Busch Gardens Europe

Infobox Amusement park
name = Busch Gardens Europe


location = Williamsburg
location2 = Virginia
location3 = United States flagicon|USA
opening_date = May 16, 1975
previous_names = "Busch Gardens: The Old Country" - 1974 to 1992
"Busch Gardens Williamsburg" - 1993 to 2005
"Busch Gardens Europe" - 2006 to 2007
"Busch Gardens Williamsburg" - 2008 to present
season = March - October
area = 250 acres
rides = 25
coasters = 5
water_rides = 3
owner = Anheuser-Busch
slogan = *World's Most Beautiful Theme Park (Historically known)
*Make a Connection In a Whole New Direction (Advertised)
*Fear the Four (Before the addition of Griffon)
*Defy the Five (Current)
homepage = [http://www.buschgardens.com/buschgardens/va/]

Busch Gardens Europe is a theme park located in James City County, Virginia about 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Williamsburg. It opened on May 5, 1975, adjacent to the local Anheuser-Busch brewery and other-related AB developments including the Kingsmill Resort complex. The park is themed around the history and culture of old-world Europe. It is owned by Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC), the family entertainment division of Anheuser-Busch.

The park was originally called Busch Gardens: The Old Country, reflecting the European theme. In the early 1990s the park was renamed Busch Gardens Williamsburg. In 2006, the name was changed to Busch Gardens Europe, to once again reflect the European theme. Similarly, Busch Gardens Tampa was renamed to Busch Gardens Africa at the start of the 2006 season.

Overview

Busch Gardens Europe opened on May 5, 1975. The park features a combination of world class roller coasters and Broadway style shows for all ages. This park is laid out as a large circle that crosses the path between Banbury Cross, England and Heatherdowns, Scotland. A left turn at this crossroads leads to Italy/San Marco, while a right turn leads to Ireland. Guests may also follow the path straight into Heatherdowns, Scotland. Beyond Heatherdowns, the walkway leads down a steep hill containing thirteen flights of stairs with slanted landings. At the base of this hill is the Rhine River Cruise boat ride. The path beyond the boat ride continues up an equally steep hill and stairs leading to Rhinefeld, Germany. Even though the Rhine River Cruise is one of the mildest rides in the park, its location is not accessible to strollers, wheelchairs or ECV Mobility Carts.

Busch Gardens Europe attracts nearly 2.5 million guests annually, with the park's operating season running from mid-March until the end of October.

Awards

Busch Gardens Europe has been voted the world's Most Beautiful Theme Park for eighteen consecutive years and ranked first among the world's Favorite Theme Parks for the fourth year in a row by the National Amusement Park Historical Association. [NAPHA Survey Press Release. May 4, 2007. http://napha.org/nnn/Portals/0/NAPHA%20Survey%20Press%20Release%202006(2).pdf Accessed June 24, 2007.] The park traditionally receives high accolades in the international Golden Ticket Award, hosted by Amusement Today. In 2006, the park placed in Best Food, Best Shows and Cleanest Park. It took the top place in the category Best Landscaping. [Amusement Today's 2006 Golden Ticket Awards September, 2006. http://www.amusementtoday.com/image/GoldenTicket2006.pdf Accessed June 24, 2007.] Busch Gardens has over several years received recognition from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), most prominently taking the Applause Award for "management, operations and creative accomplishments that have inspired the industry with foresight, originality and sound business development" in November of 2002. ["Busch Gardens Williamsburg 'Applauded': European-Themed Park Honored with Top Industry Award." November 20, 2002. http://www.themeparks.com/buschw/bgwnews.htm Accessed June 24, 2007.] Busch Gardens Europe was voted as the "World's Best Theme Park" in both the 2006 and 2007 Theme Park Insider Awards. The ride "Curse of DarKastle" won the 2005 Theme Park Insider Award for "World's Best New Theme Park Attraction." ["Busch Gardens Europe wins 2006 Theme Park Insider Award as 'World's Best Theme Park'" July 2, 2006. http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200607/149/ Accessed June 24, 2007.]

Conservation

Busch Gardens is dedicated to wildlife conservation and animal care. Jack Hanna's Wildlife Reserve houses a variety of wild species including gray wolves and bald eagles. Busch Gardens is partnered with SeaWorld (also owned by Busch Entertainment Corp.) in the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, which offers guests the opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation. The Rhine River Cruise's Boats are battery powered versus the usual fuel burning motors to cut back on power generation and prevent water pollution. In addition Busch Gardens and Water Country USA both use insects rather than pesticides in the park's commitment to organic gardening. Busch Gardens recycles 500 tons of materials annually. All brochures, maps, show guides, and all paper products in the restrooms are made from recycled material.

