Busch Gardens Williamsburg
 | This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (May 2010) |
| Previously known as Busch Gardens: The Old Country - 1974 to 1992 Busch Gardens Williamsburg - 1993 to 2005, 2008-present Busch Gardens Europe - 2006 to 2008 | |
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| Location | Williamsburg, Virginia, United States  |
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| Opened | May 16, 1975 |
| Owner | SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment |
| Slogan |
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| Operating season | March - October |
| Area | 250 acres (1.0 km2) |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 25 |
| Roller coasters | 5 |
| Water rides | 3 |
| Website | [1] |
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a theme park located in James City County, Virginia about 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Williamsburg. It opened on May 16, 1975, adjacent to the local Anheuser-Busch brewery and other-related AB developments including the Kingsmill Resort complex. The park is themed around the history and culture of old-world Europe. It is owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a division of The Blackstone Group. 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. Starting in late 2008, the park has been gradually returning to the Busch Gardens Williamsburg branding.
Second to its award-winning landscaping and theme, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is perhaps best known for its small but impressively-rated collection of coasters (highlighted by Griffon and Apollo's Chariot), as well as its high-tech dark ride, The Curse of DarKastle.
In honor of its 35th anniversary, Busch Gardens has announced that it will introduce several new attractions for the 2010 season. In Ireland, the Abbey Stone Theater will be getting an upgrade as well as receiving a new show, Celtic Fyre. Corkscrew Hill, the simulator ride, will be rethemed to "Europe in the Air", a journey around some of Europe's most famous landmarks. Busch Gardens will also be introducing "Ramp Jam", a new skateboard show in Festhaus Park, and "IllumiNights", a park-wide firework/pyrotechnic show.
Overview
Anheuser-Busch opened Busch Gardens on May 5, 1975 as part of the company's recent Williamsburg developments. The park features a combination of roller coasters and Broadway style shows. This park is laid out as a large circle that crosses the path between Banbury Cross, England and Heatherdowns, Scotland. A left turn at this crossroads leads to Italy/San Marco, while a right turn leads to Killarney, Ireland. Guests may also follow the path straight into Heatherdowns, Scotland. Beyond Heatherdowns, the walkway 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 beyond the boat ride 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 ECV Mobility Carts. The park's operating season originally ran from mid-March until the end of October. In the 2009 season, the season will be extended to the end of December for Christmas-themed attractions and shows.
Awards
The park traditionally receives high accolades in the international Golden Ticket Award, hosted by Amusement Today. In 2006, the park placed in Best Food, Best Shows and Cleanest Park. It took the top place in the category Best Landscaping.[1] Busch Gardens has over several years received recognition from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), most prominently taking the Applause Award for "management, operations and creative accomplishments that have inspired the industry with foresight, originality and sound business development" in November 2002. Busch Gardens Williamsburg was voted as the "World's Best Theme Park" in both the 2006 and 2007 Theme Park Insider Awards. The ride Curse of DarKastle won the 2005 Theme Park Insider Award for "World's Best New Theme Park Attraction."[2]
Conservation
Jack Hanna's Wildlife Reserve houses a variety of wild species including gray wolves and bald eagles. Busch Gardens is partnered with SeaWorld (also owned by Busch Entertainment Corp.) in the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, which offers guests the opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation. The Rhine River Cruise's Boats are battery powered 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 park's commitment to organic gardening. All brochures, maps, show guides, and all paper products in the restrooms are made from recycled material.
Special events
- Glory at the Gardens (June 6, 13, 20, 27) Come to Busch Gardens this season and hear rockin’ music in a beautiful park. Contemporary Christian bands, such as Third Day and Switchfoot, will perform four Sundays in June.
- IllumiNights: A Busch Gardens Encore (June 28 - August 22) Join Busch Gardens for IllumiNights: A Busch Gardens Encore. IllumiNights is a new, nightly encore spectacular that encircles family fun and memories with world traditions. Different areas of the park will celebrate IllumiNights in its own way, culminating in a park-wide pyrotechnics extravaganza. IllumiNights starts June 28 and will continue through Aug. 22.
- Fourth of July Fireworks (July 2-4) The world’s “Most Beautiful Park” explodes with even more brilliant color as fireworks illuminate the skies during the park’s annual Fourth of July celebration. The fireworks can be seen from several viewing points in the park.
- Concert Series (July 10 – 11, 17 – 18, 24 – 25, July 31- Aug. 1, 7- 8, 14 – 15, 21 - 22) Seven weekends of great music during the summer featuring an amazing lineup of rockin’ musicians, such as Grand Funk Railroad, Emily Osment and the B-52’s.
- Wild Days (August 28 & 29) Interact with animals from SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and meet world-class animal ambassadors. Learn more about how you can help protect these animals and their environments.
- Labor Day Weekend concerts (Sept. 4 & 5) Celebrate the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll at Busch Gardens in 2010. Hear Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits along with others as they sing their classics at the Royal Palace Theatre.
