Busch Gardens...Please Help...

[rstanley]

Since there is not a thread for Busch Gardens I think I'll post my questions here...we're going because it's free with the purchase of our tickets to Discovery Cove.

We've never been to Busch Gardens and I want to know what the "must see" attractions are and what's not so great.

Also is there any order to when we should do things...like rush to a certain rollercoaster or attraction. Or save something for the end of the day?

Are there specific places to eat that are better than others? Do we need reservations?

I'm at a total loss here...

 

[Dizneydaz]

We too visited BG as part of our DC package 2 years ago. We arrived shortly after opening midweek in Sept. It was very hot that day! I think it was hotter than any day we had spent at Disney.

We liked the park very much. (though still love Disney best!). It is huge and the rides are very spread out. The have a lot of coasters. We rode the bucket ride first to orient ourselves. It was a nice view of the animals. One ride you'll want to do is Rhino Rally (think KS with less animals and more water!). Not to be missed! One to miss is their log ride-complete waste of time! ( can't find it on their map, it may be gone now)

It wasn't too busy when we were there. Only waited about 15 min. for one of the big coasters.

Big difference between BG and WDW-the employees. Not overly friendly (barely speak to you) and the signs all over telling you to keep an eye on your stuff-made me nervous leaving anything in the stroller.

We weren't able to stay late since my DNiece was flying in that night as a surprise for my DD. I would have like to have stayed longer, especially after it cooled off.

Oh, another nice thing-they had huge misting fans around the park that you could stand in front of and get wet-awesome!

I rode the SheiKracoaster, twice, it was great. It's located right next to the restaurant we had lunch at. It was Zambia Smokehouse (counter service) and was pretty good. I had read a tip to ask for the kid's meal without the souvenir keeper. It was a pumpkin and they took off a few dollars. The harder thing for us was since we were on DDP it was hard having to pay for our food!

We didn't ride Montu (too far away later in the day) but I hear it's worth riding. We say Gwazi as we were leaving-should have ridden it. Walked through Myombe Reserve-very nice. We rode the Scropion it was good. DD(then7) like the Cheetah Chase (mousetrap coaster). She really liked it.

It was just so hot that day that we didn't really do as much as we wanted to. If I was to go back I would plan to spend the whole day and make sure to take it easy in the heat-lots of water, sunblock, and hats.

Before we went I found a great TR that gave me some good ideas. Sorry, I don't know where it is now.

HTH.

 

[rstanley]

We too visited BG as part of our DC package 2 years ago. We arrived shortly after opening midweek in Sept. It was very hot that day! I think it was hotter than any day we had spent at Disney.

We liked the park very much. (though still love Disney best!). It is huge and the rides are very spread out. The have a lot of coasters. We rode the bucket ride first to orient ourselves. It was a nice view of the animals. One ride you'll want to do is Rhino Rally (think KS with less animals and more water!). Not to be missed! One to miss is their log ride-complete waste of time! ( can't find it on their map, it may be gone now)

It wasn't too busy when we were there. Only waited about 15 min. for one of the big coasters.

Big difference between BG and WDW-the employees. Not overly friendly (barely speak to you) and the signs all over telling you to keep an eye on your stuff-made me nervous leaving anything in the stroller.

We weren't able to stay late since my DNiece was flying in that night as a surprise for my DD. I would have like to have stayed longer, especially after it cooled off.

Oh, another nice thing-they had huge misting fans around the park that you could stand in front of and get wet-awesome!

I rode the SheiKracoaster, twice, it was great. It's located right next to the restaurant we had lunch at. It was Zambia Smokehouse (counter service) and was pretty good. I had read a tip to ask for the kid's meal without the souvenir keeper. It was a pumpkin and they took off a few dollars. The harder thing for us was since we were on DDP it was hard having to pay for our food!

We didn't ride Montu (too far away later in the day) but I hear it's worth riding. We say Gwazi as we were leaving-should have ridden it. Walked through Myombe Reserve-very nice. We rode the Scropion it was good. DD(then7) like the Cheetah Chase (mousetrap coaster). She really liked it.

