Top 15 Rides Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Is Pantheon Number One?

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a SeaWorld owned theme park in Virginia. This giant amusement park is stunningly beautiful with lush landscaping and themed European areas. And at the core, there is one of the top coaster collections in the country. But which ones are the best?
Video Credits
Big Bad Wolf Off-Ride (Sean Flaharty)- • Big Bad Wolf - The Fin...
Curse of DarKastle (Busch Gardens Williamsburg)- • Curse of DarKastle: Th...
Europe in the Air (Busch Gardens Williamsburg)- • Europe in the Air | Bu...
Roman Rapids POV (The Coaster Spot)- • Roman Rapids | 4K POV ...
Background Music
Inspiring Emotional Corporate by Infraction [No Copyright Music] / Dreamy- • Inspiring Emotional Co...

[@starryagent9936]

Well, this video is already outdated. Da Vinci’s Cradle was just confirmed to be leaving permanently

[@CanobieCoaster]

I saw that right after I finished the video.

[@thomasxl200]

Oh no :(

[@omarnoble4788]

@@CanobieCoaster That's a bummer, but the list includes defunct rides anyway.

[@benwashere1783]

😭

[@patty4349]

Is gone :-(

[@chargedonpc9989]

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is such an awesome park.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sure is!

[@Thebusridesme]

Love these reviews.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@VarietyEntertainmentStudios]

It's cool that you include rides other than coasters in your top 15s; sometimes it's neat to see how other rides stack up to the coasters. This park is very high on my bucket list. Just so well-done all around

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thank you!

[@Zatoka.]

I agree. I always see flat rides and don't know if I wanna take time away from the coasters to ride them, and seeing how good they are compared helps with deciding to give them a go or not.

[@MattMcIrvin]

I've ridden more of these than I expected, given how long it's been since I was there. Le Scoot and Hersheypark's Coal Cracker were probably the most intense rides I was willing to ride as a preteen kid. I'm pretty sure Roman Rapids was the first rapids ride I ever rode. BBW was the first coaster I ever really *loved* at the time I first rode it, and Loch Ness Monster was my first looper.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I loved log flumes growing up since they had low height limits.

[@MattMcIrvin]

@@CanobieCoaster I can't entirely explain why I was terrified to get on a roller coaster yet entirely willing to ride a 50-foot flume drop with no restraints at all.

[@VillasByrne]

Great video! I did not expect to see Invadr this high!!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I genuinely like that coaster, especially at night.

[@zacg_]

My list: 1) Pantheon 2) Apollo's Chariot 3) Verbolten 4) Curse of DarKastle (while I wish this had had more practical effects, it was still a very impressive dark ride for not being at Disney or Universal) 5) Griffon 6) Escape from Pompeii 7) Alpengeist 8) Le Scoot 9) Mach Tower 10) Finnegan's Flyer (especially at night) 11) InvadR 12) Loch Ness Monster 13) Roman Rapids 14) EurUp in the Air 15) Tempesto Couple of things worth also mentioning: The Shows: Celtic Fyre is one of the greatest theme park shows I've ever seen. I also liked the previous Three Musketeers show as well as the Scrooge No More musical at Christmas. The Shops: There are some really phenomenal shops at BGW. I especially love the magic shop in Ireland, the mask shop in Italy, that Stein shop and Christmas shop in Germany and some of the shops in New France. I have long said that BGW is the most well balanced theme park in North America. They also have some really good food.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I haven't seen Celtic Fyre, but I enjoy those shops you mentioned.

[@zacg_]

@@CanobieCoaster Celtic Fyre is fantastic! Don't go in expecting the elaborate shows that Disney does like Festival of the Lion King, Aladdin, Frozen or Fantasmic (which admittedly the Disneyland version is my favorite theme park show.) But if you enjoy Drramland Drive-In at Dollywood you'll probably enjoy Celtic Fyre. They have a similar vibe of music, fun storytelling, excellent dancing and nostalgia, though their themes are very different.

[@Tker1970]

If you ever get a chance to do the insider coaster tour at BG-DO IT. You go in the park 2 hours before opening. Maintenance bays, behind the fences, watch testing of Loch ness, Alpengeist, Griffon, Verbolten. You also get two rides on each without waiting-you also go into the event building of Verbolten. Our tour went in after the park opened. The effects were running as were trains. It was amazing. They only do this tour 2X a week. 10 people.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope to someday.

[@attractionspotlight4824]

Da Vinci’s Cradle used to go over the top forwards and backwards many times. Busch Gardens Williamsburg “neutered” the ride in the last decade or so not allowing it to go over but once or twice. I am sad to see it go as it’s very unique and the theming is really cool.

[@thomasxl200]

It was one of my favorite rides as a kid.

[@attractionspotlight4824]

@@thomasxl200 same. I loved the old ride cycle.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I saw it was being removed right after this was uploaded onto KZbin yesterday.

[@lordyharim7636]

I rode it twice, a couple of years apart, but I distinctly remember the first time being MUCH scarier and intense.

[@nutcrackerz348]

Man you have been on that grind with these uploads recently! Love your content keep up the fantastic work! 👊🏻

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@teddym2808]

I can't agree that Alpengeist is more fun than AC, but this was a great video overall, thanks.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@Joypyf]

Haven’t been here yet, but I’m shocked to hear this about Verbolten 😳 👍🏼

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a good ride.

[@jameson_coasterlover3411]

Wow love this im going there this June! Thanks also 100th comment 🎉

[@CanobieCoaster]

Enjoy!

[@literallynob0dy]

My list, excluding kiddie rides, transport rides, and rides that no longer exist: 15. Roman Rapids (Sit in a raft and get wet. That's it.) 14. Da Vinci's Cradle (Sit on a bench and enjoy a slightly faster, irregular ferris wheel) 13. The Battering Ram (Sit in a boat and go "Weeeeee") 12. Tempesto (I really don't like this coaster and it made the scenery around Apollo's an eyesore) 11. Le Scoot (it's fine. It's a log flume. You get what you'd get on any log flume, but with good theming to the "New France" motif.) 10. Mach Tower (again, it's fine. It's an okay drop tower. I don't hate it, but I'm never in a hurry to ride it when I'm there.) 9. Escape from Pompei (The theming for this ride is absolutely fantastic. It's more of a show than a ride, but well worth it.) 8. Finnigan's Flyer (This is a great first ride of the day. It's easily accessible when you first get in the park and it's a great way to get the adrenaline going.) 7. Alpengeist (I'm sad to put this as one of the lower rated coasters. It used to have amazing pacing that would send my blood rushing to my toes, but they nerfed it. Also, be prepared for an earache afterwards 'cause your head is going to smash into these restraints numerous times.) 6. Invadr (I was excited when they built this because I was so happy to see a GCI at BGW, but unfortunately the experience just wasn't what I had hoped for. It's a fine ride though, just don't expect El Toro/Mystic Tim/Gold Strike level of excitement.) 5. Loch Ness (I was honestly kind of mad that this was 10 on this video. It's a truly timeless ride that offers a great experience and thrill for all ages. I highly recommend a night ride in the back row.) 4. Verbolten (This is a fantastic ride. I also don't want to spoil the surprises in this, so I'll just say that it's a nice tribute to Big Bad Wolf, though I do miss BBW's unique ride experience with the hanging cars and amazing theming.) 3. Griffon (I was actually a test rider for this. I rode it for three hours straight back-to-back and I'm still not tired of this ride. I recommend getting an outer edge seat because it leaves you feeling like you're freely suspended in the air.) 2. Apollo's Chariot (This ride is just chef's kiss. It's smooth like butter, offers great airtime, beautiful scenery.... at least before Tempesto ruined it.... I could ride this over and over again. It was my first ever roller coaster that I've ever ridden, and I love it so much)\ 1. Pantheon (okay... I'm being a bit cheeky here... I haven't actually ridden this one yet, but IM SO HYPED AND IT LOOKS SO GOOD!)

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree Alpengeist is slowed in the second half, but I love that first half so much.

