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Drive-Thru Safari Park is Open and a Fun Day Trip!

Drive-thru virginia safari park.

Looking for a fun day or weekend trip for the family? Virginia Safari Park in Natural Bridge, VA is a drive-through safari with free-roaming animals. In fact the 180-acre park is home to over 1,000 exotic animals from 6 continents including elk, gazelle, zebra & other exotic fauna. The park is approximately 200 miles from Williamsburg.

You drive through the park observing the animals and you can purchase specialty grain to feed them. We took our family recently and had a wonderful time.

I highly recommend the trip and purchasing the buckets of food. The animals will approach your vehicle in search of a tasty treat! You will laugh, squeal, and perhaps find food bits in your car for weeks.

I don’t recommend feeding animals through the sunroof unless you want it to “rain” feed all in your vehicle…

Not one but two elk peeking through the windows.

There is also a walk-thru area with giraffe feeding, petting area and even African penguins!

The great thing about the park is everyone enjoys it from the young to the old. Some are braver than others, so if you choose to just ride through the park or hold your bucket of feed for the animals to come up to the vehicle, you’re guaranteed a day of memories!

Virginia Safari Park 229 Safari Lane Natural Bridge, VA 24578 (540) 291-3205

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Safari Drive-Thru

The Virginia Safari Park, located in Natural Bridge, offers visitors the opportunity to see and feed animals up-close from their vehicles in the safari drive-thru attraction.

Take a drive on the wild side!

The Virginia Safari Park is a beautiful 180-acre drive-thru safari park nestled in the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley and home to more than 1,200 rare and endangered animals that roam free in a natural setting. From the comfort of your car, you’ll see antelopes, bison, bull elk, the rare Pere David’s deer, emus, ostriches, wildebeest and many more. Roll down your window and extend a bucket of feed and you’ll get a visit from many of them wanting a snack.

In the Safari, you'll be able to see animals run and frolic with abandon. Take your time as you drive along the three miles of maintained gravel road. Feed the animals through your vehicle windows and be prepared to stop for them as they stroll across your path or even lie down.

Our animals are allowed to roam freely and act instinctively. This means you might see males competing with each other for the females’ attention, resulting in cute baby animals being born throughout the season. You could be among the lucky visitors who witness a live birth and the first steps of the newborn.

Feed the Animals

As you make your way along the road in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah Valley, stop every once in a while to feed the animals our specialty grain mixture.

You’ll never forget the experience of one of our huge bull elk or bison eating from your bucket of feed. Drive through as many times as you like to give everyone in your group a chance to have a memorable encounter like this. Download our guidebook

Safari Village Walk-Thru

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Family Fun: The Ultimate Guide to Busch Gardens, Virginia

Are you planning a family trip to Virginia? Busch Gardens, Virginia, might be on your bucket list as a fun-filled getaway. Sometimes referred to as the oldest and most beautiful theme park in North America, Busch Gardens offers a variety of exciting attractions and entertainment options for everyone to enjoy.

With over 50 rides and shows featuring everything from roller coasters to water parks to live music events, Busch Gardens is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

The Basic Details

Busch Gardens is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, and generally operates from March to October each year. Before you visit, it’s always best to check for any changes in operating hours, current show offerings, and show times. You can also check to see if any special events are going on when you plan to visit.

In general, the park opens at 10 am and closes at 8 pm during the summer months, with extended hours on weekends and select holidays. The cost of tickets starts at a discounted price of $25 per day when a multi-day pass (3+ days) is purchased or $70 for one day of fun.

If you live nearby or plan to stay a while, Busch Gardens also offers monthly and annual passes or membership plans that can fit an individual’s or family’s needs. You can also purchase tickets to their sister waterpark, Water Country USA .

Stay Up to Date

Busch Gardens frequently offers different shows and events. For example, some of their most significant events of the year include Hal-o-Scream and Bier Fest. For up-to-date information on current offerings, they recommend downloading their app .

How to Get Your Tickets

For easier access, it’s best to purchase your tickets online instead of at the gate. You can choose from various packages, including season passes and multi-day tickets. Check out their discounts for military personnel, AAA members, and seniors.

You might also find an all-in-one vacation package that includes your tickets without the need to purchase them directly.

You can purchase tickets at the gate if you’d like to wait until you arrive at the park. It’s important to remember that sales end one hour before closing time, so make sure you plan accordingly.

What to Expect

Arrive ready for lots of fun and adventures. Busch Gardens has something for everyone, with over 50 thrilling rides ranging from family-friendly roller coasters to extreme water slides. For a more relaxed experience, the park also features a variety of shows and exhibits, like the Animal Care Center and Eagle Valley Birds Show.

Busch Gardens has plenty to offer in entertainment and dining if you’re looking for more than just rides. With a mix of dining options from quick snacks to full-service restaurants, as well as events like live music performances and special festivals throughout the year, you’ll never run out of things to do.

Things to Do at Busch Gardens

Knowing what you want to do before arriving at the park can help. Trying to see it all in one day is not typically recommended.

