Coasters and Craft Brews at Busch Gardens Williamsburg - New Limited-Capacity Event
Busch Gardens Williamsburg opened its gates for the first time in 2020 for a special event: Coasters and Craft Brews. We visited on Friday, August 7, from 11 AM - 3 PM.
Here's a quick summary:
Parking - We showed our annual pass and received our free parking (we are platinum pass holders). Many vehicles were parked next to each other, which was against Busch Garden's parking recommendation. However, the parking lot was empty, and we had no issues physical distancing from others.
Entering the Park - The new security and temperature screening procedure is simple. We passed through security without having to take anything out of our pockets. The infrared temperature screening only takes a few seconds. A team member scans both your park ticket (or pass) and your reservation at the gate. So, make sure to keep your reservation handy till you're actually in the park!
Rides - There are three coasters open: Loch Ness Monster, Griffon, and Invadr. There are also two rides: Finnegan's Flyer and Le Catapult.
Safety - Physical distancing markers and hand sanitizer were available throughout the park. Most guests were abiding by the mask policy, and team members were watching for mask compliance. Rides, railings, and other areas were regularly wiped down by team members.
Food and Drink - Grogan's Pub, Brady's Drink, Trapper's Smokehouse, and Three River Snack Stand are open. Vegetarian and vegan options appear to be extremely limited.
Animals - We saw the Clydesdale horses, a barn owl, bald eagles, and aviary birds. There are some barriers set up to protect the animals, and you cannot walk through the aviary.
Overall, Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Coasters and Craft Brews is a fun and safe event. The four-hour window is a perfect amount of time to see everything and do your favorite a ride more than once.
Check out our event overview on YouTube:
And here’s a bonus vid of Finnegan’s Flyer:
