Busch Gardens Williamsburg recently sent out a survey, describing a wide array of possible future attractions, apparently in an attempt to determine guest preferences. Unsurprisingly, we at BGWFans have a few thoughts.
The bottom line is that many of the concepts described could fill holes in the attraction lineup and strengthen recently neglected aspects of the park. We are very excited by what we have seen recently with the Loch Ness Monster upgrades and the great theming for Big Bad Two. Perhaps these additions could signal a real return to BGW’s glory days as a top tier regional theme park.
So, what attractions did the park tease in the survey? We have listed them below complete with our thoughts and recommendations.
Animal Exhibit
A new animal habitat to exhibit an additional animal species, unlike any other in the park. This new exhibit would include presentations, showcasing what makes the animal special and the connection they have with other species and habitats. Examples include Otters, Lynx, Bison, Badger, Butterfly, or Black Bear.
I am an outspoken advocate for United Parks’ animal conservation efforts. They use modern behavioral techniques and house their rescues in appropriate habitats. So, naturally, we love the idea of welcoming new animals to the park.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg, however, is neither a zoo like its sister park in Tampa nor an aquarium like the three SeaWorld parks. Given its smaller collection, we believe that the species should be indigenous to one of the park’s European hamlets to integrate with and enhance the placemaking.
So, we especially love the idea of their adding lynxes, badgers, and otters. We would also suggest adding reindeer to the list; imagine how cool they would be at Christmas Town! Given that people willingly pay for animal tours, all of these furry creatures would probably pay for themselves fairly quickly. And you know every parent would need a photo of their kids with Santa’s sled-bearers.
As an aside, adding a new animal habitat would be the perfect opportunity to retheme New France, which has never made sense at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, to a Norwegian hamlet. It already has a viking-themed coaster, and the rest of the area could be fairly easily reskinned to feel like Northern Europe, complete with their indigenous species.
Setting aside my personal preference for adding animal habitats to Norway, there are other easy locations around the park. BGW could reinvigorate The Wild Reserve, and add several exhibits around what really was a relaxing and charming pathway. There is also room in both Rhinefeld and Oktoberfest. Honestly, depending on the animal, the Zoological Department could probably find space in almost any of the hamlets.
Antique Cars
This is a fun, family-friendly car ride where guests of all ages can take the wheel of colorful European-style race cars. Riders cruise along a scenic, winding track, steering through gentle turns and straightaways for a thrilling yet easy driving experience. With bright theming and family-friendly speeds, it’s the perfect ride for future racers and their families to enjoy together.
Well obviously this is the rumored antique car ride, which we discussed at length here. Given how much planning has already gone into Le Mans’ successor, this inclusion seems to be largely to gather information, measure trends, and round out the types of attractions on the list.
Of course, we wholeheartedly support the return of this charming family attraction.
Family Flat Rides
A pair of family flat rides that spin in circles while rocking and/or swinging back and forth, creating a playful mix of motion that’s perfect for all ages. With each twist and sway, riders experience gentle thrills and fun surprises that keep the excitement going. It’s a lively, laughter-filled adventure the whole family can enjoy together.
Um… sure. Circles and spinning and swinging and surprises. BGW absolutely needs more flats. So, cool. We support.
OK. That wasn’t really fair. BGW really doesn’t have enough flats and absolutely needs more capacity and smaller rides.
We would love to see new flats in San Marco (to replace Da Vinci’s Cradle and The Flying Machine) and in Oktoberfest, where Mach Tower used to sit and next to Big Bad Two (bring back my beloved Spider, please).
Dark Ride
This imaginative new dark ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg brings classic tales from the Brothers Grimm and other whimsical, slightly spooky stories to life through richly themed scenes and special effects. Guests will journey through an ever- changing narrative aboard a unique ride vehicle that twists, spins, and glides its way through a world of magic and mischief.
