I love Busch Gardens! When we lived in FL we had APs to both the disney parks and to Busch Gardens/Sea World. It is a different type of park than WDW is. Don't go there expecting the "magic" of Disney, because you won't find it, and then you won't be disappointed. The rides are great. There are a lot of thrill rides, but they are all for the taller crowd. There are a few smaller and less scary coasters for younger or not so adventurous types. They have a kiddie ride type section, plus they have this giant Dragon playland area for small children, kinda reminds me of a huge McDonalds playplace, and there are a few rides in this area as well, and a Capt. Kangaroo show.
The animals are great. In many respects I like BG more than AK. If you really want up close animal interaction, sign up for one of the daily tours. There is a small film shop to the left just after you enter. You can choose different lengths/costs of tours. They are really worth the money if you want to get close to and touch/feed some of the animals. I have a big thing for giraffes and was able to touch them and feed them and get tons of up close pictures....I was in Heaven!!!!
The ice skating show is a really nice and relaxing break from the heat of the day. Last year they closed down the dolphin theater and are supposed to be turing it into some 4-D R.L. Stine show, which I think is opening in a few months.
Don't expect much by way of great restaurants. BG is not Epcot, and there isn't much to choose from. Your best bet for a sit down is the Crown Colony House. Ask for a window seat and watch the animals on the Serengeti while you eat.
Another great thing about having an AP to BG is the discounts on extra events. If you like going to things like US Halloween Horror nights then I suggest trying out BG Howl-O-Scream. It is a lot of fun, very similar, but with much less of a crowd. AP holders get a very significant discount on the ticket prices, plus annual passholders can buy tickets for others going with them at the discounted rate as well. Plus they have the opportunity to buy special front of the line for haunted houses, and reserved seating for the halloween shows passes that give you a guided tour as well.
If you have any other questions I would be happy to help if I can!!
