Animal Kingdom vs Busch Gardens

[cantwait2cruise]

Hi There,

We will be in Orlando in one week! Can't wait! DD 3 doesn't really know yet what is in store for her.

1st thanks to all DISers for the help/info/tips/etc that I have received from reading these boards.

Our cast consists of Grandmother, DB, SIL, neice 18 mos., and DD 3 yrs old:

Questions:
Considering the cast, should we worry about trying to do both Animal Kingdom and Busch Gardens in the same trip? Are the two very similar in respect to the animals/set-up? I know Animal Kingdom has that 'DISNEY" aspect that is above all others, but just wondering if we can get fulfill our "animal-seeking" needs at AK and forego BG.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[WDSearcher]

DAK is much more of an animal park than BG, in my opinion. DAK seems to be animals first, then everything else. Busch Gardens is kind of a 50/50 thing between animals and thrill rides, and the thrill rides are actually grabbing more real estate. With your cast of characters, the thrill ride aspect of BG isn't going to be a big deal, and while the monorail aspect of viewing animals is unique at Busch, I don't think taking a day to go to Tampa is going to buy you so much more animal viewing that you're going to miss it if you don't go.

If you watch the Busch Gardens ads, they seldom even show animals anymore. They focus on coasters, entertainment and rides.

 

[NCRedding]

I agree with WDW searcher: Go to AK instead of BG if you want to see animals. I just didn't care for BG in Tampa--I love BG in Williamsburg, but felt BGT was showing its age--it is also poorly managed with traffic. It isn't worth the 1 hour++ trip to get there for one day.

 

[PneumaticTransit]

Since you're traveling with small children, I would recommend just going to Animal Kingdom. It has plenty of animals to see, and it more kid friendly. Don't forget to take the train to the petting zoo.
Busch Gardens is great for pre-teens + that like thrill rides. Actually, they have a LOT of great rides, but it seems like they throw in an animal habitat in between rides and sometimes you even forget that it's supposed to be a zoological park.
Besides, why travel 60 miles if you don't have to?

 

[PneumaticTransit]

If you find that you don't get your "animal fill" at AK, perhaps you should consider going to Sea World? It's close by, and it has a lot of animals that you can't find at either AK or BG. It's more of an educational park though - I don't know if your 3 y/o will be able to sit through the Shamu/dolphin/ski show, but there are a lot of walk through exhibits.

 

[thekimber]

I live in Tampa, greatly enjoy Busch Gardens, but I agree with the rest - Animal Kingdom will fit your needs nicely.

Only 1 week to go? I bet you can hardly wait! I hope you all have a great time and that DD doesn't stop smiling the entire time.

 

[RachelTori]

For very young children, AK is definitely the better choice. The one thing my DD really loved about BG Tampa when she was 5, 6, 7, and 8 was being part of the Moroccan Roll show - they bring kids up on stage to "Walk Like An Egyptian" -- too cute!! Your age children wouldn't be able to ride most of the rides at BG. I'd keep it in mind for a couple years down the road.

 

[cantwait2cruise]

Thank you so much to those of you who have answered my question and provided even more tips/info for me to consider.

The DIS board is great, but the DIS PEOPLE are greater!!!!!!

SMILE!!!!