• Rides and coasters
• Tours via train or bus (or book a private tour)
• Animal encounters
• Restaurants for snacking and dining
• Shopping for souvenirs and fun memorabilia
• Youth and child camps (check for current offerings)
• Special events, such as Bier Fest and Hal-o-Scream

To plan your day ahead of time, look at the map and plan a practical route. You can also use their queue times to plan the order in which you would like to visit rides and attractions.

Tips for Your Visit

Want to get the most out of your visit? Follow these tips.

• Take advantage of coupons , discounts, and loyalty programs that are available. Busch Gardens offers a variety of discounts for seniors, military personnel, and AAA members. They also offer reward card programs that can provide plenty of benefits for frequent visitors.
• If you hate lines (who doesn’t), consider upgrading our ticket to a “quick queue” that allows you to skip many crowds.
• Plan ahead and familiarize yourself with Busch Gardens’ layout. The park is divided into ten sections, each with its own identity (by country) and attractions to explore.
• If you’re unsure what to see, consider booking a tour for guidance. Tour options include animal encounters, a look behind the scenes of the rollercoasters, family fun, and VIP tours.
• Don’t try to see it all in one day. Especially with little ones, it’s the most fun to spend a few days exploring the park rather than trying to cram it all into one day (if time allows).
• Download the Busch Gardens app for updated wait times and maps.
• On a budget or have picky eaters? Bring a refillable water bottle and snacks. While there are plenty of food options available within the park, outside food and drinks are allowed and can help you save some money. You can also purchase a food plan before entering the park to get the best possible deal.
• Don’t forget to check the forecast and dress for the weather. Busch Gardens is primarily outdoors, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket or umbrella. Also, carry essentials like hats and sunscreen.

Busch Garden’s Top Attractions

Busch Gardens has something for everyone, but these are some of the top attractions and thrill rides you won’t want to miss:

• Griffon : The world’s first Dive Coaster. This one-of-a-kind roller coaster offers a thrilling experience with an 85-foot drop and speeds up to 57 mph!
• Escape from Pompeii: This state-of-the-art water ride takes you through the Roman ruins of Pompeii with fire blasts, fog screens, and geysers to keep your heart racing.
• DarKoaster : This newer ride is the first all-indoor straddle roller coaster.

Best Attractions for Thrill-Seekers

If you’re looking for a good adrenaline rush, here are some of the best thrill rides and attractions Busch Gardens has to offer:

• Apollo’s Chariot: Climb aboard one of the highest roller coasters in America and prepare to drop nearly 200 feet at speeds up to 73 mph!
• Tempesto : Dare yourself on this steel inverted coaster that launches you up a vertical tower and drops you at speeds of 60 mph!
• Verbolten : Take an adventure into the Black Forest for a roller coaster experience, with multiple drops and speeds of up to 55 mph. (Note: This ride is temporarily closed as of August 2023.)

Best Attractions for FamiliesBusch Gardens Virginia

Busch Gardens is an excellent place for the whole family! Here are some of the top attractions that you won’t want to miss with your kids:

• Sesame Street Forest of Fun : This classic park area features Elmo’s castle for water fun, themed kid-friendly rides, a playground, and a chance to meet some characters.
• Busch Gardens Railways : Take a scenic park tour aboard this miniature steam engine train ride—a fun, leisurely ride for all ages.
• Kinder Karussel: This classic carousel features kid-friendly animals, including horses and chariots.
• Land of the Dragons : This park area is perfect for younger kids, featuring classic fun like tree houses, climbing nets, and ladybug rides.
• Animal Encounters : Throughout the park, there are animals to see and learn about, including Clydesdale horses, wolves, sheep, birds, and reptiles.

Busch Gardens Virigina: FAQ

For commonly asked questions, see the section below:

Is Busch Gardens Williamsburg worth it?

Yes, absolutely! Busch Gardens offers everything, from thrilling rides to live shows and events. Plus, with various ticket packages available, you can find an option that works best for your budget and family size.

What city is Busch Gardens, Virginia, in?

Busch Gardens is located in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Is there a hotel near Busch Gardens?

Yes, there are many hotels and resorts within close proximity to Busch Gardens. Many of these offer special rates for park visitors. You can also purchase package deals that include airfare, hotel, and tickets in one.

Which is better, Busch Gardens, Florida, or Virginia?

It depends on your preference and what kind of experience you seek. Both parks have unique attractions and experiences, so it’s worth researching to see which fits your needs better. Florida may be the better choice if you want access to a wider variety of amusement parks (for example, SeaWorld or LEGOLAND).

How many Busch Gardens are there in the United States?

Currently, there are only two Busch Gardens parks in the United States: one in Tampa Bay, Florida, and the other in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Are there water rides at Busch Gardens, Virginia?

Yes, there are several water rides at Busch Gardens, Virginia. These include Escape from Pompeii, the Grand Expedition Rapids, and a kid-friendly Elmo-themed splash park for kids.

