Guests planning to visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg this week faced unexpected disappointment when the Virginia theme park announced a sudden closure. Known for its thrilling roller coasters and family-friendly attractions, the destination is currently hosting its annual Christmas Town event, a highlight of the holiday season. However, the park abruptly ceased operations on Wednesday, December 11, just hours before opening its gates.
An Abrupt Announcement From Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg informed guests of the closure through an email and updates on its official website. The announcement cited “inclement weather” as the reason for the decision, undoubtedly leaving some vacationers scrambling to adjust their plans.
“Dear Guest, Due to inclement weather, Busch Gardens Williamsburg will be closed today, Dec. 11,” the email read. “All date-specific tickets for Dec. 11 will be automatically extended for use on any operating day through Jan. 5, 2025. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Dec. 12, from 4 PM-9 PM.”
Weather in Virginia
According to The Weather Channel, Williamsburg, Virginia, faced a “marginal risk” of “severe” weather on December 11. Predictions included wind speeds of 10 to 20 MPH, heavy rainfall, and potential localized flooding. These conditions made outdoor attractions unsafe, prompting the theme park‘s operations team to prioritize guest safety by shutting down for the day.
Despite the inconvenience, Busch Gardens Williamsburg assured guests that date-specific tickets for December 11 would automatically be extended for use through January 5, 2025. Those with additional questions were encouraged to contact the park’s Guest Relations team at BGW.GuestRelations@buschgardens.com.
Christmas Town Continues
The sudden closure marks an unexpected disruption during the park’s popular Christmas Town event, transforming Busch Gardens Williamsburg into a winter wonderland with millions of lights, festive entertainment, and seasonal treats. The park typically remains open throughout December, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, making the unexpected closure a rare occurrence.
The Virginia theme park plans to reopen on December 12, with guests invited to enjoy the festivities from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
When is the best time of year to visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