Material Recycled Breakdown:
*Batteries - 2 tons
*Cardboard - 225 tons
*Drink containers (Aluminum, glass, plastic) - 12 tons
*Light bulbs - 1.5 tons
*Miscellaneous material - 40 tons

Special events

Busch Gardens hosts a "Summer Nights" concert series featuring performances by nationally known rock and country artists such as artists like Eddie Money, Peter Frampton, Grand Funk Railroad, and The Guess Who. During Howl-O-Scream, which begins the middle of September and runs through the end of October, the park and many of its attractions are transformed in honor of Halloween.

The park also periodically offers special rates or packages for certain members of the US military. The current program, entitled "Here's to the Heroes", was initiated in February 2005 and has been extended through the 2008 season. Active duty, active reserve, ready reserve, or National Guard service members, along with up to three direct dependents, are granted one day's free admission to Busch Gardens Europe or one of Busch Entertainment Corporation's other parks. ["Anheuser-Busch Extends Military Tribute." Anheuser-Busch Press Release. December 14, 2007. http://www.anheuser-busch.com/Press/Tribute_121407.html Accessed July 1, 2008.]

Countries

Busch Gardens Europe is divided into nine organized areas called hamlets. The hamlets are themed after six European countries.

Two attractions provide transportation around the park. The Skyride transports guests between the Banbury Cross, Rhinefeld, and Aquitaine hamlets; while replica steam trains transport guests between the Heatherdowns, Festa Italia, and New France hamlets.

Banbury Cross (England)

Banbury Cross is fashioned after England, complete with stereotypical red telephone booths and common English architecture. A variety of shops await guests in this small hamlet. Guest Services windows are located next to the turnstiles of the Main gate. Stroller, wheelchair and ECV Mobility Cart rentals are provided on the right side of Banbury Cross just inside the entrance. A simulacrum of the famous St. Stephen's Clock Tower (Big Ben) is the central element of this area. Banbury Cross also includes The Squire's Galley, serving breakfast and lunch, as well as a funnel cake shop, ice cream shop, and candy store. The Globe Theatre, a double-sized replica of William Shakespeare's performance home, is the most prominent attraction in the area, currently featuring "Pirates", a 4-D film starring Eric Idle and Leslie Nielsen. The theater previously featured the films "R. L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse" and "Haunts of the Old Country". Prior to the 4-D films, the theater hosted a variety of live shows. Banbury Cross also contains the skyride station nearest to the Main Gate. The Aeronaut (first leg) of the skyride departs to Aquitaine, France, while the Zeppelin (third leg) skyride arrives from Rhinefeld, Germany.

Heatherdowns (Scotland)

Heatherdowns is a quaint Scottish hamlet situated at the top of the hill on the path leading from Banbury Cross, England. It is the second of Busch Gardens' European hamlets. The central attraction in this area is the Loch Ness Monster. When this coaster premiered in 1978, it was the tallest and longest looping coaster in the world. It is the only roller coaster with interlocking loops currently in operation. Tweedside Train Station offers a 20 minute ride through the park with additional stops in Festa Italia and at the central train station, Caribou, in New France. Tweedside gifts is located adjacent to the train station. Heatherdowns is also home to Clydesdale horses, identified with the Anheuser-Busch brand since 1933. ["Clydesdale Horses: Fun Facts." http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/animal-bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/mammalia/perissodactyla/clydesdale-horse.htm Accessed June 24, 2007.] Other points of interest include Pigs in a Kilt, a counter service walk-up.

Killarney (Ireland)

Formerly known as Hastings, England, this section of the park was rethemed in 2001 as Ireland, the newest country in over 20 years. The most prominent attraction in this section of the park is the 4-D simulator Corkscrew Hill, in which riders travel in miniature through old magical Ireland. This area also prominently features shows, including the Irish dancing show "Emerald Beat" and the family show "Secrets of Castle O'Sullivan". Grogan's Grill offers Irish cuisine in this area. Outside the gateway next to Castle O'Sullivan, the walkway makes a sharp left turn and begins a long, moderately steep climb toward Aquitaine, France. Several animal sanctuaries and an animal performance theater are situated along this path.