[@robertannable9584]

Beauty of a park, my man, Can-O-Beast

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sure is!

[@Kozyfin2955]

Was at BGW this weekend. Pantheon was great. I think it’s up there with Velocicoaster at Universal.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I much prefer Velocicoaster, but Pantheon is also great.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

Seeing Alpengeist ahead of Apollo's Chariot made me smile. I'm not ready to make that move yet, but I totally loved my rides on Alpengeist last year. It's creeping up on Griffon for my 2nd favorite ride in the park behind Apollo. I think the drop tower might be my # 4. Of course, all those will almost definitely move down a spot once I get on Pantheon. If I were to include shows on my list, Celtic Fyre is by far in a way # 1, not even a fair fight. I don't see Pantheon or any ride anywhere coming close to it. Being an Irish dancer myself has an influence on that.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Alpengeist ran super well late last year. I haven't seen Celtic Fyre. I wanted to in my recent visit, but it wasn't available on weekdays.

[@athenaclark2567]

I’ve been to this park many times, and it seems like the bottom half of my coaster rankings change every time. That’s a sign of a great coaster lineup!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes!

[@zeidawawdeh79]

Question, when you buy a Busch gardens ticket, do you have to pay for all the rides you go on or is the cost covered by the ticket?

[@maxhagenauer24]

Many people could say this park is better than Kings Dominion. 3 fantastic B&Ms, an Intamin Multi Launch that's easily the parks best, and InvadR which looks honestly like a mid GCI cause how agreesive it is for its size and its unique straight drop.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I much prefer this to Kings Dominion.

[@Galaxia_Moon]

Rest in peace, Da Vinci’s cradle, you were my whole childhood, a salute to darkastle, the ride I loved but was terrified of as a young lady, A round of applause to the simulator rides, which my pawpaw has told me all about, A standing, (or riding) ovation to The Big Bad Wolf, a ride of many rhine river dips, And a kick in the throat for Mäch Tower, a ride that almost injured many, with its countless faults, and also that just all in all sucked bull. Rest in peace, all you rides, you all were spectacular rides. Except you, Mäch tower.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I actually liked Mach Tower.

[@Galaxia_Moon]

@@CanobieCoaster eh, I just have beef with it, as you saw in another comment you hearted.

[@katherinemoyers7807]

I like the alpengeist I like the pantheon I like the Loch Ness monster I like the invadr I like the verbolten I like the finnegan flyer

[@CanobieCoaster]

So many great rides here.

[@DCLocal84]

I have to say, this list lines up almost identical to my own (sans non-coasters as I don't really ride anything other than coasters). Pantheon became my easy #1 when I first rode it during the member preview (and it has only gotten better. Just got a night ride on it tonight and... WOW!). I always jostle between Alpengeist and Apollo for my #2 spot. Alpengeist is maybe the most intense Invert I've ridden, and my ranking of it depends on whether I got banged around in the Cobra Roll during my most recent ride 😅. Apollo isn't what other Hypers are but it still provides some great sustained floater and the night rides tend to have better pacing. Plus I still love the pre-drop and watching fireworks on the lift hill (best spot in the park to watch). Griffon is my favorite Drop coaster as well. I am always pleasantly surprised by the sustained floater I get going into the splash down. I wish Invadr was longer, but it has great airtime and a better than expected drop for a shorter family coaster. And, at the risk of incurring some hate, I'm really glad you put Verbolten where you did. It is a solid coaster for a family coaster. Good lats. The final drop is a great homage to BBW (which I loved when I rode it back in 2002); however, it is still a family coaster, a bit underthemed for a dark ride, and (I think) a little overrated. Add to that that it always seems to have the longest coaster line in the park, and I may have grown a bit bitter towards it. None the less, loved your list.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks! Such a strong park!

[@mitchellries256]

After my visits in 2008 and 2013, my favorite ride there is Griffon followed by Alpengeist, The Big Bad Wolf (R.I.P.), Loch Ness Monster, Apollo's Chariot, Le Scoot, Roman Rapids, Escape From Pompeii, Curse of DarKastle, Verbolten, Der Autobahn, Le Catapult, Busch Gardens Railway and the Skyride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

You had Apollo lower than I would have expected.

