Busch Gardens - Any Good?

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

Thinking of visiting Busch Gardens in January for a day whilst we're in Orlando. I've been reading reviews on Trip Advisor and the vast majority seem to like it, although they seem to be more interested in fawning over the big rides. Whilst we like roller coasters, we are more interested in the animals and I'm wondering if the zoological side of the park is any good (hopefully better than Animal Kingdom). Also has anyone done the giraffe feeding from the back of a truck as this sounds quite good.

 

[AJKMOM]

We spent the day there in November and enjoyed it very much. The animal exhibits are done well, and there is a ride called "Rhino Rally" that was a great safari attraction. I would go again if staying in the Tampa area.

 

[Figment22]

I'm wondering if the zoological side of the park is any good (hopefully better than Animal Kingdom). Also has anyone done the giraffe feeding from the back of a truck as this sounds quite good.

While I admit that our whole family is coaster crazy, the zoological aspect of BGT is really very good. I particularly love the white tigers and the alligators. The nursery is always interesting also. There was a newborn giraffe on our June visit along with a baby impala. Just beautiful.

We actually have taken the Serengeti Safari and enjoyed it very much. You feed both giraffe and eland and get amazingly close to many of the other animals. I'd highly recommend it.

Here's a good site for Busch Gardens (in addition to the official one):

http://www.bgtguide.com/

 

[disneygirlatheart]

We loved Busch Gardens. It was great fun even if you do not like coasters. We are coaster lovers though. We would go again if up in that area. We would go to Tampa just for Busch Gardens.

 

[Amity 3]

the zoological aspect and conservation message is what the park was founded upon.

it's nowhere detailed as much as AK, which I consider WDW's most imagineered park.
but Disney doesn't run rehab centers for Florida sea animal and wildlife like BG and SW do. AK teaches conservation, the Busch parks actually practice it.

we live twenty minutes from BG, have platinum passports, and I visit every chance I get.

 

[damo]

We were very pleasantly surprised at BG last year as well. It is a beautiful park, not too busy and has some fun rides. We didn't spend too much time looking at the animals but what we saw was impressive.

 

[isla bonita]

We bought year passes to both BG and SW. Some of the best money spent in my opinion. There was something for every one in BG.

The guys loved the coasters.
My daughter went on the water rides and loved them.
I personally loved the show Katonga. It was breath taking!
My Mom loved the animals.

We had the best time and I would get the year passes agin in a hot beat. Can not beat the cost for what you got and my boys would do the coasters every year if I let them. We plan on going back with my BIL. He is a coaster freak and is a bit miffed he did not do Sheikra and Montu and my kids have.

 

[Amity 3]

Sheikra's also getting floorless cars soon. 200 feet up, 90 degrees straight down, no floor.

 

[chickie]

I haven't been to Busch Gardens since I was a kid! I'd love to see it again. Can anyone tell me how long of a drive it would be from Disney property? Maybe I can talk my DH into going, even though he doesn't like coasters like I do...
Thanks!

 

[Amity 3]

I haven't been to Busch Gardens since I was a kid! I'd love to see it again. Can anyone tell me how long of a drive it would be from Disney property? Maybe I can talk my DH into going, even though he doesn't like coasters like I do...
Thanks!

depending on which resort, an hour to an hour and 1/2.

 

[jeffn5631]

We have been Florida resident passholders since 2000 and BG passes the great park test with flying colors in our opinion. We are impressed by how the the park is maintained and managed and the improvements that are made year after year. The BG/SW annual pass for Florida residents is probably the best bargain available for high quality entertainment.

JN & JN

 

[Gdad]

We love Busch Gardens! Well worth the trip!

 

[QT Pooh]

Although it's been five years since we've been, we love Busch Gardens. It's come a long way since it first opened. There's a lot of fun things to do outside of the rides. There's a walk-through aviary where you can buy a cup of nectar to feed the birds. They'll land right on your hand to drink from the cup (sometimes overly aggressively). Even though they're small birds, my then 7 year old freaked out and threw her nectar on the ground and ran. There also used to be a koala exhibition there but I'm not sure there still is. Rhino Rally is a lot of fun. There's also a huge play park for kids with a ropes course.

We also did the safari on the Serenghetti to feed the giraffes. We really enjoyed it.

 

[lovethattink]

I have an annual pass to Busch Gardens. We enjoy it there. I haven't been there in a while. We are usually there for the thrill rides since ds loves the thrills. However, if the park is crowded and lines too long, we'll do all the animal things.

There are several talks throughout the day at the different exhibits. The alligator one is great. Personally, I'm happy going to the park just to do the animal part of it.

 

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

Thanks for all the replies, I think we'll give it a go. Just a couple more questions. What would be the least crowded day to go (we are over your way for the last two weeks in January), and has anyone used the bus that you catch from Seaworld to Busch Gardens? We will be renting a car, but if the bus is a good alternative it could make for an easier day.

 

[Amity 3]

Thanks for all the replies, I think we'll give it a go. Just a couple more questions. What would be the least crowded day to go (we are over your way for the last two weeks in January), and has anyone used the bus that you catch from Seaworld to Busch Gardens? We will be renting a car, but if the bus is a good alternative it could make for an easier day.

that time of year, anything during the week. our daughter and her friends have been there twice this week on Christmas vacation and going back on Friday. it's been pretty slow for them.

the drive is pretty simple, but I've never taken the shuttle.

 

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

that time of year, anything during the week. our daughter and her friends have been there twice this week on Christmas vacation and going back on Friday. it's been pretty slow for them.

the drive is pretty simple, but I've never taken the shuttle.

Thanks.

 

[Kuffam]

From what I hear, the shuttle leaves late from Orlando and early from Tampa. I would drive in order to max out your time in the park.

 

[Ware Bears]

We drove when we went ~ it was a very easy drive and meant we weren't tied to time.

We're not into coasters either but we loved Busch. There is a lovely atmosphere there and the animals are great, especially the white tigers.

We're going back there soon

 

[LegoMom3]

Thanks for all the replies, I think we'll give it a go. Just a couple more questions. What would be the least crowded day to go (we are over your way for the last two weeks in January), and has anyone used the bus that you catch from Seaworld to Busch Gardens? We will be renting a car, but if the bus is a good alternative it could make for an easier day.

We went a couple of years ago while visiting family in Tampa. We ended up going two days - a Thursday and a Saturday. Thursday ended up being the better of the two days, and if I had first gone on a Saturday/weekend, I may not have gone ever again! The Saturday was more crowded and seemed to have far more local teens (who were pretty pushy around my then-small children). If you can swing it on a weekday, I think you'd be better off.
Have fun, it's a great park!