San Marco (Italy)

When Italy/San Marco was opened, it completed the outer circle walkway around Busch Gardens. Part of the park's expansion included a high pedestrian bridge across the Rhine River into Oktoberfest, Germany. The bridge currently houses a salute to the various branches of the US military. San Marco is based upon Renaissance era Italy. Escape from Pompeii is a Shoot-the-Chutes ride transporting guests to a 1920s dig of the ruins of Pompeii. The ride features prominent fire effects and a fifty-foot plunge. A prominent feature within San Marco is Da Vinci's Garden of Inventions. This garden features Italian statues and flowers set amid rides based on sketches by Leonardo da Vinci, including The Flying Machine, a circular ride, Da Vinci's Cradle, a magic carpet-type ride, and The Battering Ram, a swinging Viking ship. The Little Balloons and the Little Gliders are children's attractions based in Da Vinci's Garden. Also in the area is Restorante Della Piazza, featuring Italian cuisine and allowing guests to watch "Viva Italia," a show that features eight singers and three musicians that sing and dance popular songs from artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Liza Minelli, and even more. During the summer sounds of the Starlight Orchestra can be heard while dining.

Festa Italia (Italy)

Festa Italia is themed around a fair celebrating Marco Polo's return to Italy from his famous visit to China. The most prominently featured ride in this section is Apollo's Chariot, a Bolliger and Mabillard Hypercoaster with a 210-foot drop. Also in the area is Roman Rapids, a river rapids raft ride which uses ancient Roman architecture and sculpture to drench riders. Coin-operated squirt guns are mounted on the rails alongside the viewing area of Roman Rapids so that nonriders can make a wet ride even wetter. Also included in this section are Turkish Delight, a spinning teacup ride, Tradewinds, a circular speed ride known as a himalaya, and Elephant Run, a children's ride. Train passengers from Tweedside and Caribou stations can load and unload here. Festa Italia also features numerous food vendors and carnival games.

Rhinefeld (Rhineland Germany)

This section is based upon Germany. The main attraction of Rhinefeld is Alpengeist, an inverted B&M roller coaster. Alpengeist is themed to a runaway ski lift in the German Alps, and features six inversions. The second and third legs of Busch Gardens' skyride arrive and depart from this section. Also in Rhinefeld is Land of the Dragons, a large children's play area featuring a playground, five rides, and seasonal shows.

Oktoberfest (Bavarian Germany)

Like Rhinefeld, this section is based on Germany. Oktoberfest celebrates the German festival of the same name. The roller coaster in this section is The Big Bad Wolf, one of the first suspended roller coasters. The park maintains that the coaster moves "at the speed of fright", which has been clocked at 48mph. The other main attraction in Oktoberfest is the Curse of DarKastle. This dark ride is themed to a castle frozen in time by mad Ludwig himself. Oktoberfest also features a variety of flat rides including bumper cars, the katapult (a scrambler flat ride) and the waveswinger, along with other kiddie rides. Oktoberfest is also home to a large assortment of carnival-style games. Das Festhaus is a large, air conditioned eating facility where guests can purchase authentic German food or American classics. While eating in Das Festhaus, guests can experience "This is Oktoberfest", an upbeat show featuring German singing and dancing, or listen to a brass quartet, playing a variety of well known tunes and German folk songs.

Aquitaine (France)

Centering around the quaint French village of Aquitaine, this section is based upon France. It is home to many French shops and one of the park's skyride stations, where the first leg of the skyride arrives from England and the second leg departs for Rhinefeld, Germany. The Royale Palace Theatre in France hosts numerous shows throughout the season with a main feature during the summer months, summer concert series in the late summer, and themed show for "Howl O' Scream" in September and October. The Le Mans Raceway family car ride, an original park attraction, was removed to make room for the Bolliger and Mabillard roller coaster Griffon, which has a 205-foot tall 90° drop. Griffon was set to open on May 25, 2007, but opened May 18th. Griffon is the tallest drop coaster in the country, and only outshines its sister coaster Sheikra, at Busch Gardens Africa, by a mere 5 feet.

New France (French Canada)

This is the only non-European themed region. It is based on French colonial Canada. It consists of a hub of Canadian-themed shops with a colonial tone throughout the area. Rides in New France include the Busch Gardens Railway departing from Caribou Station and Le Scoot Log Flume, featuring a 50-foot plunge through a saw mill. New France also houses the Canadian Palladium Theater, which features the long running show "American Jukebox".

