So, what I am going to say here is only my personal opinion. As you can tell by reading this Forum, people disagree violently about many of the specifics. Hopefully, others will chime in, as well.
Not knowing how much you already know about BGW, let me start with some general background.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a true theme park, vice an amusement park. It is comprised of several European "hamlets." Each country has stores with authentic merchandise and themed restaurants. For example, Das Festhaus in the Octoberfest hamlet serves German cuisine; and the gift shop in Rhinefeld sells beer steins made in Germany. The rides are also themed to the hamlet.
BGW historically has had good food by theme park standards. The quality has been falling off a bit recently, but the
new restaurant in San Marco is really quite good.
BGW also has a reputation for having a really good coaster collection. It doesn't have as many flat rides, however, as you might find at a more traditional amusement park.
One other thing that sets all SeaWorld and Busch parks apart is their animals. While BGW isn't an accredited zoo like its sister in Tampa, it does have a fair number of animal exhibits and tours. Your cabana will be right in the middle of the Wild Reserve, which is where the rotating animal exhibits are displayed.
So, about those coasters. I noticed you said you were really looking forward to Griffon. It is a fun ride, but in my experience the visual and mental affects are more extreme than the actual physical experience. That said, the first drop offers an amazing view of Demon Street, during HOS.
Most people list either Apollo's Chariot or Alpengeist as their favorite roller coaster in the park. I believe it really a question of which kinds of forces you prefer.
Apollo (my favorite) is a B&M hyper coaster with an amazing first drop and a series of fantastic air time hills.
Alpengeist is a B&M invert that is incredibly tall and fast.
Verbolten is more of a family ride, but has a really cool drop track element and a fun launch. I personally like it a lot.
Loch Ness Monster is an Arrow with interlocking loops and what many of us consider the best straight drop in the park.
I can't recommend anyone ride Tempesto, but I know some people enjoy it.
BGW has two dark rides: Curse of Darkastle and Europe in the Air. Darkastle is similar to Spiderman at Islsnds of Adventure. You ride through the scenes in a "sleigh," wearing 3D glasses. EitA is a simulator like Wild Arctic at SeaWorld, but the story is derivative of Disney's Soarin'.
The flat rides are all fairly self-explanatory. There is a drop tower, called Mach Tower, as well as a variety of other carnival rides, mostly concentrated in Octoberfest, San Marco, and Festa Italia. The scrambler (Le Catapult) is somewhat hidden in New France.
There are three water rides, if it isn't too cold. Le Scoot is a great, classic log flume. Escape from Pompeii is a well themed, but fairly short shoot the chutes type ride. I don't think Roman Rapids is open at HOS? Regardless, it is an average rapids ride.
I highly recommend you take the sky ride all of the way around. The views, especially during special events, are fantastic. You will have to disembark at each station and get back in line to make a full circuit. It is also the easiest way to get from Octoberfest to Heatherdowns. The lines can get long, so try it on either Friday or Sunday. Most people love the train, as well. It has been a haunted attraction in the past, but in recent years it has only been a great transport option. It goes around the park and offers lovely views.
In terms of food, I recommend trying the new restaurant in San Marco, Marco Polo's Marketplace. I would stay away from the pasta there, however. Trappers is also fairly good barbecue; most people I know get the brisket. I can't comment on Das Festhaus, as I don't personally like German food. If you like ice cream, you should try Josephine's; and Crepes and Coffee is pretty good, and usually has fillings themed to the season or event.
If you want a drink, and you don't want to go to one of the HOS bars, try Grogans Pub in Killarney or the new Bier Room in the back of the Festhaus (if it is open during HOS). Both also serve appetizers, and there are also some good main dishes in Grogans Grill, which you can carry into the pub or Annie's.
Especially since you will be there for three days, take some time to enjoy the landscaping, scenery, and shops.
If you have specific merchandise you like, we can offers suggestions about shopping, as well.
Once again, I hope this was helpful?