[@mitchellries256]

@@CanobieCoaster I guess I don't really have a very good explanation for that. I just enjoyed the other four a little bit more I suppose and there are other hyper coasters out there that I think are better.

[@jtwoolley]

Alpengeist is their inverted coaster in Germany Village.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's back there.

[@Asshat237]

Always great content. If you’re a fan you should always comment. Even if you don’t have much to say, you can just say “Comment for algorithm help”.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The algorithm is a magical thing.

[@arisscalemodeling350]

I got in line for girrfon last weekend and just didnt have the guts to get on it ive been trying to encourage myself ive been on verbolten, pantheon, Apollos charriot and invadr maybe one day i will add griffon to that list

[@CanobieCoaster]

If you can handle Apollo, Griffon's drop is similar.

[@user-ec7rb9rm4y]

See Apollo's Chariot at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Swiss Toboggan at Little Amerricka. In your review video of Swiss Toboggan, Canobie Coaster said: 99% of the time, I want airtime. Usually the more, the merrier. The stronger, the better. But this is the 1%. You do not want airtime on this coaster. And unfortunately, it has some. So how would you compare that to Apollo's Chariot to ride and experience the airtime? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Apollo has far better and comfortable airtime.

[@jillflynn7735]

Pantheon is number 2 in the world for me

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

And see Loch Ness Monster here, did you like the second lift hill? Did you not mind it? Or what do you wish?

[@CanobieCoaster]

The second lift hurts the pacing, but it regains some energy.

[@wildboy1983]

I'm visiting Monday june 13th for the first time from UK. Tickets are pricey. Do I need to buy a fast pass to get round comfortably in one day?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I have never needed a Quick Queue here. Keep in mind Pantheon isn't on most Quick Queues and the B&Ms have super high capacity. The key is to be one of the first riders on Pantheon. Then hit Tempesto, Verbolten, and InvadR as early as possible.

[@user-ec7rb9rm4y]

Did you ever come off something at Busch Gardens Williamsburg with a headache? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I can ride any coaster here without issues.

[@coastercult4142]

What are the requirements for doing POV’s at this park?

[@CanobieCoaster]

You go to guest relations (with your camera/harness) and get a camera card to show at each ride.

[@thewoodpeckers655]

How did you know if you greyed out of verbolten??.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I know what it feels like.

[@atlasking5733]

Big bad Wolf would be fun except they got replaced so that’s kind of sad

[@CanobieCoaster]

There are rumors of a spiritual successor to that ride coming next year.

[@Killly._]

Verbolten is number 2 or 3 stamped

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer some of the bigger ones.

[@luckyloxplayz2262]

What about Drachen Spire

[@CanobieCoaster]

Still waiting to see if it's built.

[@jaydenchrist6152]

We all knew that Pantheon will probaly be the best coaster

[@CanobieCoaster]

Likely.

[@itsseriousarc8429]

my last few rides on apollo have been not very good. there was barely any airtime and the rattle was really bad.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I haven't had an issue with rattle, but I agree the airtime doesn't seem as strong as the past.

[@ryanjabell]

the answer is yes lol

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@Abexx]

i think you put the wrong title

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks, I just fixed it.

[@shanepleasants6280]

Invader beats the shit out of me every time

[@CanobieCoaster]

That stinks. I find it smooth.

[@Specialguy29]

On what planet is Apollo glass smooth. It’s got a decent rattle, no where near as smooth as glass

[@CanobieCoaster]

I haven't had that issue.

[@djsugarc1075]

you gotta be trolling with the invadR placement, that thing was a totally pointless waste of money. crappy little GCI. one of my least favorite coasters.

[@starryagent9936]

It’s a family coaster, not a thrill machine. And it’s great for what it was

[@itsseriousarc8429]

it actually is really good with the airtime and laterals

[@mr.c6421]

I actually love InvadR. Especially at night in the front

[@CanobieCoaster]

I genuinely like it more than some larger GCIs.