Busch Gardens, Aquatica, probably DC, and Busch Gardens???

[happymommy]

I am thinking about buying the super grover pass from Sesame Place, since we're going to Orlando next month and Williamsburg in June (driving there with a friend, since it's only a few hours away).

We've never been to Seaworld, and staying only 2 miles away (or less, at Marriott's Harbour Lake), so think that's what we'll do this trip. The kids would like Aquatica, and they really want to swim with dolphins and enjoy DC.

Seems like a full week already, with some down time at the resort as well. I was originally thinking about driving over to Tampa one day (husband won't be along so I'll do all the driving, and not really interested in the bus). Now it looks like a long drive and maybe not worth it (even though we'd have tickets). I don't want to wear myself out completely - it is vacation after all!

Has anyone any experience with this itinerary? I think maybe Sea World, Aquatica (even for a short time twice or so), and DC sounds like enough for a week. Maybe a drive over to Downtown Disney to walk around and eat one day - with my son's milk and egg allergy he can get treats at the new babycakes there!

 

[TifffanyD]

I am thinking about buying the super grover pass from Sesame Place, since we're going to Orlando next month and Williamsburg in June (driving there with a friend, since it's only a few hours away).

We've never been to Seaworld, and staying only 2 miles away (or less, at Marriott's Harbour Lake), so think that's what we'll do this trip. The kids would like Aquatica, and they really want to swim with dolphins and enjoy DC.

Seems like a full week already, with some down time at the resort as well. I was originally thinking about driving over to Tampa one day (husband won't be along so I'll do all the driving, and not really interested in the bus). Now it looks like a long drive and maybe not worth it (even though we'd have tickets). I don't want to wear myself out completely - it is vacation after all!

Has anyone any experience with this itinerary? I think maybe Sea World, Aquatica (even for a short time twice or so), and DC sounds like enough for a week. Maybe a drive over to Downtown Disney to walk around and eat one day - with my son's milk and egg allergy he can get treats at the new babycakes there!

I haven't done that itinerary, but Seaworld to Busch Gardens is only about an hour. There is a shuttle between the 2 which I think you can get free with a multiday pass... so you might be eligible for that. But even if you drive, it's not bad. Maybe 1h15min max. We have driven back from Seaworld at the end of the day and it was bearable. We've even come back from Universal (which is further) LATE (like in the am hours) and that was a LOT rougher

 

[gardener14]

My family spend four days at Busch Gardens, three days at SeaWorld and one day at Aquatica, and it was a perfect itinerary for us. We stayed overnight in Tampa, then moved to Orlando, so we didn't drive back and forth every day. We like to take our time, see everything at a leisurely pace, and visit attractions and shows that we like multiple times. Even if that kind of lengthy stay isn't for you, I highly recommend spending whatever time you feel is appropriate at all the parks you mentioned. Busch Gardens and SeaWorld are beautiful parks with animals, rides, shows, and attractions for all ages. They are each worth two days at least. Perhaps you could make the drive to BG for two days or stay overnight once. You could spend one day at DC, one day at AQ (or two partial days), and two days each at SW and BG, or some similar schedule that suits you. Basically, if you seem to be in doubt about BG, but if your ticket includes it, I recommend it highly.

 

[DisneyMissy318]

We have a BG Platinum pass - and our fav local park is BG Wmsbg... after visiting BG Tampa - it has also become a favorite and a must do! The drive from Orlando to Tampa is not bad - about an hour or so. We took the shuttle bus in 2009 - weird thing though - there was a cost of $10/person with our Pass - although it was free for my parents who had just a regular multi-day ticket. We drove over to Tampa in Dec10 - and got free preferred parking with our pass (I think that was a fluke - but appreciated!) We are heading back in October of this year! We hope to get to Aquatica this year too!

 

[happymommy]

My resort I booked as an Interval International getaway (got a great deal - $350 for a week in a 2 bedroom villa!), so I don't want to stay in Tampa (although the thought did cross my mind to do that one night).

So it's not too bad, eh? Well, since we have the ticket (or will once I buy them) maybe we will go.

I am looking forward to Williamsburg - gosh lived in the area for 12 years and never been (although been having a baby or two and stuff got in the way).

Thanks all!

 

[DOOM1001]

If you're staying for a week I don't see why you wouldn't want to visit Busch Gardens,it's a great park and the drive isn't bad at all and if you don't want to drive grab that shuttle that they offer.

 

[happymommy]

Does the shuttle operate only ONE time back and forth between BG and Orlando? I just wonder, as knowing us, we'd go over early and not stay too late.

I think if we go, I'd rather drive, so we can stop right before we get back to the condo for dinner (or take-out!). I just think it may be exhausting.

Still, last summer I drove the kids (by myself) from Scottsdale to Sedona (2 hours each way) one day (just hung out there for a few hours, and had lunch). Yes I was tired, but still we managed fine. I'm married to someone who wants to relax on vacation - can you imagine???