Busch Gardens can take some lessons

[TiggerInNY]

First, I have to let you know that I am NOT a Disney Fanatic but I have been to the parks approx 15 times in my 47 years. I think that they are very organized, clean, and extremely friendly. With that said...my family and I just returned from a weekend at Busch Gardens. We went to Adventure Island as well, and let me tell you, they can learn a little from the Mouse. I think we came across two employees that actually looked like they were happy to be there and happy to see you, the customer. I was extremely dissapointed in that aspect. Another thing was the pathways around the park were very hard to navigate and get around. Not much signage to help you find your way. Also, the water park, Adventure Island's concrete was extremely hot on your feet. Mind you it was in the 90's but we've been to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach many times and never had this problem. Their pathways were either soaking wet by small sprinklers or just plain foot traffic. We did like the variety of "rides" at Adventure Island vs. Disney but I think the overall experience leans toward Disney. Like I said, the pathways and layout of the parks were very confusing. I'm not sure if we'll go back to Busch Gardens or not. It's almost like comparing apples to oranges, but not really. I just had to vent my frustration because it was very expensive and dissapointing. Also, Lockers at the parks were $12/day (with a $3 deposit refund in the form of a gift card for their store, not cash) and the water park did NOT rent towels. THIS I don't understand. If you're on vacation from another state, I guess they expect you to bring your own towels. Huh? AND they charge you $12 for parking at the water park where as Disney doesn't charge anything for parking at the water parks. I just don't understand it. Sorry again for the venting, but I couldn't hold it in.

 

[janabananas]

This is why I didn't renew my annual passes for BG and SW. The exact same issues!! I wasn't sure if I was oversensitive or used to Disney but I have no desire to return with the current state of affairs. The employees being less than helpful if not just downright rude was my biggest problem, at both parks. I guess the customer service training is not up to par.

 

[DOOM1001]

I've had AP's for all the Florida parks for close to 15 years,in that time Busch Gardens has had major improvements in all aspects of the park,it's not ever going to be Disney,but I'm fine with that,maybe all the employees don't have a constant smile on their face but like I said if you would have been going to the park for a long time you could see they actually have improved a lot.Other things to mention is that the Busch parks have much better food quality and entrance prices to the parks,have you looked into an AP,you'll get free parking and discounts at the parks,I believe there's some options that don't cost much more than a day at the park.For example I went into Busch Gardens last week with my AP bought an all you can eat wristband for $27 and literally ate all day at any of their CS restaurants,not only can you eat your meals but anytime you want a bottle of water or a soda or snack you just go in and get a water and some grapes,strawberries or a dessert,I think for $27 I got $60 plus worth of food and drinks,see if Disney does that.Again I have APs for Disney as well so I love Disney but they nickel and dime you to death.Sure parking is free at their waterparks but many of the visitors to the waterparks at Disney are coming by bus from the hotels having added the $55 to their passes to visit the waterparks,I will agree that both Disney waterparks are amazing and easily are better than Adventure Island,the only park that rivals them anywhere are probably only Aquatica and maybe Shlitterbahn.Also the AP options Disney has for the waterparks are the best value Disney offers $100 for a full AP for both
waterparks or the $69 after 2pm pass are both great options.As far as the hot concrete I went to Aquatica last year on a day the temps were near 100 and I literally had to buy sandals as by noon the ground was like beyond lava,it was ridiculous,and this is a new park where I'm sure if the technology to have a concrete that didn't become incredibly hot this they would have it,Disney waterparks simply have more trees and shade at Typhoon Lagoon they have so many trees you can easily avoid getting any kind of sunburn even on a sunny day.Again I know there's a difference between Disney and Busch Gardens but I never go into Busch expecting Disney,they're different experiences that I enjoy,if you ever get a chance visit Busch in Virginia it's a beautiful park that I enjoy as much if not more than the Tampa park.

 

[swilshire]

We just returned from Busch Gardens Williamsburg and I have to agree that their signage was a bit ineffective. On the other hand, we bought two year Platinum passes for all the Busch Parks for $299 each, which is WAY less than a one year annual Disney pass. My kids LOVED the coasters. The park has LOTS of shade around. Only one kid likes water parks, but we bought him water shoes (at the very convenient Dicks Sporting Goods right next door to the park) fully expecting the pavement to be hot when the temps were hovering around 100 degrees. And Busch probably has Disney tied on beauty with all the flowers everywhere. We found many pleasant employees there. Look forward to going to Tampa soon.

Sheila