocated and rethemed as Bert and Ernie's Loch Adventure
|-
|Corkscrew Hill
|
|Simulator ride
|2001
|2010
|[[Europe in the Air]]
|-
|[[Europe in the Air]]
|Reflectone
|Simulator ride
|2010
|2016
|Battle for Eire
|-
|[[Curse of DarKastle]]
|Oceaneering
|Tracked Dark Ride
|2005
|2017
| DarKoaster: Escape the Storm
|-
|Eggery Deggery
|Zamperla
|Mini Ferris Wheel
|1994
|2018
|
|-
|Die Wirbelwindchen
|Hampton
|Mini Swing Ride
|1975
|2019
|
|-
|Battle for Eire
|
|Simulator ride
|2018
|2020
|
|-
|Da Vinci's Cradle
|Zierer
|[[Ali Baba (ride)|Magic Carpet]]
|1983
|2022
|
|-
| [[Mäch Tower]]
| [[Moser's Rides]]
|[[Drop Tower]]
|2011
|2023
|
|-
|The Flying Machine
| Tivoli
|[[Orbiter (ride)|orbiter]]
|1980
|2024
|
|}
 
=== Entertainment (incomplete) ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Name
!Season
!Performance Space
!Opened
!Closed
!Replaced by
|-
|Kaleidoscope
|
|Magic Lantern Theatre, Hastings
|1979
|1982
|Hats Off to Hollywood
|-
|Hats Off to Hollywood
|
|Magic Lantern Theatre, Hastings
|1983
|1985
|Journey Into Music
|-
|Journey Into Music
|
|Magic Lantern Theatre, Hastings
|c. 1986
|1988
|Stage Struck
|-
|Stage Struck
|
|Magic Lantern Theatre, Hastings
|1989
|1992
|Totally Television
|-
|Totally Television
|
|Magic Lantern Theatre, Hastings
|1993
|1996
|Rockin' the Boat
|-
|Haunts of the Olde Country (4D film)
|
|Globe Theatre, Banbury Cross
|1993
|1998
|[[Haunted Lighthouse|R.L Stine's Haunted Lighthouse]]
|-
|The Enchanted Laboratory of Nostramos the Magnificent
|
|The Enchanted Laboratory, Hastings
|1986
|2000
|Secrets of Castle O'Sullivan
|-
|Rockin' the Boat
|
|Magic Lantern Theatre, Hastings
|1997
|2000
|Irish Thunder
|-
|Scare Search
|Howl-O-Scream
|Canadian Palladium, New France
|2000
|2001
|Monster Stomp
|-
|Irish Thunder
|
|Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland
|2001
|2005
|Emerald Beat
|-
|Nightscares: Awakened by Magic
|Howl-O-Scream
|Royal Palace Theatre, France
|2005
|2005
|Rockin' Eve's Countdown to Midnight
|-
|[[Haunted Lighthouse|R.L Stine's Haunted Lighthouse]] (4D film)
|
|Globe Theatre, England
|2003
|2006
|[[Pirates 4D]]
|-
|Fiends in the Festhaus
|Howl-O-Scream
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|1999
|2006
|Festhaus Fright Night; revived as Fiends (Festhaus)
|-
|Holiday in Roma
|
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2000
|2006
|Viva Italia
|-
|Monster Stomp
|Howl-O-Scream
|Canadian Palladium, New France
|2002
|2007
|none; relocated to Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland as Monster Stomp: Revamped
|-
|American Jukebox
|
|Canadian Palladium, New France
|1998
|2008
|Drumberjacks and the New France Folk Trio
|-
|Starlight Orchestra
|
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|c. 1999
|c. 2008
|Festivale Italiano
|-
|Emerald Beat
|
|Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland
|2006
|2008
|Celtic Fyre
|-
|Viva Italia
|
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2007
|2008
|Festivale Italiano
|-
|Secrets of Castle O'Sullivan
|
|Castle O'Sullivan, Ireland
|2001
|2008
|Paid dining events
|-
|Kinetix
|
|Royal Palace Theatre, France
|2006
|2008
|
|-
|Rockin' Eve's Countdown to Midnight (Rockin' Eve's Wrath: Countdown to Midnight)
|Howl-O-Scream
|Royal Palace Theatre, France
|2006
|2008
|
|-
|Festhaus Fright Night
|Howl-O-Scream
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2007
|2008
|FrankenRock
|-
|[[Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic|Sesame Street Presents Lights, Camera, Imagination!]] (4D film)
|
|Globe Theatre, England
|2009
|2010
|[[Pirates 4-D]] (revival)
|-
|Festivale Italiano:
 
