Best Rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Top 6 Roller Coasters!)
Headed to Busch Gardens Williamsburg? Are you wondering what the best rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg are, you are in luck! I am excited to share with you all of my favorites at the Busch Garden Amusement Park!
There are so many fun roller coasters at Busch Gardens Virginia, as well as less intense rides for the kids. Get ready for my countdown! I have categorized the rides based on thrill level.
In this post, I will give you the best rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg which will include kid-friendly rides and the top roller coaster rides at Busch Gardens Virginia (Williamsburg).
Let’s explore all the best rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg!
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Busch Gardens Williamsburg Rides
This is not my Complete Guide to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, however, you can use it as a Busch Gardens touring plan. Once you know where the best rides are, you can plan your day accordingly.
Let’s Plan out your Busch Gardens Virginia Rides
It is time for a Q & A and some fun facts. I know you may have some questions about all the best rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Here are some common questions people ask.
How Many Rides are at Busch Gardens Williamsburg?
There are over 53 rides. Not all of them are roller coasters. There are many rides geared to a younger crowd. You will love the Busch Garden coasters. They are geared for thrill seekers. There are also a few water rides to enjoy.
How Many Busch Garden Coasters?
There are 8 roller coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
What is the Newest Ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg?
Pantheon is the newest ride at Busch Garden Williamsburg.
What are the Wait Times at Busch Gardens Williamsburg?
Weekends tend to be busy! You will wait longer to ride the most popular rides such as Pantheon. During the middle of the week don’t be surprised if you can walk right onto most coasters.
Is There a Fast Pass For the Rides at Busch Garden VA?
Yes, there is a Quick Queue line for the Busch Garden coasters. You can also use it for other Busch Garden Williamsburg rides. It does cost an additional amount. Sometimes, 3 times the amount you paid for your ticket.
When are the Shortest Lines for the Roller Coasters at Busch Gardens?
Getting to the park right when it opens and heading to your favorite roller coaster is highly recommended. You should be able to get right in. Also, the last hour and a half of park opening should be a great time to avoid lines. (This advice may not apply during holidays.)
Before you start enjoying all the best Busch Gardens rides you will need to get your tickets.
There are a few options for Busch Gardens Tickets.
- Date Specific Ticket
- 2- Day Ticket
- 3- Day Ticket
- Season Pass
Purchasing online is the best way to get your tickets. There are machines at the park where you can purchase tickets however this will slow you down! Do it before you go! (Through my link above :))
Now let’s talk rides!
List of Busch Gardens VA Roller Coasters
- Pantheon
- Griffon
- Alpengeist
- Tempesto
- Loch Ness Monster
- Apollo’s Chariot
- InVAdr
- Verbolton
Top Rides at Williamsburg Busch Garden For Kids
Let’s start with all the best rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg for kids. These will include rides for younger kids, not toddlers.
Best Rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
There are many Busch Garden attractions for all ages. They have a lot of smaller rides. Such as bumper cars, swings, train rides, tea cups, and so much more. So don’t worry if roller coasters are not your favorite, there is something for everyone.
We will begin by giving you the top 5 best rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg for kids. These rides do not include the major roller coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. ( The roller coaster list will be included later.)
I will list the Busch Garden Ride heights for each one I list.
5. Der Wirbelwind
Height Requirement: 48″ unaccompanied 40-48″ (companion chair)
Location: Oktoberfest
Wirbelwind is a traditional swing ride. It is part of a fantastic theme near Oktoberfest. It is one of the more traditional Busch Garden rides
One great thing about the swing ride is that many people can ride at once. This makes the line move faster. There are both single chairs and double seats. The double seats can be used for younger kids that need an adult buddy.
4. De Autobahn
Height Requirement: 42″-48″ (Those under 48″ need to ride with an adult)
Location: Oktoberfest
Bumper cars are always fun! The De Autobahn is no exception. One thing we loved about the bumper cars was that the area to drive was huge. There is plenty of space to get a little speed before bumping into someone.
