Busch Gardens

[poohmadmum]

We did Universal, IOA and Seaworld last year in addition to Disney. This year we're considering Busch Gardens.

Can anyone tell me whether the long trip to Busch Gardens is worth it - it certainly looks a good park. I'm guessing it's probably better to drive than use the shuttle as you can then pick your own times. Can you all recommend it and is it a fairly easy drive from Orlando?

 

[Haworthfamily]

Last time I went ws 1989!!!!!!
With my parents, not considered it for us as a family yet the drive does put me off as DD is only 5.
I've heard some good reports on here though
Sorry I can't be more help

 

[freddykrueger]

I don't know if we have just picked the wrong days but the last couple of times we were there the heat was stifling!! It seems to be quite well laid out but involves a lot of walking - however if you like roller coasters this is a *good* place to be

 

[Steve and Sarah]

Hi

Busch Gardens is definately worth the trip from Orlando, we have AP for Seaworld and Busch Gardens so are regular visitors.

Its takes about an hour, hour 15 max to travel there and its is very straight forward, I4 west then I75 north for 1 juction and then about a 10 minute drive. As a note of caution though it isn't the best sign posted park so check the map before you go.

The roller coaters are amazing, they also have a steam train the runs around the outisde of the park and past some of the animal encosures which is nice if want to rest your feet for a bit - the park is big so plan for a full day as you haven't been before. There's a great variety of animals, we really enjoy the bird enclosure that you can walk through and if you buy a small pot of nectar the birds come and land on you to feed - great photo moments. They also have a Budweiser hospitality centre like Seaworld which is always nice for a cold beer in the afternoon!

 

[Goofysmate]

My DH and I used the free shuttle bus in 2004 and we were not impressed at all with the service. But what we saw of Busch Gardens we did enjoy and will go back again but this time by car.

 

[fluffy bunny]

We have only been once, but really enjoyed it. The costers looked great, but have not been on many, as DD's were not tall enough. We are going again during this years trip, so I am sure we will do more coasters this time. The animals sections are good. We did enjoy Rhino Rally where you go on modified Landies through the animals enclosure, and end up on a raft goign down a stretch of river. It is a bit of a drive, but well worth it.

Dave

 

[CHEK]

Definately a MUST!!, we visited last year and really really enjoyed it, my eldest DD's loved all the rollercoasters , I think it's a beautiful park and this year we plan to visit twice

 

[wayneg]

We are AP holders at, 4 Disney parks, Seaworld, 2 universal parks and Busch.
I would say Busch is arguably the best park of them all. Maybe its because of the drive and we dont visit it as often as the others that makes it a little special for us.
So yes its worth the trip and always drive, its very easy but getting on a bus and not being in control is my worst nightmare, I even drive around Disney as I hate their buses.

 

[Chilly]

If you like big rollercoasters then this is a must see, however I was disappointed in the shows, they can't compare to Disney.

 

[bobboxer]

we drove to busch gardens in 2005, its slightly more complicated to get to the park, but the drive down is very easy, we stayed over for 1 night, hotel rooms are very reasonable, ment we had had nearly 1 1/2 days + 1 night in the park,i thought the park itself was very good, shekra roller coaster is a must do,i thought it was not as congested as the disney area parks ( we went midweek), hope this helps

 

[laluna]

We loved it! Reasonable drive from Orlando in terms of length and directions and well worth it when we arrived. Just has a lovely feel about it and the coasters are awesome. A great day!

 

[poohmadmum]

Thanks everyone for your replies. You have convinced me to schedule a day into our itinerary - weather permitting - as we're off in August.

 

[wayneg]

Hopefully weather will be as good this August as it was last year, we hardly saw any rain last August.
If you are paying for admission on the gate at full rate, let me know. We will be going down to Busch at least twice in August (there 2nd-27th) and can get anyone $8 each off gate price with our AP's. Not done our itinery yet so dont know what dates.
Wayne

 

[UKDEB]

It's so many years since we last did Busch that I think we definitely need to pay it another visit. For a first-timer visitng the area for a fortnight, I do wonder whether it's sensible to try to fit in a park which is effectively a 3 hour round trip, but if you've been before and are looking for something different, there's no doubt that it's popular amongst those who do visit.

 

[Danauk]

We went to Busch Gardens on Boxing day and loved it. The park was really busy but we had booked on the thrill seakers tour so we had a guide and walked up the exit for every ride to get straight on (with multiple rides on each ride.) The rides were excellent and I enjoyed the animals. As someone has said there is a lot of walking, but it is a great day out.