It was just so hot that day that we didn't really do as much as we wanted to. If I was to go back I would plan to spend the whole day and make sure to take it easy in the heat-lots of water, sunblock, and hats.

Before we went I found a great TR that gave me some good ideas. Sorry, I don't know where it is now.

HTH.

Thank you for taking the time to write so much information...very helpful

Now I'll have to look up a map to find everything you mentioned!

Sounds like you did a lot of coasters. Were there any animal exhibits that stood out? My son LOVES animals so he can't wait to go to this park, Discovery Cove and AK again

 

[mama03]

We live in Tampa and have season tickets, so as you may guess have been many times. One thing that gets overlooked but is a must do is the skyride. You get to see animals and it is very relaxing. Note it only goes one way, no round trip. A secret spot that most locals eat or have a drink at is the building that houses the crown colony restaurant. Go to the second floor and they have cafeteria dining and a beer bar. We like to dine on the balcony and watch the animals. Be glad to answer any more questions.

 

[rstanley]

We live in Tampa and have season tickets, so as you may guess have been many times. One thing that gets overlooked but is a must do is the skyride. You get to see animals and it is very relaxing. Note it only goes one way, no round trip. A secret spot that most locals eat or have a drink at is the building that houses the crown colony restaurant. Go to the second floor and they have cafeteria dining and a beer bar. We like to dine on the balcony and watch the animals. Be glad to answer any more questions.

Thanks for the insight...I do have a few questions...

How much of the day will should we devote to Busch Gardens? We're planning to be there when it opens? Do we need to be there until close? I'm thinking we may be tired before then

Also since you are a Floridian what is the weather like in mid Oct (we'll be there on Sunday Oct 11th) I've looked at weather reports and it looks like low to mid 80s...is it hot and humid or a dry heat? Basically how manageable is it? I think that will be a factor in how long we decide to stay.

Sunday is the only day we can go...is it really busy on Sunday's? Especially since it's the weekend before Columbus Day...not sure if the kids are out of school then???

I'll definitely let you know when I have more questions. I need to look at a map and start planning.

 

[inkkognito]

We are semi-local (Kissimmee) so we go to Busch a lot. We are roller coaster fans...I like Sheikra best, but it doesn't usually open till 9:30 so we do Montu first. We do all the coasters early (and Rhino Rally if we feel like doing that). As the crowds build, we move on to the sky ride and walk around by the animal habitats. I just wrote up a review of all the coasters and Rhino Rally, which you can find here: http://bit.ly/veFyA

It can get VERY hot, so we take a meal break after our commando morning riding. Usually we just bug out and eat a late lunch/early dinner offsite, then head home. If you're visiting for the whole day, there are plenty of good places to eat onsite and cool down/refuel before getting back out there.

 

[mama03]

I will try and answer your questions as best I can. As far as spending time at Busch Gardens it honestly will depend on what ages are accompanying your group. If you have little ones they will get worn out, if not I say spend most of your day at Busch, there is alot to do and see. The weather will be nice, but it might seem hot to you. It should not be too humid that time of year. Sundays will probably be more busy than a weekday, since more locals will attend. One thing you need to be aware of, that is during Halloween horror nights, so it may close around 6pm for regular visitors. Our usual plan of action is to start from the left of the park and then take the skyway to the other side. Relax, enjoy and have fun planning your day.

 

[rstanley]

Thanks...I'm at work right now but I will definitely read your reviews when I get home

I really appreciate everyone's help

I just wrote up a review of all the coasters and Rhino Rally, which you can find here: http://bit.ly/veFyA

 

[RabFlmom]

Going in October they won't be staying open late into the night-maybe close at 7 or 8 if not earlier. If you go on a weekday, the park won't be busy. Sundays get crowds all year long, but it is a huge park.

We live on the East Coast of Florida but BG is our favorite park. If you plan to see the animals and ride the coasters you will need all day. We usually take an hour to an hour and a half to eat our one meal there and spend the rest of the hours the park is open doing everything we can. Impossible to do everything in a day so enjoy what you do get to do.

I don't ride coasters, but my sons love the ones there. They are all a must do.

