Bush Gardens Info

[missmolly]

A couple days ago we decided to go to FL over our spring break (the week before Easter) and this year we are thinking we would like to try Bush Gardens. We have 10 and 15 year old boys who love coasters and animals. Anyway I was trying to find some good insider info but haven't had a lot of luck in the amount of time I had; so knowing what a great resource this place is I figured someone here might be able to point me in the right direction. The Disboards were invaluable while planning our Disney trip and our trip to USO. (Thanks so much) Any links to good insider info on BGT or some great advice from all you would be so very much appreciated. I was kinda hoping to find a good itinerary and info like the slowest days to go, what rides to hit when for shortest lines, little things to look for at the park we might otherwise miss, stuff like that. We plan to spend two days there and due to a very limited budget we don't plan to do any of the extra stuff like safaris. I also a little worried about the crowds and lines. How busy does BGT get? I was hoping it would be a little slower being away from Orlando. Thanks for all the help - past and future!

 

[GettinReadyforDisney]

I can't help you with touring info for Busch Gardens, but I can tell you that if your kids love coasters, they will love Busch Gardens. There are so many coasters there of varying degrees -- Sheikra being the scariest with a 90 degree, 200 foot drop!!! One thing we've found at Busch Gardens is that the coasters are all very smooth -- as opposed to Six Flags, where we find the coasters to be jerky and uncomfortable.

Don't expect much in the way of shows, etc. BGT just can't compete with WDW in that regard, but the coasters make BGT more than worth the trip.

 

[Topper]

Try this website:
http://www.bgtguide.com/

 

[Figment22]

I opened this thread to post the bgtguide link but Topper beat me to it!

It's best to visit Busch Gardens Tampa on a weekday. The weekends tend to be very crowded with local Tampa residents. M-F works much better.

As to a touring plan: As with WDW, arrive early. With 15 and 10 y/o boys, you'll want to hit Sheikra first. It actually looks much more intimidating than it is. It's one of the smoothest coasters I've ever been on and because you're at a full 90 degree angle, you don't get that feeling that your stomach goes up into your throat. It's a great ride. Ride a couple of times if you like and then ride Kumba which is not too far away. We usually head for Rhino Rally next trying to ride by 10:15 a.m. This is the biggest bottleneck in the park. It's a great way to see the animals and it's a better ride than Kilamanjaro Safaris at DAK. If it's open, you can use the Skyride as transportation to get to the area near Rhino Rally because it is a long walk. After Rhino Rally, we usually ride Montu, which is my favorite coaster in the park. (My husband and teenage sons rank Sheikra first.) The last major coaster is Gwazi (wooden coaster) which is actually two separate tracks, Lion and Tiger. By this time, you'll have a wait for both, especially since it's right in the front of the park. Once you've ridden Gwazi, the big coasters are behind you and you can pick and choose from the rest of the rides. The animal areas you can tour at your own pace.

The one show that's not to be missed is Katonga. It's excellent and is located right near the front of the park in a large, air condiditioned theater so it's a good choice for a hot afternoon break.

Hope this helps. Have a wonderful trip.

 

[ckay87]

The worst thing about Sheikra is that every rollercoaster you ever ride again will pale in comparison! I just can't say enough great things about it - it has everything...even water!

 

[NCRedding]

Three tips we learned from our trip:

DO NOT stay at the Baymont across the street from BGT--It is worse than a dive. Stay in the area near the university and the Embassy Suites, a little further to drive, but easier to get to the park.

Do not leave exactly at closing--you will be caught in a traffic jam of massive proportions, with little to no help from the BG staff.

Eat at the Colony Restaurant (I think that is the name). It isn't that much more than counter service; the food is good, and it is so fun to look out over the safari grounds and see the animals. We enjoyed this alot, plus the restaurant was air conditioned, and so relaxing for a mid-day break.

 

[ElizaB39]

Thanks for this information. We too are planning a day visit to Busch Gardens. This info is really helpful!

 

[missmolly]

Thanks for the tips. Also glad to hear the coasters are smooth. Last time I went to a park I came home black and blue! I guess my biggest worry is long lines. Is it usually really crowded over spring break?

 

[geffric]

We ate at the BBQ place by Sheikra and it was wonderful.. also note that BG serves free beer to those over 21. You can get it outside the bird show and by the colony house.. the train ride is great for veiwing animals too.

 

[marlasmom]

Sea World (also owned by Busch and also with free beer) is wonderful too.

 

[cardaway]

If you get there at opening you can do both sides of Gwazi first, then head over to the Rhino Rally area. That ride gets long lies so I would recommend doing it early.

