Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa - more info

[friendswithdave]

I know this is a little off-topic, but I hope I can get some help here.

We are considering making a trip to Busch Gardens part of our trip to Orlando. Heck, we may add the water park (Adventure Island?) too. I wonder how does this park compare to the others in Orlando. Is it as nice? As big? How about crowds?

From what I can tell, it seems to be a big kids park. My kids range from 5-10, but they do love animals. Will they enjoy this park?

Our trip will be in early October. I would guess crowds here on a weekday should be VERY light. Is it open on weekdays? Is the water park open on weekdays.

I am considering getting a BG Platinum pass, which gets 2 years unlimited admission to all AB parks. We live kind of close to BG Williamsburg, so we could use it there to.

Thanks in advance

friendswithdave

imagine witty comment here

 

[damo]

I think BG Williamsburg is a much better park. There are some great rides at Tampa and LOTS of rollercoasters. We haven't really done the animal part so I can't help you there.

It is worth going though. Definitely but don't compare it to Disney or Universal. It isn't in the same league.

 

[AlexandNessa]

I'm sorry, I have not been to their water park, but we did go to BGT this past year, early October. We went on a Wednesday. It was not a Howl-o-scream night, and there were no crowds at all.

We took the bus transportation from the Universal parking deck ($10pp R/t). The bus arrived at about 10 am or so. We had done and seen everything and some things 2-3x, and we were so ready to leave by about 2/2:30. It was a decent park. We were glad we did it. If we do it again, we will never take the bus transportation since that didn't leave to go back to Universal until 6. When you're ready to leave by 2/2:30, 2:30 - 6 pm becomes a very lllllooooooonnnnnngggggg 3.5 hours in a pretty small park. There are only so many times I can amuse myself taking pictures of elephant butts.

 

[ChrisFL]

I really like Busch Gardens Tampa...I consider it a themed amusement park, not on the league of most of Disney or Universal parks as far as theming, HOWEVER I think it's a lot more fun with more things to do than Animal Kingdom. While AK has a much more rustic and forest feel, Busch Gardens is more wide open and has "new" looking african architecture.

There's lots of big rollercoasters, various amusement park type rides and some very good places to eat, Crown Colony house has an excellent all you can eat Fried Chicken lunch that rivals some of the best theme park food I've had.

The animal displays are also a lot more varied and accessible it seems than animal kingdom's.

 

[friendswithdave]

I have done some internet research that seems to differ (somewhat) from what your opinions.

One, is that it is a very big park. 335 acres. I am curious as to how this compares to the Orlando parks. It seems to be very much oriented to A) animals, and B) Roller Coasters. Most comments say the theming is very good too.

Although 3 of my kids are big enough for most of the coasters, I don't think at 7 yrs old, they are brave enough. I did read they are opening Jungala in April, which sounds more kid oriented.

When you say you did everything in 4-5 hours, should I assume that is because there were no lines? I LOVE that if it is correct.

When you say it does not compare to Orlando parks, what do you mean. Just not as good? Not as much theming? Overall experience not as enjoyable?

thanks,

friendswithdave

 

[ChrisFL]

I have done some internet research that seems to differ (somewhat) from what your opinions.

One, is that it is a very big park. 335 acres. I am curious as to how this compares to the Orlando parks. It seems to be very much oriented to A) animals, and B) Roller Coasters. Most comments say the theming is very good too.

Although 3 of my kids are big enough for most of the coasters, I don't think at 7 yrs old, they are brave enough. I did read they are opening Jungala in April, which sounds more kid oriented.

When you say you did everything in 4-5 hours, should I assume that is because there were no lines? I LOVE that if it is correct.

When you say it does not compare to Orlando parks, what do you mean. Just not as good? Not as much theming? Overall experience not as enjoyable?

thanks,

friendswithdave

Well, for example, the rides aren't themed like they are at Disney/Universal...they're basically no storyline, just standard amusement park rides...the areas are well themed to a point, but the costumes aren't different for each area, etc. like they are in the orlando parks. Stuff like that, but like I said, it is still quite enjoyable and I go there frequently....plus FREE BEER!!

 

[Darcy03231]

We were in Orlando in August 2007 and went to BG Tampa twice while we were there and had a great time. While there are a lot of coasters (and my kids are coaster freaks so they had a ball) there is also a lot of other things to do. We really loved seeing the animals and the shows. KaTonga, in particular, was fantastic, as were the Chinese Acrobats (I can't remember the name of the show). There were 9 of us ranging in ages from 3.5 to 71 and everyone had a good time there. There is an area for younger children (Land of the Dragons) which my youngest niece enjoyed.

