Busch Tampa phased opening / coaster questions

[PAL_1]

Forgive me if this has been asked recently. Does Busch Tampa still open in stages? If so, do you know what sections of the park open when?

Our group of 4 coaster crazies is visiting the week leading up to Easter. We'll be looking for multiple laps on the park's biggies, especially Montu, Sheikra and Kumba. Once each side might be enough on Gwazi (how's it running?).

The coaster tour sounds very cool, but we'll probably pass in favor of a Quick Queue if the lines build up too fast. We are Sea World San Diego Platinum Pass holders - do we get to enjoy the same instant re-ride benefit as Busch Tampa Platinum Passholders?

Any other must-sees while we're here? And yes, SW's Manta is definitely on our list!

Thanks!

PL

 

[Josh Hendy]

Last summer we were there right at opening, got a locker, did one side of Gwazi and then walked toward Sheikra. We had to wait about 20 min. for them to let us get into that part of the park. We did all 4 coasters once, and hit the 2 big water rides within 3 hours of opening on a fairly busy summer day. We probably should have skipped the water rides as they weren't all that amazing, and ridden Sheikra a few more times

 

[TitanBrett]

The places they stop you at which are right past gwazi and right before rhino rally open approximately 15 minutes after the gates open in the morning. meaning you can basically do Gwazi and Mantu, see the gorillas and alligators, sign up for a safari, etc.