busch gardens

[Rannoch]

I've searched the internet looking for feedback regarding Busch Gardens, but all I can come up with are reports about the rolercoasters.

I'm looking for a trip itinery and/or trip report for Busch Gardens for a family (including two girls aged 8 and 10) not interested in coasters. Going to Orlando 21-may to 4-june.

Any assistance will be much appreciated.

Thanks,

rannoch

 

[WDWfan uk]

Look no further - plenty of folk who've been to Busch Gardens on the DIS !

We visited the park in December and had a great day out - I think you can still enjoy the park if you don't like coasters but it has to be said they have several of them (3 particularly large ones - Montu, Kumba and Gwazi!!) and, so I don't know how this will affect your enjoyment.

I didn't ride the biggest coasters but my husband and son did and I know this was an important part of their day there, particularly as it is quite a drive from Orlando.

Rhino Rally is a major attraction there which you and your family will enjoy. I followed the tips in the Brits Guide and headed straight for the rally at park opening however, only the dry portion of the ride was 'up' ...... but then we tried our luck later in the day and the whole rally was working and good fun. It has to be said that the park was not very crowded and so we did not have to wait long to ride - it can be a different story on warmer busier days.

Do you like water rides? They have the Stanley Falls - a log flume, Congo River Rapids and Taganyika Tidal Wave - you will get SERIOUSLY wet on the last two.

There are of course plenty of animal exhibits and also shows - when you are there, a "Broadway Style Extravaganza" called "Katonga" will have opened ....... watch the boards for a review of this! The Stanleyville Theatre is home to the Sesame Street show with all the well known Sesame Street characters and we found a bird show that actually turned out to be really enjoyable.

We were disappointed in R.L.Stine's Haunted Lighthouse - I don't think our seats were receiving the effects that some of the others were (!!), and also it simply wasn't as good as it could have been.

There's a train that pootles round the park on which you can take in the animals on the Serengeti Plain.

I'd suggest going on a weekday to avoid the local crowds and definitely arriving for park opening - there are no "avoid the queue" systems in this park, such as Disney's Fastpass.

I'd also advise checking out the Brit's Guide for info on all the attractions as I've only mentioned a few here - this will help you decide if this park has something for you or not.

As with Sea World (also owned by Anheuser-Busch), the park has very high maintenance standards - very clean and well kept. I should also mention that they have a rain guarantee - if your day is spoilt by bad weather, they will give you complimentary tickets valid for the next 7 days from your visit!

 

[lisagirlyUK]

Can I ask one quick question about Bush Gardens? Is it worth driving there or driving into Kissimmee/Orlando and catching the free shuttle?

Thanks

 

[Mike Jones]

Rannoch - I did a search on 'our' (brit) Trip reports and there are at least 49 that include Busch Gardens, and about 27 on the US Trip Reps forum, so if you trawl thru those...?

LisagirlyUK - it's so far away that I would not want to be at the mercy of someone else's transport. It's an easy drive, though, well-signed off the I4, and you can ensure that you get there before the masses! (as Shirley said, there are no FastPass short cuts at BG)

Mike

 

[RUSHBURY]

Hi

I went to Busch Gardens a couple of years ago with another family - who are into rollercoasters in a big way - my family are the complete opposite. We had a great day - it really doesn't matter that you won't go on the rollercoasters there is still plenty to keep everyone amused and entertained.

On the driving part - I would drive without a doubt it's easy to find etc.

Helen

 

[edie w]

Can't help with an itinerary as we really only go for the coasters. Your girls will like Land of the Dragons - the best kids' play area in all the parks, I think. Lory Landing is also delightful - if you don't mind having birds sit on you! And the gardens themselves are lovely.

However as a zoo in general I prefer Chester Zoo, and Animal Kingdom is more impressive.

Driving is fine - very easy, and you don't have to stick to public transport times.