It's official! Doing a Universal/Busch Gardens trip next month-BG questions inside!

[mom2mikel]

We are excited about the thrill roller coasters at BG Can someone explain how best to see the animals? Do we have to pay for a special safari/tour or do you get a good enough experience from the *free* offerings?

How can I tell what is an additional cost versus what is a free animal attraction?

DH *loves* the Safari ride at Animal Kingdom - can we expect the same, better or worse experience here?

Also, how is their water park? I've heard not so great things about Wet 'N Wild. We love Blizzard Beach -- how does their waterpark compare?

TIA!

ETA: DH is a big guy (6'4", 240 lbs) -- will he have trouble fitting on the rides? Do they have special seating/constraints for bigger riders?

 

[atigeg]

comments in blue

We are excited about the thrill roller coasters at BG Can someone explain how best to see the animals? Do we have to pay for a special safari/tour or do you get a good enough experience from the *free* offerings?

How can I tell what is an additional cost versus what is a free animal attraction?
the backstage tours are additional cost and you have to sign up in advance
http://buschgardens.com/Bgt/Explore/UpClose.aspx?id=735
they have feedings which are extra cost for the food, just like seaworld


DH *loves* the Safari ride at Animal Kingdom - can we expect the same, better or worse experience here?
not as good as the Safari ride w/o doing a backstage tour.
Rhino Ralley is the closest to the Safari ride,
you can see the animals from the train ride


Also, how is their water park? I've heard not so great things about Wet 'N Wild. We love Blizzard Beach -- how does their waterpark compare?
cannot comment, never been there, should since it's included in the annual pass, but rather go to Typhoon
TIA!

ETA: DH is a big guy (6'4", 240 lbs) -- will he have trouble fitting on the rides? Do they have special seating/constraints for bigger riders?
if he can ride Hulk at Universal he should have no problems at BG. Montu, a, and Kumba have the special rows, Shiekra has 2 seats in each row.

 

[mom2mikel]

Thank you

 

[tarrbear]

There are many other animal experiences at a cost, so the link the PP gave you lists them all.

To see the Serengeti ride the Train and Rhino Rally, to see more animals Explore the
Edge of Africa Trails to see various African Animals
Myombe Reserve to see Gorillas and Chimpanzees
Lory Landing (free flying birds, you can pay for a cup of nectar here to feed birds) & The Bird Gardens to see a variety of birds
Jungala: In here the have the Orangutan Trails and (My Favorite) The Tiger Trails: In here you can get up close with tigers, and make sure to check out the pop up lookout which puts you right in the Tiger habitat (protected by glass though!) Once I had a Tiger looking right back at me, it was very cool.
Walkabout Way: Here you can see a variety of kangaroos as well as feed them at designated times.

If thats not enough Animals for you I recommend the Serengeti Safari (Its about $33 per person) and they take you out on a truck into the Serengeti to interact with giraffes and feed them, its a cool experience.

I can't say anything about the Waterpark cause I've never been, but ride wise, your Husband should fit on all Major rides just fine. The only one the might be kinda tight is Gwazi.