Water Country USA Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to our most commonly asked questions.

Trip planning is stressful enough, so let us help you find the answers to your questions before you get here. You'll find driving directions to our water park and what airports are nearby, as well as locations and services in the park.

Water Country USA General Questions

Does Water Country USA close for capacity?

In order to ensure our guests' comfort and safety, Water Country USA's capacity is limited. Admission into the park may be temporarily suspended during the day due to periods of high attendance.

Where is Water Country USA?

The park address is 176 Water Country Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23185, near the intersection of of Interstate 64 and Highway 199.


Richmond (RIC), Norfolk (ORF) and Newport News-Williamsburg (PHF) International Airports are all within 45 minutes of the park.


Learn more about how to get to Water Country USA.

What time does Water Country USA open?

Water Country USA, Busch Gardens Williamsburg's water park, operates on a seasonal schedule.


Please see our calendar for the most up-to-date information about our current park hours.

How much does it cost to park at Water Country USA?

We have multiple parking options available for our guests, which can be purchased online in advance or at the park on the day of your visit.


Single-Day General Parking is $30 and allows guests to park at our water park for one day.

Parking upgrades are also available at the park. 

If you are a Member or Annual Pass holder, please check your benefits to see what's included with your Membership Plan or Annual Pass. You may upgrade to Preferred Parking for a variable fee, when available.

What kind of security should I expect at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA?

Our security procedures are designed to keep our guests, Team Members and animals safe. Please note the following tips and reminders from our Security Team:


•  All bags, backpacks and packages are subject to inspection prior to entering the park.

•  The following items are not permitted to be brought into Busch Gardens: weapons, glass bottles, cans, any other type of sharp object, large hard or soft coolers and any hazardous items or materials.

•  Please leave any unnecessary articles locked in your vehicle to expedite your entry into the park.


Busch Gardens, Water Country USA and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are not responsible for fire, theft, damage or loss of vehicle including articles left within.

May I bring my own food and beverages into Water Country USA?

No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed to be brought into Water Country USA, except you may bring a bottle of water or a refillable water bottle. Exceptions may be made for Guests with special dietary needs, including food allergies and baby food/formula. Guest should contact Park Security or Guest Relations when they arrive at the Park for approval to bring in special dietary foods.

Learn more about our unique dining programs offered at Water Country USA.

Review Water Country USA’s important information regarding guests with food allergies.

Can I smoke or vape at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA?

Smoking and vaping are only permitted in specific outdoor smoking locations throughout the park. Smoking Stations are designated in guest areas by smoking urns, benches and "designated Smoking Area" signs.


All indoor areas will remain smoke-free environments.


Please see our park maps for designated smoking area locations.

Does Water Country USA offer front-of-line access for their rides and attractions?

We offer priority access with Quick Queue to help you spend less time in line and more time having fun.

What kind of personal items can I bring on a ride or attraction at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA?

Loose articles are not permitted in the ride queue lines or on our major attractions. This includes but are not limited to, bags and purses, cameras, cell phones, hats, keys and wallets.


Items must be safely secured in a sealed pocket, a waist pack, left in a locker or with a non-rider. Busch Gardens, Water Country USA and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are not responsible for lost or damaged articles.

Can I take pictures while on a ride or attraction at Water Country USA?

Due to the nature and dynamics of all rides and the potential for injury, the following items are not permitted on any ride:

•  Unsecured cameras or video cameras of any size

•  Head harnesses

•  Selfie sticks


For safety reasons, hand-held and harnessed devices are not permitted on the following rides:

•  Jammin' Jukebox

•  Little Bopper

•  Nitro Racer 

•  Vanish Point


Chest harnesses and wrist/arm straps are allowed on the following rides: 


Equipment may be returned to your vehicle or stored in a locker, which are available near our attractions for an additional fee.


Please review our Accessibility Guide for more information about our rides and camera policy.

Are lockers available for rent at Water Country USA?

All-Day Lockers are available for rent. Lockers are located near Hubba Hubba Highway, Jet Scream and Daddy O's Eats.

Does Busch Gardens and Water Country USA provide kennel service or boarding facilities for guests?

Pet care services are located in Busch Garden Williamsburg's England Parking Lot. Guests can board their pet for the day in our climate controlled kennel. Service is available from park open to close. Owners are responsible for feeding and walking their pet; our Pet Care Team Members will only provide water throughout the day.


NOTE: Guests must purchase Preferred Parking in order to park in the England Parking Lot.


We suggest pre-booking your rental for pet boarding service online before you arrive. Alternatively, you can make arrangements when you pay for parking or at Guest Relations upon arrival.


This amenity can be changed or cancelled once for free as long as the change is 24 hours in advance of the reservation date, but there are charges for changes made within 24 hours or for more than one change. Rebooking or cancellation requires at least 24 hours' advance notice. If you have to change or cancel your reservation, please call (757) 229-4386.