Must dos.
Myombi Reserve. Spend some time watching the chimps. They can be very entertaining and often come up to the windows to watch you too. It feels cooler in the reserve too, but best time is first thing because they are more active.

Try to hit feeding time for the alligators at the pond in that area, too.

Rhino Rally- one way to see some of the animals.

Serengeti Plain- take a walk around this area to see lots of animals, ride the train, and do the sky ride to see it 3 different ways. The truck tour to feed the giraffes would be fun if you have never touched a giraffe.

Jungala- great pre-teen kids area your son won't want to miss-even has a zip line. Tigers are there and there are lots of ways to see them and even interact. My guys loved this area and even rode one of the rides even though they are grown men.

There are 2 different areas for birds-the Bird Garden and Lori Landing that can be fun .

There are literally animal areas in every section of the park. You want to walk the whole park so don't skip a section.

There are usually 6 or 7 different shows offered. My favorite are Katonga
( usually very good singers and I get a kick out of the Mystic Sheiks of Morocco and the Rock & Roll dancers( not for my sons though- they ride the coasters instead)

There is also the Dragon area which is a kids playground and has shows and rides for kids under 56 inches.

We never get bored there. We always see something new.

As for the CMs. We meet the nicest people there and they love to talk about their park, their rides, and even about what is going on in Tampa.
I don't like the general parking and having to ride the tram and even though we have the gold pass they have at times not let us park up in preferred on busy days.

As far as things being taken in the park. Probably happens just like it happens at Disney parks on occasion. Tourists do need to be aware no matter where they are in the state. Not all tourists are really tourists.
Most areas of Florida probably have a higher crime rate than a lot of the hometowns tourists come from. It

 

[billjohnson646]

I like Busch Gardens

 

[rstanley]

Going in October they won't be staying open late into the night-maybe close at 7 or 8 if not earlier. If you go on a weekday, the park won't be busy. Sundays get crowds all year long, but it is a huge park.

We live on the East Coast of Florida but BG is our favorite park. If you plan to see the animals and ride the coasters you will need all day. We usually take an hour to an hour and a half to eat our one meal there and spend the rest of the hours the park is open doing everything we can. Impossible to do everything in a day so enjoy what you do get to do.

I don't ride coasters, but my sons love the ones there. They are all a must do.

Must dos.
Myombi Reserve. Spend some time watching the chimps. They can be very entertaining and often come up to the windows to watch you too. It feels cooler in the reserve too, but best time is first thing because they are more active.

Try to hit feeding time for the alligators at the pond in that area, too.

Rhino Rally- one way to see some of the animals.

Serengeti Plain- take a walk around this area to see lots of animals, ride the train, and do the sky ride to see it 3 different ways. The truck tour to feed the giraffes would be fun if you have never touched a giraffe.

Jungala- great pre-teen kids area your son won't want to miss-even has a zip line. Tigers are there and there are lots of ways to see them and even interact. My guys loved this area and even rode one of the rides even though they are grown men.

There are 2 different areas for birds-the Bird Garden and Lori Landing that can be fun .

There are literally animal areas in every section of the park. You want to walk the whole park so don't skip a section.

There are usually 6 or 7 different shows offered. My favorite are Katonga
( usually very good singers and I get a kick out of the Mystic Sheiks of Morocco and the Rock & Roll dancers( not for my sons though- they ride the coasters instead)

There is also the Dragon area which is a kids playground and has shows and rides for kids under 56 inches.

We never get bored there. We always see something new.

As for the CMs. We meet the nicest people there and they love to talk about their park, their rides, and even about what is going on in Tampa.
I don't like the general parking and having to ride the tram and even though we have the gold pass they have at times not let us park up in preferred on busy days.

As far as things being taken in the park. Probably happens just like it happens at Disney parks on occasion. Tourists do need to be aware no matter where they are in the state. Not all tourists are really tourists.
Most areas of Florida probably have a higher crime rate than a lot of the hometowns tourists come from. It

I appreciate your advice. I assuming my daughter will be too short for a lot of the coasters so that may be a problem

You mentioned aligators...my son wants to go to Gatorland...are there enough here to maybe somehow talk my son out of it. The rest of us REALLY DO NOT want to go

 

[rstanley]

I started a new post with more questions a couple of days ago but thought I'd go back to this thread since all of you have been VERY helpful and full of advice in sharing your experience...