3. Grovers Alpine Express
Height Requirement: 38″
Location: Sesame Place
This is one of the best rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg for little kids. It is a beginner roller coaster. It is quick and fun! It gives a taste of what it will be like when your kids are old enough to ride the big guys.
This ride will give your child the confidence boost they may need to ride more intense coasters as they get older. It is a very short ride!
2. Le Scoot
Height Requirement: 46″
Location: New France
Le Scoot is a fun log ride. You kids will love it! The drop is not too intense for your little ones. It is a great water ride that will be sure to get you wet. This is the perfect ride on a hot day! I always like to bring ponchos on these types of rides when I visit amusement parks.
1. Escape From Pompeii
Height Requirement: 42″
Location: Italy
Escape from Pompeii is amazing! It tops my best rides at Busch Gardens for kids. The ride isn’t too long however the theming is incredible. You actually “escape” Mt. Vesuvius. Give your kids a little history lesson and they will enjoy it even more!
Side Note: There is actually fire in this ride. The visual effects are really cool but it may scare some children if they are not expecting it.
I still think this is one of the best rides for kids because it is not as intense as a roller coaster but still is thrilling.
Top Non-Roller Coaster Rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
My first list was focused on what kids would like but this list is the top 3 best rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg for those that are not fans of roller coasters but still enjoy amusement parks.
These rides are legit and fun! Here are my favorites!
3. Rhine River Cruise
Height Requirement: None
Location: Germany
Opening Time: 12pm – 5pm
The Rhine River Cruise is beautiful. It is a great ride where you can look for wildlife and relax. The ride is 10 minutes long. It is a great place to take a break and get off your feet. It is a great alternative to roller coasters!
2. Escape From Pompeii
Height Requirement: 42″
Location: Italy
Escape from Pompeii was mentioned as the best ride at Busch Gardens for kids, but it is such a solid ride that it needs to be included in this list as well.
The Escape from Pompeii is a must! It really is a fun ride that you may want to ride a few times.
1. Finnigan's Flyer
Height Requirement: 48″
Location: Ireland
Finnigan’s Flyer is a fun alternative to the roller coasters at Busch Gardens. It is still intense but may not give you the tummy troubles a roller coaster would. It is a fairly new attraction at Busch Gardens. This is the #1 best non-roller coaster ride at Busch Gardens. (According to my teens.)
Top 6 Roller Coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Now the moment you have all been waiting for……The top 6 roller coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
My family was really lucky the day we went and did not encounter hardly any lines. We were able to ride every single ride multiple times! It was amazing. Like a theme park dream!
We tested the coasters over and over. I have to say the 2nd time on some of these was even better than the first.
6. InVadR
Height Requirement: 46″
Location: New France
InVAdR is another newish roller coaster at Busch Gardens Virginia. It is a wooden coaster and ranks #6 on this list.
Typically, I am not a fan of wooden roller coasters. I think it is because a lot of them are older and super bumpy. This is not the case with InVadR. It is a smooth ride and really fun.
My daughter really loved this ride.
5. Apollos Chariot
Height Requirement: 52″
Location: Italy
Apollos Chariot ranks #5 on this list. I actually really enjoyed this. At first, I was a little nervous because my brother-in-law could not handle this ride and ended up losing his breakfast after riding.
I had a different experience and loved it. I think the key to this ride is making sure you are on the front row. This gives you a clear view.
4. Tempesto
Height Requirement: 54″
Location: Italy
Tempesto has to make the list! Coming in at #4 this Busch Garden roller coaster is a thrill ride you will not forget. I thought it was pretty unique because you actually zoom right by the loading zone seconds after you start the ride. It was different. This is a great coaster!
3. Griffon
Height Requirement: 54″
Location: France
Griffon is a great coaster. It ranks #3 on this list of best roller coaster extreme rides. Being on the front row is worth the wait. You may have heard that Busch Gardens is one of the most gorgeous theme parks in the country. This ride gives you an incredible view of the entire park.
Griffon has an intense drop. It is really fun! This is one that I could ride over and over again.
