I’ve been to the 2 biggest theme parks in Virginia—here’s how they compare
Choosing between a summer trip to Busch Gardens or Kings Dominion? Read a personal take on the two biggest theme parks in Virginia.
Growing up in Montgomery County, Maryland, in a house less than five miles from the Virginia line, summer meant having plenty to look forward to. Getting time off from school, swimming in the local pool, heading to summer camp with my friends, and, if I was lucky, getting to visit the theme parks in Virginia.
Virginia is home to a variety of theme parks, including both water parks and traditional theme parks. However, the two I grew up visiting happen to be the largest in the commonwealth. Both situated in southeastern Virginia, Busch Gardens and Kings Dominion are home to some of my fondest childhood memories.
While I’d love to tell anyone planning a Virginia theme park trip to visit both, time and money are limited—and besides, even if you want to visit both parks, one of them will have to be first. So, which one should it be? Here’s a look at the two largest theme parks in Virginia, plus some help deciding which one you should visit this summer:
Thrills galore at Kings Dominion
Kings Dominion in Doswell is a landmark that’s hard to miss, even before you’ve ever been there. That’s due to the towering “Eiffel Tower,” which can be viewed from the highway, and was the signal for my childhood self to start getting excited after the long drive, because it meant we were almost there!
Excitement is the name of the game at Kings Dominion, which is home to a water park, flying swings, an enormous drop tower, and, of course, roller coasters. In fact, Kings Dominion is home to the Pantherian, one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters on the East Coast. Beyond that, Kings Dominion’s Racer 75, a head-to-head dual racing coaster which has operated consistently (albeit with a name change at one point) since 1975, is considered one of the best wooden roller coasters in the United States—and something my eight-year-old self felt incredibly brave for riding.
But what if some in your party get motion sickness, haven’t grown tall enough to safely ride thrill rides, or simply don’t enjoy them? Not a problem! There are plenty of gentle, family-friendly rides at Kings Dominion, including an antique carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a kids area with rides themed after Snoopy and other beloved characters.
Another great part of a day at Kings Dominion is the opportunity to (literally) make a splash. That’s because your park admission ticket includes access to the on-site Kings Dominion water park, Soak City. It features water slides, wave pools, and more, allowing your whole family to cool down with thrills, spills, or maybe just relaxing chills.
A grand tour at Busch Gardens
Did you know that Busch Gardens, located in Williamsburg, used to have a longer name? Once upon a time, it was called Busch Gardens: The Old Country, in tribute to the park’s European theme. Today, although the name has been shortened, the theme still remains and is part of what makes a trip to Busch Gardens so much fun.
The park is divided into separate sections themed after different European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, as well as Fort New France, which is themed after a Canadian lumber camp. Each section has its own unique architecture, soundtrack, and themed rides and attractions.
The theming in Busch Gardens is one of the most delightful things about the park, and is part of what makes their rides so special. In the Italian section, guests can enjoy a water slide themed around escaping the volcanic explosion at Pompeii, while the flume at Fort New France, Le Scoot, is themed after a saw mill at a historic lumber camp.
For thrill seekers, themed coasters in the Germany section are a particular highlight, including the newly-opened reboot of their beloved inverted coaster, The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, which is set in a haunted castle in the woods of Bavaria, and Verbolten, an autobahn-themed coaster with three separate themed tracks, so riders never know if they’re headed to face off with a mysterious spirit, a terrifying thunderstorm, or another encounter with the Black Forest’s own big, bad wolf.
Speaking of big, bad wolves, you can even see some in person. That’s because, while the rides at Busch Gardens are great, some of their best attractions aren’t rides at all; they’re shows! The park is home to an on-site wolf sanctuary, where guests can see real-life North American gray wolves. For a more human-centric experience, check out displays of traditional music and dancing in Ireland, a piazza party in Italy, and a year-round Oktoberfest in Germany. Alternatively, you can see what’s playing at the replica of the Globe Theatre in the United Kingdom.
The verdict—and some considerations
So, which park should you visit this summer? The bad news is that it’s a matter of personal preference. The good news, though, is that you really can’t go wrong. Both parks are a ton of fun, offering a diverse range of attractions that the whole family can enjoy.
Some things to consider while you’re making your choice are the time of year you’re going and the weather. While both parks are a hit in the summer, on the hottest, sunniest days of the year, Kings Dominion has a slight edge thanks to Soak City and the chance to cool down. On the other hand, on cooler days at the end of the season, or on days where storms are a risk, Busch Gardens, with its many indoor shows and dark rides, wins the day. And while Kings Dominion is only open in the warmer months, Busch Gardens has a Christmas-themed season in the winter, with seasonal shows and experiences, meaning that you might prefer to visit Kings Dominion in the summer while you can, and enjoy Busch Gardens around the winter holidays.
Remember to check with your family about what they want out of a theme park trip before making a decision. Some families love thrills and spills and will likely be happiest at Kings Dominion. On the other hand, if your party is looking for a park that’s as pretty to look at as it is fun to experience, Busch Gardens will likely be a major hit.
Finally, consider how long you plan to be on vacation and how you want to structure your trip. Both parks are within driving distance of other great Virginia attractions, including Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg—and technically, they’re within driving distance of each other. While it’s not always possible, for a true ultimate Virginia summer getaway, it’s possible to book a hotel for a few days on the southeastern coast of the state, and choose not to make a choice. You and your family can enjoy touring historical sites, driving down to the beach, and over the course of your vacation, visiting both of the biggest (and, in my opinion, best) theme parks in Virginia, and deciding on your favorite for yourself!
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