Busch Gardens Backpack question

[okeydokey]

I am heading to Busch Gardens as a school chaperone next week and something on the website caught my eye. On the rides no loose items will be permitted, totally understandable. However, it said that no backpacks will be allowed even while waiting in line in the que. I have been to other amusement parks where they had cubbies on the opposite side of the loading platforms to leave bags and backpacks. Is there no such place at Busch Gardens? Really, what would I do with a backpack? I'm thinking that a belted waist pack may be a better bet because it seems I can wear these on the rides? Or maybe not. If anyone has been recently and can help with an answer I would appreciate it.

 

[dandelion]

Hi. We went in mid-April, and I don't recall seeing any of those cubbies for hats, packs and other large items. I don't think all of the rides have the no loose items restrictions - though the only coaster I personally went on was the Gwazi.

They do have lockers to rent. From their website:
Lockers/Storage - Single-use lockers are located near Congo River Rapids, Gwazi, Kumba, Land of the Dragons, Montu, Scorpion, Stanley Falls and Tanganyika Tidal Wave. All-day lockers are available at the Marrakesh Theater and the Stroller and Wheelchair Rental Shop.

We used a one-time locker near Gwazi, I think it was 25 or 50 cents.

On the other rides my small, over the shoulder purse was fine. It's definitely a 'travel light' park, which I realize may be difficult when you're chaperoning.

How old are the children you are chaperoning, and will you have to carry some of their items too?

 

[okeydokey]

Hi. We went in mid-April, and I don't recall seeing any of those cubbies for hats, packs and other large items. I don't think all of the rides have the no loose items restrictions - though the only coaster I personally went on was the Gwazi.

They do have lockers to rent. From their website:
Lockers/Storage - Single-use lockers are located near Congo River Rapids, Gwazi, Kumba, Land of the Dragons, Montu, Scorpion, Stanley Falls and Tanganyika Tidal Wave. All-day lockers are available at the Marrakesh Theater and the Stroller and Wheelchair Rental Shop.

We used a one-time locker near Gwazi, I think it was 25 or 50 cents.

On the other rides my small, over the shoulder purse was fine. It's definitely a 'travel light' park, which I realize may be difficult when you're chaperoning.

How old are the children you are chaperoning, and will you have to carry some of their items too?

This is great info thanks. I have just two in my group. My DD will have a small waistpack and I may use mine too and store a backpack for water bottles, sunscreen etc in the all day lockers and just got here for stuff as needed. I assume that you can wear a waistpack on the rides as it is attached. Nerdy, I know, but functional!!

 

[dandelion]

This is great info thanks. I have just two in my group. My DD will have a small waistpack and I may use mine too and store a backpack for water bottles, sunscreen etc in the all day lockers and just got here for stuff as needed. I assume that you can wear a waistpack on the rides as it is attached. Nerdy, I know, but functional!!

I personally don't like waistpacks, but that's only because I don't want to add any more weight to my waist and hip area.

I think the rides where they would be strictest about extra items are the ones where they have the pay lockers available, and for those coasters it may be a safety measure. They really need to harness you in when you're going upside down 7 times.

DS10 and I didn't do any of those - maybe your DD and friend will be like him and want to spend time seeing the animal exhibits. The pet show is over in the area by the birds and gardens and it is very cute. He also enjoyed the tigers, meerkats and river otters.

Be sure to hop on Rhino Rally. It was a blast.

 

[Detailor]

I have been to other amusement parks where they had cubbies on the opposite side of the loading platforms to leave bags and backpacks. Is there no such place at Busch Gardens? Really, what would I do with a backpack?

From the Busch Gardens Tampa website...
"Lockers/Storage - Single-use lockers are located near Congo River Rapids, Gwazi, Kumba, Land of the Dragons, Montu, Scorpion, Stanley Falls and Tanganyika Tidal Wave. All-day lockers are available at the Marrakesh Theater and the Stroller and Wheelchair Rental Shop. "

Dick Taylor

 

[okeydokey]

Thanks everyone, I'll just use the single use lockers near the coasters we want to ride. Seems the most convenient.