bush gardens (Hampton, Williamsburg: hotels, live, prices)

[canine7]

anyone been 2 bush gardens in virginia.
I have a 2 and a half year old,any opinions on the park,a great kid friendly hotel that wont break the bank and anything else of note

[aldamon]

We went last July and I had a great time but I love roller coasters and the Griffon is just brilliant. My wife enjoyed the park, but isn't much of a roller coaster fan, so it was kind of boring for her. There are lots of reviews and tips on Busch Gardens Europe site on Tripadvisor that we found useful. The park, food, etc. is kind of expensive, so you'll want to find discounts if "breaking the bank" is a concern for your family. Also, we don't have children, and I don't remember a lot for small children to do there compared to a place like Universal Studios. It's a real roller coaster-based park.

[mommiewrites]

theres a hampton Inn nearby that is nice, clean and reasonably priced.

I don't know that I personally would take a 2 1/2 year old - there is a toddler section though, and lots of shows, so it might be okay.

beer in germany! Pricey, but on a hot day well worth the price! lol

Overall, an AWESOME park!!!! we went up several times a year through my childhood days...

[lamishra]

W elove Busch Gardens and go every year, but we like to go in October for their Hallow-scare. The park is so clean and well laid out. You honestly feel like you are in a "park" in some places. There are plenty of hotels that aren't too expensive and a short drive from the park (like 15 minutes or less). Actually, I think we may have stayed at the Hampton Inn the PP was talking about.
There are several areas for kiddie rides and they also have several shows for younger kids.

[VA Yankee]

The park is great we have been going 20+ years! Youmight want to wait until your child is old enough to carry themselves, by that time they will be able to enjoy & remember the experience.

[540_804]

I go to Busch Gardens from time to time.

The park is pretty big so its alot of walking and it gets really hot sometimes so find shade!

Its a very beautiful park and the rides are really fun. I think its more of a family park than say, Kings Dominion (my preference, because im more of a thrill-seeker).

[JustinJenni]

We used to get Season Passes every year when we lived in the Williamsburg area and so we took my daughter from ages 1-4. I don't really reccomend BG for toddlers, I think it's a waste. I think it's too hot in the summer to be walking miles pushing a stroller and the fact that the kiddie are is in the back of the park does not help matters. You def. want to take a stroller that folds quicky to board the SkyRide to get you accross the park more quickly and yet it needs to be big enough to carry all of your "stuff". Bring snacks because prices can get high if you eat there every meal for a few days. Also, shade is hard to find.
However, I highly reccomend Water Country USA. This is included in most of the "park hopper" type tickets. They have 3 different kiddie areas, plus other things for kids like the wave pool and lazy river. While it too is hot, it's not as much ground to cover and there's always water close by to cool you off. I reccomend a stroller still, even if it's just for all of your towels an such.
If I were an out of towner, I'd hit the water park during the day and BG at night, the best of both worlds so to speak. Or pick a not so hot month to visit. Grumpy, hot, and sleepy 2 year olds are not fun to deal with when you're hot and miserable yourself.

[shellytc]

I disagree with the above posters. I think Busch Gardens is very toddler capable. They have a great Dragon Area for the little ones to just run around and explore and play in a spalsh pond area. There are age appropriate rides throughout the park, and plenty of shows to take a break and relax.

There are plenty of hotels around that are easy on the budget.

Shelly