Busch Gardens: Fun for All

Busch Gardens is an amusement park offering something for all ages. From thrilling rides to family-friendly attractions, there’s plenty of fun to be had at this Virginia destination. With various ticket packages and services available, you can find an option that fits your budget and ensures a great time for the whole family!

Susan Frese

Susan is the owner of Travelin’ Coupons, a website focused on finding the best deals for attractions, tours, museums, hotels and more! Susan has over 20 years of experience working in the travel industry, spending half her careers working in hotels and the other half working for attractions.

• Susan Frese #molongui-disabled-link 6 Awesome Cheap Places to Travel in the United States (with Lots of Bonuses)

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Ride Roller Coasters Through Italy, France, and Germany at This European-themed Amusement Park in Virginia

Here's everything you need to know about Busch Gardens Williamsburg before you visit.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

If a European vacation isn’t in the cards for you this year, a visit to Williamsburg, Virginia could do the trick. At Busch Gardens Williamsburg, visitors are transported — by train, no less — through Germany , France, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, and England. You can build a loaded baked potato at Ireland’s O’Tators before digging into a cannoli in Italy’s Marco Polo’s Marketplace . Then, head to Germany for OktoberZest , a show that promises to entertain with music and dancing that celebrates the German culture.

Once the novelty of a European-themed park has worn off — there are the rides. And the Busch Gardens roller coasters don’t disappoint. The park is home to rides like Griffon , which drops passengers 205 feet at 75 miles per hour, and Apollo's Chariot, which is consistently given top marks by Golden Ticket Awards .

Ready to strap in for a thrilling trip to America’s little Europe? Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

When to Visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens in Virginia is a seasonal park, so it closes in early January and reopens in mid-March every year. As you’d expect, the park is busiest over summer holiday weekends — including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. But keep in mind the park is also packed during their Halloween-themed Howl-O-Scream weekends (running late September through late October) and Christmas Town weekends (Thanksgiving through early January).

If you want to avoid the crowds and maximize the number of rides you can take, visit during the week (particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) or plan your trip around a non-holiday weekend. Regardless of when you visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg, arriving at the park before it opens will ensure can get in at least a few rides before it gets crowded.

How to Select the Best Busch Gardens Williamsburg Tickets

If you’re planning a summer or fall visit, the standard Busch Gardens 1-day ticket gives you access to the Virginia park for one day between March 15 and Nov. 1, 2020 for $88.99. During the Christmas Town season (November to January) ticket prices typically vary between $34.99 and $59.99, depending on the day.

Regardless of when you plan your trip to Virginia’s Busch Gardens, buying tickets online and in advance will ensure you secure the best prices.

Simplify the Busch Gardens Experience

Depending on what sort of park experience you have in mind, you might want to buy ticket add-ons in advance. If you want great seats to Celtic Fyre , an Irish step dancing show, paying a little extra will be well worth a reserved seat. And if you already know you and your crew are all about the food — add on an All-Day Dining Deal + Drinks, which will ensure you can get an entree, a side or dessert, and a drink every 90 minutes. Virginia’s Busch Gardens also offers quick queue access so you can enjoy priority status at your favorite rides and roller coasters .

To make life even easier, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has a Transferable Ride Locker Pass so you can secure your belongings while you hop on a ride, and a Quick Pay Cashless Wristband, so you can make purchases without fumbling for your wallet.

Hotels Near Busch Gardens VA

When it’s time to escape the buzz of the park, a hotel near Busch Gardens is the perfect place to stay. For a taste of luxury, a stay at the nearby Kingsmill Resort is in order. The property is Williamsburg’s only AAA Four Diamond Condominium Resort, and it boasts two championship golf courses, a spa, three pools (and a lazy river!), four restaurants, and most importantly, a location near Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The shuttle to and from the theme park is complementary and the service is top-notch.

In terms of proximity to the park, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Williamsburg is impossible to beat. The hotel has its own indoor and outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, game room, and an internet cafe. For an additional fee, you can hop on the daily shuttle to and from Busch Gardens.

Where to Eat at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

You can’t bring your own food into the park (other than single-serve sized snacks and water), so use it as a welcome excuse to eat at one of Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s many European-themed eateries.

Meat-lovers can head to New France’s Trapper's Smokehouse for barbecue ribs, chicken, and brisket. And everyone in the family will leave happy after a visit to the Marco Polo’s Marketplace — where you can choose from Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian meals.

Busch Gardens Roller Coasters You Won’t Want to Miss

In addition to tried and true Busch Gardens roller coasters — Apollo’s Chariot, Verbolten, Griffon, Alpengeist, and the Loch Ness Monster — you’ll want to swing by the new Finnegan’s Flyer , which swings passengers 80 feet into the air.

And, starting in 2020, Busch Gardens Williamsburg visitors can experience the fastest multi-launch roller coaster in the world. The Pantheon will have four launches, two inversions, a 95-degree drop, and will move at speeds up to 73 m.p.h.

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