Howl-O-Scream
(Sept. 24 – Oct. 31) Celebrating 12 years of fears, Howl-O-Scream, the park’s premier Halloween event, features 13 attractions starring vampires, werewolves, witches and skeletons. Guests are immersed in an elaborate Halloween atmosphere including haunted mazes and Halloween-themed shows. The park is kicking it up a notch in 2010. Beware. Nowhere is safe. Howl-O-Scream opens Sept. 24 and continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 31. Check out www.howloscream.com for the latest information.
Christmas Town
(Starting November 26) Returning in 2010, Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration creates the anticipation of the season and fills visitors’ senses with all things Christmas. Beginning Nov. 26, visitors will experience all-new attractions, shows and shopping filled with the holiday spirit. From more than a million twinkling lights, the smell of fresh-baked Christmas cookies and one-of-a-kind gift ideas to an enormous light-animated Christmas tree, Christmas Town will have park-goers saying, “Now this is Christmas.” Christmas Town adds a unique holiday tradition to Virginia. Check out www.christmastown.com for the latest information.
Countries
Two attractions provide transportation around the park. The Skyride gondola lift transports guests between the Banbury Cross, Aquitaine and Rhinefeld hamlets; while replica steam trains transport guests between the Heatherdowns, Festa Italia, and New France hamlets.
Banbury Cross (England)
Banbury Cross is fashioned after 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. A simulacrum of the famous St. Stephen's Clock Tower (Big Ben) 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 Theatre, a double-sized replica of William Shakespeare's performance home, is the most prominent attraction in the area, currently featuring Sesame Street presents Lights, Camera, Imagination!, a 4-D film. The theater previously featured the films "Pirates", starring Eric Idle and Leslie Nielsen, R. L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse, and Haunts of the Old Country. Prior to the 4-D films, the theater hosted a variety of live shows including Mark Wilson's Worlds Greatest Illusions, America on Ice, Hot Ice, Celebrate America and the People's Choice. Banbury Cross 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.
Heatherdowns (Scotland)
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. 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. The Label Stable gift shop is located adjacent to the train station and offers a variety of Anheuser-Busch gift items. Heatherdowns was also home to the Highland Stables featuring Scottish Blackface sheep, Border collies, Clydesdales and birds of prey. This all-new exhibit highlights Scottish traditions dating back hundreds of years. Guests can interact with the animals and see them in action as they demonstrate their skills during daily demonstrations. Other points of interest include Pigs in a Kilt, a counter service walk-up.
- Loch Ness Monster is a looping Arrow Dynamics roller coaster. It is the first and (currently) only roller coaster in the world to feature interlocking loops.
Sesame Street Forest of Fun
Opened on April 3, 2009, Sesame Street Forest of Fun features four new family-friendly rides and attractions all themed to Sesame Street, including a Zierer junior 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 shot-n-drop ride, and wet and dry play areas. The new area also features a stage for the main show "Sunny Days Celebration" and a gift shop.
Killarney (Ireland)
Formerly known as Hastings, England, this section of the park was re-themed in 2001 as Ireland, the newest country in over 20 years. This area prominently features Emerald Beat, at the Abbey Stone Theatre, an engaging celebration of Irish dance, showcasing world class performers. Previously, the theatre housing Emerald Beat was named the Magic Lantern Theatre, and housed some of the best theme park musical reviews in the United States. Shows such as Kaleidoscope, Hats Off to Hollywood, Journey into Music, Stage Struck, and Rockin the Boat are some of the names of these productions. Grogan's Grill offers Irish cuisine in this area. Outside the gateway next to Dining with Elmo, 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.
- Europe in the Air - An immersive, motion simulator above the wonders of Europe, including Stonehenge, Neuschwanstein Castle (the inspiration for the park's The Curse of DarKastle attraction in Germany), and the Coliseum in Rome, using video projection nearly seven times clearer than broadcast HD, according to the park's website. Europe in the Air replaced Corkscrew Hill for the 2010 season.
- Eagle Ridge & Wolf Valley - Animal exhibits located just outside the village.
- Pet Shenanigans Theater - An outdoor venue that currently hosts the More Pet Shenanigans show.
San Marco (Italy)
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. The bridge currently houses a salute to the various branches of the United States military. 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 "Festivale Italiano." 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.
- Da Vinci's Cradle - A standard magic carpet amusement ride that swings back and forth, gaining in height until it rotates over the top. It's relatively tame and does not invert riders.
- The Flying Machine - A lightly themed troika ride that spins riders.
- The Battering Ram - A high-capacity, high-thrill swinging ship.
- Little Gliders & Little Balloons - Family-sized carnival rides themed to Da Vinci's inventions.
Festa Italia (Italy)
Festa Italia is themed around a fair celebrating Marco Polo's return to Italy from his famous visit to China. It has a general "party" atmosphere, and contains many of the park's midway games, all given a festival theme. It attractions are themed around Roman mythology.
