I took a budget cut ..is BG tampa like Universal ?

[BlueIvy]

My borther is paying for our next trip. The only expenses I have to pay were park tickets. Unfortunately I still was not able to afford Universal tickets because I found deep discounted tickets to Atlantis through our cruise . I would have never been able to afford Atlantis without this promo so of course I booked it. The kids are super excited . $115 for adults...60 for children and it includes lunch.

I was originally going to get Universal Studios tickets but $200 for 2 day park to park tickets was too much. I simply did not have the money.

I got seaworld/busch gardens combo tickets instead . They were $99 a piece. I was looking online for BG info and all i could really find was on their coasters. My kids are 48 inches and above because they are tall for their ages like me ....Im 6'1 so ....yeah theyre tall too but i still dont let them on every coaster because it may be too intense for them. I love Universal because of the theming and the immursiveness of the different little lands. Is BG like Universal where they have different lands /themes ? Do they have enough kiddie rides? Im hoping it is not like Six flags I will be very disappointed . Im not a fan of hopping from coaster to coaster with no shows...theming ete.

Although im traveling with family they chose to not do SW/BG so ill be on my own at BG with the kiddies.

I love and miss Disney but my Disney trips are atleast 5 days or more...I only have 2 days on land after our cruise so it was eithier BG or nothing.

I went to seaworld..and its okay. I love the shows but im more interested in BG and how it compares to Universal.

 

[mrsmomo]

Well I haven't been in a long time but its been longer since I've been to universal! from what I remember they're very differenthowever I do remember there being a few shows at Busch Gardens and a great kid areaas a kid I also remember liking Busch Gardens more but they have done a lot to universal lately

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Busch Gardens Tampa is one of the most beautiful parks I've seen. Something for everyone of all ages also.

 

[rnorwo1]

It is a nice park, pretty and nice animal shows, much nicer than most six flags. You will have fun. Universal is probably twice the size (both parks) and the theming is amazing in many areas... The Harry Potter areas in particular are amazing!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I haven't been to Tampa BG in a while. We more recently went to the BG in Willaimsburg BG im 2010.

While they try to have theming, it did seem a step down from WDW and Uni. While I may not appreciate all the theming at Uni, what they have chosen to do is done well. I don't ever feel "immersed" at BG. But it is nice and miles above say a Six Flags. And yes--they do have rides for kids.

We did enjoy all our visits there.

 

[kymom99]

We went last year. It does have lots of coasters and some are very intense. My son (13 at the time) got to the front of the line on one of them and chickened out! I didn't ride much at all and still had a good time. They have shows and the food is even fairly decent. There is a kiddie area, but not a lot in between the kiddie rides and coasters. I have never been to US but from what I can tell, they are nothing alike. BG is animal themed. I bet your kids will like it.

 

[bigmama67]

We are definitely going to both Busch and Sea World on our trip. While they are very different from US/IOA, they will be great for you! We thoroughly enjoy both of them, and the Busch parks are very well-run, clean, and family-friendly.

I'm so glad I saw this post because I didn't know about the $99 deal and it will work wonderfully for us as well. That's exactly what we want/need - one day in each park. So, thanks for that!

 

[Josh Hendy]

BG Tampa is definitely a good place for coaster fans. Some of them are very intense and shaky, some are smooth and fast.

It's also a beautifully landscaped park, if you happen to be into tropical plants and landscaping like I am The landscape and plants aren't as subtle and geographically themed as at Animal Kingdom but they're still very nice.

There are some "fave" animals at BG which are not present at AK or which are impossible to see except on the AK Safari tour, I'm thinking of the giant tortoises and elephants among others.

We also enjoyed taking the skyway back and forth across the park. The view is nice and it's a good way to save your feet and keep cool ... compared to AK which is always fairly tiring to get around in (with a lot less thrill rides).

We didn't ride on the steam train at BG but from what I can see the route of the train is a lot more purposeful, going around the entire park rather than back and forth to a not-very-exciting petting zoo.

 

[reginaastralis]

We've been AP holders at all the major theme parks here in Florida (minus legoland) and I feel like it ranks Disney, Universal and then BG. It's not that I don't love BG, I do! And they have great rates and try to have value for locals, which is something I think Disney should really think about. But overall the overall theme of BG and the layout of the park leaves something to be desired.

They do have something for everyone, though. Plenty of huge coasters, and enough to keep kids busy so they aren't bummed if the coasters aren't there size. Plus, they have animals, which is awesome.

 

[MinnieForMe]

I would go to BG - Tampa and SeaWorld over Universal any day. But, then again, I really didn't enjoy our last two trips to Universal - rude staff, and long lines.

BG is more of a relaxing day. My kids met up with one of their animal keepers and were allowed to feed the giant tortoises bananas on a stick. It was great.

My kids range from 17 to 9 and are always happy to go to BG!

 

[sallysue66]

My family loves BG and their waterparks, both Tampa & Williamsburg. We prefer it over US/IOA anyday.

 

[Lucky'sMom]

Busch Gardens is nothing like Universal. BG is a coaster park, and most are pretty intense. It is also similar to Animal Kingdom. There aren't any "themed" rides like at US. We've done both BG and US our last 2 trips, and I prefer US, but BG is a beautiful park.