Bush Gardens Strategy Help needed

[mikeje99]

We're going to visit Bush Gardens for the first time and are looking for advice on the best way to see as much of the park as possible (especially the rollercoasters). Can it be done comfortably in one day?

 

[galaxy]

Hi Mike,

It's been about 10 yrs since i was last in Busch Gardens and I also am wondering how best to tackle this park.

There is some info re this and other parks at a site called
rateorlando.com.

I'll let you know in around 8 weeks if the info is any good cos we'll be home by then

 

[vernon]

If possible I'd allow 2 days for this park. There is a lot to see and taking two days allows you to take in the iceshow and a few of the other shows around the park.

Depending on the days you go I'd try to get in the big coasters early. Kumba and Montu seem to be the longest queues. Kwasi seems to load pretty quick ( I guess because it's really two coasters in one) , the python and scorpion don't get big queues now the larger and newer coasters are running. Of the water rides the Congo river rapids gets big queues in the summer, Stanley falls can get busy but Tanyangika seems to flow pretty well. I think that all has to do with load times. The Rhino rally seems to be the longest queues of all, I would try to get on this first of all. I don't think I've seen it at less than an hour wait time ( when it's running).

BG is quite a spread out park and there can be a lot of walking. The train and cablecar rides are fun and a good way to see lots of animals, but you still need to walk a lot to see all of it. There are a few little tucked away corners like the reptiles and snakes, the nursery and "Lorry landing" where there is a free flying aviary and you can feed the birds nectar. Later in the day ( busy days) they seem to get a little full up so this is another thing that's best to do early. If you've got younger ( less than 10 Yr olds) kids they will want to spend HOURS in the kiddies area ( it's thoughtfully positioned near the hospitality area so you can sup an ale while they run around). It's a good opportunity for a sit down and cool slurp .

 

[LFC Nut]

Hi Mike,

I agree with Vernon, in an ideal world 2 days would be ideal for BG. That said though it is possible to do all the major rides/shows etc in a day. BUT due to the driving distances you'll need to be on the ride pretty early to ensure you arrive as the park opens.

Make sure you ride Montu its awesome!!!!!!

 

[daywalker]

Having been in Seotember, October & November I haev never had a problem with long lines at Busch. Most rides (even Montu) have been walk on unless you want to ride the front. I do & only end up waiting 5/10 mins for it. I have always found it easy to do in a day, riding all the top attractions as often as I wanted. I still like to go back for my favourite Montu though

 

[SimonV]

Unless you are there in the very peak season (July and Christmas), you should find arriving at opening time will ensure you get to do all the coasters with the minimum of waiting. Kumba is the most popular, closely followed by Gwazi, and then Montu, while Rhino Rally (not a coaster but a great ride) also draws long lines later in the day. So if you get there on time, you should easily be able to do those 4 in the first 90 minutes, and then you can relax a bit and enjoy the park! As Vernon says, 2 days is ideal to take in all the detail and all the shows, but if you are real coaster fiends, you should have all the time you need in a day.

 

[mikeje99]

Thanks everyone

We've decided to give BG two days. After all you can't get enough coasters.

Our dates are the 19th April - 3rd May. Will it be just the first week that coincide with the UK/USA Easter holidays?

 

[neo's white rabbit]

I would think they are the same Mikeje99.