Busch Gardens -what do we need to know?

[left210]

Are there any tip or things we need to know about BG if going with a 4 and 11 year old boys?

 

[wdw4rfam]

We go every year in the middle of our Disney trip. We always go mid week, on a Wednesday and its been slow. Hit the big rides first like shiekra and cheetah hunt. It is a beautiful park, we love it. Actually skipping this next time so we can go back to universal. No huge tips except if you have a preschooler, allow plenty of time in sesame street area. It had a ton to do, and there's a cute all you can eat lunch. There are two, one is prepay online or in park and is a little more expensive, and generally is only on weekends. The other isn't as widely advertised, and is I think every day. It is really cute, and has a lot of character interaction. We have huge sesame street fans here, so it is a must do.

 

[left210]

We are going on a Monday. We had planned on buying the ticket for the all day meal deal. Is the character meal included in that? Do we need a reservation? Do you know what restaurant it is at?

 

[cinderellamom123]

that although the park may open at 9, they stagger many attraction opening until 10. So we went to do all the skyway/sky rides and they were closed. Then we went to the safari and they were also closed til 10. It is a park where there are a lot of kiddie and very intense rides with little in-between. Kids did love the animals.

 

[left210]

Well we do not ride roller coasters so I wonder if there is enough to keep us busy all day. So if we get there at park opening where should we go first? It looks like the park is open from 10-6 the day we will be there. Also, can someone tell me what part of the park each of these shows is in: A is for Africa, Critter Castaways and Iceploration. Thanks.

 

[saddler andy]

I think the shows are fantastic. But I doubt there would be enough to keep you entertained enough during the day maybe because I do the big rides though and ignore the smaller things.

 

[bearloch]

Ice exploration is to the right when entering park near most of the animals,

other 2 shows are to the left as is s. street area. straight in and back is tim buc too which has kid rides and then heading left brings to water style rides and back down to s. street area they have a very nice kanagroo feeding area and a live aninmal show both are must sees! also to right of park must see is the cheeta and puppy together! if around the holidays ometomes the budweiser horses are there!

have fun

 

[momto2js]

There is plenty for your 4 year old but with out coasters the 11 year old might be a bit left out. There are a few places to get wet so a change of clothes for both kids is a good idea. The jeep ride through the animals is fun for the whole family. The log flume is a good attraction for all.

Jungula is a fantastic place to climb and run around with the animals. Your 4 year old will like Sesame Place but the older one is likely to tall for the climber or any of the rides except for maybe the grover coaster. My kids (3 an 5) can spend hours in that area. My kids also really like the sky ride and to watch the roller coasters too.

We really like BG alot.

 

[2girlsmom]

I think it depends on your 11 year old. My girls are 12 and 14, and they both climb through at Sesame as well as adore Jungala, we usually spend an hour or more there alone. They have a flyer ride in the treetops as well as a small drop tower, which my 12 year old adores, in the Jungala area. In Timbuktoo there is a smaller coaster (with one inversion) that both my kids will ride (14 year old is a ride chicken), as well as a kiddie type family coaster (somewhat similiar to Primeval Whirl at AK, though less intense). We have really enjoyed the shows at the Desert Grill, usually a dancing type show, this is also one of our fave places to eat, it is a counter service and is included with the all day dine deal, but has indoor tables in front of the stage. There is also a boat ride that does go all the way upset down (we haven't done) and the sandstorm (I think) which is like a scrambler type ride in Timbuktoo. This is also where the theater that does the Sesame Street show is. Jungala also has animal exhibits, specifically the tigers and the chimps are over there, along with some smaller exhibits kinda under the treetops trail, and also a water play area. The sky ride is awesome, as it takes you right over most of the other animals. We also enjoy the habitat sections, the safari type ride, watching the cheetahs run. Icesploration is a great show and is between the entrance to the park and the cheetahs (and cheetah hunt, which is a fast but very fun coaster). We also enjoy the kangaroo feeding area and the flower garden. There is a kiddie ride near the Gwazi wooden coaster, as well as all the kids rides in Sesame. Critter show is near the Gwazi coaster and the kangaroo area. I would say if none of you ride any coasters, you would still be able to fill the day with shows, smaller rides, etc. and will likely be a leisurely paced day.