Journey to the unexpected. Busch Gardens has an exciting lineup of events planned for 2008. From concerts to interactive animal and landscaping weekends, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family. The world’s most beautiful theme park also is celebrating several milestones in ’08, including the 30th anniversary of the Loch Ness Monster roller coaster; the second year of Griffon, the world’s tallest and first floorless dive coaster; and the 10th season of Howl-O-Scream, the park’s annual fright fest. For all the latest information, visit buschgardens.com/va.

Pulse-Pounding Thrills

Griffon: Set amid a French village, Griffon carries riders up 205 feet, then hurtles them 90 degrees straight down at 75 mph. And that’s just the beginning. Griffon evokes the power and speed of a mythical beast that is part eagle part lion. It plunges, twists and turns - giving riders an adrenaline - pumping adventure that's unlike any coaster experience in the world. Griffon is the tallest dive coaster in the world; the first floorless dive coaster; and the first to incororate two Immelmann loops (an inverse diving loop named for a WWI German fighter pilot). Griffon offers over-the-edge excitement on more than half a mile steel track and is the centerpiece of Busch Garden's French Section. 

Curse of DarKastle: Busch Gardens’ newest adventure sends passengers careening through a castle frozen in time. Integrating state-of-the-art ride engineering with the latest in image projection and 4-D technology, Curse of DarKastle produces a profoundly moving and unique thrill ride experience.

Alpengeist: A snow monster notorious for once stalking the French and German Alps, Alpengeist is rumored to be lurking in the shadows of Busch Gardens’ Germany. Marks of its mischief are evident as the ski-lift-style steel roller coaster winds through treacherous territory, propelling riders on a dynamic journey.

Apollo’s Chariot: Gut-wrenching adventure awaits aboard Apollo’s Chariot, the park’s hypercoaster. Experience the ultimate in airtime as passengers plummet 209 feet on this steel roller coaster’s first drop.

The Big Bad Wolf: Among the world’s first suspended roller coasters, The Big Bad Wolf sends guests “howling” at the speed of fright. Suspended from an overhead track, riders fly seemingly out-of-control through a deserted Bavarian village.

Loch Ness Monster: Continually rated a favorite by park guests, this classic interlocking, double-looping roller coaster gives guests a peek at Scotland’s most infamous serpent. “Nessie” hurls its passengers along 3,240 feet of steel track into the air, over water and through a dark cave.

Sizzling Entertainment

Busch Gardens is recognized as much for its extraordinary rides as it is for its live entertainment. The park’s nine mainstage shows offer guests a diverse lineup of award-winning live musical performances, animal antics and 4-D theater experiences. Busch Gardens' Summer Concert series returns with another season of entertaining music beginning Memorial Day weekend. From rockying honky-tonk to crooning country, Motown medleys and kid concerts, the European-themed park is the place to be for summertime family entertainment.

“Emerald Beat” at the Abbey Stone Theatre: Busch Gardens once again joins forces with Dublin-based O’Shea’s School of Irish Dance, the creative talent behind “Irish Thunder,” for an all-new, powerful production that continues the celebration of Irish heritage through uniquely choreographed dance and original music score. From the moment guests enter the transformed lobby of the Abbey Stone Theatre, their Celtic voyage begins. Ancient Ireland transforms to contemporary Dublin and the spirit of the Emerald Isle comes to life. This theatrical evolution reaches new heights with the introduction of breathtaking scenic special effects and exquisitely-designed lighting enhancements. Hailing primarily from Dublin, Ireland, the cast of 20 features 14 dancers, two vocalists and four musicians. Headlining at Busch Gardens’ Abbey Stone Theatre, this all new Emerald Isle extravaganza will amaze audiences with its powerful dance elements and quickly become a guest favorite.

“Kinetix” at the Royal Place Theatre: Summer nights jump to life at the Royal Palace Theatre as an all-new circus takes center stage. This high-energy entertainment showcases human athleticism and performance artistry set to a rocking musical score.

Hours: Open March-October. Times vary.

Admission: Required.

Contact Information

EXPLORE VACATION PACKAGES HERE

Directions: From Williamsburg, take Route 60 East approximately three miles.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg
One Busch Gardens Blvd.
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8785

PURCHASE BUSCH GARDENS TICKETS ONLINE 

Phone: (800) 343-7946
Email: info@buschgardens.com
Website: www.buschgardens.com/va

Roman Rapids at Busch Gardens Williamsburg