Busch Gardens Strategy HELP!!

[Bella the Ball 360]

Hi my family and I are about to head to Florida and attend Busch Gardens for the first time. I would really like to know a couple things before I go. What is the earliest time the park opens (we are going between the 9th and 23rd if dates are concerned). How can we get everything done? What ride should we hit first? Has anyone seen R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse? What is the wait? What about Rhino Rally? I guess what I am looking for is a kind of priority list. What things are a must and what are also rans.

 

[harperwi]

I've been to Busch Gardens twice in the last seven years, and I didn't go with any strategy at all. I was able to see all the animal attractions and shows, and rode all of the largest roller coasters several times each. Granted, I was there before Rhino Rally opened, so I can't comment on that, but where I go to Disney with a general touring strategy, I've never used one at BG, and have always enjoyed the whole park.

There is an official website that will give you opening times, I believe, and I believe there's a map online you can check out ahead of time. There are several areas with their own themes, similar to the MK, and there are lots of signposts everywhere showing how to find the others.

I think you'll have a great time and be able to do the things you'll want to.

Jon

 

[BarryHom]

Depending on the time of year, Busch Gardens opens at 9 am or 10 am. Check out www.buschgardens.com for park hours.

As for a strategy, here is my coaster strategy:

Arrive at opening
Head to Gwazi and ride both Lion and Tiger
Head to Montu
Take the skyride to the Congo
Ride Scorpion
Ride the Python

Then look at the animals and explore the park at your leisure. If you want to ride Rhino Rally, do it first thing.

 

[jwhiting]

Hi,
We saw R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse when we were at Busch Gardens last month.

We only had to wait about 10mins in the queue before entering the theatre, the queue area looks quite small but it is deceiving and quite long. However the theatre is huge so this usually take care of most people in the queue. I wouldn't expect too longer a wait even at this time of the year.

For the record I rated the show, not the best by any means but well written, acted and a few surprises as you'd expect from one of these 4D shows.

Rhino Rally was an hour wait, they only had one side operating when we visited. I think we were lucky with the ride and the timing of our visit as some people were in the queue and said they had problems earlier in the day. It was an ok ride, felt a little let down with this one I must admit.

When we were there the park opened from 9am - 10pm, the longest hours I have ever know at BG. Great.

Have fun

Julian