Busch Gardens Europe Advice

[Retro_Gaga]

So if we go to the park as soon as it's open what do we go to first? Where is the best place to eat? How are the lines?

 

Overall, what do I do?

[eddie200330]

It's been my understanding that they open the "lands" in a timely manner, not all at once, so that kinda eliminates the need to "run" to whichever ride you want to hit first. Loch Ness is the first coaster you come to when you go up the hill into the park. As far as food, there are a lot of places depending on what kind of food you are looking for. The Festhaus is a really good place with lots of good fare plus you get a really cool show. I've never really had a problem with the lines as they really know how to move people through. The only problem I have with the park is the amount of walking to get from one place to the other. The train is great as it has 3 stops to get you from here to there as does the sky ride. Hope this helps some and enjoy your trip!

[BuschSchoe]

So if we go to the park as soon as it's open what do we go to first? Where is the best place to eat? How are the lines?

 

Overall, what do I do?

When you enter the park and go through England, you can go to the left for Apollo's Chariot, straight ahead for The Loch Ness Monster, or to the right for Griffon.

 

I'd eat at Das Festhaus, because it is the only eatery that is completley indoors and air conditoned.

 

I wouldn't expect too long of lines for the coasters... maybe just for Big Bad Wolf and possibly Alpengeist.

 

Have a great time.

[Retro_Gaga]

Thanks for the advice! Leaving Sunday, can't wait!

[Retro_Gaga]

Does BGE have a locker policy or can you leave things in the station?

[cfc]

^They have such a policy. However, if you carry items in "secured pockets" or in a fanny pack, that's OK.

[tedten]

Sorry to Hi-jack, but how does one know the order in which the lands will open? I remember someone saying that they used to have the times posted on the brochure-maps but that they no longer do this. Is there a regular pattern they follow throughout the season? Are the opening times posted anywhere?

[bgeguy]

Sorry to Hi-jack, but how does one know the order in which the lands will open? I remember someone saying that they used to have the times posted on the brochure-maps but that they no longer do this. Is there a regular pattern they follow throughout the season? Are the opening times posted anywhere?

The country opening times are still printed on park maps under "Country Operating Times."

 

The usual order is England at 9:00, Scotland at 9:30, Festa and Italy with Ireland and France at 10:00, and Germany and Oktoberfest at 10:30.

[mayberry21]

I'm leaving on Tuesday for BGE; CANNOT wait!!

 

Me personally, I reccomend bringing extra money if you plan on eating in the park because the prices for their food can be a little steep (but their food is excellent!).

If you're looking to buy some souvenirs, I would reccomend bringing extra money for that too because they have some nice souvenirs

Drink LOTS of water because it tends to get hot/humid and you may be doing more strenuous walking; the park can be a bit hilly in spots.

As Eddie said, I think they do a good job loading/unloading too; I've never had to wait that long for any of the rides (maybe a little longer for Griffon).

Also as Eddie said, make sure you hit Festhaus

I also personally reccomend the shows they have...the only ones I've seen are Pet Shenanigans (HILARIOUS) and the show @ Wolf Valley, they're great.

 

Have fun

[netdvn]

Need some tips? Here ya go...

 

- Be sure to hit all the big rides (coasters, DarKastle, and possibly water rides) as early as possible. This gives you time to spend the rest of the day enjoying the atmosphere and getting rerides in without having to wait in long lines.

- LNM's station is designed in a way that makes it very easy to trap heat, so beware of riding it on hot days or when the lines become very long.

- Crowds can seriously vary. I remember visiting on Saturdays and on holidays where the park was completely dead and on weekdays when the park was swamped. Always prepare for the worst.

- Local Hampton Roads/NE North Carolina/Richmond area Subways carry discounts. Also I believe Farm Fresh supermarket bags have discounts as well.

- Show schedules for the day are printed on the back of the park maps.

- There is a restaraunt in San Marco before you get to the bridge that leads to Oktoberfest which serves pretty good food. You can also catch a really good show as well.

- Haven't really eaten inside the Festhaus before, but the show is great fir families.

 

... Hope these help.

[Yeti762]

There is a restaraunt in San Marco before you get to the bridge that leads to Oktoberfest which serves pretty good food. You can also catch a really good show as well.

 

I'll second that! I love the Italian food there! If you time your meal just right, you can sit and see the show while you eat. I saw on the Food channel that all of their pasta is homemade, which has to be why it tastes so good!

 

Also agree on the steepness of the hills. There is one hill near the Land of the Dragons when you cross over the bridge from Loch Ness, that we nick named "heart attack hill". There are even signs warning you that there is a steep hill ahead. The park overall is VERRRY big and you will do a lot of walking!