Qs about BG and St Pete

[dancer72]

Planning to spend 12/29 and 12/30 at BG Tampa with our 2 kids (10 and 12), staying at Tradewinds on St. Pete's Beach, first time going and have lots of questions!

- How crowded will BG get those days? Approx how long will the wait be for the coasters? Trying to decide if buying Quick Queue.

- We usually like doing everything - shows, attractions, rides. But which shows at BG are the "must dos" and which are not?

- What about the safari and the "heart of Africa" tour - has anyone those? Are they worthwhile?

- I see the unlimited dining is $29, but I have no idea what the food costs without the dining plan. Is the dining plan worth it?

- What is water temperature at this time of year? Too cold to use beach, or is it possible to use?

- Driving on 31st to Orlando to SW, may go to AQ too - but same question about AQ - is it too cold this time of year to go, or is it OK?

Thanks for any info!

 

[2girlsmom]

Hi, we live locally so spend a fair amount of time at BG, including last year on Christmas Day. I would expect somewhat lower crowds on 29th and 30th, and we found Christmas crowds to be manageable, wait times on Cheetah Hunt and Sheikra were in the 45-60 minute range, but on most everything else were under 20 minutes. We love the all day dine deal at Busch Gardens, it is good for NEARLY everything at the counter service restaurants (exceptions are at the bbq restaurant on baby back ribs and the largest rib sampler platter pretty much, occasionally they will have a specialty meal that will not be covered), most meals are 9-12 each, drinks are $2.80 or so each, desserts/sides are about $3-$4. They do serve breakfast at one of the counter service restaurants, usually Zagora Cafe, so we generally do the All Day Dine when we are there all day, and eat all 3 meals on it, as well you can go to any of the counter service places all day and just get a drink and snack (dessert or side, but this would include giant pickle, side salad, veggies and dip, fruit {usually strawberries and/or watermelon}, cake, cheesecake, cookies, pudding, jello, etc) as many times as you want all day long. So for us it ends up being a great deal! If you were only eating one meal and a couple snacks, it would not be a very good option, for example. As for water temp at ST Pete, just looked up current temp, water temp is 70 degrees as of today, so would be chilly. Currently the air temp is only in the 60's today, but they are forecasting temps back up in the 80's by the end of this week. This time of year is very volatile for weather, so it's anyone's guess what the weather will be by the 29th. Most places do heat the pools so they are usually something like 78-80 degrees, certainly a better bet for swimming than the gulf, I would say, though it is fun to hang out on the beach when the weather is good, even without getting in the water. Aquatica should be heating the water, so should be okay there, depending on air temps.

 

[dolphinrescuegirl]

As for the shows, don't miss the Iceploration show! The pet show is also cute. I've never seen the Madagasar show. The others just depend on if you like singing and dancing. We haven't watched those either.

 

[Julz226]

I've never seen unmanageable crowds at BG. As the previous poster mentioned, there may be some longer wait times for a few big coasters but much will be very short wait times.

If you are eating there all day, the dining plan is a GREAT deal. If not, bring or purchase a refillable cup and take it with you for $1 soft drinks.

I live locally and I have no desire to be in the water right now. It's pretty chilly

 

[reelmom]

A question for the locals. Where in Tampa is a good place to stay near Busch Gardens? Some reviews I have read said that BG is not in the nicest neighborhood, so I am kind of nervous about booking a hotel that is near there. We were looking at the Holiday Inn Express across the street but now I am not so sure. Thanks for all of your help.

 

[burt]

A question for the locals. Where in Tampa is a good place to stay near Busch Gardens? Some reviews I have read said that BG is not in the nicest neighborhood, so I am kind of nervous about booking a hotel that is near there. We were looking at the Holiday Inn Express across the street but now I am not so sure. Thanks for all of your help.

We would also like to know peoples opinions on this, we are looking at stopping 1 night close to busch gardens so that we can make an early start and do all day in busch. Also do people think we can do everything in one day or do we need to allocate two days

 

[Woodview]

What is your problem ?

It is a Holiday Inn Express... as good as any Motel.

You Drive to it ..... no issues to get there .... Park .. unload

check in & enjoy yourselves .


Are you afraid to drive there ..... and get attacked while there ?

 

[burt]

What is your problem ?

It is a Holiday Inn Express... as good as any Motel.

You Drive to it ..... no issues to get there .... Park .. unload

check in & enjoy yourselves .

Are you afraid to drive there ..... and get attacked while there ?

Don't have a problem just asking if anyone can recommend a nice hotel near Busch !

 

[Woodview]

By the way It offers Free Hot Breakfast

Has Outdoor Pool & Spa.

Free WiFi & Free Newspaper

Free Shuttle Bus to Theme Park

So It must be good & Safe

Pick up coupon book And the rate is about $70 per night for 2 people

That is The Holiday Inn Express , 13294 Telcom Drive Tampa FL 33637


As a European I would have no hesitation staying there.

 

[cantoine]

http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/09/14/safe-and-dangerous-places-in-tampa/

Here's some information regarding crime rates in tampa. Hope it helps.

 

[melissas77]

A question for the locals. Where in Tampa is a good place to stay near Busch Gardens? Some reviews I have read said that BG is not in the nicest neighborhood, so I am kind of nervous about booking a hotel that is near there. We were looking at the Holiday Inn Express across the street but now I am not so sure. Thanks for all of your help.

The area around Busch Gardens is a bit sketchy. However I think if you're staying across the street, you will find lots of families going to Busch Gardens just like you. It's a great park. Have fun!

 

[hydrotony]

The Busch Gardens web site has partner hotels/motels on their "Vacation" page.