So...Tell Me About Busch Gardens

[FayeW]

We are going to Orlando in December. We have already purchased our 7 day tickets to US/IOA, and have 5 days/5 plus features left on our WDW tickets (will probably use 2 -3 of those days, and a plus feature for DQ). We won't use 7 days at US/IOA, probably about 3 days in total but obviously it is much cheaper to get the 7 day/2 parks pass. So, we will spend at least 2 days at both Universal parks and Disney parks, and maybe as much as 3 days each, depending on how we feel and how many rest days we want.

Anyway, we will be there for 9 days. We have been to SeaWorld on a previous trip and are considering going there again, but have never been to Busch Gardens so that is an option as well. I have checked out their website and it looks like a really cool place. I don't hear much about Busch Gardens, and they don't have a subforum here so I hoped I could get some feedback from some of you.

 

[Jonny_Duck]

I havent been in years.... prob 5 or so since before they opened Sheikra which I hear is amazing. But if you like Upside down rollercoasters then this is a great place. My friend went a few weeks ago and had a great time said there was almost no lines so I have a feeling it would be not too crowded unless maybe you are going during Christmas. Montu was my first upside down rollercoaster I have ever gone on and I was bribed by my mom which I believe she still owes me $10 for. Ya a bit OT lol. They have some animals and the new Jungala has opened up which from the videos I have seen is pretty cool experience. I believe they still have beer tasting which if your family is into that at all could be a fun experience I know that is where my dad was the most time when we were there. I tryed to convince my mom to go during our trip in December but she doesnt want to spend more $$. But I saw if you have the extra time and the money to make the trip over there its definately worth the experience.

Hope it helps,
Jonny

 

[isla bonita]

Its my personal fav. I losv the show KaTonga. The rhino rally ride it was so unexpected. Also my guys love the coasters. There are also rides for the little ones all over the park. My daughter is not so daring so she really enjoyed those. My husband enjoyed the free beer.

 

[Dizneydaz]

We went to BG for the first time last Sept. and we enjoyed it. It was inc. in our tickets to DC. Since we've gone quite a few times to SW in San Diego we opted for BG. It's a beautifully landscapped park. The food was pretty good. The have alot of coasters.

It was incredibly hot the day we went (hotter than WDW!) and we hade to leave about 4 p.m. to meet my DNiece who was flying in from Utah as a surprise for my DD8 or we would have stayed later. I rode Sheikra twice-it was amazing. I didn't ride any of the other big coasters though. The park is pretty big, with a lot of walking between the coasters. Since it was so hot, we took our time looking around. One cool thing they had were large fans with misters attached that you could just walk up to and let it get you wet-really nice on such a hot day.

We almost missed out on the Rhino Rally (my DSis thought it cost extra $$ ) but I'm glad we rode it. It is a pretty cool ride.

Be prepared to walk alot. Check out Myombe Reserve-pretty nice. I hear their shows are good, we didn't have time to see any. It wasn't very crowded the day we were there (Wed., mid-Sept.)

I would go again to BG, but I still like AK at WDW more. A few major differences I saw at BG v.s. WDW were: The employees were not friendly. Most of them didn't even make eye contact much less say hi; and I didn't feel my belongings were safe left in the stroller-there were signs all over the park advising you not to leave your belongings unattended.

One more tip-don't bother riding their log ride, Stanley Falls-it's pretty lame, and not worth the wait. Plus, you can get drenched.

I found someone's TR last year that went to BG-it was pretty informative. Check out the Sea World/Discovery Cove-you can find some into there.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Okay, don't call me obsessive, but I finally found the Trip Report I read before going last year. Here's the link http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1558155&page=3

The TR has alot of information for alot of parks but his review, etc. of BG starts on page 3. Check it out.

 

[FayeW]

Thanks for your help! I will read that trip report. My daughter doesn't like outside rollercoasters (she's fine for Rock N Rollercoaster and the Mummy because they are inside) so I have to make sure there are enough things she will be interested in.

 

[JandJ]

My daughter doesn't like outside rollercoasters (she's fine for Rock N Rollercoaster and the Mummy because they are inside) so I have to make sure there are enough things she will be interested in.

I don't go on any of the "thrill rides" (heart condition) but DH and I get BG passes just about every year because there is so much to do! I can handle the Rhino Rally and of course we go on the Skyride and the Train. The log flume is fun (but very wet). The new Jungala is so cool! The KaTonga show is awesome and there are cute shows in the eating areas too. In the summer they have BG Nights and there are a ton of games for kids. Oh, the Dragon Land, or whatever it's called, is perfect for kids - climbing, ball pit, etc. I don't even mind waiting while DH is on the roller coasters because there are plenty of air conditioned shops to check out. The 2 free beers per person aren't bad either This year we didn't get our Disney passes due to family health issues, but we still got our BG passes and have been several times. Have fun!