Busch Gardens Williamsburg is opening for its 37th season on March 26, 2011. The park plans to open the season with a new thrill ride and an expansion of one of its most iconic areas. Located in America’s Historic Triangle, Busch Gardens is conveniently located to other Williamsburg attractions like Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown.

Currently offering more than 50 rides, shows and attractions in a 17th century European themed setting, the Busch Gardens theme park immerses guests in European settings featuring England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy. The new ride – Mach Tower – is located near Germany’s Oktoberfest village and is the tallest structure in the park. Mach Tower is a drop tower ride, similar to the Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests board the ride, which offers 30 seats around a central column, and then they ascend the tower, enjoying scenic views of the James River and eastern Virginia as they escalate. Then, the ride drops straight down at 60 mph! More details regarding the experience have been kept secret so far, but will be known as soon as the park opens in the spring.

The Oktoberfest Village is also being revamped. Restaurants, games, colorful maypoles and banners surrounding Das Festhaus will be added or updated in the area, and a new beer garden and pretzel bakery will open.

Busch Gardens tickets are on sale now.