Amused

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I hadn't been to Busch Gardens Williamsburg since 1988, so it was clearly time for a return visit! I still remember, all too well, the harrowing experience of riding the Big Bad Wolf roller coaster. That beast plunged riders 99 feet toward the Rhine River at speeds of 40 mph, which sounds manageable until you're suspended in a harness, dangling over the track and hanging on for dear life. Once was enough for me. Nearly four decades later, I wasn't about to be fooled into reliving that particular adventure. Some memories are vivid enough without a sequel.

As we made our way through the park, roller coaster after roller coaster came and went without me stepping into a single line. Instead, I happily sat with my son, held bags, and waited for the brave souls to return. Tim proved to be slightly more adventurous than I was, although he didn't exactly embrace every wild ride either. Perhaps we've both reached that stage of life where "older and wiser" translates to "perfectly content keeping both feet firmly on the ground."

Even without the adrenaline rush, I thoroughly enjoyed wandering through the park. Busch Gardens is beautifully maintained, and the gardens themselves are worth the visit. We spent the day people-watching, admiring the scenery, and consuming ridiculous amounts of carnival food that was objectively terrible for us and absolutely delicious at the same time.

The heat was relentless, and every giant misting fan felt like a gift from heaven. More than once, we walked directly into the cooling mist and stood there longer than necessary, savoring a few refreshing moments before heading back into the Virginia sunshine.

By the end of the day, I found myself doing what many people secretly do while visiting amusement park, questioning the financial decisions and fashion choices of complete strangers. And yes, I'll admit it: I also found myself wishing there were stricter rules about scooters being reserved for those who genuinely need them not just those that have made poor life / diet choices. Call me Judgy Mrs. Judger if you must, but that's where my thoughts landed after several hours of people-watching.

The park certainly isn't an inexpensive outing. After paying nearly $10 for a bag of popcorn and around $80 for lunch for two, consisting of overpriced junk food, I couldn't help but wonder what a family of four spends during a day at the park. By the time admission, parking, food, drinks, souvenirs, and a few treats are factored in, it feels like the total could rival a small mortgage payment.

Still, despite the heat, the crowds, and the sticker shock (even considering my son paid for us all)  I had a great time. It may not be something I'd do every year, but once every four decades?  Absolutely. The rides may no longer tempt me, but the gardens, the laughs, the family time, and the endless opportunities for people-watching were worth every step. So color me amused, entertained, and very happy to have finally returned after all these years. 

"A day spent with family is worth every penny." — Anonymous