Busch Gardens in Oct.?

[tbird89]

I could not find a forum dealing with BG so I thought I would ask here. I'm already planning my 3rd trip to Halloween Horrors nights and I wanted to spend a day at BG in Tampa. Several questions:

1. Usaually, how are crowds (during the daytime) on Fridays in Oct.? I plan on going on Friday, 10/27/2006 and then attend Howl-O-Scream that same night.

2. If we arrive right at opening time, will we be able to do most/all of the major coasters throughout the day?

3. How are Friday nights during HOS (crowd wise)? Does it get crazy like HHN?

Basically, I want to get as much done in one day as possible. I know we need multiple trips to really get to see and do everything, but pointers on how I could make the best of a day at BG would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!

 

[robvia]

You've basically answered your own question.

Show up early. Parking gate opens at 08:30am. Be there around 08:15am and be first to the gate. Take a few rides on Sheikra, then come back to Gwazi because it loads slowly, from there you can head over to Montu.

For HOS, they have a special meal deal, where you can eat, and start going to the houses 30 minutes before everyone else. If you don't do the meal deal, then be at the front of the gate. They also have express passes you can buy similar to what they do for HHN. It may be a good idea to do this if you want to take your time.

Yes, you can get all the coasters done during the day, that will be easy.
It's best if you have a hotel room in the Tampa area. Visit BGT in the morning, check in to the hotel, rest, go to HOS, then come back and sleep.

 

[Motherfletcher]

Sign up for the HOS Exclusive VIP Tour because Friday that close to Halloween will be busy. We went on the 15th this year and it was busy. Their VIP Tour is worth the money. We could ride and re-ride Sheikra or go through the haunted houses over and over for 8 hours. They would even stop us so the queue ahead had time to clear and the scares were original. During the day it should be OK.
BTW, We did the HHN VIP Tour on the 27th.

 

[Sylvester McBean]

weekdays aren't bad at all when school is in session. you'll be able to knock out a big portion of the park if you're ready to walk. we show up for HOS at least an hour early, and we're not the only ones. we only go to the passholder preview, which is the first weekend. it's very busy and the refillable yards of beer keep it interesting. it hasn't been around as long as HHN, but it's growing in popularity. it's a very fun night.

 

[Slacking]

Take it from me (I worked HOS this year), Friday's are not all that bad.

One Friday night during my break I toured the houses. In 45 minutes (I did run around parts of the park) I hit 5/6 of the houses (only one I missed was mine!) and walked straight into each house w/o waiting in any line! (this was between 9:30pm-10:15pm)

My advice is to hit the houses in the back of the park first and then do the ones in the front (early access with the meal/show is a good diea too). You shouldn't have any troubles with lines (for the houses) for the most part.

IMO, the only night HOW gets insane is on Saturday nights (wait for my house were close to 2 hour waits on Sat. nights)

 

[tbird89]

These are all great tips!!! Any other tips like dining recommendations, must sees/do's, etc. would be great. Don't know why, but I'm actually excited about going to BG and doing something different. Don't get me wrong, I still love Universal and Disney, but just thought it was time for a change. I'm also planning on doing Sea World Orlando. Being from TX I've been to SW San Antonio many times. I know there is a forum for Sea World, but if you guys have any tips for SW just go ahead and throw them in here. I would greatly appreciate it!!! Well, one question I do have...at SW San Ant. the park opens at 10:00am, but the ride portion of the park opens at 11:00am. Do the rides (Kraken, etc.) at SW Orlando open when the park opens? Thanks in advance!!!

 

[heatherbelle]

Sea World is one of my favourite parks.

There are only 2 fast rides though. Kraken, which is really scary and journey to atlantis, which is quite tame.

Again go early to ride Kraken. We've also arrived mid afternoon and the queues for the ride are quite small, although you can't get to see all the shows.

My favourite show is Sharmu rocks. Fab. We got absolutely soaked!!

On a night there is also a show called Mistify. During Oct there are special things going on at Halloween 7 & 8, 14 &15, 21& 22, 28 & 29.