Busch Gardens (Hampton, Williamsburg: spring break, home, buy)

[reese7]

We just moved to the area and in the way to where we were going to live I saw the signs for Busch Gardens. When I checked their web site the price to get in was high I thought. Because we have 4 kids ages 15,6,5, 18 months I wondered if it would be worth it. I was wondering if the proce to get in was worth it.

[DCguy03]

Hey reese, I have the perfect answer to your question: use the discounts!

I learned a lot about the different discounts from working with Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and for your case here is the best bet:

the 18-month old will get in free anytime.

For the rest of the family members age 3 and up, Virginia residents get a pretty good deal on season passes. You can get the Fun Card for $56.95 and it gets you unlimited admission through Sept. '08
The Perfect Getaway - is just a few hours and a great deal away. Busch Gardens | Water Country USA | Colonial Williamsburg | Golf | Beach | Shopping

Is that what you are looking for? Let me know if you are wanting single-day tickets instead - I have discounts for those as well. Welcome to Virginia!

[damian]

Honestly, it is a great theme park, very beautiful and worth it

[5stones]

for this year I wouldn't bother...because yes it's expensive. (esp for a large family)
next year I'd plan on going in May when you can get the VA resident pass for the price of admission and use it anytime as many times as you wish until sept. A very good deal esp if you live within an hour or so.

We used it last year...went at spring break and then again on hte way home from NC twice. It's nice becuase you can go and spend a 1/2 there and not feel totally ripped off.
Yes, it a very nice park and has the european countries etc... it has 3-4 good coasters etc... food is expensive but good. but...$54 for one one.... TOO expensive in my book.

Six flags is running great internet specials 29.99 for everyone.
And KIng Dominon has deals if you purchase the ticket 3 days in advance it's 39.99

[DCguy03]

I hear you - its expensive living these days!

I actually have one of the Fun Cards and it's a steal. Here is an idea if you don't need a season pass...

Busch Gardens just recently started a promotion where VA residents (thats us!) can buy an adult single-day ticket for the price of a kid's ticket. So that cuts it down to $49.95 ea. But this ticket is good for 2 days during the promo - so go for a weekend, and your 2nd day is free!

It's a newer deal, so not that many people know about it. But it's going on until Aug 31 this year:
Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Single Day Tickets

[reese7]

Thanks for the info. We ened up living in North Carolina and Husband works in Virginia in the Hampton Roads area. So I guess that leaves us out of the Virginia pass. I think we will shoot for next year and focuss on other less expensive things to see.

[Erma]

Originally Posted by reese7

Thanks for the info. We ened up living in North Carolina and Husband works in Virginia in the Hampton Roads area. So I guess that leaves us out of the Virginia pass. I think we will shoot for next year and focuss on other less expensive things to see.

That would be your best bet and since your husband works in VA, he can get discounted tickets. If you know any military personnel on the bases, they can get BG tickets cheaper as well.

[crux]

Your kids will have alot of great memories there. AB does a fantastic job keeping the place clean, functional, and friendly.

[DCguy03]

Originally Posted by crux

Your kids will have alot of great memories there. AB does a fantastic job keeping the place clean, functional, and friendly.

True! I recently learned that Busch Gardens Williamsburg won Best Theme Park at Themeparkinsider.com: Busch Gardens Europe wins 2006 Theme Park Insider Award as 'World's Best Theme Park'


Reese, when you do plan your trip def go by the park's Age-based Itinerary. That way you can get an idea of what rides/events/shows to take your kids to. Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Age-based Itinerary. And for your husband...get him to ride Griffon (the 70mph coaster). He will love it

[Mr Williamsburg]

We have purchased season passes to Busch Gardens/ Williamsburg and Water Country for the last 4 years. We live about 15 minutes from the parks in James City County. Our two boys who are 8 and 10 love it. They would probably spend every day at Water Country if I let them. We tend to go on weekday afternoons when it is less crowded. We also go a lot in the fall. Howl O Scream at Busch Gardens starts in October and is the best Halloween event around. Parts of it are too scary for younger kids. The VA resident pass won't get you into Howl O Scream + you have to pay for parking. ( it's free with a season pass) They had a payment option that made it a little easier on our budget. You pay for it over a 3 month period.
We have definitely gotten our money's worth this year and previous years.