Busch Gardens Tampa?

[Smydovro]

We are definately doing Sea World in May - skipping Disney all together- just wondering if Busch Gardens is worth it to buy the two park ticket or if Kennedy Space Center would be better. We are only staying for 5 days and we will be spending a day or two at our hotel. Is Busch Gardens better than the space center?

 

[Luthien_Rei]

Taking the two at face value, I would choose Busch Gardens. KSC is not really the kind of place where you will find enough to spend an entire day there, and after you pay for all the different exhibits, tours, movies, etc you'd be surprised how quickly it adds up.

Don't get me wrong KSC is a fascinating and awe-inspiring stop and everyone should check it out, but given an either/or option I would defintely go to Bush Gardens. BG is a fantastic amusement park loaded with classic rides and attractions (log flumes, coasters, river rapids, bumper cars, etc). It easily rivals the Universal Studios Parks IMO, and is by far the undisputed king of rollercoaster parks in FL.

 

[isla bonita]

My guys all said BG hands down.

I did not go to KSC because I have a young daughter but we spent all last year with annual passes to both SW and BG we loved it.

 

[meta]

We loved Bush Gardens.

 

[wayneg]

Did 2 days at KSC last year and could have done with another half day but still not as good as Busch, Its as good as any Disney park.

 

[Sunrisedream]

Busch Gardens has something for all ages and when we have been has never seemed too crowded

 

[CHEK]

We did BG for the 1st time last year, and loved it. Going back in June , My DD who's 8 loves it and the rollercoasters

 

[Sillyminny40]

We did BG twice in a five days and LOVED it. we are theme park vets and think BG the best of many.
Go and relax there. It is a nice pace and so lovely. Esp momma gorilla and baby.

 

[DOOM1001]

Busch Gardens Rocks!!!

 

[Camping Griswalds]

Another vote for Busch Gardens here! We just wnet to Orlando for 6 days in Jan, we did Universal, IOA, Seaworld and Busch. Busch was everyones favorite park. You did not mention any kids, or if roller coaster enthusiasts or animal lovers, or people who watch shows. It dosen't matter though, because it would have all of those things covered. My family is me and DH, 14 yo son, 10 yo son, and 2 yo daughter. It was everyones favorite park on our trip.

ALTHOUGH I still prefer the Busch Gardens in Williamsburg , VA by far!!

 

[Amity 3]

Busch Gardens without hesitation.

 

[Coach81]

Sea world offers free round trip transp to BG in Tampa. I was wondering how long of a trip is it from Sea World in Orlando to Busch Gardens in Tampa?

 

[isla bonita]

I would say about 1 hr. 20 min. or less. I think it will depend on traffic, what time of season you choose to go. That time will be about right.

 

[Camping Griswalds]

We went in January, from our resort ( about 15 minutes away from Seaworld) and it took us about 50 minutes door, to door, to Busch Gardens. So add on that 15 minutes, and it would have been about one hour and 5 minutes. We had planned on it taking the hour and 25 minutes, so we were there early. No traffic. The park didn't open until 10 am that day I think, so maybe we just missed any rush hour traffic. It was a Thursday. Hope this helps.

 

[Coach81]

We will probably be staying at Old Key West Villas (Disney Vacation Club)- probably during the summer next year- will from there to BG, still within an hour or so?

Thanks,
Coach

 

[Camping Griswalds]

I would plan on a little over an hour, especially if you want to be there at park opening. What we did, was get on the Busch Gardens site, and the used Mapquest for directions from where we stayed. It would work from your Disney resort as well. There times are usually a good guideline, but I always seem to get there quicker than what they state it will take. It is worth it. When we went they were running an 85.00 special for Busch and Seaworld. Unlimited admission to both for seven days. It was available on both of their websites!

 

[Coach81]

Thanks CG!

 

[Dis1978]

I was going to give BG a miss but as my eldest DS is a rollercoaster freak maybe I should give it a go. How do the thrill rides there compare to Universal studios?
We fancy going to the beach for a couple of nights so I guess St Petes or clearwater would be nearest. Any suggestions of where to stay there please.
Has anyone been to the tradewinds grand or Don Cesar? This is a special vacation to cheer up DS who has been seriously ill, so I would like to stay somewhere nice for him if possible.

 

[isla bonita]

My guys said they do not even come close. BG's are the bomb and to not be missed espacially SkeiKra. Have your son take a peak.

http://www.buschgardens.com/BGT/default.aspx

 

[Amity 3]

BGT's thrill rides are mostly coasters. Universal/IOA has a much better variety of true thrill rides.