Busch Gardens Tampa planning help needed

[traveljunkie]

Hello,
Planning our second trip to BG but the kids are much older now and want the thrill rides. I need help planning the order of riding the roller coasters--their top priority and the rest of the best rides. We'll be there during spring break . Planning on two days. The day of weeks will be Saturday--coming from Orlando and all Sunday. After the thrill rides, what should we be sure to fit in and not to miss?

I really need help since it will be a very busy time of year. Thank you in advance for any advice and tips!!

 

[traveljunkie]

no ideas? Please help pretty please???

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[jeffn5631]

The only thing I can suggest is the Cirque Dreams and Burn the Floor Let's Dance shows. The Real Music series of concerts ends on March 26th which the only other thing I can think of. By the way, the new coaster, Cheetah Hunt is scheduled to open in May but I didn't get the exact day. From what is up already, it looks like a monster thrill ride.

 

[babydoll]

My teens did BG several years ago and rode every coaster in the park-I think 9 or 11? I would STRONGLY recommend that you avoid the wooden coaster. VERY rough. The other steel coasters were all fine. We did not do the safari ride but the animal exhibits were very well done and worth the time to walk thru at your own pace.

Mary

 

[jeffn5631]

The wooden coaster, Gwazi, this past Saturday BG put in service new trains which give a smooth ride. Local TV showed reporters testing the ride and all agreed that it was a big improvement. So, put it back on.

 

[traveljunkie]

Thank you so much for the input. I'm going to have to get my hands on a park map and plot out our plan of attack. This information gives me an idea of what to look for. Thanks!

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[tarrbear]

Another show I adore that I don't think was mentioned is Critter Castaways, its a cute/neat show with many small animals doing tricks. And as previously mentioned, Gwazi has new carts and from what a friend has said, apparently its like a whole new ride.

 

[traveljunkie]

Hello again,
okay without sounding too commando..... but it will be during March Spring break AND a weekend. I am still trying to figure out our plan and not look like a deer in the headlights once we walk in. According to Frommers, we should go in this order:

Montu
Rhino Rally
Kumba
Congo River Rapids
Stanley Falls Flume
Gwazi
Scorpion
Sheikra

Any comments on this plan? Of course we'll do other things but want to get the roller coasters in early morning to avoid huge lines.

thanks!!
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[gardener14]

I've never visited BG with a plan. I've just done what I wanted when I wanted. I like that about it...that it's not like Disney where you have to rush to the major attractions in the morning before the crowds get there. I understand your concerns, but my suggestion is to chill. Relax and enjoy your visit. Despite my train of thought, if you're concerned about crowds, then by all means visit the coasters, Rhino Rally, and the water rides early, then enjoy the day exploring the shows and animal habitats. As others have said, don't miss Critter Castaway, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, and Let's Dance featuring Burn the Floor. Also, Sweet Music, the Sounds of Motor City is a top notch musical review. Ride the train to enjoy the Serenghetti Plain, and visit the animals of Jungala, Myombe Reserve, Curiosity Caverns, Jambo Junction, and Edge of Africa. Some of those animal habitats are out of plain sight and easy to overlook if you don't have a map and know to seek them out.

 

[tarrbear]

Hello again,
okay without sounding too commando..... but it will be during March Spring break AND a weekend. I am still trying to figure out our plan and not look like a deer in the headlights once we walk in. According to Frommers, we should go in this order:

Montu
Rhino Rally
Kumba
Congo River Rapids
Stanley Falls Flume
Gwazi
Scorpion
Sheikra

Any comments on this plan? Of course we'll do other things but want to get the roller coasters in early morning to avoid huge lines.

thanks!!
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In your little plan there alot of backtracking is involved which is unnecessary, Busch is basically a giant circle, try,
Montu
Rhino Rally
Scorpion
Kumba
Congo River Rapids
Stanley Falls Flume
Sheikra
Gwazi

The Stanley to Gwazi, back to Scorpion then back to Shiekra plan is just a lot of unnecessary walking you might not want to do.

 

[traveljunkie]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate you taking the time to reply with such great information!!!! I'm looking forward to a more relaxed pace along with knowing which way to go. Can't wait

 

[dolphinrescuegirl]

Love, love, love the kangaroos and wallabies!!! You can buy a cup of food for $5 or a bottle for $10. They feed at certain times so check the schedule!!! It was my fav part of the day, better than the coasters! There was a baby playing in the walkway that would just cling to anyone that walked by! Lots of pictures taken here!

 

[inkkognito]

Take it from an AP holder who used to refuse to ride Gwazi: it is just fine now.

Buy a Quick Queue if the park is crowded and that will take care of almost all the major rides (Cheetah Hunt, the new coaster, probably won't be included in QQ for many months after it opens, and Scorpion is never included because it's a one-train operation). That way, they are guaranteed to ride almost all the big stuff with no wait.

 

[T16GEM]

My teens did BG several years ago and rode every coaster in the park-I think 9 or 11? I would STRONGLY recommend that you avoid the wooden coaster. VERY rough. The other steel coasters were all fine. We did not do the safari ride but the animal exhibits were very well done and worth the time to walk thru at your own pace.

Mary

I would aggree with this but......

The wooden coaster, Gwazi, this past Saturday BG put in service new trains which give a smooth ride. Local TV showed reporters testing the ride and all agreed that it was a big improvement. So, put it back on.

Take it from an AP holder who used to refuse to ride Gwazi: it is just fine now.

Great news, I have not been on Gwazi in years, I will however send my DH first to test it!

As far as must dos at BG I would say Sheikra, Montu, The Rapids, Tidal Wave, and Kumba are my favourites.

Honestly IMO there in no thrill like Sheikra on the front row, it's quite literally awesome!!

 

[inkkognito]

Honestly IMO there in no thrill like Sheikra on the front row, it's quite literally awesome!!

My personal thrill is SheiKra in the back row. Sure, you get the view in front, but you get the air and float time in the back, especially if you extend your legs at the crest of the hills. I'm not happy after a day of SheiKra riding unless my shoulders are bruised from slamming the harness.

 

[T16GEM]

My personal thrill is SheiKra in the back row. Sure, you get the view in front, but you get the air and float time in the back, especially if you extend your legs at the crest of the hills. I'm not happy after a day of SheiKra riding unless my shoulders are bruised from slamming the harness.

I love the view from the front row, I am literally scared stiff but loving it at the same time, I'm pretty short so don't get a very good experience from the back row. I can see why you like it though We rode it 3 times in a row last trip, had to stop after that as DD and DS were getting bored of waiting with our friend (who doesn't like coasters )