* Art Attack (Festivale Italiano)
* Musica di Roma
* San Marco Dancers
* San Marco Singers
* Village Musicians
|
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2009
|2010
|Mix It Up!
|-
|FrankenRock
|Howl-O-Scream
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2009
|2010
|Fiends
|-
|Movies of the Macabre (public ___domain horror film showcase)
|Howl-O-Scream
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2009
|2010
|Dig It Up!
|-
|Rejoice
|Christmas Town
|Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland
|2009
|2010
|Gloria!
|-
|Drumberjacks
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |Canadian Palladium, New France
| rowspan="2" |2010
| rowspan="2" |2010
| rowspan="2" |Canadian Palladium demolished for "Le Catapult" scrambler ride
|-
|New France Folk Trio
|-
|Monster Stomp: Revamped
|Howl-O-Scream
|Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland
|2008
|2011
|Fiends (Abbey Stone); revived as Monster Stomp on Ripper Row
|-
|A Sesame Street Christmas
|Christmas Town
|Globe Theatre, England
|2009
|2012
|Scrooge No More!
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Pirates 4-D]] (4D film)
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |Globe Theatre, England
|2006
|2009
|[[Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic|Sesame Street Presents Lights, Camera, Imagination!]]
|-
|2011
|2013
|London Rocks and Monster Stomp on Ripper Row
|-
| rowspan="2" |This is Oktoberfest
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|1976
|2011
|
|-
|2013
|2014
|OktoberZest; revived as We Are Oktoberfest
|-
|Entwined
|
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2012
|2014
|Roll Out the Barrel
|-
|Miracles
|Christmas Town
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2010
|2016
|Gift of Harmony
|-
|Glory at the Gardens (Christian summer music festival)
|
|Royal Palace Theatre, France
|2011
|2016
|
|-
|London Rocks
|
|Globe Theatre, England
|2014
|2016
|Britmania
|-
|Roll Out the Barrel
|
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2015
|2016
|OktoberZest
|-
| rowspan="2" |Starfright Orchestra
| rowspan="2" |Howl-O-Scream
| rowspan="2" |Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2000
|2008
|Movies of the Macabre
|-
|2016
|2017
|Skeletones
|-
| rowspan="2" |Elmo Rocks!
| rowspan="2" |
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2014
|2015
|
|-
|Globe Theatre, England
|2016
|2017
|Sesame Street: Let's Play Together!
|-
|Mix It Up!
|
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2011
|2018
|Bel Concertino
|-
| rowspan="2" |Fiends
| rowspan="2" |Howl-O-Scream
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2011
|2011
|Night Beats
|-
|Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland
|2012
|2018
|Jack is Back (2019); revived as Fiends: The FREAKquel
|-
|Britmania
|
|Globe Theatre, England
|2017
|2018
|American Jukebox: Summer Remix
|-
|Gift of Harmony
|Christmas Town
|Il Teatro di San Marco, Italy
|2017
|2018
|Believe
|-
|Night Beats (Night Beats: Revamped)
|Howl-O-Scream
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2012
|2019
|Phantoms of the Festhaus
|-
|Believe
|Christmas Town
|Il Teatro di San Marco, Italy
|2019
|2019
|Unto Us
|-
|Deck the Halls
|Christmas Town
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2009
|2020
|Up on the Haustop
|-
|Festhaus Varieté: Comedic Jugglers
|Mardi Gras
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2021
|2021
|New Orleans Brass Jazz Band
|-
|Bel Concertino
|
|Il Teatro di San Marco, Italy
|2019
|2022
|Sounds of San Marco
|-
|Celtic Fyre: A Christmas Celebration
|Christmas Town
|Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland
|2021
|2022
|Gloria! (2023)
|-
|Unto Us
|Christmas Town
|Il Teatro di San Marco, Italy
|2021
|2022
|Wisemen
|-
|ZomBeats
|Howl-O-Scream
|Aquitaine, France
|2021
|2022
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |Jack is Back
| rowspan="2" |Howl-O-Scream
| rowspan="2" |Killarney Village, Ireland
|2003
|2011
|Fiends (Abbey Stone)
|-
|2019
|2023
|Fiends: The FREAKquel
|-
|Mardi Party DJ
|Mardi Gras
|Oktoberfest
|2021
|2023
|
|-
|The Killarney Village Band (Mardi Gras)
|Mardi Gras
|Abbey Stone Theatre, Ireland
|2022
|2023
|
|-
|OktoberZest
|
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2017
|2024
|We Are Oktoberfest
|-
|Samba Jamboree (Samba Carnival)
|Mardi Gras
|Killarney Village, Ireland
|2021
|2024
|Mardi Street Party (Ireland); relocated to France as The Craw Daddies
|-
|Emerald Ensemble
|St. Patrick's Day
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2021
|2024
|
|-
|Rockin' Celts
|St. Patrick's Day
|Aquitaine, France
|2023
|2024
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |Abbey Taverns
| rowspan="2" |
|Ireland
| rowspan="2" |2024
| rowspan="2" |2024
| rowspan="2" |relocated to France as Broken Turnstiles
|-
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|-
|Irish Ivories
|St. Patrick's Day
|Il Teatro di San Marco, Italy
|2024
|2024
|
|-
|Bürgermeister's Hideaway (paid dining experience)
|Year-Round
|Germany
|2022
|2025
|opened to the public
|-
|Bürgermeister's Storytime
|Food & Wine Festival
|Prost! Patio, Oktoberfest
|2025
|2025
|
|-
|Phantoms of the Festhaus
|Howl-O-Scream
|Das Festhaus, Oktoberfest
|2021
|2024
|Skeletones in Your Closet
|-
|Skeletones
|Howl-O-Scream
|Il Teatro Di San Marco, Italy
|2021
|2024
|Spirit Spellebration; relocated to Oktoberfest as Skeletones in Your Closet
|}
 
