Tampa area suggestions--any locals?

[E(ticket)lizabeth]

I've rented a condo that sits on the beach but overlooks the intercoastal waterway, so we're excited about that. However, I realized after renting it that I had looked at my calendar wrong, and we're going to be there over MLK Jr. weekend. That seems like it will cause crowds at Busch Gardens, so I'm not sure how I want to plan this trip, and I'm hoping some of you locals can help me!

We are: me (40, and will be 11 weeks pregnant on this trip!), DH (50), DS (2.5), and Grammy (72). Grammy decided this fall that she really wanted to see Busch Gardens soon, so that's the genesis of the trip. DH & I decided more recently that we just couldn't get that close and not spend at least one day at WDW, so we're going to take the group up to the Magic Kingdom one day, probably Tues. or Wed. of that week. If I had my "druthers," I would hit BG on Sun., maybe the Florida Aquarium on Monday with some rest and play-in-the-sand time, MK on Tues., and then fit in some other touring. We're thinking about Pier 60 (maybe Sat. after we get checked in & unpacked?), a state park to see more of the natural side of the state (gotta see gators, manatees if possible, and so on!), and DH thinks he'd really enjoy a cigar factory. We'll be staying just about a block from the bird sanctuary, so that's on the list.

Limiting factors: I don't want huge crowds, I don't want to do our 2 park days back to back, and I need to make sure to put plenty of breaks in so I'm not just driving all over the place all the time! I want some time to put my feet up and just watch the boats & dolphins on the waterway. Plus, we check in at 3 pm Sat., and we have to check out by 9 am the following Sat., so we won't have time to do much either day. Because we're leaving the condo early Sat., I also don't want to be out too late on Friday.

So, with these things in mind, how do you think I should plan this? What will the crowds be like at BG on the holiday weekend? Thank you so much!

 

[gzacharias]

Okay, here's a local's perspective! First of all, Busch Gardens shouldn't be too crowded at all. I don't think as many folks travel out of town for just a 3 day weekend in January. Going on a Sunday is a good idea - if you get there at opening time it will be pretty empty until the locals come after church (around lunchtime.)

The Aquarium is great for all ages; we have an annual pass and my 2 kids love it (including a 2 year old.) If it's warm enough the huge outdoor play/splash area will be perfect for your little one. You can keep your car in the Aquarium lot and take the trolley to Ybor City (the historic Latin section of Tampa with cigar shops and factories, great restaurants, etc.) Your little one will like Creatures of Delight - a shop that makes monsters (cute goofy ones.)

Tampa also has Lowry Park Zoo which was ranked the best family zoo in the nation - my kids love it there, too. My favorite place is the Tampa Theatre, an opulent 1920's movie palace complete with Wurlitzer organ, twinkling stars on the ceiling, and the look of a Moorish castle. It's not the best place for little ones, though (depends on what's showing.)

You'll need one day for Busch Gardens. It's probably an hour drive from the beach. It will also take a day to do the Aquarium and Ybor but it will be a shorter, more leisurely day. That's about a 40 minute drive from your condo.

If I were you I would keep things a little bit flexible so that you can adjust for the weather. It could be warm and sunny and you'll want to hang out at the beach. If it's rainy there are lots of rainy day options (there are great kids' science museums and indoor play/bounce centers.) Also, when you are driving to Orlando make sure you leave before or after the bay area rush hour (7-9am.)

I hope this helps!

gzacharias

 

[Amity 3]

alligators and manatees are going to be hard to spot around MLK day. the gators will be dug into the mud and the manatees move into warmer, inland waters. it's a great time to go to Crystal river and swim with them though. the TECO plant in Apollo Beach has a huge manatee viewing area because they gather in the warm water discharge.