Busch Gardens?

[JenniferW]

We are planning our trip for November this year and want to go a bit further out to see some new things. Was planning on the Disney parks, Universal Studios and IOA, and considering Busch Gardens (BG). Have never been before and want to know if anyone has been to the one in Florida and if you liked it. I also need to know how family friendly it is since I will be bringing our baby who will be 9.5 months old. Does the look of BG remind you of AK with the animals or more like IOA due to the rides or what?

Any input is appreciated.

Jenn

 

[A Mickeyfan]

BG is more like AK as far as the animals go....but for the rides...it is like IOA. There really isn't much for a baby....at least Disney has some cute things...BG doesn't. It has great roller coasters..... There is a kiddie area but nothing too great..... I live 3 hrs from Disney & 2 from BG.......we bypass BG & go to Disney!!!

 

[tmli]

I visited BG for the first time this year and can honestly say I won't go back. I'm a disney freak, and was disappointed by this park. We only spent 5 hrs there and felt we saw more than what we wanted to see, I didn't feel it was good value for the money. My ds(6) didn't like it, there wasn't enough to keep his attention.

However, I've also read reviews where people have loved it. Check out the website and decide for yourself...everyone has different tastes! Happy planning.

 

[popy]

I don't know about the baby part, but as far
as BG it is a lot of fun, lots of animals, and
lot of fast rides. It is well worth going.

 

[JenniferW]

Thanks for the feedback so far. Wanted to clarify that I don't think our baby will be old enough to trully ride many rides, but am wondering if the atmosphere would be nice for a child. Would want to know that we can use baby swap so my hubby and I can ride the rides and were hoping the our baby might like looking at the animals/environment. We plan on bringing her to Disney, both Universal parks, Cape Canaveral and minature golfing so it will be a wide range of activities.

Any thoughts on the rides? I like rollercoasters and BG sounds like they are good, any comments?

Jenn

 

[pegasusEH]

Busch Gardens has some really great roller coasters, Kumba, Gwazi & Montu being the biggest.

We love Busch Gardens and I don't think it can be compared to IOA or Animal Kingdom. It's a far bigger park than Animal Kingdom and you need to arrive early to give yourselves a full day.

We took our son when he was about 14 months old and I don't remember him being able to go on any rides. At that age though they find anything interesting, especially the animals.

There seems to be very mixed feelings about Busch Gardens and I would really recommend trying it out for yourselves.

 

[Thmacs]

We have recently moved to Tampa and visit BG very often. This is a truly lovely park. They have some spectacular animal exhibits (the hippos come to mind), some great shows(Internation Stars on Ice), and a wonderdful atmosphere. We think the hospitaility at this park cannot be beat. The coasters are alot of fun, as well as the water rides. I find this park much more relaxing than any of the Disney parks. Although, I have to say that if you are not thinking of going to Seaworld, you may want to reconsider and do it instead of BG. Seaworld has all of the same amenities that we love aobut BG, but we like it even more. Certainly not as many coasters, but the hospitality, shows and animal interactions are all top notch. Don't get me wrong, I am a total Disney freak. I just happen to really like both of these parks too. (And am lucky to live close to all of them.) Have a wonderful vacation!

 

[popy]

I agree with Thamacs, BG is a very nice
park. I think the baby will even have a
big time, lot of things for him/her to see.
If you got the chance go for it, you won't
be sorry.

 

[JenniferW]

Thanks will go for it! The website for BG looks interesting and it is bigger/has more attractions than I thought.

Just FYI we are not going to Seaworld or at least don't plan on it because it sounds similar to the one in San Diego and we can go there for a weekend. It's not exactly the same, but close enough for right now since we have limited days.

Imagine our little one will just look at most everything no matter where we go. Glad to hear some good responses about hospitality. Thanks.

Jenn