==Animal attractions==
[[File:Border Collie Highland Stables.JPG|thumb|150px|Border Collie playing in back fields of Highland Stables]]
 
===Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve===
[[Jack Hanna]]'s Wild Reserve includes [[bald eagles]] and [[wolves]]. ''Eagle Ridge'' is a 3,000+ foot area set aside for housing and rehabilitating bald eagles and providing education to visitors. ''Wolf Haven'' is a viewing area where guests may observe one of Busch Garden's pairs of wolves. One pair is on exhibition at a time. Busch Gardens also provides ''Wolf Valley'' for those wolves not on display. Over {{convert|8000|ft|m}} of natural habitat is intended to ensure the animals' health and well-being. It also contains an aviary named ''Lorikeet Glen'', which displays [[Rainbow lorikeet]]s, and other birds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abap-wildlife.com/happenings_archives6.html |title=A New Home to Roam at Busch Gardens Williamsburg |date=Spring 2006 |publisher=WildLIFE Conservation News |access-date=2007-06-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070607130349/http://www.abap-wildlife.com/happenings_archives6.html |archive-date=2007-06-07 }}</ref> The wild reserve is located in the Ireland section of the park. In recent years, animal attractions at the park have been extensively removed, though the staple attractions remain.
 
===Highland Stables===
Busch Gardens' Highland Stables features [[Scottish Blackface|Scottish Blackface sheep]], [[Border Collie]]s, black [[Clydesdale horse|Clydesdale]]s and [[Highland cattle]]. Guests can interact with the animals during daily demonstrations.<ref>[http://www.buschgardens.com/bgw/Explore/Animals.aspx?id=1721 Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Highland Stables] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716085232/http://www.buschgardens.com/bgw/Explore/Animals.aspx?id=1721 |date=July 16, 2010 }}</ref> It is located between the England and Scotland sections.
 
==Parking and transportation==
[[Image:Bush Gardens - 115.JPG|thumb|right|A [[Caledonian Railway]] locomotive built by [[Crown Metal Products]] for the [[Busch Gardens Railway]].]]
 
At the park, special parking areas are provided for persons with disabilities, [[recreational vehicle]]s and groups arriving by buses and motorcoaches. Trams provide shuttle service to and from entrance gates from outlying parking areas.
 
