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Daytime

Busch Gardens Daytime Thrill Run

Beat the midday crowds by hitting the park’s highlights early and enjoying a relaxed snack break before the evening rush.

Best time: noneAbout 240 min

Timeline

  1. 09:00

    Busch Gardens Williamsburg

    Arrive at Busch Gardens Williamsburg as it opens. The park is quietest in the morning, allowing you to experience the main attractions without long waits.

  2. 09:30

    Griffon

    Walk 5 minutes west to the Griffon. This steel Dive Coaster is one of the park’s main attractions, featuring a 90-degree drop from a height that brings riders up in the air.

  3. 10:00

    Loch Ness Monster

    Head 3 minutes west to the Loch Ness Monster. As the first roller coaster designed by Ron Toomer, this steel coaster offers a classic, twisting ride through the park's landscape.

  4. 10:30

    Alpengeist

    Take a 6-minute walk southwest to the Alpengeist. This inverted coaster features an Alpine mountain theme and provides a unique perspective as you swing beneath the track.

  5. 11:00

    Busch Gardens Williamsburg

    Spend the next hour exploring the French village area where The Griffon is located. Grab a snack or lunch from one of the available food options within the park to refuel.

  6. 12:00

    Apollo's Chariot

    Walk 3 minutes east-northeast to Apollo's Chariot. This Hyper Coaster, designed by the Swiss firm B&M, offers smooth, high-speed airtime over its long layout.

Local tip

The park is located approximately 60 miles northwest of Virginia Beach. Check the route for transport options if you are not driving. Arriving at opening time is the best way to experience the major coasters like the Griffon and Alpengeist with minimal wait times.

Check before you go

  • Confirm opening hours for Busch Gardens Williamsburg on the day of your visit, as they vary by season.
  • The park is large (422 acres). Wear comfortable shoes for the short walks between attractions.
  • Check if any specific rides require separate reservations or have height restrictions.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Williamsburg (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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