Busch Gardens Questions??

[engle]

Got a few BG questions...planning to go for ONE day in October. There would be 4 adults whose main objective would be to ride coasters and see headliners.

1. Are there any good sit down restaurants that are worth the time out or should I just stick with counter service?
2. Is there a fastpass system or can you buy front of the line access??
3. Should I expect Disney like crowds on a non holiday Monday in October?
4. Any don't miss attractions that I may overlook?

Thanks!!

 

[DOOM1001]

I always stick with counter service as in my opinion the quality of counter service restaurants at Busch parks are a cut above Disney and Universal parks.Also Busch Gardens only real sit down restaurant is the Crown Colony restaurant.I think they have a Serengeti Dining safari package which includes a tour of the Serengeti in an open air truck where you go see all the animals followed by the meal at the Crown Colony.There's also a Crown Colony counter service located on the floor under the restaurant,however my 2 favorites are the Zambia Smokehouse BBQ and the Desert Grill which also has live entertainment several times throughout the day so you can eat and watch the show.

There's no FP system at Busch Gardens,a couple of years they tried out a FP type ticket for their Rhino Rally safari ride but that only lasted a short time.If you're going on a monday in October you shouldn't have bad lines at all,in fact you might get 5-10 minute waits all day.When you need to watch out is the weekends as that's when the park does get close to Disney crowds,but it's still not as many people as you'll see at Disney.Also I know you're going on a monday but weekends in October also have Howl-O-Scream events which make the park close early.The event is very good,the houses are almost on par with Universal's Halloween Horror Nights.I know you're going mostly for the coasters which in my opinion Busch is the best coaster park in the southeast.Montu,Sheikra,Kumba and Gwazi are great and since you might have decent lines you might have the time to catch a show like Katonga,do Rhino Rally,it's pretty cool if the water section is working and try the skyride and the train and don't forget the free beer!!

 

[engle]

THANKS!!! But....WHAT FREE BEER?!?!?! You may have just said DH magic words!!

 

[OCEAN LOVE <3]

i live about 45 mins away from BG ...so I go there alot.
What we usually do is buy food in the Desert Grill resturant next to Scorpion. They have really good shows and its air conditioned.

Crowds will not be packed. On saturdays is usually packed, but mondays will be fine. There will be lines but not as long as on saturdays. Maybe 10-20 min waits. You should ride Montu(my fave),Sheikra,and Kumba. Cheetah chase is also a good ride, but dont let the size fool you. You might think that oh its a kiddie ride but that thing is awesome. As for water rides if your going to do one congo is the best. Tidal wave you get soaked. The long flume is okay but if there is more than a 15 min wait its not worth it.

 

[DOOM1001]

I think the log flume is actually my favorite of the 3 water rides followed closely by the Congo rapids ride since the log flume does give you a feeling like you're in a water slide.The rapids is fun to see the peoples reaction and who gets wet and the tidal wave I only ride it when i don't care about getting soaked.

 

[figment1986]

Crown Colony reaturant (3rd floor) is a nice resturant. I ate there for my birthday and had a good steak while my sister had fish and mother had something else. prices are average for a themepark but they do honor AP discounts (and Team Member Discounts)

My favorite counter service is Desert Grill for the shows they put on, and they also have ribs. If you want burgers their is only one quick service with them at Zagora Cafe located in morrocco.

They have been considdering a Quick Queue type system for the busy times, but a non holiday in october the lines will be short, 30 minutes most.

Try to visit the shows, they are great (well most are) and then try the thrill rides.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I did the Crown Colony counter service, and really liked their roast beef sandwich. Pleasant a/c porch to sit in, too, to enjoy your meal.

Absolutely loved SheikRa! I think I'd be a coaster junkie, if my body could take it. Did Montu as well, but just didn't have the stomach to do more than that (SheikRa took a lot out of me). Absolutely have to go back and do the others, though.

Liked the train ride for the views of the animals...but liked AK's Kilimanjaro Safari much better for habitat and theming. Saw more variety of animals at WDW, too...but a different variety of zebra at Busch Gardens. Hated the tiny enclosure for the elephants at BG...seemed kinda cruel (I'm probably dead wrong, but it really seemed tiny and hot).

They had a Christmas on Ice show when I was there, too, which I enjoyed, but my friends didn't want to see KaTonga, although I heard that show is wonderful. Saw some "critter" show, and although the trained animals were cute, the show itself was a loser.

Passed on the water rides, since I forgot my poncho and had already experienced a park (SeaWorld) after a full soaking on their flume ride. So uncomfortable.

Don't miss? Ride SheikRa!