Busch Gardens Tampa

[JuneBugFL]

I live in NE FL and was thinking about going to BGT as a day trip a couple of times this fall. As much as I love WDW it just doesn't really satisfy my need for coasters. My question is - are there any websites out there like allears, wdwinfo, etc for BGT? Can I find menus or reviews or other info anywhere besides the actual BGT website? I was looking at the all day meal plan but I would like to know general prices as well for food as I don't usually eat a lot when in parks.

Anything else in the Tampa area I should check out as well?

 

[ZenMickey]

There is www.bgtguide.com. But it has basic overviews of the park, and some info is outdated. BGT's site does list menus, but I don't believe prices. If you are going to be there all day, I highly recommend the all-you-can-eat plan. For around $30 you get a wristband that allows you one entree, a side dish or dessert, and a soda/bottled water each time in most eateries. Since most entrees are $8-9, I think it's a great deal. Plus you get 50% off all outdoor food vendors (cotton candy, popcorn, sodas, even BEER!) My favorite food items are BBQ from Zambora Smokehouse, pizza from Crown Colony Cafe, Italian Deli Sandwich from the Jungala Cafe and the excellent Alpine Sandwich (Corned Beef) or Southwestern Chicken Salad from Desert Grill. (Can you tell I've been a few times this year with my annual pass?). Park is open late until mid-August, don't forget to check out the shows, especially Kinetx which closes the park. And if you want to ride Cheetah Hunt, try to do first thing in the morning, line just keeps growing. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

 

[DOOM1001]

I have an AP and was just there last week to get my first rides on Cheetah Hunt,I got to the park close to noon since I was coming from Orlando and Cheetah Hunt had a wait of 120 minutes,I waited until 2:30 to ride it and the wait had gone down to 60,I ended up riding it twice waiting 45 and 50 minutes,good fun ride.As far as dining Busch Gardens has excellent food and some of the best desserts at any park.I also bought the all you can eat wristband,with my AP discount it came to $27,excellent deal.Most entrees at the CS restaurants are in the $8-$10 range with the most expensive being the full rack of baby backs at the Zambia smokehouse for like $15,the baby backs are the only thing that's restricted on the all you can eat plan.The desserts are amazing and are in the $3-$5 range,my favorite is the carrot cake.If you're there most of the day it makes no sense not to get the wristband as whenever you get thirsty you can just go in and get a bottle of water or soda or you can just grab some fruit as a snack.If you stay until park closing I also suggest watching Kinetix,they do some amazing stunts,the dance show at the desert grill is great as you can get your food and sit to watch the show.