Busch Gardens Shuttle Express from Universal

[damo]

Has anyone taken it lately? We need to take it on Thursday to get to Busch Gardens but their 1-800-221-1339 number is not accessible from Canada and they don't have any other phone numbers listed. I have emailed them but haven't gotten any response. I am getting concerned that it is no longer available.

 

[phamton]

It's still available. I'll see if I can find a different phone number tomorrow or PM me the 1-800 number and I'll call them today and find out a number you can call.

ETA: Oops see you posted the number. I'll give them a call now and find out.

 

[damo]

Thanks Bev!!!

 

[phamton]

You can call direct at 407 423-5566. The company is owned by Mears and just ask for the shuttle from Universal to Busch. It is $10 roundtrip and must be booked within 24 hours in advance.

 

[damo]

Excellent! It is now booked and we are now all set!

 

[Sylvester McBean]

damo, which Tampa hotel did you end up booking?

 

[tbird89]

From which location(s) does it leave? At what time does it come back? Thanks!!!

 

[damo]

damo, which Tampa hotel did you end up booking?

We booked the Springhill Suites in Westshore. I wanted the one in St. Pete's but there were no rooms available. The other hotels arounds the Tampa airport were all booked and most of the hotels around the St. Pete's Airport got really yucky reviews in tripadvisor. I figured Westshore was a good compromise between Busch Gardens and the St. Pete's airport.

 

[damo]

From which location(s) does it leave? At what time does it come back? Thanks!!!

It leaves from the Universal bus parking at 8:30 and I think it leaves to come back at 6. We aren't coming back so I'm not quite sure of that time. It is $10 return.

 

[Slacking]

Damo, when do you leave for your trip?

Hopefully the weather will stay as nice has it been for about 2 weeks now! (Also, I went to BGT last Friday and rode 4 of their coasters. Didn't have to wait more than 2-3 minutes for any of the coasters)

 

[damo]

Damo, when do you leave for your trip?

Hopefully the weather will stay as nice has it been for about 2 weeks now! (Also, I went to BGT last Friday and rode 4 of their coasters. Didn't have to wait more than 2-3 minutes for any of the coasters)

We leave on Sunday. We will be in Busch Gardens on Thursday. Oh, I hope the park isn't busy, I was pretty much expecting to spend the whole day in line and hopefully get to ride each coaster once.

 

[Slacking]

We leave on Sunday. We will be in Busch Gardens on Thursday. Oh, I hope the park isn't busy, I was pretty much expecting to spend the whole day in line and hopefully get to ride each coaster once.

At BGT? You usually won't encounter huge lines for the coasters. Most of the times except on the busiest of days you won't wait more than 10-15 minutes for most of the coasters. Even SheiKra's waits have become manageable for the most part. Your longest may may be Cheetah Chase and thats just because its a slow laoder. You and your son will be able to ride the coasters plenty of times that day. I doubt the two of you will do the shows, but I recommend Katonga if you want to get out of the heat. Its well put on, and actually makes me laugh (not on purpose of course).

The good news is, the large school district which BGT is located in, don't begin spring break until the 18th. Some private schools and other districts MAY have their break next week (not too sure though) but I don't think it'll be enough to make the wait times super long.

 

[damo]

Excellent news! Thank you. I would like to ride SheiKra more than once. I'm not too sure about the others. My son will want to ride everything multiple times. I think that is when I will go see the new show that has replaced the haunted lighthouse. I've seen the old show in Williamsburg and in Seaworld in San Diego -- and that was quite enough.

 

[Slacking]

Excellent news! Thank you. I would like to ride SheiKra more than once. I'm not too sure about the others. My son will want to ride everything multiple times. I think that is when I will go see the new show that has replaced the haunted lighthouse. I've seen the old show in Williamsburg and in Seaworld in San Diego -- and that was quite enough.

Old Show? Are you talking about Haunted Lighthouse or Pirates. BGT replaced HL with Pirates, and old filmed that has been shown at BGW and SW San Diego (and Ohio). But like I said, I would recommend the Katonga show for you if you need a coaster break.

I think I've said this before, but Kumba is spectacular, and if I had to rank all the coasters I've ridden (200+), it would be at the top of the list.

 

[damo]

Old Show? Are you talking about Haunted Lighthouse or Pirates. BGT replaced HL with Pirates, and old filmed that has been shown at BGW and SW San Diego (and Ohio). But like I said, I would recommend the Katonga show for you if you need a coaster break.

I think I've said this before, but Kumba is spectacular, and if I had to rank all the coasters I've ridden (200+), it would be at the top of the list.

Haven't seen Pirates but have seen HL. I'll take in the Katonga show too since it sounds like my son will probably want to do Kumba several times. Do you know if they have any large lockers at the park? We will have our duffles with us since we won't check into the hotel until after we're done BGT.

 

[Slacking]

Pirates is a fun movie. More fun than Haunted Lighthouse, but Pirates doesn't use 3D as well as it could, and its very dated (look for a cameo from a deceased star.) Like I said though, it is fun.

As for Locker, hmmm..... a question that may have me stumped! I do know that there are lockers throughout the park including near the main entrance, but I'm not sure how large they are. I should probably know my home park a bit better, lol!

 

[damo]

Pirates is a fun movie. More fun than Haunted Lighthouse, but Pirates doesn't use 3D as well as it could, and its very dated (look for a cameo from a deceased star.) Like I said though, it is fun.

As for Locker, hmmm..... a question that may have me stumped! I do know that there are lockers throughout the park including near the main entrance, but I'm not sure how large they are. I should probably know my home park a bit better, lol!

No problem, if we have to spread our stuff out between several lockers, we will do that. We don't have any hard sided luggage, so we will make do. I was just hoping there were some large lockers like the ones at Universal for $10/day (I think).

 

[Slacking]

There very well may be large-sized lockers. I've just never had to use the lockers there so I don't know.

 

[Sylvester McBean]

Pirates is welcome change from the Haunted Lighthouse, but I walked out of the show drenched with water. it was like riding Ripsaw Falls.

 

[Slacking]

Pirates is welcome change from the Haunted Lighthouse, but I walked out of the show drenched with water. it was like riding Ripsaw Falls.

It was pretty much the same amount of water as Haunted Lighthouse. Semi-spoiler, but both shows end with water shot from the water cannons resulting in a slight drench.