Within the park itself, three [[steam locomotive]] powered trains operate on the {{RailGauge|3ft|lk=on}} [[Narrow gauge railways|narrow gauge]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Bailey |first=Douglas C. |date=August 18, 2024 |title=There are 37 locomotives in Virginia |url=https://www.steamlocomotive.info/state.cfm?state=Virginia |access-date= |website=steamlocomotive.info |publisher= |quote=}}</ref> [[Busch Gardens Railway]], a {{convert|1.5|mi|km|adj=on}} loop of track, providing transportation between the Heatherdowns, Festa Italia and New France themed areas. Additionally, a skyride provides transportation between the Banbury Cross, Aquitaine and Rhinefeld themed areas.
 
==Awards and recognition==
In 2021, the park was also nominated by USA Today to be the fourth best amusement park in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Amusement Park Winners (2021) {{!}} USA TODAY 10Best |url=https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-amusement-park/ |access-date=2023-02-15 |website=10Best |date=2 July 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
!align="center" bgcolor="white" colspan="500"|[[Golden Ticket Awards]]: Best Landscaping – Amusement Park<ref>[http://www.buschgardens.com/bgw/Corporate/MediaRoom.aspx Busch Gardens Williamsburg Media Room] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117072058/http://www.buschgardens.com/bgw/Corporate/MediaRoom.aspx |date=January 17, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=All-time Winners By Category |url=http://goldenticketawards.com/all-time-winners-by-category/#26 |website=The Golden Ticket Awards |publisher=Golden Ticket Awards |access-date=4 September 2019 |date=8 January 2014}}</ref>
|- style="background:#white;"
!align="center"|Year
!1998
!1999
!2000
!2001
!2002
!2003
!2004
!2005
!2006
!2007
!2008
!2009
!2010
!2011
!2012
!2013
!2014
!2015
!2016
!2017
!2018
|-
!align="center" style="background:#white;"|Ranking
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1<ref>[http://www.goldenticketawards.com/pdfs/2011_golden_ticket_section.pdf Amusement Today 2011 Park and Ride Winners] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312025513/http://www.goldenticketawards.com/pdfs/2011_golden_ticket_section.pdf |date=2012-03-12 }}</ref>}}
|{{center|1<ref>{{cite web|title=Golden Ticket Awards|url=http://goldenticketawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2016-GTA-issue_complete.pdf|website=Golden Ticket Awards|access-date=11 June 2017|page=10}}</ref>}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|}
 
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
!align="center" bgcolor="white" colspan="31"|[[National Amusement Park Historical Association|NAPHA]] Survey: Most Beautiful Park
|- style="background:#white;"
!align="center"|Year
!1990
!1991
!1992
!1993
!1994
!1995
!1996
!1997
!1998
!1999
!2000
!2001
!2002
!2003
!2004
!2005
!2006
!2007
!2008
!2009
!2010
!2011
!2012
!2013
!2014
!2015
!2016
!2017
!2018
!2019
!2020
!2021
!2022
|-
!align="center" style="background:#white;"|Ranking
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1<ref>{{cite web|title=Busch Gardens wins 'World's Most Beautiful Amusement Park' award|url=http://wydaily.com/2017/08/07/busch-gardens-named-worlds-most-beautiful-amusement-park-nws/|website=Williamsburg Yorktown Daily|access-date=26 September 2017}}</ref>}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1<ref>{{cite web|title=PR General 2022|url=https://napha.org/Portals/0/Survey%20Manager/PR%20General%202022.pages.pdf?ver=KhpvTKnSxTsxsn632JIU4Q%3d%3d|website=NAPHA.org|access-date=28 June 2023}}</ref>}}
|}
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
!align="center" bgcolor="white" colspan="31"|[[National Amusement Park Historical Association|NAPHA]] Survey: Favorite Theme Park<ref>{{Cite web |title=Member Survey |url=https://www.napha.org/TheLatest/MemberSurvey/tabid/60/Default.aspx |access-date=2023-02-15 |website=www.napha.org}}</ref>
|- style="background:#white;"
!align="center"|Year
!2005
!2006
!2007
!2008
!2009
!2021
|-
!align="center" style="background:#white;"|Ranking
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|-}}
|{{center|1}}
|{{center|1}}
|1
|}
 
