If you only had time for one, which would you choose?

[SonOfBeastSucks]

Hey, guys! Later this month, I am going to travel from Central Indiana to Washington, DC and also am going rafting and zip-lining in VA. I have time for one park in the general area, and I've narrowed it down to either Busch Gardens Europe, Hersheypark, or Kings Dominion? Which park do you prefer?

Edited July 5, 2011 by SonOfBeastSucks

[Perilous Chris]

That's a tough call! Busch Gardens is about four hours from Hershey. I'm not sure what route you are taking, but if you are going to Va, Hershey may be a couple hours out of the way.

 

Here is my take on both parks.

 

Hersheypark: The coasters at Hershey are above average, and the park has a nice atmosphere. The chocolate tour was one of the highlights of my recent visit. My favorite coasters at the park are Lightning Racer, Storm Runner and Comet. Farenheit is unique, but I did not find it as impressive as Maverick at CP. Hersheypark also offers some unique flats such as the Flying Falcon (Huss Condor), and the Whip. I did not eat in the park, but the town of Hershey is pretty relaxing with some nice restaurants.

 

Busch Gardens: The landscaping and architecture at this park is beautiful. While there are only four coasters, they are all very good. Alpengeist is now one of my favorite inverts, while the Lochness Monster is one of the smoothest Arrows I have ridden. Griffon and Apollo's Charriot are both very fun as well. If you enjoy heavily themed dark rides, you will probably enjoy Escape from Pompeii and Darkastle. For my visit, I ate at the FestHaus. The food was good and reasonably priced.

 

At both parks, the customer service was good.

[SonOfBeastSucks]

Thanks for your help! I am also considering Kings Dominion now, because I originally thought Intimidator 305 was another B&M hyper, not a badass-looking Intamin. I think Hershey is at the bottom of the list right now, because it is slightly out of the way, though not too bad because it is in southern PA, and also because I worked at Cedar Point during the summer of '09, so I don't really want to choose a park whose main attraction (for me, at least) isn't as good as a coaster I've already rode countless times.

[beatle11]

I'd definitely pick King's Dominion. I305 wins over everything.

[Perilous Chris]

^^ I think that would be a good choice. Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens are a little over an hour apart.

 

In regards to Farenheit at Hershey, it's not bad by any means, but I just found it a little weak after the first drop and the Norweigan loop. Keep in mind though that "coaster enthusiasts" tend to judge rides a little harsher than most.

 

Aside from I305, KD also has Volcano, which I loved and Dominator, which is one of the top floorless coasters in my opinion. Their drop tower is great as well. I really enjoyed the atmosphere at KD, and I loved the theming of the Congo area.

[SonOfBeastSucks]

Yeah, I'm going to go with KD. I305 looks amazing, and several other coasters in the park also look good. Plus it is on the way from D.C to the area in VA where I'm going white water rafting. I haven't had much time or money for trips the past two years since I've been in college, and it will be the same story for the next two years until I graduate, so I need to make the most out of the few opportunities I'll have to ride coasters.

[Rollercoaster Rider]

Busch Gardens

 

Mainly cause I've already been to Hersheypark and Kings Dominion.

[robbalvey]

Thanks for your help! I am also considering Kings Dominion now, because I originally thought Intimidator 305 was another B&M hyper, not a badass-looking Intamin. I think Hershey is at the bottom of the list right now, because it is slightly out of the way, though not too bad because it is in southern PA, and also because I worked at Cedar Point during the summer of '09, so I don't really want to choose a park whose main attraction (for me, at least) isn't as good as a coaster I've already rode countless times.

I'd say it depends on what you're looking for. Busch is an amazing looking park, with some "good" rides, whereas Kings Dominion is not as nice of a "park", but has some great rides (i305, Volcano, etc)

 

Keep in mind that I'd also give the edge to Busch as far as operations goes, and if it's a busy day, they do have Quick Queue. Kings Dominion does not offer any kind of virtual queue option, and if it's a busy day, you may find some really long lines.

 

It's kind of a toss up between the parks, I like each one for different reasons.

 

--Robb

[F1shy]

Although it's my third year working for Hershey, I would say Hersheypark, but I recommend waiting until next year

 

Between BGW and KD... that's a tough one. I would choose KD for the credits... but if you're looking for more of an overall park experience, I would choose BGW.

[Thunderhead]

Although it's my third year working for Hershey, I would say Hersheypark, but I recommend waiting until next year

 

FFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

[SonOfBeastSucks]

Kings Dominion does not offer any kind of virtual queue option, and if it's a busy day, you may find some really long lines.

That is especially bad to hear now. I'm leaving for DC today with either KD or Busch later this week (most likely Wednesday). However, I have also learned that for the next two weeks at KD it is "Church Youth Days." Has anyone been to the park during this time? Since this is spread over two weeks, maybe the extra crowds that come with it won't be too bad, but I'm not sure.