BUsch Gardens

[lisagirlyUK]

Anyone been to Busch gardens ?

Could you tell me do all the tours incur extra charges or are any of them included in the park entrance price? I've just watched my free DVD and would love to do the open top car tour but just looked on the website to see if we would have to reserve in advance and there are loads of tours listed on the site but all are extra charges (cheapest $60 each)

Thanks

 

[allie5]

The one on the DVD is the Serengeti Safari, which is extra. Around $40 I believe. Im a little put out, because as soon as my DD saw you could feed the giraffes she hasnt stopped talking about it. The fact it is going to cost MORE on top of the entrance I think is very misleading. It only tells you briefly, right at the end of the DVD that this is an"extra tour". The last time we were at BG, there were no extras to pay. I think the other, $60 tours are like Disneys "Backstage Tours", not an attraction as such, like the Serengeti Safari is. A very sticky slope in my opinion, when theme parks start to charge for things like this. I have no problem with the backstage tours, but its really not on to expect us to pay for a "headline attraction" on top of the already expensive ticket price.

The other "safari" ride, Rhino Rally, is included, but is more like Kilimanjaro Safari at AK. You dont get that close to the animals.

 

[lisagirlyUK]

what makes it even worse is that there is 7 of us including a 3 year old and they wont take any kids under the age of 5!!

So me and H really want to book this but could put everyone elses nose out of joint!

 

[Rannoch]

The cost of the Serengeti is $32.09 each including tax (adults and children pay the same). You can only book in advance for the 11:15am safari.

Is it worth it?

We met the guide at the Edge of Africa Gift Shop and walked down to the truck. It's open top, and you stand around the sides.

The guide advises that, although the drive will be very slow it will be a little bumpy, and the driver will honk the horn before any bumpy bits. It was bumpy so hold on!

We drive out to the safari plains (their description not mine), and stop in front of a couple of birds (I can't remember the name). We were given fish to throw, and the guide gave a litle talk.

Moved on to see antelope from a distance, and another little talk.

Stop in front of a couple of ostriches (they seem to call all females Wilma, and all males Fred).

Next the main event - feeding a giraffe (only one - I think this was Dolly). The guide gives you leaves to feed the giraffe, and explains the best way to hold the leaves to get the best photo opportunity. This lasts probably around 10 minutes to allow everyone to get as many photos as they want. There is also a Busch Gardens photographer on board.

The truck moves on to some antelope where you feed them (well one) watermelon. Another talk.

Next is Zebra, but as they're a bit moody no up close feeding.

You drive past a group of giraffes, some zebras, different species of antelope. A couple of other short talks, and it's the end of the safari.

It lasts around 30 minutes.

contact bgt.viptours@buschgardens.com

I thought it was worth it.

Regards,

Rannoch

PS I would post some photos, but I don't know how.

 

[lisagirlyUK]

my 2 favourite animals in the world are elephants and giraffes - I have had the chance to touch and feed an elephant (very strange experience at Torquay zoo where this elephant wanted some leaves from a bush next to me). So I would love to feed and touch a giraffe now!!!