Annesophia Richards
My family and I had the pleasure of visiting Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia this past weekend during spring break, and it was some of the most fun-filled days that my children have ever experienced. The theme park’s many rides, shows, and attractions geared specifically for families with young children meant that both my two year old daughter and four year old son had equal amounts of age-appropriate thrills to choose from throughout our visit. We spent an entire day exploring the two spots of the park referred to as Kidsiderate® areas, Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™ and Land of the Dragons®. For me, the best part of our visit was simply enjoying the park through my son’s eyes, because for him, every single part was purely amazing.
Arrival - Day 1
We arrived at the England entrance right as the park opened on our first day, and upon looking up at the Big Ben clock tower and then spotting the massive roller coasters off in the distance, my son already proclaimed that this was the “best day ever!” before the fun had even begun!
We stopped at the height-check station where both kids were measured and given bracelets that helped identify the rides and attractions appropriate for their size. I was surprised to see that there were over 14 rides that my four year old could ride alone, and over 24 rides that he could enjoy with the company of an adult. My two year old was even eligible to ride many of the attractions alone or with her brother if she chose, something I hadn’t expected at all.
Annesophia Richards
Whirly Worms
We were fortunate to be able to explore the park as part of their Kidsiderate® Family Fun Tour. This four-hour tour is designed to help families with small children experience the best that Busch Gardens has to offer. Once we met with our guide and the other family we would be touring with, we headed straight to what ultimately became both of my little ones’ favorite part of Busch Gardens, Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™. After checking out the playground right at the entrance, my son was immediately drawn to the ride Oscar’s Whirly Worms.
Annesophia Richards
Elmo’s Spire Ride
The spinning and sliding made him laugh so hard and he didn’t want the ride to end, but when it did he immediately spotted his next target, the towering Elmo’s Spire ride. We strapped in together and were lifted high above the Forest of Fun™, giving us a great view of the park before we were playfully lifted up and down several times to the delight of my son.
Annesophia Richards
Bert & Ernie’s Loch Adventure
Before the ride returned us to the ground, my son saw the dragon-looking boats floating along the flume at Bert & Ernie’s Loch Adventure ride and declared that he wanted to try that next. At this point, my two year old had grown tired of watching her brother have all the fun, so she indicated that she too wanted to ride one of the boats. The four of us split up into two boats, and both of kids loved ducking under the tunnel of waterspouts as we floated along.
Annesophia Richards
Grover’s Alpine Express
From there we headed to Grover’s Alpine Express, a family-friendly roller coaster that was perfect for my son’s first roller coaster experience. I expected him to be a little hesitant at first, but he couldn’t wait to get on and didn’t want to get off! He and the little girl from the other family in our tour even decided that they wanted to ride together without any grownups coming along, another surprise for all of us.
Annesophia Richards
He couldn’t run fast enough from the exit of the ride right back up to get in line to ride it again. We must have stayed there for almost thirty minutes, and my son took several rides before we finally convinced him to come explore more areas of the park with us.
Annesophia Richards
Pet Shenanigans
The next stop on our tour was to watch “More…Pet Shenanigans,” an adorable show that features animal trainers working with a wide variety of rescued shelter animals. Both of my kids were delighted to see dogs, cats, ducks, birds, a few pigs, and even a rat perform hilarious and impressive tricks. After the show, the trainers allowed the audience a chance to come up front and meet some of the animals, and my kids were very excited to get to pet one of the star cat performers.
From the show we decided to take a break and grab some lunch. As our tour guide led us to one of the park’s many eateries, we passed right underneath Griffon, one of the park’s jaw-dropping roller coasters. My son was fascinated when he realized that the coaster was about to come soaring down right over our heads, and we all waited in anticipation as we witnessed the carriage of screaming riders getting closer to the drop. In a matter of seconds, the coaster came barreling by and over us, and my son was mesmerized. He wanted to stay right where we were and watch it again and again, until he realized that there was a even better vantage point close by that also included a soak zone where spectators could feel the water blast as the coaster came down through the pool below. Only by promising him that we would come back later that afternoon to watch the roller coasters some more did we finally convince him to continue on our way to have lunch. We all agreed that the first half of our day so far had been absolutely awesome, and we were excited to see what the second half would bring! Look for Part 2 of our Busch Gardens experience coming soon!"
Win a Family Vacation for Four!
This spring, make a break for family fun at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. RFM is giving you a chance to win a family vacation for four to the world’s most beautiful theme park. With thrilling coasters, rides for all ages, lively shows, and exciting new events, there’s a hidden adventure waiting here for everyone.
Winners will receive Four (4) Busch Gardens Single-day Tickets, four (4) park meal vouchers, one (1) parking pass, and a one (1) night hotel stay (quad occupancy). Package valued at: $541.60.
To enter the contest just comment after the article. Winner will be chosen at random.
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