Animal Kingdom or Busch?

[mshanson3121]

I have an absolutely fanatical, animal lover child. Which park would truly be best? Which offers the best animal experiences? AK or Busch?

 

[DizDaD7]

I'd always choose Disney, but that's me.

 

[DizDaD7]

I have an absolutely fanatical, animal lover child. Which park would truly be best? Which offers the best animal experiences? AK or Busch?

Actually this also comes into play.

Are you planning on going to WDW parks, or is this just a 1 day trip kinda thing.?

the reason I ask is, If you're doing multiple days in Disney, then the add on cost for AK would be minimal, as compared to buying another park ticket exclusively for Busch.

 

[KingofJapan]

Busch gardens has great roller coasters and you can do beer tastings there

 

[mshanson3121]

Actually this also comes into play.

Are you planning on going to WDW parks, or is this just a 1 day trip kinda thing.?

the reason I ask is, If you're doing multiple days in Disney, then the add on cost for AK would be minimal, as compared to buying another park ticket exclusively for Busch.

Cost isn't really a factor. We already have tickets for Disney so we can do MK. But we also have the package deal which includes Busch, Discovery Cove, SW etc..

 

[DizDaD7]

Aggh Gotcha....

I did Busch Gardens in Va. but not in Tampa, so I'm not sure of the differences...

 

[Crystal824]

If you have an animal loving kid and cost isn't a factor, I would try to do them both. If you can only do one, would learn toward DAK. It is a better park in my opinion. I also assume you are staying in the Orlando area. BG is a little bit of a hike to get to.

 

[KingofJapan]

It's only an hour west of Disney. You can go to Ybor city afterwards which is fun.

 

[vicb]

I was not terribly impressed with Busch Garden's Tampa. I went several years back when one kid was into big coasters and one was not. It was a bit hard for us to find things to do for the one who was not into big rides AND the day we happened to be there the safari ride was closed down unexpectedly! I really like how Disney themes everything and think there is more to do at AK for younger kids, especially one who is into animals. We loved the bird show at AK and when my kids were young they really liked going to the Conservation Station but I'm not sure what the status of that is now. The lion king show was fab as well. I know there are some behind the scenes extras you can do but not sure the age on those.

 

[JimmyV]

Tough call. If I were vacationing at the beach and could only pick one, I would never make the trek to WDW when BG was close by. And if I was in Central FL, I would never make the trek out to BG with AK close by. If I was in Plant City (or whatever is the midpoint between the two), I would choose BG.

 

[Reddog1134]

My mother-in-law went to BG about 2 years ago and raved about it.

 

[Sehsun]

If you can fit in the time, do both. I love both parks. I love that Busch Gardens has an elephant exhibit (my favorite terrestrial animal) so you can just stand and watch them at your leisure (rather than drive by them on Kilimanjaro Safaris). BGT has a place somewhat similar to the Conservation Station called the Animal Care Center. Often if you go at the right time, they will be doing animal procedures/check-ups/etc. in there, and guests can watch.

So yes - try to do both if you can?

 

[ModernArtist]

BG has more hands-on interactive animal exhibits. There are certain attractions that let the children pet and feed some of the animals while the trainers hold them. You can't do any of that at AK. Not that I'm aware of anyway.

It's a beautiful park and well maintained. But it's big draw is a handful of gigantic coasters. Not my thing. We no longer make the long boring drive west, but for a child who loves animals it might be worth it.

 

[nilla]

I prefer Pabst Blue Ribbon.

 

[goodgodmrsmolly]

I think BG is a great park. The drive is not bad from Disney area. There is more to do overall at Busch Gardens but if you don't ride coasters or other rides, that evens out a bit. AK in newer and more themed if that is important. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[L&Lfan]

I would choose Busch Gardens for the thrill rides! I love thrills!