Then I would head to Sheikra. It seats quite few in each car so the line goes pretty quick. Then I would head to Kumba and then finally Montu.

We had some great sandwiches at the Hospitality house,a dn as others have posted, free beer!

 

[Figment22]

Last time I went to a park I came home black and blue!

You should avoid Gwazi then (the wooden coaster). It's a great coaster but it is really rough.

 

[Poohnatic]

I was there Tuesday, as we live less than 20 minutes away.

The coasters are among the smoothest you will ride. Personally, I love Montu and Kumbaa. I find Sheikra doesn't give you more than the adreniline rush from anticipation. YMMV.

Little did I know, when my family went over there in October with a fellow DISer and his son that his son and I would be among the last riders on the Python. I remember going on it in '84 and it being touted as a cutting edge coaster. Alas, I'd been on BGW's Loch Ness Monster less than two weeks earlier and felt it was lacking in comparison. Still not a bad coaster, but you could see the evolution of coasters sprout up around her.

Zambia Smokehouse has great ribs and BBQ, but I haven't had a bad meal yet at BG. We've eaten at all but the Colony House and enjoyed each meal.

The wait at Rhino Rally early afternoon on Tuesday was 45 minutes, so we gave it a pass (as locals, we can do that). I had to promise my 7 year old that we would definitely do it twice the next time through the park. It IS a fun ride-most of the employees that drive the vehicles are really into what they do-and it shows. Wait the designated time, as my favorite Food Network Star says "your patience will be rewarded"

Gwazi gives you a serious bruising and teeth chattering as only a good wood coaster can. If you are a traditional coaster affectianado, don't pass it up. However, most times we pass it by in favor of the smoother coasters.

My kids are not coaster nuts like DH and I, so they prefer the sister park Sea World. They love the shows and will gladly sit for a half hour to see Believe.
I'm waiting patiently for them to develop the 'coaster dna'. DH, even though he loves coasters, also will chime in that he prefers Sea World.
Good, I'll send them over there while I wait in line for Montu and Kumbaa!

Suzanne

 

[missmolly]

I knew I could count on everyone here for good tips, Thanks to all! Anyone know if there is a better deal out there than the adult at the kids price tickets? I have to buy them online today if thats the way I am going to go. I am also wondering if I need to worry (I am a cronic worrier) about them not doing the second day free deal over spring break. I was really counting on that.

On a side note Poohnatic - the last time I was at BG the python was new and I think it was the first coaster I road with an upsidedown loop! I was just big enough to go. I remember that, the gorilla we nick named Henery because he looked like my Dad's friend Henery and I also remember my parents enjoying the free beer. Now it's my turn to enjoy the free beer!!!!

 

[Southern4sure]

Starting in June, Shrieka will be a bottomless floor coaster. My kids cant wait.

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

Busch Gardens.. TAMPA! Once called "The Dark Continent" now that's not PC. I love the place.. It's my seasonal Employment area... I'm a scare actor there for Howl-O-Scream.

Shiekra, The scorpion, Montu, Gwazi, and Kumba... and now RIP the Python... Some of the finest rollercoasters in history. The shows aren't 1/2 bad either! If you like schlock and roll. This time of year is the best to visit during the week, mid day, and it's not terribly busy. As another poster said, avoid leaving at closing to avoid the parkinglot jam.

The Baymont is now a La Quinta and still a dive.. However out on Fletcher drive there is a VERY NICE La Quinta hotel right across from USF.

If you're looking for some REALLY good BBQ and are staying in the area, on Busch Blvd, about 2 or 3 miles east of the park is Lupton's. Its all you can eat and BOY HOWDY is it good. *delish!*

 

[jsaem]

We were just at Busch Gardens 2 weeks ago. Ds 16 and Ds 12 LOVE coasters. We did one of the guided tours which was about $100 a piece but so worth the money. They take you around the park for 5 hours, front of the line acess for all the coasters, private safari to feed the giraffes, lunch, and lots of info. My kids got to ride every coaster at least twice without having to wait. Your guide just takes you up the exit and they just place you on the ride. If you do decide to do this ask for Faye to be your guide. She was a wonderful woman and so much fun.

 

[missmolly]

Well I think we will have to go on Sunday and then hopefully they will still be doing the free second day deal and we can go on Monday ( do I need to worry that they will do away with that for spring break?) after that we plan to head to the beach. We are going to stay with a cousin while we are in Tampa so we really kinda need to do the Bush Gardens thing while we are there. How is the pirates 4d show? My younger son loved Shreik 4d and saw it like 4 times last year during our trip to USF. I am ordering my tickets today to get the adult tickets at kids prices deal - we leave town Friday!!!!!