New for 2009: Sesame Street

On August 8, 2008, the park announced plans for its new 2009 attraction, a European-themed Sesame Street area. Busch Entertainment Corporation already operates the Sesame Place theme park in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. The new area will feature four new rides, including a junior roller coaster named "Grover's Alpine Tours" and a log flume. More can be found on the park's media website, http://www.buschgardensnews.com/page/pressannouncement

Roller coasters

Existing (listed by first year)

* Loch Ness Monster (1978 — present) Loch Ness is celebrating its 30th anniversary at Busch Gardens in 2008.
* Big Bad Wolf (1984 — present)
* Alpengeist (1997 — present)
* Apollo's Chariot (1999 — present)
* Griffon (2007 — present)
* Grover's Alpine Tours (2009, under construction)

Defunct (listed by first year)

* Die Wildkatze (1976 — 1983)
** Replaced by "Big Bad Wolf"
* Das Kätzchen (1976 — 1984)
* Glissade (1975 — 1985)
*"Drachen Fire" (1992 — 2002)
* "Wild Maus" (1996 — 2003)
** Moved to Busch Gardens Africa as "Cheetah Chase"
** Replaced by "Curse of DarKastle"
** Opened as the "Wild Izzy" as a tie in to the Mascot of the 1996 Olympic Games

Animal Attractions

Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

Along with various birds that inhabit Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve, major attractions here are the bald eagles and wolves. "Eagle Ridge" is a 3,000+ foot area set aside for housing and rehabilitating bald eagles and providing education to visitors. "Wolf Haven" is a viewing area where guests may observe one of Busch Garden's pairs of wolves. One pair is on exhibition at a time. Busch Gardens also provides "Wolf Valley" for those wolves not on display. Over 8,000 feet of natural habitat is intended to ensure the animals' health and well-being. ["A New Home to Roam at Busch Gardens Williamsburg." WildLIFE: Conservation News from from SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove. Spring, 2006. http://www.abap-wildlife.com/happenings_archives6.html Accessed June 24, 2007.]

Clydesdales

Busch Gardens Europe is home to several of the world famous Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales. You can see these beautiful horses at their stables in Heatherdowns/Scotland, across from the Tweedside Station. Also, just recently the donkey named Zipper, who lead the Clydesdale horses when they walked, was retired by his owner. In his place, another Clydesdale was brought in. Also living near the stables are 2 of the Anheuser-Busch team dalmatians.

Parking and transportation

At the park

At the park, special parking areas are provided for persons with special needs or disabilities, recreational vehicles, and groups arriving by buses and motorcoaches. Trams provide shuttle service to and from entrance gates from outlying parking areas.

Within the park itself, three steam locomotive powered trains operate on a 2-mile loop of track, providing transportation between the Banbury Cross, Festa Italia, and New France themed areas.

Getting there

By automobile

Busch Gardens Europe is physically located along U.S. Route 60 about 3 miles east of the Williamsburg City Limits between the residential areas of the Kingsmill Resort and Grove in James City County. For persons or groups arriving by motor vehicle, it is most easily accessed from Interstate 64 at exit 243-A:
* 43 miles east of the junction of I-64 and I-295 near Richmond and Richmond International Airport
* 12 miles west of Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport
* 23 miles west of the Hampton Roads Beltway junction of I-64 and I-664 near the Hampton Coliseum and Coliseum Central Area in Hampton.

Rail, intercity bus, transit service

Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle area offer good non-automobile driving alternatives for visitors and citizens, both getting there, and moving around locally. The Williamsburg Transportation Center is an intermodal facility which includes a restored C&O Railway station. it is centrally-located near the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg and its Visitor's Center, as well as the College of William and Mary and the downtown area. Amtrak, Greyhound Lines, and other intercity buses offer connections there with an extensive public transit bus system prepared to serve local users and visitors operated by Williamsburg Area Transport, with year-round service to Busch Gardens Europe and seasonal service to Water Country USA. Routes also access most hotels and restaurants. Taxicabs and rental cars are also available at the Williamsburg Transportation Center.

WAT's transit buses are equipped with bicycle racks and there are special facilities at the park for securing them while visiting. Nearby, the new Virginia Capital Trail which will accommodate bikes will connect Richmond with Williamsburg.

References

Sources

* [http://www.buschgardens.com/buschgardens/va/default.aspx Busch Gardens Europe web site]
* [http://www.howl-o-scream.com/williamsburg/index.htm Busch Gardens Europe Howl-o-Scream official website.]
* [http://www.rcdb.com/pd20.htm Roller Coaster Database entries for Busch Gardens Europe]

External links

* [http://www.bgescape.com BGEscape]
* [http://www.herosalute.com/ Here's To the Heroes website]