Dilemma, what do you guys think?

[Kath2003]

OK so we've booked flights for 10 nights in Orlando.

We have 2 options, really. We've looked at the "inbetweens" but ultimately it's going to come down to one of these two.

1. Stay 10 nights in Orlando. 14-day pass for Universal and Islands of Adventure.

2. Stay first 2 nights in Tampa (rent a car) doing Busch Gardens (2-day pass). Spend the next 8 nights in Orlando with 14-day pass for US/IOA. Addtional cost = £350

Is it worth £350 for the two of us? I have been to Busch Gardens before, but the last time was 10 years ago. Boyfriend has never been. Neither of us have ever driven in the USA.

 

[leonix8238]

I've not been to Busch Gardens for years but when we did we just got a coach from Orlando. Perhaps this is an option you could look into? It may work out cheaper for you.

 

[mackay_j]

We have done busch a few times, the first time we thought that going to stay in clearwater would make it easier to get to and from Busch but it wasn't. So while we were there we looked at the places near busch to stay in, but didn't really like the look/area they were in. Therefor in the following visits we drove over from the villa we were renting just off the 192/27 area, infact we found it was just as easy to drive over and had no problems getting there for 9am. I think it took about 1hr 15 mins, from clearwater it had taken about 1hr as the roads where so busy and slow.

 

[Julia Ann]

we did busch 5 yrs ago and was able to catch the complimentary coach from international Drive, i think there are various pick ups - if i remember righly to get the transport free, you have to have the flexi ticket which includes Busch, else i think it was just $5 each (can't remember sorry) but you have to phone a number, ask hotel reception for it, to book your seats on coach. We also drove one of the years and it was pretty grim and had a job to find it, it's not as sign posted as "The World" and it was really tiring driving home after. Also i would say if you are both really into white knuckle rides then defo go, we weren't and the other stuff really compared to Disney Animal kingdom so we have crossed it off now from future visits.

Have a great time

 

[Kath2003]

Thanks for the information, guys.

We have considered the coach option, but since we don't want to queue, we want to get there at opening. The coach doesn't get there until 1-2 hours after opening. So, if we're going - it's by car - or we simply don't go.

I have been to Busch Gardens before but a LONG time ago (10 years...). I do remember the area being less than desirable....but do you think it would be okay for a couple of nights?

Not going doesn't bother me, but at the same time I'd like DBf to experience it.

For the same money, however, we can do 3 days at Disney (I'm through with EPCOT, so that would work out at one park per day).