Question about Busch Gardens.

[nrpofp]

My boys love roller coasters. At the moment they are measuring in at about 49 and 53 inches with shoes on. Would there be enough rides they could go on? I know the big coasters are 54 inches. Also, how long is the drive from Universal and do you think its worth it?

 

[gardener14]

Your children would be able to ride everything (including water rides and other non-coaster rides) except for Kumba, Sheikra, and Montu. Rumor has it that when Cheetah Hunt opens, the height requirement will be 48", but that is still to be determined. We spent four consecutive days at BGT, so obviously we loved the park. There is so much to do, see, and experience that riding the coasters took very little time during our four day visit. We loved exploring the animal habitats and meeting the zookeepers. They have various times throughout the day when the zookeepers make appearances to talk with visitors and interact with the animals. It was fascinating. The shows were fantastic, and we saw them each two or three times. Jungle Fantasy, Burn the Floor, and Sweet Music are awesome stage productions, and Critter Castaways is the best animal show I've ever seen anywhere. The food is fabulous, and the park is huge. I can't recommend it enough. As far as combining it with a visit to Universal...I've never visited Universal, but I like BGT's link to nature and the outdoors, so I think it would be a relaxing contrast.

 

[babydoll]

Try to avoid the wooden coaster-very rough ride.
Even my diehard teenage riders said they would not go back on the wooden ones.

 

[gardener14]

Try to avoid the wooden coaster-very rough ride.
Even my diehard teenage riders said they would not go back on the wooden ones.

That used to be true, but it is no longer a valid concern. Gwazi reopened last week after much track work and the addition of brand new trains. The ride is no longer painfully rough, and it it very rideable if you like modern wooden coasters and accept their inherrent vibrations.

 

[johde]

I haven't ridden Gwazi since the track work. But I never thought it was that bad. That being said, I am used the rattle of a wooden coaster. I've enjoyed my trips to Busch Gardens and Seaworld. Given the price online of multiday tickets you might want to consider a day at each one.

 

[DOOM1001]

I used to love Gwazi but in recent rides it was so rough it was almost intolerable.I am so happy they installed the Millenium Flyer trains and did some trackwork to make it smoother.I've read on other message boards that the work and trains have done marvels for the ride,I'll be there next Thursday to try it out.

 

[dengirl]

I was not sure where to post my queston. i have a busch garden question and it is does it cost any extra to do things besides the roller coasters.. such as shows, attractions, or animal attrations and tours? if so can someone tell me prices to do these? thanks.

 

[gardener14]

Almost everything is included in the admission price. All the regular rides, shows, exhibits, and other attractions are included in admission. They have an area of games which cost extra just like at many theme parks, and of course food and merchandise for purchase. There are several behind the scenes type tours which cost extra and that information is on their website. Click on "Explore Busch Gardens," then click on "Up Close Tours." If you feel inspired to purchase on of the tours then go for it, but don't feel like you have to do so to fully enjoy the park. They are like an extra in depth experience, but there is ample to see and do just like at any theme park.

 

[c3h3a3r]

I would say that there is plenty for them to do. My boys are currently 44 and 51 inches and we are taking them in June, driving up from Orlando. I think there will be more than enough for them - they will love it.

 

[jeffn5631]

Gwazi, the wooden roller coaster has now put in service new trains which improve the ride a lot. A local TV reporter did a test run and was surprised how much smoother the ride is, so you do not have to avoid it. The new coaster, Cheetah Hunt, is scheduled to open in May and from what has been constructed so far, it looks like a monster ride that the other parks are going a hard time to match.