2. Verbolton
Height Requirement: 48″
Location: Oktoberfest
I love indoor roller coasters. Verbolton was awesome. You are taken into the dark forbidden forest of Germany. I won’t give anything away but I loved the surprise that happens during this ride. It was one of my favorites!
1. Pantheon - Best Ride at Busch Garden Williamsburg
Height Requirement: 48″
Location: Italy
Pantheon is the newest roller coaster at Busch Gardens VA. We loved it which is why we think Pantheon is the #1 ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg! I can’t even tell you how many times we went on this ride.
It is the ultimate thrill ride. An absolute must!
Side Note: I liked riding at night, I thought it was even more fun than the day!
You will have to let me know in the comments if this is the best ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in your opinion.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Touring Plan
I think it helps to have a Williamsburg Busch Garden touring plan to help you know in what order you should ride the rides. (Which include the best roller coasters at Busch Gardens.)
Start in Italy
Ride the following:
- Pantheon
- Tempesto
- Apollo’s Chariot
- Escape from Pompeii
- Roman Rapids (if open)
Head To Oktoberfest
Ride the following:
- Verbolton
- De Autobahn
- Der Wirbelwind
Go to Germany
Ride the following:
- AlpenGeist
Head to New France and France
Ride the following:
- Le Scoot
- Griffon
Head to Ireland
Ride the following:
- Finnigan’s Flyer
Head to Scotland
Ride the following:
- Loch Ness Monster
Head Back To Germany
Ride the following:
- Rhine River Cruise
Best Rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Obviously, there are many more rides to ride in each area but if you are looking to ride the best rides at Busch Gardens stick to this Busch Gardens touring plan. It will help you not have to walk as much!
After you have hit the major rides you can decide the rest of your plan depending on your time left in the park and which rides you liked the best. I highly recommend going on your favorites at least 2 times!
Best Williamsburg Busch Gardens Rides
Hopefully, this gives you a good idea of what some of the best rides at Busch Gardens are. We really had a fun time riding the Busch Gardens Williamsburg roller coasters! We loved visiting the Busch Gardens Theme Park and would go again for sure!
I know you will love your trip to Busch Gardens in Colonial Williamsburg. It is such a fun addition to add to your Williamsburg trip!
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I’ve visited Colonial Williamsburg often, but I’ve never been to Busch Gardens. Seeing all the great rides convinced me to visit on my next trip!
You will love it!
That is so fun that the map/tour of Busch Gardens takes you through different countries. And some of the best rides at Busch Gardens I totally would have loved a few years back!
It is a great theme park in a beautiful area.
Love this guide to the best rides at Busch Gardens! I love roller coasters so will add those six you recommend to my list!
They are really fun!
I’ve been to Busch Gardens and loved it. I really liked the Escape From Pompeii Ride. Thanks for the great tips on best roller coasters there.
I like that ride too, I think I liked it more since I have actually been to Pompeii
These rides look so amazing!! Younger me would have gone ballistic and I had to have to confess this but I just turned 35 recently and went to a theme park and realized (to my horror) that alot of the rides I’d loved when I was young, I’m actually fearful ot take right now. The things age does to ya … 😅
I know how you feel! I still can handle most of them but there are some….
I remember going to Busch Gardens Williamsburg as a kid! My favorite part was experiencing all of the cultures in each section of the park! Escape from Pompei was a fun ride!!
That is a really cool part of the park!
Great tip regarding the shortest lines are at the end of the day about 1.5 hours before closing. We enjoy roller coasters and look forward to visiting Busch Gardens.
Busch Gardens is a great coaster park!
The rides at Busch Gardens look like a lot of fun! I love a good coaster, and this park looks like it has some great ones. I need to visit someday!
It is a really cool one!
Thanks for sharing the best rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. We have not been there yet, but I love me some roller coasters!
We love them too!
Love this guide to the best rides at Busch Gardens! We will be adding those six you recommend to my list!
Oh good!
This list of best rides at Busch Gardens is perfect for those planning a trip there. It was great to see additional information, such as the ride hours. Thank you for sharing.
There are some fun rides!