Just back, Wishes cruise, US, Busch Gardens, Pirate Theater

[RLewis]

Just back from 10 days. Stayed at BC. Room 3512 (standard view). Full balcony and excellent view of Illuminations high fireworks.

Had rental car and used extensively. Contrary to some info, you can drive from BC to Contemporary and leave your car there all day - and walk to the park. Never was questioned at any gate.

Crowds seemed a little light. For the first time, we were not at the gates exactly at opening (got there about 1/2 later). No real problems with crowds. Went to E-Ride night. CM said it was the busiest E-Ride night this year. Still, all rides were less than 15 min.

Went to Busch G one day. Had VIP tour and Safari. Disappointed in the Safari. Very short and only saw a few antelope and giraffes. Rode all coasters.

Did the Wishes cruise. Interestingly quite different from Illuminations cruise. My kids (9 and 12) liked wishs cruise better.

Mission Space was a little dizzing. We typically will ride all coasters at large theme parks (universal, Kings Island, Cedar Point). My older son and I thought this was a little much. Younger son liked it more.

Lines at all attractions at all parks were bearable/typical. However, Test Track is simply messed up. The FP had a queue of 45 mintues. The singles line was about 1 hr. Standby was 140mintues. This was typical for most of the day. We finally got a FP at 9:30am for 2:30 (still had to wait 1/2 hour). FP sold out by noon.

Ate at several restaurants for first time - 50 Prime Time, Japan's Teppanyaki, Whispering Canyon, Le Cellier, Rainforest, etc. plus many old favorites.

Went to Pirate Adventure Theater one night. Similar experience to Medievel Times - but there is actually a story line (sort of like a musical). Kids enjoyed it, but it also has more for adults/couples. I would guess women would enjoy this more than Medievel.

Also stopped by model train museum (not worth it) and Ripley's (good, clean tourist-trap fun).

Went to US for 3 days and stayed at Club Level in Royal Pacific. Didn't really think Mummy held up to hype - but was fun.

 

[danny1649]

Sounds like you had a great time,thank you for sharing.

 

[bjakmom]

What day of the week were the lines for Test Track that long ???!! Yikes - I hope it settles down in August, but with all the great airfare discounts I think it may be busier than we're used to !

thanks for the review!!

 

[RLewis]

We were there on Thursday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Tuesday was the worst.

 

[disneygrl16]

We just got back too and had the same problem with Test Track. But we tried at like 10:45 am and the next time was 5:30!

 

[madcoco]

We really had bad luck and timing with Test Track this past trip. Besides Mother Nature,technical issues plagued the ride. The one day we waited about 20 mins with the FP, we are about 10 back for boarding and it breaks. They gives us FP good for any other time. Went back a few days later and had to wait out the Mother Nature lightshow. This really backs up TT later on after it clears up. We waited about 40 mins in the FP line a few hours later only to have the ride break again. Went to WS again came back just after 8 and waited for about 25mins in FP lane. Got on the ride and guess what? It broke while we were headed through the Belgian block area. We had to get out of the cars and by the time we got out, it was time for Illuminations. Frustrating but it happens.

 

[RLewis]

one aother kind of "nice" surprise about Test Track FP is that they were giving out bonus FP for Honey I shrunk the Audience when you got a TT FP. It was typically for about an hour or so later.

 

[dinks]

My husband and I are going to Busch in Sept. We've already optained tickets to the Guided Adventure. Would you mind sending me an email discussing the Adventure tour, and what you did. We have no idea what to expect.


I'll PM you my email. However, if you don't have the time I'll completely understand.


Thank you!

 

[mickeys friend]

Would you please e-mail me and let me know all about the Wishes Cruise.I have it booked for our trip in Sept. but we really wanted the Illuminations Cruise but they're all booked up.We're going to be staying at the Contemporary in the towers (hopefuly with a MK view) and I'am not sure if the Wishes Cruise is going to be worth it since we're already at the Contemporary.Last year we were at the Contemporary when they did Wishes for the first time and also the nights they opened only for the press and tv,and we had a great view from our bal.We are 4 adults and no kids and was just wondering what its like on the Wishes Cruise.

 

[ellie&mattys mom]

I am curious about the Wishes Cruise too!!!
I have it booked for October!
Details!!
thanks

 

[RLewis]

Since two of you asked (Wishes), I'll reply here instead of PM.

You board the boat about 9:15 at the marina in the rear of the Contemporary hotel. Kids under 11 must wear life jackets.

We first headed out towards WL. The captain talked a little about the lake and area. It was interesting. As you head back towards MK, you stop and watch the Electric Water Pagent. It's kind of neat to see it up close.

From there, you go to the main lagoon. He took us past Poly and GF before lining up just in front of the MK. There were about 12 or so other boats in the area (there's plenty of room - you feel private).

FYI . Two boisterous Gathering "barges" (looks like they held about 30-50 people) were also present, but they stayed away from the smaller boats. Our captain said that the other Wishes Cruise captains hated these barges (there was a disc-jockey/entertainer on a microphone on each boat) because of the noise.

The show was better than I anticipated. The fireworks are very large and very high, so you still get a good effect even though you are outside the park. The downside is the music. You can hear it, and make out the words, but it is distant. You would think that each boat could have some sort of radio to listen to it.

When Wishes was over, we went directly back to the marina.

The kids (9 and 12 - boys) like this better than the Illuminations tour because it was longer and they felt they saw more.

Note that the experiences are completely different. The Illuminations cruise starts in the daylight (show is at 9pm) - at least in the summer months. You take a quick trip down the canal then take your position under the bridge to watch the show. Since you are actually in EPCOT, you feel like you're part of the show and can easily experience the music and all visual effects. There are only 5 or 6 total boats for each cruise, so you feel pretty exclusive.

The wishes curise is at night. The lagoons are not lit, so, other than the boat's lights, it is very dark. It gives you a much more feeling of an evening cruise. However, as I stated above, you are rather far away from the action, so you are not as fully emersed in the show.

Bottom line - Illuminations cruise is the best way to see Illuminations - hands down. The Wishes cruise is just another way of seeing Wishes, but not necessarily the best (if you want to be fully emersed).

FYI - We purchased the "meal" on the Illumination cruise. this was expensive and overkill. There was a large deli plater that could easily feed 7-10 adults - we barely touched it. For the Wishes cruise, we stopped by the gift shop at contemporary and pick up some chips and pop to take with us. Much more economical.

Hope that helps.

 

[RLewis]

Dinks - I sent you a PM on BG