Busch Gardens or Sea World in June - which one?

[scottmel]

We always do Disney every summer for a week but this summer am thinking of a Discovery Cove Day Universal Studios Two Days and a final day spent at either Busch Gardens or Sea World? Any thoughts? June heat...DD12 loves Coasters but not upside down ones or anything TOOOOO crazy. I know disney inside and out but am clueless on BG or Sea World. Never been to either. DD huge animal lover. I can handle the heat at Disney but don't know if AC exists at BG or Sea World or how to play iether one in June weather..Thanks!

 

[KBF]

We always do Disney every summer for a week but this summer am thinking of a Discovery Cove Day Universal Studios Two Days and a final day spent at either Busch Gardens or Sea World? Any thoughts? June heat...DD12 loves Coasters but not upside down ones or anything TOOOOO crazy. I know disney inside and out but am clueless on BG or Sea World. Never been to either. DD huge animal lover. I can handle the heat at Disney but don't know if AC exists at BG or Sea World or how to play iether one in June weather..Thanks!

Most of the coasters at both parks are ones that go upside down. Journey to Atlantis at Seaworld is a water ride similar to Splash Mountain at Disney. The other two coasters are Manta and Kraken which go upside down. I know there is a wooden coaster at BG that doesnt go upside down. Im not sure how many coasters at BG go upside down or not.

If shes an animal lover, both parks would be a good choice. There are special experiences that you could purchase that she may enjoy....
http://www.seaworld.com/sitepage.aspx?PageID=880

or....

http://www.seaworld.com/sitepage.aspx?PageID=942

As far as AC. Seaworld has shows that are inside that are a relief from the heat. Some exhibits are indoor exhibits too. Exhibits like the Penguins, Manatees, Polar Bears, and Beluga Whales. Not 100% sure of BG exhibits because I haven't been in a long time. But I know that Seaworld isnt like Disney. SW is less crowded and less of a rush. Its more of a relaxing laid back atmosphere.

I would personally do Seaworld, only because it seems like the majority of your visit is in the Orlando area, and Seaworld is close by. Busch Gardens is an hour plus drive to Tampa and with summer traffic and heat, that may be something you would want to avoid.

 

[tarrbear]

Ride wise, BG has a very decent amount of coasters, unfortunetly, the majority go upsidedown. The ones that don't are Cheetah Chase, Gwazi (the wooden one) and I believe Cheetah Hunt (spring 2011 opening, if it opens close to your visiting date this will most likely have a impact on crowds,) will not go upsidedown. There are plenty of other rides as well like Congo River Rapids, Rhino Ralley, Stanley Falls, The Serengheti express, and well as Tidal Wave.

There are also pletly of shows, a few are in air condidtioned areas while others are outside. All the animal exhibits are outside at Busch, but there are very many of them. The newest is Walkabout Way where you can feed Kangaroos (its really cool!)

 

[scottmel]

Thank you to the both of you. GREAT Advice. I wasn't een thinking about that Tampa 1 hour drive....A question I have that could seal this deal is: I NEVER wait in line at Disney or Universal due t FAst pass or FOTLA. In my mind I view Sea World as less lines and BG more of a line que with 1 hour wait to ride anything...would I be accurate here?

 

[KBF]

Thank you to the both of you. GREAT Advice. I wasn't een thinking about that Tampa 1 hour drive....A question I have that could seal this deal is: I NEVER wait in line at Disney or Universal due t FAst pass or FOTLA. In my mind I view Sea World as less lines and BG more of a line que with 1 hour wait to ride anything...would I be accurate here?

It really depends on the season. Summer season, you may get long lines at both places for rides. I know ride times for the popular rides at SW are about 40-45 minutes during busier months. 5 minutes during slow times. Not sure about BG again because I havent been in awhile.

Something that SW has is "Quick Queue" this is equivalent to a Disney fast pass except it costs money. But the upside to it is its unlimited rides and you dont have to visit a ride between a certain time like at Disney, you can go and get front line access whenever and however many times you want all day. And The front rows of the rides are reserved for you if you want. You can ride the back if you choose.

Here is some info on Quick Queue....
http://commerce.4adventure.com/EStore/Scripts/Skins/SWF/QuickQueue.aspx

 

[DOOM1001]

Thank you to the both of you. GREAT Advice. I wasn't een thinking about that Tampa 1 hour drive....A question I have that could seal this deal is: I NEVER wait in line at Disney or Universal due t FAst pass or FOTLA. In my mind I view Sea World as less lines and BG more of a line que with 1 hour wait to ride anything...would I be accurate here?

If you're going on a weekend or after all the schools are out the coasters and rides will have waits no matter what.Since you're not into the more intense coasters I would probably suggest Sea World which does have the two major coasters which are intense but the majority focus of the park is the animal shows and attractions.Busch Gardens is also a great park and has a lot of animal exhibits and attractions but at Sea World the shows will take up more time of your day giving you more to do,even though the drive to Tampa is not bad at all but Sea World is 5 minutes from Disney,much easier drive.

 

[scottmel]

SEa World it is...sounds a little more appealing to me! Thank you all again!

 

[KBF]

SEa World it is...sounds a little more appealing to me! Thank you all again!

Have a great visit!

 

[kathy884]

Both are great parks. I'd go for SeaWorld especially since you've never been, as it's right in Orlando (Two great coasters, a water ride, lots of great shows (two inside), fantastic animal exhibits (You'll love the Wild Artic in the summer and be able to cool down in there too), and you can always go to an indoor resturant or gift shop and sit in the slash zone at the Orca or Dolphin show. Why go all the way to Tampa and back when you have a great choice right here.

SeaWorld also happens to be my family's favorite park out all all the parks in Orlando. We love all the world class theme parks here, but prefer this one over Disney and Universal. Note, though, that we are HUGE marine mammal fans. We cannot go to Orlando without doing at least one day here.

 

[LCARDVERO]

BG is a thrill park..however, it's also a zoo...

I loved Seaworld though....if you go, don't miss the dog/cat show. We almost didn't since it didn't seem like a major attraction and it was the funniest show I have ever seen.