These best rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers thrills, exitement and adventure; perfect for theme park ethuasiasts.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers a diverse array of top-tier attractions, blending thrilling coasters with immersive theming. We share tips fo Busch Gardens Williamsburg but here’s a closer look at some of the park’s standout rides:
Best rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

1. Pantheon
Pantheon is a cutting-edge multi-launch coaster that delivers a dynamic ride experience and is arguable one of the best rides at Busche
Featuring four launches, a beyond-vertical 95-degree drop, and two inversions, it reaches speeds up to 73 mph. The coaster’s swing launch section, which propels riders both forward and backward, offers a unique sensation of airtime, especially when traversing the top hat element.
The ride’s theme draws inspiration from Roman mythology, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the experience

2. Alpengeist
As one of the tallest inverted coasters in the world, Alpengeist takes riders on a high-speed journey reminiscent of a runaway ski lift.
Standing at 195 feet tall, it boasts six inversions, including a cobra roll and a vertical loop, all set against a snowy Alpine backdrop. The coaster’s terrain-hugging design and forceful elements make it a favorite among thrill-seekers.

3. Griffon
Griffon is a dive coaster that offers a heart-pounding experience with its 205-foot, 90-degree drop. Riders are held at the edge before plummeting straight down, followed by two Immelmann loops and a splashdown finale. Its floorless trains enhance the sensation of flight, making it a visually and physically exhilarating ride.

4. Loch Ness Monster
A classic attraction, the Loch Ness Monster is renowned for its interlocking loops—the only ones of their kind still operating today. Opened in 1978, this steel coaster takes riders through a series of drops, a helix tunnel, and the iconic loops, all set against the scenic backdrop of the park’s Scottish-themed area.
5. Apollo’s Chariot
As Busch Gardens’ first hypercoaster, Apollo’s Chariot offers a smooth and graceful ride experience. With a series of airtime hills and a scenic layout that dives through ravines, it provides both thrills and picturesque views. The coaster’s design emphasizes sustained airtime and fluid transitions, making it a favorite for many guests.

6. InvadR
InvadR is the park’s wooden coaster that delivers a family-friendly yet thrilling experience. Featuring a 74-foot drop and speeds up to 48 mph, it offers a series of airtime moments and tight turns. Its Viking theme and compact layout make it an accessible option for younger thrill-seekers.

7. Escape from Pompeii
This water ride combines a scenic boat journey with dramatic special effects. Guests navigate through the ruins of Pompeii, encountering fire effects and crumbling structures, culminating in a five-story splashdown. It’s a refreshing attraction that blends storytelling with a classic water ride experience .
8. Tempesto
Tempesto is a compact yet intense launch coaster that packs a punch in a small footprint.
Inspired by daredevil stunt performers, the ride begins with a series of forward and backward launches that build momentum before sending riders up a 150-foot vertical inversion. It features a slow-roll inversion at the top and a non-inverted loop, delivering high thrills in under a minute.
The ride’s unique layout and tight elements offer a thrilling experience, especially for guests who enjoy powerful launches and dramatic airtime.

9. DarKoaster
DarKoaster is North America’s first all-indoor straddle coaster, offering a unique blend of immersive storytelling and family-friendly thrills.
Located in the former Curse of DarKastle building, this ride takes guests on a mysterious journey through a storm-ridden landscape haunted by supernatural forces. Riders straddle snowmobile-style vehicles as they race through dark, twisting tracks with sudden turns and multiple launches.
Enhanced by dynamic lighting and special effects, DarKoaster delivers a re-rideable experience that combines coaster excitement with atmospheric storytelling, making it a standout for guests of all ages.
Each of these attractions showcases Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s commitment to delivering diverse and immersive experiences, catering to thrill-seekers and families alike.
Helpful Resources
Travel essentials:
- We LOVE this camera for our travel photography.
- For a cheap, easy and compact camera, we use this to vlog and take photographs.
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What to pack
- No matter where we travel to, I always take these trusty hand sanitizers and a mini first aid kit.
- We love these toiletry bags (especially great for smaller bathrooms) and choose a laptop bag like this as our hand luggage.
- We keep our devices charged on long travel days with these lightweight battery packs and bring these worldwide travel adaptors on all our trips.
- I still struggle not to overpack so stick to using an expandable suitcase like these and always take my trusty luggage scales to avoid being charged at the airport.
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