We are going to Virginia this summer and can't choose on which to go to. For those who have been to both or one or have heard things about them which is best? We have 2 thrillseekers (love big roller coasters), 3 people who ride moderate rides only (water rides especially), and 2 littluns who need a big kiddy area (lots of little rides).
2006-06-14 17:06:51 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Games & Recreation ➔ Amusement Parks
I've been to both and, being a true thrill seeker, think Paramount's Kings Dominion is boring. Busch Gardens Europe (AKA Busch Gardens Williamsburg) is better for both your water ride lovers and thrill seekers.
For Busch Gardens
For the moderate thrill seekers
BGE offers two major water rides: Le Scoot (log flume) and Roman Rapids (river rapids ride). Also, many beginning coaster riders will probably enjoy The Big Bad Wolf as it is a very tame ride and isn't very intense. The new Curse of DarKastle is another ride that moderate thrill seekers will enjoy, it is a new and unique form of simulation that features massive screens (similar to Imax) and movable cars on a track. There are only 2 rides like DarKastle in existance, itself and the Adventures of Spiderman in Islands of Adventure. Depending on the moderate thrill seekers they may get on Loch Ness Monster (remember to sit near the front or it can get rough, the front seat is perfectly smooth).
For the thrill seeker: Apollo's Chariot dominates at Busch Gardens Europe by far. Winning the #4 BEST Steel Coaster position by the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards, it stands 210 feet up and moves at speeds up to 72 mph. It is a Bolliger and Mabillard manufactured hypercoaster that is a mustn't miss for any thrill seeker. -hands up- Alpengeist is another awesome, and smooth, coaster that any true thrill seeker will love. Alpengeist, built in 1998 by Bolliger and Mabillard, is the tallest and fastest inverted (meaning your feet dangle) coaster, standing 195 feet tall and going at speeds over 65 mph. It features about 6 (if I remember correctly) inversions in a compact, and well themed design. The Loch Ness Monster coaster is also something that a thrill seeker will like but it is significantly less intense than Alpengeist, standing just a few yards from its entrance. The Big Bad Wolf is a good ride but probably won't be enjoyed by true thrill seekers.
Unfortunantly with the thrill and moderate thrill rides Busch Gardens Europe has to offer it lacks in kiddy rides. They do have some but not a ton of them. My cousin went once and they did have enough to keep him occupied throughout the day.
Paramount's Kings Dominion is significantly less built up than Busch Gardens Europe. Basically the park is a mess only having 2 thrilling coasters, Hypersonic XLC, and Volcano: The Blast Coaster. Other than that, your thrill seekers are going to be bored to death. Also there are not many moderate thrill seeker rides unless they will get on some coasters, then they could ride Rebel Yell and Shockwave, Richocet, the new Italian Job: Stunt Coaster With the less thrill rides comes a LOT of kiddie rides. Hopefully King's Dominions new owners, Cedar Fair (parent company of Cedar Point) will make Kings Dominion a place to go.
As you can see Busch Gardens Europe is a MUCH more enjoyable place to go. Plan to go there.
2006-06-15 02:02:39 · answer #1 · answered by coasterman1234 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I live 30 minutes from Busch Gardens. I love the park, but honestly there is very little to do there in the way of rides. They have Land of the Dragons for the little ones. They have two water rides. The roller coasters are good, but beyond that there isn't much to really ride. It's a great place to walk around and visit the shops. The atmosphere is wonderful.
I haven't been to King's Dominion in a couple of years, but I remember having a lot more fun there. The Rebel Yell is an awesome wooden roller coaster that you can ride both forward and backward. They have two other wooden coasters and 9 coasters total. The children's area is huge and includes Nickelodeon and Hanna-Barbera. They also have an area called WaterWorks (which is free with admission!).
I would definitely have to suggest King's Dominion.
Also...the ticket prices are cheaper at King's Dominion :)
2006-06-15 07:38:26 · answer #2 · answered by dragonnwolf2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you only have the time to go to one park, go to Busch Gardens. Kings Dominion is a very nice amusement park, but it quite typical of the Paramount and Six Flags type parks that can be found all over the country. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is more interesting and unique in its theming, while still having an excellent selection of thrill rides and water rides.
2006-06-14 18:00:54 · answer #3 · answered by Scott H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Busch Gardens wins atmosphere, quality or rides, reliability of rides actually being open, staff friendliness/intelligence, food, every other category
PKD offers more roller coasters...
however if you took the ride time of busch gardens full length coasters vs pkd's 15 second tracks, bg might actually add up to more ride time on less coasters. Busch Gardens is more efficient with their rides too, shorter, faster moving lines.
PKD is being bought out by Cedar Fair, the same company that owns Cedar Point; wait to goto PKD after this sell goes and Cedar fair turns it around.
My Choice: BG
In 5 years: PKD to see if cedar fair does well in turning it around.
2006-06-16 02:18:41 · answer #4 · answered by I have 0 characters to work with 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Busch Gardens... They thrillseeking rollercoasters moderate safari themed rides and some nice kiddie areas and good water rides and "safari" rides. You should go it is a lot of fun. A LOT OF FUN
2006-06-16 02:48:52 · answer #5 · answered by Bryan D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of the two I've only been to Bush Gardens but I had a blast and would recomend it to anyone. Something for everyone, lots of coasters, lots of kids rides... Also be sure to visit colonial williamsburg.
2006-06-15 09:34:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think King's Dominion! I can go there a million times and never get bored! Plus its propably less crowded and has awesome kids rides.
2006-06-15 12:17:54 · answer #7 · answered by Rachel :) 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Busch Gardens is cool. And you can visit Historic Williamsburg and get a history lesson in--the teachers will love it next year!
2006-06-14 17:16:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have been to both, but Paramount Kings Dominion it is really good !!!!
places you and kids can play!!
the other is a little boring!!!
or why not go to both, there close!!
2006-06-14 17:09:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Paramount most definetly
2006-06-15 02:31:56 · answer #10 · answered by spartan1820 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