Animal Kingdom VS Busch Gardens - The Dilemma

[djm99]

I personally have never been to either park, but I'm hearing (from other friends and family) how similar the two parks happen to be. But most importantly, how much nicer, eye soaring, and "cooler" Busch Gardens is vs. Animal Kingdom. So this is the dilemma, which park???? I have 3 day plus Disney hoppers, and I can get some free Busch Gardens tickets from a brother in law who works at Anheiser Busch .

 

[The Sweetness]

Why not give both parks a try? Maybe not in the same trip if that doesnt work out for you, but Im sure both parks have their own special touches. I havent been to BG since I was a shorty, when I had a traumatic (for a 5 y old) experience in the petting zoo (a llamma at half my shirt while I was wearing it )

 

[meeko_33785]

Busch Gardens, to me at least, always feels a lot bigger than AK. There are a ton more attractions there and lot more thrill rides. If you're looking for coasters, Busch is definatly the place. Animal-wise, I would give AK the edge. BG has some nice displays (especially in their Edge of Africa exhibit), but most others, including their Safari IMO, is not as good as AK. Both have good live shows. I'd give AK the edge, but I haven't seen the new show Katonga at BG which I hear is good. Plus, if you're at WDW, AK is much more convenient than driving to Tampa. Personally I prefer AK since I think it has a nicer feel to the park and I'm not a big coaster fan.

 

[chyam]

Although I am a huge Disney fan I have been greatly disappointed by AK and I have tried it several times. The only disadvantage to you is that you would have to drive 1 1/2 hours -2 hours to get to Tampa from WDW and I4 can be a real nightmare, lots of construction and delays. BG has more animals and a lot more rides, I love walking through the animal nursery there. But I think in your situation you should just try AK since you are right there. But I also think that many large city zoos have more animals than both of these parks so that is why I chose BG for the rides. The best time to catch the critters is in the early mornings before it gets to hot.

 

[KSgirl]

When we travel for family vacations all the way to Florida from here in Kansas, we never miss the oportunity to visit Busch Gardens. It is my husband's favorite park. As a poster mentioned above, there are things that each park does better, but if you like coasters and more variety and number of rides, than you should give Busch Gardens a try. They have a really fun kids area all to itself that my children love....also Lorakeet Landing, where you can walk into the aviary and feed the birds nectar (they land everywhere on you to perch).....a wide variety of coasters.....some truely beautify exotic animal displays (love the underwater hippo/fish viewing area)....and don't forget the Hospitality House for the adults ! Last December, we toured Busch Gardens in the middle of the week (it's a little over hour from Orlando) and the park was almost empty. It started to rain, and many people left, but we stayed, and the park pretty much cleared out. My kids didn't even have to get off many of the coasters to ride again.....one coaster they rode 4 times in a row!

We also enjoy Animal Kingdom for different reasons: show, courtesy, that "Disney" feel, attention to detail, etc. But don't go to Busch Gardens with "Disney" expectations....they aren't the same. However, we really do enjoy Busch Gardens.

 

[Planogirl]

Animal Kingdom is lovely but I would go to Busch Gardens particularly if I could get free tickets. I'd devote my three Disney days to the other parks.

 

[OKW Lover]

With respect to your friends, the two parks are not similar.

Busch Gardens is basically a thrill ride park, with animals around. Animal Kingdom is an animal park, with themed attractions. At BG, you will always be aware of the real world, at AK you may forget.

 

[AladdinsPrincess]

I agree with Jeff above. I don't think BG and AK are alike at all. BG seems much more like an amusement park to me and lacks the intricate, classy theming of any Disney park. The thrill rides at BG are definitely awesome if that's what you're looking for, but be prepared for long, hot wait lines! I literally passed out from the heat the last time I was there (which isn't like me at all!) My DH and I are very into animals too, and I think the habitats at AK are much nicer - more spacious and natural looking. Food quality, staff, and general cleanliness are also way better at AK.