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08/13/2012 05:00 AM

Travel with Val: Busch Gardens

Some new high-flying roller coasters in Busch Gardens are putting a modern spin on historical Williamsburg, Virginia. YNN's Valarie D'Elia filed the following report.

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If your kids think visiting Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia on a family vacation is more like torture, don't be surprised if they say they would prefer to visit the Busch Gardens Williamsburg theme park. It offers an array of hair-raising roller coasters that get top billing.

"I like Alpengeist for all the twists and turns," says one young visitor.

"I love Apollo's Chariot for all the fun uphills and stuff like that," says another.

"I like Griffon, because I like the drop," says a third.

On a recent media visit, I got to experience Griffon's 90-degree drop first-hand at 75 mph, terrifying even with eyes closed.

If you're one who thinks these rides should be off-limits, the newest addition to the park is verboten — the Verbolten. This ride, just a bit longer than a New York minute, reaches 55 mph in less than two seconds with a surprise 16-feet free fall.

The European-themed resort, also gets accolades for its gentler side, a leafy layout, garnering raves from the National Amusement Park Historical Association.

Like its sister park in Florida, the Williamsburg park also has its share of animal attractions. On summer evenings, the day comes to a close with a short fireworks display, and there is a grand, porky finale that makes it worth spending the bacon.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has a number of value-added online packages, including a twilight special in effect after 3 p.m. that includes dinner and admission for $50 per person. For more details, visit buschgardens.com.