Booking transport from IDrive to Busch

[Julia Ann]

Although we have got the hire car, DB and myself want to take the "bus" to Busch Gardens from IDrive, i read somewhere that I have to book our journey at Seaworld. Did I read correct or can I do it else where or just turn up at the bus stop?

 

[Muppet]

We have got the IRIDE from I drive to Seaworld.

Busch has their own shuttle service which you can call a couple of days before to book and they collect you from your hotel. Its about $5 each way I think.

 

[Aceman88888]

If you have a 5 day orlando flexticket the bus is FREE and takes 1hr 40mins.

We met some friends there who used it without any problems 3 weeks ago.

 

[pegasusEH]

I would think carefully before taking the bus if you already have a car. If your driver is prepared to make the journey, I would choose that over the bus.

Perhaps we were just unlucky but we took the bus from Kissimmee a couple of years ago. It was late leaving. It seems as though one of the other pick up locations was overbooked and we had to wait for a family to be transported to Kissimmee before we could leave.

We didn't turn up at Busch Gardens until something like 11.30. The bus left the park at 6pm. Busch Gardens is a big park with a lot of attractions. We raced around like idiots trying to fit in everything we wanted to. We really regretted getting that bus.

 

[Julia Ann]

Thanks for the tips - that Kissimmee-Busch bus trip sounded very unlucky. We did do the journey once before by car but got lost when we got off a wrong exit (our directions weren't very clear - as with most maps in Florida!) and it was quite scarey as the area was not very nice and we had to ask for directions (which is always not advisable). We may take a chance on the bus - we have got the 5 park flex ticket so it will be free and we can always go back later in the holiday (if my itinerary permits it!!)

thanks

 

[WDWfan uk]

It must have been so frustrating to arrive so late Pegasus.
I think they have cut down on pick-up points since then - I think that it just picks up from Sea World and the Premium Oultet Mall, but not absolutely certain.

If you don't have the Flexticket, it only costs $5 per person round trip which is VERY reasonable!
Julia Ann, I have read that you have to book in advance, I have seen posts from people who've used the bus and said that they were full!

For Reservations/Information, you can call 1-800-221-1339 ( you could call once you are out there?) or speak to Guest Services at Sea World. ( If you take the car to get to Sea World, you'll need to pay parking at SW).

I'd love to hear how you found the service - hope it works well for you

 

[peewakio]

If you have Orlando Flextickets, you only need to call the number on the back of the ticket the day before you wish to travel to Busch gardens. The buses leave from the Mercado centre on I drive at approx 8.30am and leave when the park closes. This service is free for those with 5 park flextickets.

 

[ColUK]

I was there just over a month ago and used the bus twice. I know Orlando and Tampa quite well but would always take the bus now. You can book a pickup from Mercado as someone already stated and I think the Orlando Visitor centre next door to the Mercado will do that if you ask them or just call the free phone number on the card. Cost is $5 for the round trip unless you have the flex ticket and then its free. You pay for the ticket at Busch Gardens at the customer services desk on the far left of the turnstiles when you enter, you can do this anytime of the day so just pick your ticket up when its good for you. Dont leave it too late at the end of the day though!
In April the pick up time from Mercado was about 8:45 meaning we got to BG at about 10:00. The return was 7pm and got back at 8:15pm to Mecado... in fact we were dropped off at Universal at 8:30pm and even got the hotel shuttle!
My reasons for recommending the bus are
1. The bus will normally do the trip quicker than you. While not driving like maniacs they do go above the speed limit.
2. The unpredictability of the late afternoon weather.
3. BG is a huge park (my favorite in fact) after all day walking round you can get the seat lowered on the bus and have a sleep.

Have fun however you travel anyway!

 

[WDWfan uk]

.... found a list of the pick up points :-
Pick-ups are offered from several convenient Orlando locations:
• Universal Orlando -- 8:30 am, daily at bus parking;
• Mercado Shopping Village, 8445 International Drive -- 8:45 a.m. daily, front circle of main entrance;
• SeaWorld – 9:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. daily at bus parking;
• Old Town Shopping Village, 15591 S. Apopka-Vineland Road -- 9:15 a.m. daily, except Saturday, at rear parking, near roller coaster;
• Orlando Premium Outlets, 8200 Vineland Avenue -- 9:30 a.m. daily at tour bus drop-off center.
• AmeriHost Maingate Resort, 7491 Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy -- 9:30 a.m. daily;
• Four Points by Sheraton Lakeside, 7769 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy -- 9:40 a.m.

(Four Points has recently changed name)

You can also book on-line at http://www.atlasmc.com/bgse/