Busch Gardens Touring advice??

[zippehsmom]

Anyone have any good advice on touring Busch Gardens? We just decided to get the platinum passports. We'll be there July 10th. Any must see's and do's?

WE've never been to Busch Gardens. Thanks!

 

[Figment22]

The main attractions at Busch Gardens that draw the biggest crowds are the coasters. If you're a coaster person (I am!), my suggestion is to get to the park at opening and ride Sheikra which is the newest attraction at BGT (one year old) and the only dive coaster in North America. I'd then hit Gwazi which is the wooden coaster at the front of the park and has two sides (two different tracks), Lion and Tiger. Next, hit Rhino Rally. This isn't a coaster and can best be compared to Kilamanjaro Safari at DAK, only it's much better. This is the biggest bottleneck in the park and if you don't hit it early in the morning, expect a LONG wait later in the day. Then ride Montu, which is the inverted coaster. The other big coaster in the park, Kumba, can be done later in the day as it doesn't usually have that long a wait.

Don't miss Katonga. It's a great show in a nice, air conditioned theater which is great in the heat of the afternoon.

If you plan to ride the coasters, bring quarters for the lockers near the rides. The change machines don't always work.

Our family likes Busch Gardens a lot. Have a great time!

 

[zippehsmom]

Thanks for the touring advice. That was exactly what I was looking for.

Does Busch Gardens have child swap?

 

[lookingforward]

Well, I know that passport holders get discounts on the VIP tours and that is what we did last summer. The crowds were immense when we went (over the weekend) so we booked the thrill tour which focuses on coasters and water rides. We were in a group of about 10 and got front of the line for all rides. The guide was really nice and the tour included a nice lunch. It was a bit costly but worth every penny. Hope you have fun!

 

[tinkersmama]

Thanks for the touring advice. That was exactly what I was looking for.

Does Busch Gardens have child swap?

Yes, they do.

On top of the coasters, (Love Sheikra!) make sure you go on Congo River Rapids. If everyone wants to get really wet in the middle of the day, head over to Tidal wave and stand on the bridge. You will get SOAKED!! They have an awesome place for kids to play called Land of the Dragons. Lots of little kid rides and only one entrance and exit. If you do plan on going to Land of the Dragons, they have a huge moon walk. They will not let any wet clothing go on the moon walk.

Also, with seeing Katonga, make sure you make time for the bird show. It is one of my favorites.

***Don't miss the Clysdales!

 

[zippehsmom]

Thanks for all the tips. I have to make sure I print this out and take it with me.

 

[Motherfletcher]

We tour a little different:
1. Sheikra- My kids sprint and have been lucky enough to get there in time to have a whole train to themselves. When you get there that quick they normally ride it twice.
2. Kumba
3. Sky Ride (quickest way to get across the park)
4. Montu
5. Rhino Rally (try for Kate as your driver and don't be afraid of volunteering to navigate)
You have just finished the biggies! You may want to go to Gwazi now then slow down a little, hit some shows or keep up the pace for the water rides.

 

[Figment22]

3. Sky Ride (quickest way to get across the park)

We always use the Sky Ride for transportation too. I forgot to mention that. It's also a nice way to get a birds-eye view of lots of the animals!

 

[eelelad]

Hello, this is a great thread as I am looking for some of the same information.

Additionally, I'm considering signing up for one of the Tours offerred by the park. The tours go from reasonable to very very pricey so I'm looking for advice on which are worth the money, which are not, which is the best bargain, should I even do one, etc.

The tours that I am considering in include:
1) Seregeti Safari $34
2) Sunset on Serengeti $40
3) Animal Adventure $120
4) Guided Adventure $95
5) Elite Adventure $200
6) Ultimate Adventure $250

I will in Tampa with my girlfriend on Sunday, July 30th and Monday, July 31st. It's a surprise trip for her It will just be the two of us. We have bought platinum passports for BG in Williamsburg which allow use at BG Tampa and we can go on either day but I also got us tickets to a baseball game on Monday so I'm leaning towards going to the park on Sunday.

We generally get to the park very early and both love both rollercoasters as well as animals.

Any suggestions on the safari tours, park touring plans, busch gardens, or tampa are greatly appreciated!

 

[Figment22]

Our family took the Serengeti Safari about 6 weeks ago and really enjoyed it. It's about 35 minutes long. You drive out on to the savannah where the animals are on the back of a flatbed truck. Your first encounter is with giraffes. They literally have their heads in the truck with you! You get lettuce to feed to the giraffes (the tour guides, who are very good and knowledgable, show you exactly what to do). You later on get to feed eland. Along the way, you'll be as close as you can get to zebra, rhino, ostrich and others. We did this as a birthday gift for my youngest son (13) who loves animals. He (and I) thought it was wonderful.

IIRC, the Sunset on Serengeti, is the adults only tour which also includes sampling of Anheuser Busch beverages. You and your girlfriend might enjoy that one because no one under 21 is allowed because of the alcoholic beverages.

Here's another website you may find helpful for BGT:

http://www.bgtguide.com/

Have a great time, whichever you choose!

 

[eelelad]

Thanks Lisa! I really appreciate the helpful information. I will check out the website. I'm sure we will have a great time... she deserve a break and from what I have read about BG Tampa she will just love it! Let's just hope the skies stay clear enough for us to enjoy the trip... keepyour fingers crossed!