Busch Gardens Tampa/Williamsburg?

[LisaR]

Does anyone know if there are any major differences between the two parks? Is one nicer/better then the other or are they virtually the same? Thanks!

Lisa

 

[hiwaygal]

I'm not sure, I've only been to BG Williamsburg...

but IIRC, BG-Williamsburg is known as "The Old Country". It represents different countries in Europe (France, England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Germany).

BG-Tampa used to be known as "The Dark Continent" and represents various African/tropical areas.

 

[Doctor P]

I have been to both. BG-Tampa at least 3 times, and BG-Williamsburg once. The last trip to each was in the last three years. IMHO, they are very different parks. BG-Williamsburg might be the prettiest theme park I have ever been in. It has awesome roller coasters and a number of other themed thrill rides. BG-Tampa is also quite nice and has some nice coasters, but its real unique feature is the animals and African theme. It is comparable in many ways to Disney's Animal Kingdom with super roller coasters as an added (and in no way inferior) attraction. In my opinion, the food is much better at BG-Williamsburg due to the European theming that gives opportunities for a wider variety of restaurants. I must say that I felt somewhat hemmed in at BG-Williamsburg as the park seems very compact.

 

[ilovepcot]

I took friends from out of state to the Tampa location a few years back. (I cringed over the thought of having to go.) They were very unhappy with their visit and especially upset over safety issues. We left the park after dark and a tram dropped us off *WAY* down the end of a dirt road and drove away. It wasn't lit and we had a terrible time finding our car. Thankfully, there were quite a few other park visitors getting off along with us. If for some reason we'd been the only ones getting off at that particular time, it's doubtful we would have. Perhaps things have improved in that area? Don't know as I haven't wanted to return.

 

[Slacking]

The above post stated it well, but these two parks are about as different as two parks can be. The landscaping at BGW is awesome, beautiful park. Some great rides too. Could do with an extra coaster or two but Alpengeist and Apollo's Chariot are world-class coasters.

BGT isn't the prettiest park out there, but at the same time its not ugly, it does what it sets out to do. It also has a some animals spread through out the park. It has a better variety of coasters. A couple of the coasters aren't very memorable but it does have some high-quality coasters such as Montu, Kumba, and of course, SheiKra.

Both parks are great in their own right and as stated, are completely different parks/experiences.

 

[Slacking]

I took friends from out of state to the Tampa location a few years back. (I cringed over the thought of having to go.) They were very unhappy with their visit and especially upset over safety issues. We left the park after dark and a tram dropped us off *WAY* down the end of a dirt road and drove away.

1- I can't think of any dirt roads the tram would drop you off at. Plus, you should have talked to the employees and they probably could have accommodated you. Regardless, in the past year or two the parking/tram situation has changed a lot.

2- Upset over Safety issues? Please elaborate.

3- Why would you cringe over having to go to BGT? I take it Six Flags parks would be the death of you (and SF parks for the most part don't compare to BGT.)

 

[LisaR]

Thanks everyone. We've been to BG-Tampa. We are making plans to go to Colonial Williamsburg and we weren't sure if we should hit their BG. I didn't want to go if it was pretty much the same as Tampa. It sounds like it will be worth it to spend a day there. Thanks!

Lisa

 

[MagicalMom]

Thanks everyone. We've been to BG-Tampa. We are making plans to go to Colonial Williamsburg and we weren't sure if we should hit their BG. I didn't want to go if it was pretty much the same as Tampa. It sounds like it will be worth it to spend a day there. Thanks!

Lisa

Don't miss it, you'll love it! It really is a pretty park. The rides are awesome! We've gone & spent 3 days straight there & never been bored. They also have a water park nearby.

 

[ilovepcot]

1- I can't think of any dirt roads the tram would drop you off at. Plus, you should have talked to the employees and they probably could have accommodated you. Regardless, in the past year or two the parking/tram situation has changed a lot.

2- Upset over Safety issues? Please elaborate.

3- Why would you cringe over having to go to BGT? I take it Six Flags parks would be the death of you (and SF parks for the most part don't compare to BGT.)

The "dirt road" where we were dropped off was an "overflow" parking area as we arrived late in the day and the regular parking lots were full.

The "safety issues" is the fact we were left in the dark.... complete blackness, to find our car. My friend was livid over this! No safety issues regarding rides or how the park was run.

And yes, I "cringe" over visiting there because I simply don't like parks with animals. Personal taste issue...nothing more, nothing less. (I'd cringe over returning to AK, too.)

 

[grlpwrd]

I really enjoy BG-Williamsburg because it is beautiful and it is suitable for all ages. There are the thrill rides from mild to wild, but there's also Jack Hanna's section with the animals, different ethnically based food and entertainment, and kiddie rides.

My dh, 5 kids, and I spend the whole day there as we live very close by. If it only were WDW, though. lol

Have fun with whatever you decide!

 

[Aidensmom]

The "dirt road" where we were dropped off was an "overflow" parking area as we arrived late in the day and the regular parking lots were full.

The "safety issues" is the fact we were left in the dark.... complete blackness, to find our car. My friend was livid over this! No safety issues regarding rides or how the park was run.

And yes, I "cringe" over visiting there because I simply don't like parks with animals. Personal taste issue...nothing more, nothing less. (I'd cringe over returning to AK, too.)

The entire parking lot was redesigned in the last couple of years, most definately when you were there, it was before the redesign, and most likely it was during the transition when not everything was as perfect as it could be.

And don't worry, you weren't somewhere unsafe even if you were left on a dark deserted road there. I know someone very well who lives in that neighborhood.


And to answer the OP, never been to the other BG, but we have passes to the one in Tampa and we love it. No matter how many times we have been there, we enjoy going again. I love the animals, and they are displayed in natural-type habitats, not cages or anything.

 

[Slacking]

The "dirt road" where we were dropped off was an "overflow" parking area as we arrived late in the day and the regular parking lots were full.

The "safety issues" is the fact we were left in the dark.... complete blackness, to find our car. My friend was livid over this! No safety issues regarding rides or how the park was run.

And yes, I "cringe" over visiting there because I simply don't like parks with animals. Personal taste issue...nothing more, nothing less. (I'd cringe over returning to AK, too.)

Ok, your reason for cringing is fine. I can see why some people don't like that. I was just hoping you weren't cringing because BGT is more of a SF-style amusement park rather than something like a Disney Park.

And yeah, the parking situation is much better now, and it sounds unreasonable that they left you off in the dark like that. If it were me I wouldn't leave until they trammed (i know, not a word) me closer to my car.

As for the original poster, BGW probably is the more satisfying park. It is definitely a park that should not be missed.