Virginia Beach Attractions

     Want to see an extra large gorilla and ride some waterslides? Then you don’t want to miss Oceanbreeze Water Park.  It is conveniently located to the Oceanfront, just past the Virginia Marine Science Museum.  This water park is a hit for the locals and not so far of a drive as to Williamsburg. Once there you will find that it is not very crowded with loads to do. If you have small ones, you can spend your day in Buccaneer Bay. This area is specifically designed for children 48″ and under. The ship they can climb through and move over and under different water spouts. But it doesn’t end there because there is South Sea Silly Slides, where the younger kids can enjoy the slides by themselves or with their parents.

     The bigger attractions consist of Largo Loop which is a twisting tubular slide that you can go by yourself or with a partner. Then there is Coconut Drops and Bamboo Shoots. These are designed for the better swimmer. While there are lifeguards at every station, you go feet first through an enclosed tube that shoots you into a pool 8 ft deep. Jungle Falls is a load of fun. It is another tubular slide and rocks you back and forth on the sides as you speed through the white water rapids.  I cannot forget to tell you about the new slides. The Pirate Plummet and Walk the Plank are not for the light hearted. Walk the Plank starts in a dark tunnel and drops you through a 50 ft slide, while Pirate Plummet is also a steep drop just as the tunnel opens.  And the large wave pool is always a hit. They play beach music when the waves start and you can rock and roll just as you would at the beach.

     There are plenty of places to eat with hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza and a new Cold Stone Creamery in the park. You cannot bring in food and drinks, but you can go back to your car if you want to picnic it for the day as well. There is always a $2.00 off coupon on the website, so be sure to check it out at http://www.oceanbreezewaterpark.com.

I have to admit I am a complete wimp when it comes to rollercoaster’s and extreme rides, I have to be bribed then dragged kicking and screaming towards anything that is faster than a carousel. That being said, I absolutely loved our day out at Busch Gardens.

Busch Gardens Europe is in Williamsburg just minutes away from Interstate 64, and very well sign posted. If you’re driving from Virginia Beach, expect it to take about an hour to get there. The park is made up of six sections which all have Country themes, these are Germany, France, Italy, England, Ireland, and Scotland.

When we arrived it was turning out to be one of those perfect Virginia days, with the weather nice and warm and not a cloud in the sky, the park had just opened so we headed straight for the French village so that my friends could ride the newest and best attraction of the park, the Griffon.

The Griffon looks absolutely terrifying, it carries you up 205 feet then after a few seconds at the top have a 90 degree 70 mile an hour drop. During the ride you feel up to 4 g force, three minutes later after a couple of inversions and a splash through some water, which soaks bystanders the ride is over. I asked my husband how he felt when he came off the ride and all he could say was he wanted to do it again! He told me that the adrenalin rush was so huge as you take that first descent, he had rarely experienced anything quite as exhilarating.

We walked around the park with my friends going on all the rides, there was not one ride that they did not go on. I braved two rollercoaster’s but not before triple checking that there were no loops, I am terrified of any rollercoaster’s, especially if they go upside down.

Apollo’s chariot, WOW what a ride, it is a steel rollercoaster that is 170 feet high, once we got to the top of the track and I was able to open my eyes the view was spectacular, you really could see for miles. The first decent plummets you down 210 feet at 73mph I will admit I had my eyes closed for at least half of the ride especially when we took some of the sharp corners. I have never felt an adrenalin rush quite as big as the one while riding Apollo’s Chariot.

Escape from Pompeii is the best water ride that Busch Gardens has to offer, it starts with a leisurely ride along the river, suddenly your cast inside a dark building where bricks fall around you and searing hot flames shoot across your head, just when you think its safe you reach a set of doors, which open to reveal an 80ft drop. If you take this ride, be warned you may get a little bit wet, from the splash landing.

The park has a few animal attractions, they have an avery full of birds that you can walk through, the birds are tame and will come and sit on you. There are wolves, horses, eagles, and more. Some of the animals take part in shows, I loved the wolf show, it showed the wolves as very intelligent creatures. The Pet Shenanigans show is great for the whole family to enjoy, its a great display using cats, dogs, birds and other animals,

Busch Gardens has lots of child friendly rides and attractions, from spinning teacups to the sky ride that goes across the park, these combined with the shows will keep your family amused all day.

There is plenty of choice for food at Busch gardens, we sampled the Ice cream in Italy which was very nice, and Das Festhaus has a great slow cook BBQ which is delicious it has a wide selection of food that will get your taste buds crying out for more, I always feel hungry just smelling the food as I walk into Germany so a stop at the BBQ pit is a must.

My friends and I had an awesome time at Busch Gardens, we went home very happy and very tired.