BUSCH GARDENS® WILLIAMSBURG OPENS MARCH 23  

FREE Beer for Members and Annual Pass Holders, Fireworks and More Mark the Occasion

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (March 12, 2019) – Busch Gardens® Williamsburg is ready to open its gates to guests for the 2019 season which features an upcoming new attraction, exciting seasonal events and special offerings throughout the year.  The Williamsburg theme park kicks it all off on Sat., March 23.

To celebrate the season opener, Busch Gardens is offering FREE beer for Members and Annual Pass Holders 21 years and older exclusively during its opening weekend.  Members and Annual Pass Holders can visit Das Festhaus® in the Oktoberfest village for one free 10-ounce beer per park visit on Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24.

“Busch Gardens has a rich history with beer, from Das Festhaus and the Burgermeister to our popular annual Bier Fest event,” said Kevin Lembke, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA park president.  “We’re excited to celebrate the start of the season with our Members and Annual Pass Holders with a nod to these traditions.”

Busch Gardens will light up the sky on Saturday evening with spectacular fireworks to welcome in the new season.  After a day of fun at the park, guests can watch the colorful pyrotechnic display beginning at 9 p.m.

Opening weekend offers and extras also include 50 percent off Quick Queue and Quick Queue Unlimited.  And zoo team members will be stationed throughout the park with animal ambassadors to provide guests opportunities to visit their favorite furry friends.

The park will debut a thrilling new ride and celebrate major milestones in 2019.

Finnegan’s Flyer, a Screamin’ Swing ride, is scheduled to open in May.  This exciting new attraction, located in the park’s Ireland village adjacent the Loch Ness Monster roller coaster, will send riders soaring high over the cliffs of the Celtic coast.

Finnegan’s Flyer features two pendulum-like arms, seating 32 riders that fly progressively higher with each swing.  The breathtaking attraction will reach a staggering height of more than 80 feet with a speed of 45 mph.

Busch Gardens will give a nod to popular park attractions celebrating birthdays this season. Join the park in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street® and the 10th anniversary of the park’s Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™ in 2019.  And the award-winning Apollo’s Chariot® hypercoaster celebrates 20 years of plummeting guests 825 feet over screamin’ air-time hills.

Busch Gardens opens for the season on March 23.  Spring break operation begins March 29 through April 7 and April 12 through April 28.  For specific park operating hours, visit www.buschgardens.com/va.

The best way for guests to enjoy park events and attractions all year long is through the newly-enhanced Busch Gardens Williamsburg Membership Program.  Guests can receive unlimited visits to Busch Gardens, Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town for as little at $9.99 per month.  For more information, visit www.buschgardens.com/joinBGW.