Busch Gardens?

[jdm]

Well, this started out to be a simple Disney Cruise with a few extra days in Orlando. Now we're spending a week and we've included Universal and Islands of Adventure, maybe Discovery Cove (sooo pricey) and DH is showing some interest in going to Busch Gardens (instead of Animal Kingdom which we were going to sqeeze in). Can someone who has been to Busch Gardens tell me what it is like and if it's worth the drive? It'll be me, dh, dd 9, dn11. They love animals and zoos! Thanks so much..... also where can I get Kelly's book?(I think I'm going to need it!) Amazon?
Jenn

 

[CPM]

We love BG! I think your kids are at a great age for it also! There are lots of rides lots of coasters if you are fans of those. water rides, thrill rides and a safari ride which is extra$$, the new Rhino Ralley is now open. It will be a very long day that's for sure, any way to make it your last day & fly out of Tampa?
Oh & free beer! LOL

 

[TSI_Fan]

correction...2 free beers. I think www.buschgardens.com should answer all your questions.

 

[jdm]

Yes, I did go to their web site but didn't think it was helpful in getting a "feel" for the park. Was hoping to hear from people who have been there and if they felt it was worth it. Is it more a thrill ride park or a zoo-type park? I'm torn between this one and Animal Kingdom (which we've done before). What is Rhino Ralley? And, why do you get free beer?!! Is it a tour? That would definitely tilt DH in the BG direction :~)

 

[Pixie Power!]

BG is great, its sooo worth the trip!!

You get free beer because its owned by BUD (Someone correct me if I'm wrong)

When we went we treated it as a coaster park and didn't really spend that much time looking at the animals, but you can certainly do both. But like someone said before, its a long day as theres so much to fit in so make sure you go early to make the most of it.

Enjoy!

 

[BonnieA]

The park is owned by the Anheiser Busch Company which makes Budweiser, Busch, Michelob and some other assorted beers. They own all the Sea Worlds, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place and a few water parks. They give you free samples (2) of their brew at a few of their parks but there is no tour to go on. I think in a few parks they will give a special tour/demo to people who sign up.
Busch Gardens in Tampa started out as a brewery and bird gardens. Then they got more animals and it became a zoo with a few rides. Now it is a zoo with a lot of rides. It used to be called the Dark Continent because Africa features prominently in their theming and animals. The brewery was torn down a few years ago.
You could spend the whole day going to the shows and looking at the animals. Or if you like thrill rides, you can spend the day doing that, it's your choice. I usually do a few rides, shows and see all of the animal exhibits.

 

[LKS]

We had Seaworld/Busch Gardens annual passes a couple of years ago and went several times. It has more the feel of a coaster park. The animals are not played up much any more like they were when I was a child. The monorail that you used to ride to see the animals had closed (permanently?) when we were there. The new wooden coaster - Gwazi - was a big hit with my coaster-shy then 7 yr old. The attendant at the ride helped me talk him on the first time, then it was ride, ride, ride. There is a smaller coaster called the scorpion that my younger daughter enjoyed, then a couple of huge coasters that the kids were too short for. In my opinion, though, it is not worth the drive to Tampa when there are so many good things to do in Orlando. We think Seaworld is well worth a visit (definitely an animal park and you can get the beer samples there too!), but haven't done Discovery Cove. My daughter would LOVE that and I know that admission includes admission to Seaworld. Anyway, I would stick with Orlando since you only have a week.

FYI, the morning you disembark is a great time to visit the Kennedy Space Center since you will be right there.

 

[kellymonaghan]

Actually, I think Busch Gardens does an excellent job with the animals. The habitats like Myombe Reserve (the great apes) and Edge of Africa (lions, hippos, etc.) are brilliantly executed. If you're lucky enough to be there when they feed the lions, sit in the Land Rovers for an unforgettable experience!

The Safari ride (an extra charge) is also fabulous. You get to hand feed and pet the giraffes.

For more info, click on the web site link below this post.

 

[jdm]

I really appreciate the replies. I've spent so much time researching the cruise that I've just started looking towards the Orlandosegment of the trip! We were thinking more in terms of animals as we will be doing Universal / IOA and my dn is very coaster-ee and my dd is very animal-ee. Trying to plan a trip to please everyone... so it really helps to hear your advice and experiences. Thanks again. (Kelly, followed the link, and will probably get both books as we'll be doing Universal and other stuff- it was your reply to someone on the DC board that helped me make the decision to spend the $$$$$ for this rather than swim with dolphins in Freeport :~)
Jenn

 

[red65]

It sounds as if you're doing BG, SeaWorld, Universal & IOA? Have you looked into the 5 park flex pass which is for these parks and another waterpark (either wet'n'wild or watermania, forgot which one) which is good for 14 days. A little pricey at about $195/adult, but certainly less if you plan on doing more than a day at each park.

Amy
Maine

 

[jdm]

Yes, I did see that and thought it was a great deal.... but we get free 7 day passes to Sea World with our Discovery Cove admission and we are going to go to Atlantis on our cruise (waterslides). I was afraid if I got the flex passes, we would overschedule (ya know, got passes, gotta go!!). I think with 2 day IOA/Universal and free Sea World passes and a one day pass in BG we are coming out a little cheaper buying separate, and we won't feel pressured to do Wet and Wild etc. if we are too tired. It is a great deal though for someone who was spending more time and could make multiple visits.
Jenn

 

[BarbaraBligh]

Hello,
Just a side note - Friend of mine just returned from Atlantis - I believe the day passes you purchase for Atlantis (for cruise passengers and others wishing to visit the property) do NOT allow you to use the pool area and slides. I think they give you a different color wristband which only allows you to tour the property's aquariums, use the beach, visit "the dig" etc. Just didn't want you to purchase something you might not end up wanting if you can't use the pool areas. Hope this helps.

 

[jdm]

Yes, I did some research on this and I guess the Disney excursion does not include the slides or pools at Atlantis. We are booking a room at the Comfort Suites for the day which gives you full use of Atlantis amenties including the slides and pools. I'm glad I did find this out first or it would have been a real bummer!!
Jenn