100% yes! Since the day DarKastle closed, there has been a gaping hole in the attraction lineup where a dark ride should be. Yes, a year round park needs indoor attractions; and yes, BGW in particular needs more non-coaster, family-friendly rides. But those are not really the most important reasons for us. For BGWFans, our home theme park desperately needs a classic dark ride, tied to traditional European stories.
The idea of putting a Disney Fantasyland-style ride, based on Grimms Tales, next to Big Bad Two is honestly brilliant. That area needs more attractions, and resurrecting Grimm’s Hollow would make a fantastic mini-land. We checked (OK, Zachary checked) and a Sally dark ride would take up less than half of the picnic area on the path to the coaster. There are several potential alternative locations for the park’s group events, and the remaining space could be used for flats or animals.
Of course there are also other intellectual properties that would suit a European theme park. Greco-Roman and Norse mythology could work in Festa Italia and my proposed Norwegian hamlet, respectively. There are several British stories, as well. For example, the Arthurian Legend, Peter Rabbit, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Sherlock Holmes haven’t been used elsewhere and are lovely, classic tales. There is probably space in New France/Norway; neither Festa nor the British hamlets have obvious locations, however.
Aquitaine, on the other hand, could make room and could be the new home to Le Petite Prince, Barbar the Elephant, Madeline, or possibly The Three Musketeers. Similarly, there is space in Killarney and Irish faerie tales could make charming dark rides.
Regardless of where BGW puts their new dark ride (I am willing it into existence), it needs to be based on an IP that hasn’t been referenced by either Disney or Universal. The inevitable comparisons would only tarnish the attraction’s shine.
Flying Theater
This immersive experience at Busch Gardens Williamsburg takes guests on a journey across Europe, soaring over and through iconic landscapes and historic landmarks. Featuring dynamic motion, breathtaking visuals, and multi-sensory effects like wind, scent, and sound, this indoor attraction delivers an experience that fully engages the senses.
Presumably, this description is alluding to the Mack Flying Theater ride system recently installed in the old Wild Arctic simulator building at SeaWorld Orlando. By extension, this proposal must be intended for Killarney. SWO’s attraction (Expedition Odyssey) hasn’t exactly opened to rave reviews, but if they could improve the video quality, perhaps it would be a good replacement for Battle for Eire.
We aren’t sure why the park would want to pursue Europe in the Air Two: The Revenge of Miles O’Skye, however. Soarin’ exists. Soarin’ will always be better. EitA2 would simply be seen as the other, weaker Soarin’.
BGW has had several simulator-based stories, which guests loved. A sequel to Corkscrew Hill, in particular, would play on the same type of nostalgia as Big Bad Two that has served the park so well.
So, simulator? Sure. EitA2? How about not.
Boat Ride
A dynamic water boat ride experience that takes guests on a thrilling journey through Europe’s most iconic historical eras. Riders splash through ancient Roman ruins, soar past medieval castles, and twist through steam-powered industrial tunnels-perfect for those looking to cool off while enjoying coaster excitement. With dramatic drops and immersive storytelling, this ride brings the epic saga of European history to life.
We have been debating this concept of (probably) replacing one of the current water rides with what appears to be a water coaster. On the one hand, it would be a fun attraction and both Escape from Pompeii and Roman Rapids are showing their ages. On the other hand if the park intends to continue year-round operations, expensive rides that are only open in the summer (Le Scoot is still closed for annual maintenance in mid-May), seem like lower priority investments. Budgets are a zero-sum game and indoor and animal attractions are more useful in the winter months.
Major Coaster
A coaster experience unlike any other. This dynamic coaster will take riders through a series of extreme elements, including a vertical launch, inversions, moments of weightlessness, high speed turns, and more all in an open-feel vehicle so you experience every part of it. Additionally, riders will experience unique track elements which will build the anticipation at the beginning of the experience using special effects and motion never seen before!
The description sounds a lot like the Mack Stryker, Voltron, from Europa Park, does it not?
