Drive from Orlando to Busch Gardens Sunday or Monday?

[jenhelgren]

We have decided not to stay in Tampa for the night and will be driving from our SeaWorld hotel to Busch Gardens the first weekend in May. Would Sunday or Monday be a better day? Sunday hours are 10-7 and Monday is 10-6. We will not have QQ and I'm guessing that it will be more crowded on Sunday. Will traffic be better on Sunday with no "work rush hour" and worth the larger crowds in the park. This is our first trip so I have no idea what to expect for ride times or crowds on a Sunday vs Monday. Thanks!

 

[jaceraden]

I did not enjoy the weekday drive when we went but it wasn't the worst. I think I would chance the drive if it meant the park wasn't as crowded. YMMV

 

[jenhelgren]

I did not enjoy the weekday drive when we went but it wasn't the worst. I think I would chance the drive if it meant the park wasn't as crowded. YMMV

How long was the drive for you?

I have no idea how different the crowds will be from Sunday to Monday since this is our first trip--the only event is Sesame Street weekends for kids but I don't know how that will affect crowds either. Has anyone visited the first week/weekend in May that can help us make a decision?

 

[jaceraden]

It took just under 1.5 hours from the house we were staying at just a hop away from the Animal Kingdom gates.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I drove it on a Fri. Drive wasn't bad. Note that the parking lot only opens 30 min before the park (at least, it did in Feb) so no point to arriving super early.