- Apollo's Chariot - A B&M Hypercoaster reaching over 200 feet high, featuring dives towards and around ponds and hills. Apollo's chariot is deep purple and gold. Notably, famous Italian model Fabio Lanzoni was struck by a goose on the coaster's inaugural ride and broke his nose as a result.
- Turkish Delight - A typical spinning "teacup" ride.
- Tradewinds - A permanent-placement music express ride.
- Roman Rapids - A circular-raft rapids ride among Roman ruins.
Rhinefeld (Rhineland Germany)
This section is based upon 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.
- Alpengeist - A Bolliger & Mabillard inverted roller coaster, Alpengeist is themed to a ski-lift taken over by a local legend, the Alpengeist (Ghost of the Alps).
- Kinder Karussel - The park's antique Herschell Carousel.
- Land of the Dragons - Interactive children's play area featuring a treehouse, children's rides and a Ferris wheel.
Oktoberfest (Bavarian Germany)
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 authentic German food or American classics. While eating in Das Festhaus, guests can experience This is Oktoberfest, an upbeat show featuring German singing and dancing, or listen to a brass quartet, playing a variety of well known tunes and German folk songs. This section of the park formerly hosted The Big Bad Wolf, one of the first successful suspended roller coasters. The Big Bad Wolf was closed on September 7, 2009.
- The Curse of DarKastle - An indoor, technologically advanced dark ride haunted house in which an ancient German king terrorizes guests with 3D effects, water, and wind in a motion-simulator style.
- Bumper Cars
- Kiddie Bumper Cars
- Red Baron
- Waveswinger (Der Werbelwind) - classic yo-yo swings ride
- Kiddie Swings
- Der Katapult - a basic carnival scrambler
Aquitaine (France)
Centering around the quaint French village of Aquitaine, this section is based upon France. It is home to many French 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 Royale Palace Theatre in France hosts numerous shows throughout the season with a main feature during the summer months, Kinetix, summer concert series in the late summer, and themed show for Howl O' Scream in September and October.
- Griffon - The world's tallest and fastest Diving Machine roller coaster, named after the legendary creature, the griffin; contains a ninety-degree drop from over two-hundred feet and a "splashdown" finale; the sister ride of Busch Gardens Africa's SheiKra.
New France (French Canada)
It is based on French colonial Canada. It consists of a hub of Canadian-themed shops with a colonial tone throughout the area. Rides in New France include the Busch Gardens Railway departing from Caribou Station and Le Scoot Log Flume, featuring a 50-foot (15 m) plunge through a saw mill. New France also houses the Canadian Palladium Theater, which features the new show Goin' Country. A predominant feature in this area is the Trappers Smokehouse which has a outdoor grill centrally located. Trappers Smokehouse offers grilled and smoked items such as chicken, ribs, and beef brisket.
Roller coasters
Existing (listed by first year)
- Loch Ness Monster (1978 — present)
- Alpengeist (1997 — present)
- Apollo's Chariot (1999 — present)
- Griffon (2007 — present)
- Grover's Alpine Express (2009 — present)
Defunct (listed by closing year)
- Die Wildkatze (1976 — 1983)
- Replaced by Big Bad Wolf
- Das Kätzchen (1976 — 1984)
- Glissade (1975 — 1985)
- Replaced by Wild Maus
- Drachen Fire (1992 — 2002)
- Wild Maus (1996 — 2003)
- Moved to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as Cheetah Chase
- Replaced by Curse of DarKastle
- Opened as the Wild Izzy as a tie in to the Izzy, mascot of the 1996 Olympic Games, for which Budweiser was a sponsor.
- Big Bad Wolf (1984 — 2009)
Animal Attractions
Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve
Along with various birds that inhabit Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve, major attractions here are the 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 8,000 feet (2,400 m) of natural habitat is intended to ensure the animals' health and well-being.[6]
Highland Stables
Busch Gardens’ Highland Stables features Scottish Blackface sheep, Border collies, Clydesdales and birds of prey. This all-new exhibit highlights Scottish traditions dating back hundreds of years. Guests can interact with the animals and see them in action as they demonstrate their skills during daily demonstrations.
Parking and transportation
At the park
At the park, special parking areas are provided for persons with special needs or disabilities, recreational vehicles, 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 a 2-mile (3.2 km) 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.
See also
References
- ^ "Amusement Today's 2006 Golden Ticket Awards September, 2006" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-06-24.
- ^ "Busch Gardens Williamsburg 'Applauded': European-Themed Park Honored with Top Industry Award". 2002-11-20. Retrieved 2007-06-24.
- ^ buschgardens.com/bgw
- ^ www.christmastown.com
- ^ buschgardens.com/bgw
- ^ "A New Home to Roam at Busch Gardens Williamsburg". WildLIFE Conservation News. Spring, 2006. Retrieved 2007-06-24.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ buschgardens.com/bgw
Sources
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg web site
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-o-Scream official website.
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town official site.
- Roller Coaster Database entries for Busch Gardens Williamsburg
External links
