KINGS DOMINION VS BUSCH GARDENS, VA.
 

hI: HAVE AIRLINE TICKETS TO BALTIMORE, MEMORIAL WEEKEND WITH FAMILY (KIDS AGES 10 & 16) I MUST USE TICKETS OR LOSE THEM. IS IT FEASIBLE TO SPEND MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IN WILLIAMSBURG, VA. AFTER FLYING INTO BALTIMORE. HOW BAD WILL THE DRIVE BE ?? ALSO SINCE KINGS DOMINION PARK IS CONSIDERABLY CLOSER TO BALTIMORE THAN BUSCH GARDINS IS THAT A REASONABLE ALTERNATIVE OR INFERIOR 2ND CHOICE. HOW DOES THAT PARK STACK UP AGAINST BUSCH GARDENS VA.?? ANY COMPARISION ?? APPRECIATE ANY ADVICE !!

I'm a bit biased, I've been going to Busch Gardens since I was 13 (I'm almost 30 now) and it remains my favorite park. It's big with fantastic rides (especially the coasters), great shows, great food and just a great theme. I really can't wait to get back there. Despite it beer company ownership, it really has a lot for the whole family and williamsburg itself is really nice. I went to King's Dominion last year and had a very bad time, there were a lot of rides, but also a lot of lines. The food was pricey and the rides were decent, but no comparison to Busch. A lot depends on the age of your children, while Busch has a lot, they do have a little more for the kids to do at KD(bring bathing suits - they have a Nickelodean water park). King's Dominion is a bit closer, but I'd make the trip to Busch Gardens, allow for two-days if you don't want to feel rushed. They have a three day pass which allows admission to Busch Gardens and their huge water park Water Country USA, which is a short drive away. It'll probably be crowded at both parks on the holiday. Have fun!

Sorry, didn't read your message clearly enough, I think your kids are a little old for the Nick water park at KD, definitely go to Busch Gardens! The ride from BWI is only about an hour farther to BG (but traffic is pretty hairy on 95 through DC/VA, especially on the holiday). Maybe look for routes alternate to 95 on www.mapquest.com. Try to get an extra day or two in to avoid traffic and to relax a bit more, there's a lot to do and see in and around Williamsburg (a long weekend doesn't seem like enough).

Definitely Busch Gardens over KD. All around much nicer. More for all ages. Better variety of amusements and entertainment. But it will be a mininum of 3-4 drive from BWI to Williamsburg, and with the holiday traffic could be terrible. You will be exhausted. Would be better if you could fly into Richmond. If I had to fly into BWI, I would elect to stay in Baltimore and/or Washington DC...plenty to do in both of those places, and try Williamsburg another time.

If you must fly into Baltimore and if you wish to go to Busch Gardens as others have recommended, I suggest you travel via Rt #301 to Rt #17 since you are traveling on a holiday week-end (assuming you will be driving Friday PM). I live in the DC area and often drive to that area. The interstates will be unbearable on Friday and on Monday. This alternate route is not divided highway all the way, but once you get south of Brandywine, MD traffic will definitely start to thin out and you can enjoy the tranquility of the scenery. It is a beautiful drive (and almost stress-free).

Both the amusement parks are nice; Busch Gardens is definitely a little nicer, greener, and better themed. Plus there is so much to do in the Williamburg area. But you must add extra days on the holiday weekend in order to do this trip from Balimore unless you don't mind a horrendous traffic jam. We once left ONLY a half day early from DC and found it a big mess on 95 by noon-time. It will put a damper on things for sure. On the other hand, if you could travel Thursday - Tuesday, traffic would be better and you'd be able to enjoy more of the Williamsburg area.

Busch Gardens is definitely a better choice over King's Dominion. My nieces were visiting a couple of weeks ago from Massachusetts, and we took them to Busch Gardens. Never even considered KD. The rides are great (but expect long lines). It is just about an hour further than KD. My suggestion would be to stay away from Rt. 95 on that weekend. Take 301 to Rt. 17. You will see signs for Williamsburg on Rt. 17 though you will be on it for some time. Rt. 17 is a much prettier drive and much more relaxing. You should not have any traffic.