I've had more time to do a little research and look at all of your advice...

I still have quite a few questions…I would appreciate any comments you have to share!!

Just a reminder...it will be me, DH, DS12 and DD7 on Sun Oct 11th

1) I originally thought of moving left to right through the park but I've recieved feedback from quite a few people to take the sky ride and start at the back of the park...any comments?

2) I’ve heard the Chimps are more active first thing in the morning…is it worth it to start at the Myombe reserve or should we head right to the roller coasters?

3) If you had to pick 2-3 roller coasters (Gwazi, Sheikra, Python, Kumba, Montu)…which are the best?

My son gets migraines if he does too many and I’m thinking this park has too many. He loves animals so that will be more important to him than the roller coasters.

4) My daughter is only 46” but will be able to do Cheetah Chase and Scorpion…should we do both or just Cheetah Chase?

5) Does the sky ride start at the park entrance or in the Congo area? When should we ride this? I've received mixed comments on this???

6) How do the bird habitats (Aviary walk through and Loring Landing) compare to the Discovery Cove aviary and Flights of Wonder show at Animal Kingdom? If they are not as good I’d prefer to skip them since we are going to Discovery Cove and my husband wants to see the Flights of Wonder show.

7) What's the difference between the two water rides...Tidal Wave and Congo River Rapids (unfortunately my DD isn't tall enough for Tidal Wave)?

8) Has anyone seen the Pirates 4D show? I love the Disney shows and am wondering if this one is worth seeing?

9) What is the Living Dragons exhibit???

Thank you!!!!

 

[mama03]

1. I would not start at the back of the park. Think of Busch Gardens as one
big huge circle, you will eventually get around the whole thing. I think its
just nice to take the skyride midday to have lunch at the crown colony.
2. During that time of year the heat should not be that bad, so the chimps
should be active most of the day, find out about feeding times or scheduled
talk by the trainers.
3. Sheikra!, Montu.
4. Scorpion is very quick, I do not like the cheeta (it jerks you around too
much.
5. The skyride has an entry in the colony restaurant area and just before
the congo area.
6. save time and skip the birds.
7. tidal wave is a boat type ride that goes down a steep plunge at the end. Tip: there is a walkway that your kids can stand on and get soaked (there is also a plastic window that you can stand behind and not get wet. The congo river ride you are in a circular boat and get soaked by rapids and waterfalls. Both fun but I love the congo river rapids! Dont forget the log ride either.
8. I think that you will like the pirates show. Its kinda dorky for us parents but the interaction with 4d is fun.
9. I think you mean Land of the Dragons. Its a fun area for the under 10 kids to go play and explore, get wet too.
If you go to the Busch Gardens website you will find maps and all the info you need to help complete your trip planning.
http://www.buschgardens.com/BGT2/Explore/ParkMap.aspx

 

[inkkognito]

3. Sheikra!, Montu.

If your son gets migraines from too many coasters, avoid the wood coasters like the plague. They are so rough that I'm convinced they are sponsored by a chiropractic office. Depending on your height, Kumba can be mean too. My husband adores it, but it slams my head into the restraints so it's a miserable ride for me. SheiKra and Montu are wonderfully smooth.

 

[T16GEM]

Hi

Totally agree with the vote to Shekra and Montu, both my faves! I also think that even though they say that the view from all seats on Sheikra is good , personally I have always felt that the front row was amazingly better than the other two rows so try and get on the front.

Busch is my favourite park from the point of view of the rides that they have there. I too avoid Gwazi as it gives me an instant head ache, I just cannot stand that ride and always feel like that space could have been much better utilised for a more universal ride that everyone can enjoy, so many say to avoid!

We have used the rider switch quite a lot with our two children and the staff there have always made it easy for us to do so.

 

[inkkognito]

My two cents worth of SheiKra's rows:

Yes, the front row cannot be beat for the view. But if you're an air time lover, get the back row and lean forward with your arms held straight out in front of you and your body totally relaxed. The air time/float time is amazing!