==Attendance (rounded)==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!2008 || 2009 || 2010 || 2011 || 2012 || 2013 || 2014 || 2015 || 2022
|-
| 3,094,000<ref name="2008 attendance">{{cite web|title=TEA/AECOM 2008 Global Attractions Report|url=http://www.org.id.tue.nl/ifip-tc14/documents/TEAreportThemeparks-2008.pdf|publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]|access-date=June 25, 2014|year=2008|archive-date=March 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302183514/http://www.org.id.tue.nl/ifip-tc14/documents/TEAreportThemeparks-2008.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> || 2,900,000<ref name="2009 attendance">{{cite web|title=TEA/AECOM 2009 Global Attractions Report|url=http://www.themeit.com/etea/2009report.pdf|publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]|access-date=June 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602032710/http://www.themeit.com/etea/2009report.pdf|archive-date=June 2, 2010|year=2009}}</ref> || 2,800,000<ref name="2011 Report">{{cite web|url=http://www.aecom.com/deployedfiles/Internet/Capabilities/Economics/_documents/Theme%20Index%202011.pdf |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]] |access-date=June 25, 2014 |year=2011 |title=TEA/AECOM 2011 Global Attractions Report |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018203544/http://www.aecom.com/deployedfiles/Internet/Capabilities/Economics/_documents/Theme%20Index%202011.pdf |archive-date=October 18, 2015 }}</ref> || 2,744,000<ref name="2011 Report"/> || 2,856,000<ref name="2013 attendance">{{cite web|title=TEA/AECOM 2013 Global Attractions Report |url=http://www.teaconnect.org/pdf/TEAAECOM2013.pdf |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]] |access-date=June 25, 2014 |year=2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606220440/http://www.teaconnect.org/pdf/TEAAECOM2013.pdf |archive-date=June 6, 2014 }}</ref> || 2,726,000<ref name="2013 attendance"/> || 2,699,000<ref name="2014 attendance">{{cite web|title=TEA/AECOM 2014 Global Attractions Report|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_103_49736_150603.pdf|publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]|access-date=May 6, 2016|year=2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626102318/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_103_49736_150603.pdf|archive-date=June 26, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> || 2,780,000<ref name="2015 attendance">{{cite web|title=TEA/AECOM 2015 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_160_611852_160525.pdf|publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]|access-date=June 3, 2016|year=2016|archive-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618050155/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_160_611852_160525.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|}
 
==Gallery==
<gallery perrow="7">
File:Daytime Street View of Banbury Cross, England with Christmas Decoration Visible.JPG|Daytime Street View of Banbury Cross, England with Christmas Decoration Visible
File:Seating in the Royal Palace Theatre.JPG|Seating in the Royal Palace Theatre
File:Front View of Das Festhaus at Christmas Town.JPG|Front View of Das Festhaus at Christmas Town
File:Another View of the North Pole (Rhinefeld).JPG|Another View of the North Pole (Rhinefeld)
File:Night View of San Marco, Italy.JPG|Night View of San Marco, Italy
File:The "Peppermint Twist" in Christmas Livery.JPG|The "Peppermint Twist" in Christmas Livery
</gallery>
 
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
 
==Sources==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100923124749/http://www.buschgardens.com/Bgw/CP/?page=bignews Busch Gardens Williamsburg expansion announcement page]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050930220601/http://www.buschgardens.com/buschgardens/va/default.aspx Busch Gardens Williamsburg official website]
* [http://www.howl-o-scream.com/williamsburg/index.htm Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-o-Scream official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061022212716/http://www.howl-o-scream.com/williamsburg/index.htm |date=2006-10-22 }}
* [http://www.christmastown.com/ Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town official website]
* {{RCDB|4548}}
 
==External links==
{{Portal|Trains|Virginia}}
* {{Official website|https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/}}
{{Commons category}}
 
{{SeaWorldParks}}
{{Sesame Street}}
{{BGE Coasters}}
{{Anheuser-Busch Companies}}
 
{{Navigation Applause Award}}
[[Category:James City County, Virginia]]
 
[[Category:Williamsburg, Virginia]]
[[Category:Busch Gardens Williamsburg| ]]
[[Category:1975 establishments in Virginia]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in Virginia]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in James City County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Landmarks in Virginia]]
[[Category:1975United establishmentsParks & Resorts]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in James City County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Amusement parks opened in 1975]]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busch_Gardens_Williamsburg"