 

[damo]

The jeep ride is great!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Well, for example, the rides aren't themed like they are at Disney/Universal...they're basically no storyline, just standard amusement park rides...the areas are well themed to a point, but the costumes aren't different for each area, etc. like they are in the orlando parks. Stuff like that, but like I said, it is still quite enjoyable and I go there frequently....plus FREE BEER!!

Kumba, Montu, and Shiekra are themed. Montu is an Egyptian war god, Kumba is an African beast god, and Sheikra is a bird/birdgod. Gwazi is lion(sun) vs tiger (moon).

There's lots of fun stuff, and floorless Sheikra =

 

[ChrisFL]

Kumba, Montu, and Shiekra are themed. Montu is an Egyptian war god, Kumba is an African beast god, and Sheikra is a bird/birdgod. Gwazi is lion(sun) vs tiger (moon).

There's lots of fun stuff, and floorless Sheikra =

Themed yes, storyline no. Hulk and DD at IOA have storylines

 

[Ileana]

SHEIKRA

Everyone's already said it - but the theming isn't that great - but honestly I don't go to BG for the theming - I go for the RIDES.

Sheikra is currently my MOST FAVORITESTESTESTESTEST roller coaster in the world

If you go to BG early (get there before opening) you can literally do all the roller coasters at least twice before noon - then you can eat lunch and check out the other stuff at your leisure.

I don't know about your 5yo - check the height requirements but I'm pretty sure they won't be able to get on Sheikra (have I mentioned Sheikra is my super dee duper most favoritest roller coaster?)

FI doesn't want to make the drive to Tampa while we're on on our Honeymoon at Disney/Universal and I am soooooooooooooo upset - but we'll make plans to go up one weekend soon after

 

[Heatmiser]

Although I haven't been to Adventure Island in a few years it is a fun waterpark. However, since you maybe getting the Platinum pass I would suggest you checkout the new waterpark Aquatica that is going to be opening soon in Orlando.

Busch Gardens is a fun park and I'm sure your kids will love the Land of the Dragons play area and they are also opening up another area soon called Jungala. I enjoy doing the train around the park, it usually takes 40 minutes to go around the whole park. If you don't want to ride the whole way make sure you at least get on at the station in Nairobi, it takes you around a part of the park that you wouldn't be able to see otherwise. Well unless you want to pay alot extra to take a tour that is. Also in the Nairobi area there is Curiosity Caverns which has snakes, bats, sloths, sugar gliders and other cool animals. Again in Nairobi they just remodeled an area (forget the name but its right before the entrance to the Curiosity Caverns) which houses alot of cool animals and now they will bring certain animals out at different times during the day and perform tricks on the lawn. I was there on Saturday and they brought out an African cerval (large cat similar to a lynx or bobcat) and some kind of large bird. The Edge of Africa is also a neat area which houses the Hippos, lions, can get good views of the Giraffes and zebras, and my girlfriends favorite Meerkats. And since you have kids you probably wouldn't go but the Brewmasters Club is always a fun experience. You just have to sign up for it early cause it books up fast, its located behind the Hospitality House where you get free beers. They also have a few bald eagles in an small area by the Brewmasters Club which alot of people don't see cause they don't go back there.

 

[DOOM1001]

I would suggest you getting the Platinum pass,I've had it for years and in my opinion is one of the better deals out there.I've been paying like $12 a month with their EZ Pay program for my Platinum pass for years,but when I make my first visit to their new waterpark Aquatica in Orlando I'll have to upgrade my pass to include Aquatica and pay a few more bucks a month.As far as Busch Gardens,I think it's a great park,especially if you love coasters but this park definitely has plenty of other offerings like their animal exhibits.Throughout the year they also have special events like concerts and Howl-O-Scream where with your Platinum pass you get in free the first couple nights.I've visited the Williamsburg park several times and I probably prefer that park to the Tampa park but not because the Tampa park isn't good,I just prefer Williamsburg's European countries theme and it's more rural location to Tampa's,also their shows are top notch.As far as Adventure Island,I've gone there several times and while not themed like Disney's waterparks or Sea World's new Aquatica it is a very nice park with plenty of trees and some good rides.