Courtesy Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens
Williamsburg, Virginia
Experience six different countries, ride exhilarating coasters and check out amazing wildlife all in one park. Sections of the park are designed to replicate scenes and cultural touchstones from England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy.
“Each of the experiences you have in that area will be reflective of that country,” communications manager Kevin Crossett said. “In Germany, for example, you can find beer and pretzels, and you can ride [Verbolten] an autobahn-touring experience.”
On days when the park is closed to the public, groups can arrange for a special wolf-training experience, which features education and demonstrations with live wolves. At the end of the session, participants have the opportunity to lead a wolf in performing a trained behavior.
The park offers Howl-O-Scream through October, which includes “Terror-torries.” Those regions of the park will be converted to terrifying lands of frights and startles.
October 27 will be the last day of operation until November 22, when the park will reopen for Christmas Town.
During the holiday season, guests can visit Polar Pathway to see waterfalls of lights, the Mistletoe Marketplace and Santa’s Fireside Feast, where families can gather for a buffet dinner, cookies from Mrs. Claus and a story told by Santa.
www.buschgardens.com
Dollywood
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dolly Parton is known as a great American performer, and at Dollywood, guests can learn even more about the award-winning singer and the Smoky Mountain culture she represents. Chasing Rainbows, located in the park, is an interactive museum where visitors can explore artifacts.
The park features iconic rides such as the Wild Eagle, the first wing coaster in America. On regular roller coasters, people ride above the track or hanging below the track; but on a wing coaster, the riders are suspended out to the side.
“In essence, you’re flying on the wing, in this case, of an eagle, and you get to feel what it’s like to fly over the Great Smoky Mountains,” director of public relations Pete Owens said.
Right under the Wild Eagle is the SkyZip, multiple zip lines that run in a circuit and that are great for small groups.
“There is hiking involved, where you get to see some of the back areas of the park, and you get to experience the Smokies in quite an adventurous way,” Owens said.
If you’re in the mood for live entertainment, Dollywood puts on award-winning shows such as “Dreamland Drive-In,” which features popular songs from the 1950s and 1960s. The National Southern Gospel and Harvest Celebration in October features Southern Gospel music during a full month of concerts.
Luxurious cabins are available for lodging through Dollywood. Cabins are available that sleep anywhere from two to 40 guests, and some include packages for the park.
