Busch Gardens Rides Appropriate/Safe ???

[riu girl]

I was just wondering if anyone could give their opinions on rides that may not be appropriate/safe for a 4 year old (40 lbs, 42"" ) and an 8 year old (70+ lbs, 54") at Busch Gardens Tampa. Please keep in mind that these children are true daredevils and when at theme parks want to ride on everything (as long as they met the height requirements).

Any info. would be greatly appreciated.
Suzy V.

 

[utahkennedys]

I only have one thing to say about Busch Gardens, and I haven't been there in 17 years, so I am not sure if they even have this ride anymore. I was 14 at the time and there with my mother, and while she was using the restroom I was watching the corkscrew roller coaster, and suddenly heard this terrible noise like machines grinding and the thing was stuck, upside down. It took a L O N G time to get the people down, it was adults mostly I remember. But, for what it is worth...we are going to WDW again in September and I am going to be extra-careful with 3 year old DD...

 

[jeannej]

The roller coasters there are not appropriate for a 4 year old no matter how much of a dare devil he/she is. The 8 year old will be fine if he/she mets the height requirements.

jeannej

 

[LegoMom3]

We were there just last fall, and IMHO the park is far more geared to teens and young adults than younger families. There is a "kiddie" section where my 2 and 4-yr. old really had fun (actually, two if you count the huge playground area). The rest of it was BIG rides and even my 7-yr. old didn't meet the height requirements on many of those (and he's average height for his age). It was a great park in its own way, but does have lots more for the 10+ crowd. My kids did really enjoy the animals and the "zoo" part of it, though. But if you're looking at thrill rides, you'll be limited.

 

[riu girl]

Thanks so much for all the opinions.

DD8 is 54" (therefore meets the hieght requirements for the BIG coasters at Busch Gardens). I know she will want to try them all (especially the new dive coaster). I'm just not sure I want her to go on the big coasters(honestly I would rather she wouldn't). I wish she wasn't so tall for her age. It would make things a lot easier.

Any other opinions/advice??

 

[LegoMom3]

Any other opinions/advice??

Probably one other thing I would add is simply that YOU be the final judge! You obviously have some reservations so you've got to find that balance between giving her some chances to try the rides and using your best judgement. And of course every child is different, but when we were there my DS8 was a lot of talk, but when he finally went on one of the coasters that he did make the height for, he really ended up hating it and was really "in a mood" for the rest of the afternoon (I think because his pride was hurt!!!). Above all just make sure you ALL have a good time!