Are pets permitted at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA?

With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed in our theme park or water park.


You may board your pet for the day in our climate controlled kennel located in Busch Gardens' England Parking Lot. Owners are responsible for feeding and walking their pet; our Pet Care Team Members will only provide water throughout the day.


This amenity can be changed or cancelled once for free as long as the change is 24 hours in advance of the reservation date, but there are charges for changes made within 24 hours or for more than one change. Rebooking or cancellation requires at least 24 hours' advance notice. If you have to change or cancel your reservation, please call (757) 229-4386.

Are service animals allowed in Busch Gardens and Water Country USA?

Trained service animals are welcome at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.


For more information, refer to our Accessibility Guide.

What is the best way to dress for a visit to Water Country USA?

Please note that Water Country USA is a family experience, therefore we ask that the appropriate swim attire be worn (i.e., no bathing-suit thongs, please). For the health and safety of all of our guests children in diapers are required to use waterproof protectors.

Appropriate swimwear is required. Swimwear or shoes with buckles, rivets, or any sharp objects are not permitted on our attractions. Cotton shorts or shirts, sport shorts, cover ups, loose fitting articles, or similar items are permitted but not on body slides. Footwear such as water shoes, sandals, or water socks are permitted but not on body slides.

Please check each ride’s entry sign for specific restrictions.

NOTE: T-shirts and footwear including aqua socks may not be worn on our body slides, Vanish Point and Jammin’ Juke box.

Water Country USA reserves the right to refuse admission or ask anyone to leave who is not in compliance with these rules.

What do I do if I lose something at Water Country USA?

If you've lost something during your visit to our water park, you may report your lost item in person or online.


If you are still at Water Country USA, please visit Guest Relations (located inside the park past the turnstiles).


If you have already left or don't want to wait in line, you can complete our Lost Item Form. A Team Member will contact you only if your item has been located. To help us find and return your item, please include the following information:


•  Date and location item was lost or last seen

•  Description of item - please be specific in regards to color, brand and any unique features

•  If you lost a cell phone please provide serial number, make, model and service provider.

•  Your contact information – phone number and address

•  Please tell us if you completed a lost item report before you left the park.


Busch Gardens, Water Country USA and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are not responsible for lost, missing or stolen personal property.

Where is the Welcome Center at Water Country USA?

The Welcome Center is located just past the turnstiles at the park entrance. Our Team Members will be able to answer questions related to our Ride Accessibility Program, cabanas, loungers, priority access and more.

Where do I find a map of Water Country USA?

Park maps are available online, and large viewing maps are located throughout the park.


NOTE: We do not provide printed maps at our water park.

What is Water Country USA's cancellation/refund policy?

Water Country USA’s zero change fee policy allows Guest to change previously made admissions reservations to a different date by calling 757-229-4386 between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST. Additional cost applies for dates with higher ticket prices. No refund or credit is given for changes from dates with higher prices to dates with lower prices. Tickets, Passes, Membership, and Fun Cards are nonrefundable, nontransferable, revocable, and may not be redeemed for cash. Other restrictions may apply.

Most in-park experiences and products may be rescheduled 1 or more times with no fee if rebooked at least 24-48 hours prior to date of reservation (product-dependent) by calling 757-229-4386 between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST. Please see specific reservation product descriptions and disclaimers for cancellation policy.

What is a Quick Pay Cashless Wristband?

With a Quick Pay Cashless Wristband, you can make purchases all day in the park without fumbling for your wallet. Simply use your credit card at the beginning of your visit to set up a spending account. You’ll be issued waterproof wristbands for the whole family, which can be used to charge purchases throughout the park.

Your account will automatically settle at the end of each day. It’s a free, smart and convenient way to enjoy your visit without worrying about misplacing credit cards.

What credit cards are accepted at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA?

Busch Gardens and Water Country USA accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover and JCB at all ticket booths, restaurants and gift shops with proper identification.


We also provide ATMs throughout the park for your convenience. Please see our park maps for ATM locations.

Does Water Country USA have a First Aid Station in the park?

Our First Aid Station is located in near Launch Pad Express Cafe. Mobile first aid units are also available.


Please request assistance from the nearest Team Member in an emergency.

Can I use a Segway at Water Country USA?

Due to pathway configurations, terrain and large crowds (including small children and strollers), we do not permit the use of two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicles such as a Segway®.


Guests needing additional assistance can rent other forms of personal transportation, Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECV) and standard wheelchairs. You can reserve mobility devices in advance (at least 1 day prior to your visit) or make arrangements at the Welcome Center when you arrive.

Download our FREE Water Country App Now!

Easily navigate by using the interactive Park Map, order ahead with Mobile Food Ordering, book a Cabana and much more!

Available on Apple's App Store

Water Country USA Mobile App