This is probably going to be an unpopular take, but I don’t think BGW really needs another roller coaster now. In fact, the recent trend of only adding thrill rides has made the historically charming family theme park feel more and more like an amusement park targeted at coaster thoosies.
Setting that reservation aside, is the model described the best addition to the park’s lineup? It just feels like a variation on Pantheon to be honest. Why not pick something with different types of elements? Maybe a spinner or a flier? With the closure of Six Flags America, the region will have neither.
Where would BGW’s next coaster go? They have used the nealy-mythical Drachen Fire plot. What is left? Depending on which other types of attractions BGW decides to build, there are locations around the park where existing structures could be replaced with smaller coasters with flexible designs (like the Mack Stryker and Spinner).
Other Attractions
The survey also mentioned a new children’s area, shows, and performances. We don’t have any detailed descriptions of any of these, unfortunately.
We would probably advocate against replacing Land of the Dragons, because: nostalgia. We would, however, enthusiastically support expanding and updating Sesame Street Forest of Fun, preferably into a third gate as described here.
Given that SeaWorld San Antonio just stripped the Sesame Street IP from their children’s area, there is another intriguing idea. BGW could retheme Forest of Fun based on any of the IPs already mentioned and even add a dark ride. Wouldn’t a hamlet based on the Arthurian Legend give super-nostalgic Hastings vibes?
New, high quality shows are always welcomed, as long as they compliment the park’s existing tone and theme. The park has a long history of great entertainment and several well-known venues.
It is worth noting that we believe that well-rounded long-term planning could (should?) include most or all of these attraction types. So, while we might view some of these concepts as filling more pressing needs, we could see a majority approximating realistic future additions.
To summarize. Yes, BGW, we want new and varied attractions themed to Europe. We want animals and dark rides, and even flats and water rides. Of course, we love thrill rides, but please no more sit-down, launched coasters. Oh, and Norway, please, even if your survey didn’t mention retheming New France.
Which of these proposals would you like to see prioritized? Do you have a top three? Let us know over on the ParkFans forum or via one of our social channels such as Facebook, Bluesky, or X!
Hello BGF: I have some suggestions for some new flat rides, and they may just work. Remember survey and suggestions from Park Goers are always the best policy.
Here we go:
A pendulum ride which is a 360 degree pendulum ride (Flying Carpet Ride)
Bayern Kurve which is a roller coaster like amusement ride but this time create a different style one that goes with your park background.
Breakdance type ride by Huss Maschinenfabrik
I cant recall you have a caroseul but if not get one and get a nice size one.
Caterpiller ride even though old make work especially if it closes while it spins and theme it to the area it will be place in
Maybe a DIsk’O Skater or Surf’s up ride but in a more larger area and theme it accordingly
Drop Towers that plunges passengers up and down
Maybe bring an enterprise style ride
I mentioned a nice size ferris wheel in which you can see the entire park when you are at the very top
Another pendulum ride like superman or wonderwomen they swing you high and higher
You can think about a Gravitron Ride aka Hell Hole or Rotor
Or what about an observation tower that gives passngers an opportunity to view the entire park while in mid air
Kamikaze which is another pendulum ride
what about the monster or octupus or scrambler type ride.
You also try a Paratrooper ride and a rainbow (Which it was mentioned earlier) a 360 degree ride
Please keep an eye on your Roman Rapids and make sure that it continues to operate properly
You could try a Round Up type ride
You have the famous Sky Diver or even a Swing Ride that every park since to have
Did you ever think about the Whip or Tilt-A-Wheel; not to fond of the Top Spin ride; another classic would be the Tumble Bug aka Turtle Ride
I bet a Waltzer ride would be a blast but you need to have operator on the ride spinning you from time to time
And nothing beat the famous Zipper
Even though some of these rides are old you can manage to upgrade them and keep them running as long as possible
Let me know about my thoughts and what rides you agree and dont agree.