Busch gardens, williamsburg, va.
As soon as the final exam ended, D and I were ready to finally begin Christmas break! We decided to head up to Williamsburg, VA, as a friend recommended that we check out Busch Gardens. D had visited the amusement park when he was much younger, and this was my first time. Our friend described it as a Christmas town where each section of the park is themed according to different countries. So, we loaded up the car and drove up.
First thing I have to say--it was FREEZING up there! I knew it would be cold, but I was ready for like 40 degrees. No ma'am. It was a chilly 20 and there was no sun. Really, I don't know why it didn't dawn on me to bring my own gloves. Nonetheless, we ordered the tickets weeks in advance and D downloaded the code to his phone. Ready to see what the hype was all about, we briskly walked through the security check in and were off.
As soon as we stepped inside we were greeted with tall light posts, wreaths suspended from lights running from one rooftop to the next, and carolers singing classical Christmas songs to the crowds. It was honestly so magical. Apparently we were in the England park. Grabbing some hot peppermint chocolate in the souvenir Busch Garden Christmasland mugs, we mapped out how we were going to make the most of our time before the park closed down for the night. We had 9 parks to visit in less than 3 hours. Challenge accepted.
First thing I have to say--it was FREEZING up there! I knew it would be cold, but I was ready for like 40 degrees. No ma'am. It was a chilly 20 and there was no sun. Really, I don't know why it didn't dawn on me to bring my own gloves. Nonetheless, we ordered the tickets weeks in advance and D downloaded the code to his phone. Ready to see what the hype was all about, we briskly walked through the security check in and were off.
As soon as we stepped inside we were greeted with tall light posts, wreaths suspended from lights running from one rooftop to the next, and carolers singing classical Christmas songs to the crowds. It was honestly so magical. Apparently we were in the England park. Grabbing some hot peppermint chocolate in the souvenir Busch Garden Christmasland mugs, we mapped out how we were going to make the most of our time before the park closed down for the night. We had 9 parks to visit in less than 3 hours. Challenge accepted.
What's so cool is that as you transition from one country to the next, everything changes to match the culture. The lights change, the architecture reflects where you are, music we associate with the nation begins playing from loudspeakers, and food vendors begin selling food that we most commonly associate with the land. Even the gift shops are themed. My favorite was probably Oktoberfest for their delicious pretzel, Italy for the architecture, and France for the blue and pink lights lining the sidewalks.
If you're in the area, I recommend this place a million times over. It's probably more fun if you have children because there are rides that are still open (even though I think you're crazy if you want to ride a roller coaster in the middle of December with the cold wind whirling in your face, but that's your call). It's such a romantic date/ a fun family outing, and the park really does a great job tailoring the nation's portrayal of Christmas.
So, as we walked out arm and arm, we decided that this would be one of our new Christmas traditions. The only thing I would change? Arriving a few hours earlier for some sunlight and bringing my own pair of gloves!
If you're in the area, I recommend this place a million times over. It's probably more fun if you have children because there are rides that are still open (even though I think you're crazy if you want to ride a roller coaster in the middle of December with the cold wind whirling in your face, but that's your call). It's such a romantic date/ a fun family outing, and the park really does a great job tailoring the nation's portrayal of Christmas.
So, as we walked out arm and arm, we decided that this would be one of our new Christmas traditions. The only thing I would change? Arriving a few hours earlier for some sunlight and bringing my own pair of gloves!
Also, an excuse for D to play with his new fancy iPhone X camera :)