Busch Gardens Williamsburg Prepares for Spectacular 2009 Season

Another year of excitement featuring world-class roller coasters, amazing live shows, fun-filled attractions for all ages and sensational events will begin when Busch Gardens Williamsburg opens on Saturday, March 28, 2009. A new attraction (Sesame Street Forest of Fun at Busch Gardens), a new seasonal festival (Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration) and a sizzling Summer Night Concert Series are just a few of the not-to-be-missed special events taking place at the theme park during the 2009 season.

Families will love the new Sesame Street Forest of Fun at Busch Gardens, which will feature Elmo's Castle (interaction stage and water play area), Prince Elmo's Spire (shot-n-drop ride), Grover's Alpine Express (kiddie roller coaster), Bert & Ernie's Loch Adventure (flume ride), Oscar's Whirly Worms (rock-n-tug ride), Oscar's Yucky Forest (play area) and 1-2-3 Smile with Me! (character and guest photo opportunity).

2009 BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG SPECIAL EVENTS

Bud & BBQ (May 9-10, 16-17, 2009)
A perfect mix of ice-cold beer, smokin’ hot barbecue and live music takes place this September at Busch Gardens Europe. Join the party as chefs from around the United States prepare mouthwatering recipes while enjoying legendary country bands such as .38 Special and Oak Ridge Boys.

Sock Hop Nights (May 23-24, 30-31, 2009)
Guests can take a trip back to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll and watch Frankie Avalon, perform at Festhaus Park. The following weekend, The Lettermen will sing their classic songs.

Glory at the Gardens (June 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2009)
Thirteen popular contemporary Christian bands, including Third Day, TobyMac and MercyMe will perform over four Sundays in June.

Summer Nights Concert Series (July 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 & August 1-2, 8-9, 2009)
Busch Gardens Europe’s popular concert series is back and better than ever in 2009 with an amazing lineup of musicians, including performances by Little River Band, Foreigner and Loverboy.

Wild Days with Julie Scardina and Virginia Busch (September 12-13, 2009)
Wild Days, which features celebrity animal ambassadors Julie Scardina and Ginny Busch, allows you to interact with animals from Busch Gardens and SeaWorld theme parks and meet popular animal experts. Learn simple, but important techniques to protect wild animals and their habitats.

Howl-O-Scream (Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 25 - November 1, 2009)
In 2009, Busch Gardens Europe unveils its 11th season of Howl-O-Scream, the theme park's Halloween-themed "festival of fright." 2009 Howl-O-Scream promises to be bigger and better than ever!

Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration (Beginning November 27, 2009)
New for 2009, Christmas Town will transform Busch Gardens Europe into a "winter wonderland filled with holiday traditions, new surprises and park favorites." Don't miss it!

THE WORLD’S “MOST BEAUTIFUL THEME PARK”
A 250-acre theme park that first opened its doors in 1975, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has been voted the world’s “Most Beautiful Theme Park” for 18 consecutive years by the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) and named the world’s “Favorite Theme Park” for the fourth year in a row. Busch Gardens Williamsburg features five world-class roller coasters: Griffon (the world's tallest and first floorless dive coaster), Alpengeist, Loch Ness Monster, Big Bad Wolf (celebrating its 25th anniversary!) and Apollo’s Chariot (celebrating its 10th anniversary!).

Other highlights of Busch Gardens Williamsburg include Curse of DarKastle: The Ride, The Aeronaut Skyride, Tweedside Train Station, Lil' Clydes, Corkscrew Hill, Le Scoot Log Flume, Der Autobahn, Der Autobahn Jr., Der Katapult, Rhine River Cruise, Der Werbelwind, Land of the Dragons, Kinder Karussel, Der Roto Baron, Escape from Pompeii, Da Vinci's Castle, Roman Rapids, The Battering Ram, Flying Machine, Turkish Delight, Tradewind, Lil' Gliders, Lil' Balloons and Elephant Run. In addition, world-class live entertainment at Busch Gardens includes "Sesame Street presents Lights, Camera, Imagination!" at the Globe Theatre, Dine with Elmo & Friends at Castle O' Sullivan, Emerald Beat at the Abbey Stone Theatre, More . . . Pet Shenanigans at the Shenanigans Theatre, Kinetix at the Royal Palace Theatre and This Is Oktoberfest in Das Festhaus.

Conveniently located just 3 miles East of Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens Williamsburg also lies 50 miles from Richmond, Virginia, and 150 miles from Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www. buschgardens.com.

PLAN AHEAD AND ENJOY INCREDIBLE SAVINGS!
As Busch Gardens Williamsburg embarks on another season of great entertainment for the entire family, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead and craft your itinerary so you will get the most out of your Busch Gardens vacation. By seeking out discount Busch Gardens tickets, accommodations convenient to Busch Gardens and individually tailored Busch Gardens vacation packages before you arrive in Williamsburg, you will enjoy incredible savings.

For instance, Westgate Historic Williamsburg provides relaxing, period-specific accommodations just 1.5 miles from Colonial Williamsburg and a 10-minute drive from both Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA. The beautifully appointed guestrooms at Westgate Historic Williamsburg feature several types of bedding arrangements, cable TV and telephones with data ports. The spacious outdoor pool area offers a refreshing and relaxing setting for you and your family. Other onsite amenities at Westgate Historic Williamsburg include a hot tub, sun deck, exercise facility and game room. Each of the guestrooms features cable TV, coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, hairdryer, alarm clock radio and telephone with data ports. For more information about Westgate Historic Williamsburg, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

Williamburg Area Guide is the most comprehensive online guide to Williamsburg, Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens Williamsburg.