Busch Gardens or Universal???

[BellaBaby]

Hi

I hope this isn't a double post, not sure where the original went??? Anyway, kids are 7,4 and 2. Never been to either park, both are running specials for multiple days at 1 day's price. Which do you think our kids would enjoy more? We are going early June. BTW, we would do IOA along w/ Universal.

Any opinions greatly appreciated!!

 

[spartn1]

Busch Gardens has quite a few rides with height restrictions. We looked at both too, our two youngest are 7 and 5 and it looks like there is FAR more for them to do at US/IOA than BG. We'll be there starting June 11th.

 

[THUNDERMOUNTAINMOMMA]

While BG has a lot of fierce rides, it also has the Land of the Dragons, which is a whole area with rides just for children. They are also opening an entire new area this week with even more for children. I can't remember what it's called though. We really like US, also. there's plenty for the kids there as well. We're passholders to both. If I had to pick, I just don't know! They are both a lot of fun! Sorry!

 

[4theloveofdisney]

Been to both numerous times. With the ages of your kids Busch Gardens would definitely be the way to go in my opinion. BG has come a long way and we were so happily surprised with all of the kid friendly attractions and dedicated areas, not to mention animal viewing areas.

At US/IOA, a 4 and a 2 year old are only going to be able to do a handful of things vs. BG.

I urge you to check the maps out on each place's website and you'll see what I mean!

We just went to US in November and my kids are 5, 8, and 10 and this was the first year they could finally do most of what the park offered.

 

[BellaBaby]

OK, giving me lots to think about.... I wanted to mention that the 4 y.o will be close to turning 5 (early Aug.) and the 2 year old kinda close to 3 (mid Sept.) Does that make any difference? (I know it won't as far as the big coasters). I will take a look at the maps of each tho!!

TIA!!

 

[isla bonita]

BG gets my daughters vote for sure.

 

[KatMark]

If you are going in June, I would say BG. We went to BG in September and, unfortunately, it was a waste of tickets for us. Beside the train ride to see the animals, walking through the bird area and taking the skytram, there was very little open. They were working on one roller coaster, two kept having problems and the water log ride wasn't open. I don't do spinning rides (avoid Mad Tea Party at all costs). We did go to the Beer Garden and had a complimentary beer. It turned out not to be a total waste because we drove to St. John's Pass and went to the beach for several hours. We usually do Universal, but tried BG since we hadn't been there in 27 years. We do not do IOA as we are not as big of roller coaster fans as we used to (age catches up with you-- ) and IOA seems to be a lot of roller coasters and a large kids area. We prefer the old Univeral and doing Back to the Future, ET, Jaws, Men in Black, etc.

 

[BellaBaby]

Hi KatMark, I'm originally from Lombard IL, in fact I worked in Carol Stream several years ago. I've been in Colo. for about 13 years now. Small world....

Thanks everyone for all the posts, it does give me some perspective since I haven't been to BG and was only to US Hollywood long ago!

 

[spartn1]

When I looked at the BG website I just didn't see much for my 5 and 7 year olds. We already decided to do the flex tickets...maybe we should add a day or two to BG as well...

 

[KatMark]

Hi KatMark, I'm originally from Lombard IL, in fact I worked in Carol Stream several years ago. I've been in Colo. for about 13 years now. Small world....

Thanks everyone for all the posts, it does give me some perspective since I haven't been to BG and was only to US Hollywood long ago!

Hi, BellaBaby. We spent a lot of time in Lombard when our oldest son played baseball and the youngest football. We've lived in CS for 15 years and love the area. Colorado...that's someplace we've never been...hope you like it.
I'm sure you'll be happy with either BG or US...we prefer US.

 

[4theloveofdisney]

Both are unique experiences of their own and like KatMark said, you really can't go wrong!

There will be some things the kids can do and things they can't do in each park. The one nice thing about US/IOA is that the lines are usually shaded and they have misting fans blowing on you. They also have a better ride swap than Disney, IMHO! If you are visiting during the hot summer time, you may want to keep this in mind!

 

[Darcy03231]

We were at both last summer and DN (3.5) had a good time at both places. She loved the Land of Dragons, all the animals and shows and the merry-go-round at Busch Gardens. She had a ball in IOA at Suess' Landing and the Sinbad show. In US she liked Shrek, ET, the animal show (can't remember the name of it now), Barney, Feivel's playground and the water park area was a huge hit! I don't think any of your choices would be bad.

 

[damo]

I think at that age, I would just do what is most convenient and cheapest! You may want to look at what you want to do most since they won't really care. Remember, you can child swap so you get to do some rides too.

 

[KimWDW]

Universal hands down! We were not impressed with Busch Gardens at all.

 

[rick1235]

Eventhough Busch Gardens is nice, the better choice is Universal. If you have an extra day you can visit Busch Gardens. It is a 1.5hour - 2 hour drive on I-4 form Orlando.