**The Unexpected Engagement - Day 8**

[Tinks1984]

Castmembers

Me - Rachel
DF (woohoo!! ) - Simon
Dad - Dennis
Mum - Jennifer
DB - Chris

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Thursday 13th May - Busch Gardens & Downtown Disney

Another early morning was needed, as today we'd decided to head off over to Tampa for a day at Busch Gardens. We'd not been to Busch for 15 years, so we were quite looking forward to see it all again My Dad really put me to the test today and said I'd be the one driving there I did it, but boy was I tired by the time I got there! The roads over there are just so unbelievably boring and just looked the same all the way to Tampa! But, it was good driving practice and after this day I felt I'd be able to go back there and drive alone if needed

We arrived at the park at around 9.30am and jumped onto the tram across to the entrance. As had been happening, the entrance looked really busy with school groups and families, but once inside we found it wasn't too bad. We decided on purchasing the 'all you can eat' wristbands for each of us as we decided we'd get good use out of them being there all day.

We got past the front part of the park and headed around towards Gwazi and it was HUGE I stood and marvelled how amazing it was, I'd never seen a total wooden rollercoaster before. We hopped into the queue, including my Mum (!), and waited our turn. Now came the bad part, I hated every second It was so bumpy, uncomfortable and it felt, literally, that my brain was bouncing around my skull! Only me though, everyone else enjoyed it! I certainly wouldn't ride again!

We wondered further into the park on a search for SheiKra, as Simon was determined to ride this one.

We found it alright! I thought Gwazi was big, well this ride topped it! It was amazing to watch, never mind ride. I decided I'd be brave and give it a go, joined by Simon & Christopher. My Mum and Dad sat at the Zambia Smokehouse and waited for us to give them a wave We only queued for 20 minutes and then there was no turning back. I was strapped into SheiKra!! Nervous wasn't even close, but WOW, how fantastic! One amazing ride!

We got off and met back up with my parents and decided to grab some lunch. We decided that the Zambia Smokehouse looked good and I decided on salmon and salad, which was all good until I found a whopping piece of cake to go along with it It was lovely and before we knew it we were off again towards the water rides! We hit the Tidal Wave and you know what's coming - yes, I got soaked! Simon and my Dad decided they weren't wet enough, so decided to stand on the bridge and let the flume drench them.

We went further towards the back of the park and decided that we'd continue with the water rides and got in the queue for the Congo River Rapids. One guess? Soaked!

Cont...

 

[Tinks1984]

Cont..

We got off the rapids and wandered around to were you can fire water cannons at the other riders, so we swapped some quarters and enjoyed firing at some victims At this point I could wring out my clothes, so me and Simon decided we'd buy a new top each to try and dry off a little quicker. Simon found a Hurley vest and I found a cute Rip Curl one for a little treat

We wandered back around towards the front of the park and met up with my parents and brother. We then headed off in the direction of Rhino Rally to go on safari!

Now, this disappointed us all. Last time we rode, they still had the 'raft' part within the ride and sadly it's gone now to make way for a new attraction. The animals were still amazing, but the ride disappointed. After the downer on the safari, we decided to head for some food for tea, after which we headed back to Orlando and home

We all decided in the car on the way back, that although the rollercoasters at Busch are fantastic, we felt like over the years that we've not been back there, the park hasn't really progressed as well as the others in Florida. The animals weren't in obvious places and it was quite badly sign-posted, which didn't help in finding them! We'll leave it a couple more trips before trying this one again.

On-route back to ASSp, we found amusement in some of the 'adverts' that the Floridians have at roadside, I swear, some could cause an accident! Did you know you can have a vasectomy in your lunch-hour? Further along I did find what I was looking for...

And this was a welcome better than any other after driving for over an hour...

We had an hour at the hotel before we showered and changed. Myself, Simon and Christopher decided we'd head over to Downtown Disney for a look around at night. My parents stayed back at the hotel as they were both tired, along with our little friend who had been left for us...

We hadn't long arrived when I found Tren-D How amazing is that shop? And it wasn't long after that when I bought...

My DOONEY & BURKE handbag (This was all Claire's, AKA Pinky, fault btw She'd tempted me a very long time ago! Thank-you hun!)

After emptying it and proudly carrying it around, with nothing inside it, we continued around into Team Mickey's and the boys bought themselves some Disney baseballs. We strolled over to Disney's Westside and I bought myself some Ugg flip-flips, way cheaper than over here!

Simon wandered into the Harley Davidson shop and couldn't resist a photo on one..

Whilst over at Westside, we grabbed a drink and watched the 'Celebrate Today' party until it finished. Thankfully they didn't pick up on the engagement badges I'd have been so embarrassed!

Once the party had finished, we hopped a bus back from the Westside and crashed out in bed...

Coming soon...Day 9

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

Another great update! We felt the same about Busch Gardens the last time we went in 2003. We are going back again this year as the last two trips we have missed it out. I was hoping it had moved on??

I am really disappointed to read that the Rhino Rally has changed - I loved the bit where it turned into the raft!! Do you know what is going in its place?

 

[Tinks1984]

Another great update! We felt the same about Busch Gardens the last time we went in 2003. We are going back again this year as the last two trips we have missed it out. I was hoping it had moved on??

I am really disappointed to read that the Rhino Rally has changed - I loved the bit where it turned into the raft!! Do you know what is going in its place?

In our opinion it hadn't really moved on that much, not as much as we'd expected to be honest. I was only young when we last went, but my parents didn't seem to get too excited over it either.

I was also upset they'd changed the Rally. It does seem something large is going in that space, they were digging and placing foundations in there back in May, so my guess, although not 100% sure, would be another rollercoaster later this year/early next year. They'd closed the train also, as this must be being re-routed due to the new ride/attraction.

 

[Sapper383]

Sounds like your having a fab time....can't wait for the next day

 

[suzycute]

Another great instalment - looks like you're feeling a bit better

 

[Tinks1984]

Another great instalment - looks like you're feeling a bit better

I did Suzy, thank-you! From day 8 onwards I was on the mend!

 

[ely3857]

I love BG, fab theme park. x

 

[natalielongstaff]

[UWe got past the front part of the park and headed around towards Gwazi and it was HUGE I stood and marvelled how amazing it was, I'd never seen a total wooden rollercoaster before. We hopped into the queue, including my Mum (!), and waited our turn. Now came the bad part, I hated every second It was so bumpy, uncomfortable and it felt, literally, that my brain was bouncing around my skull! Only me though, everyone else enjoyed it! I certainly wouldn't ride again!

I hated that ride as well, it was so uncomfortable !

 

[buzz for boys]

Fab day Rachel !!
We have never ventured as far as Busch gardens as i think its mainly full of BIG thrill rides would u say that was a far comment?

 

[Pegasus928]

I love that pic of you on the rapids. The timing is perfect and looks as though someone has just thrown a big bucket of water in your face

Another great report

 

[disney_princess_85]

Another great day.

 

[jockey]

Great day omg I love your bag I can.t wait to get one or maybe 2!

 

[Tinks1984]

Fab day Rachel !!
We have never ventured as far as Busch gardens as i think its mainly full of BIG thrill rides would u say that was a far comment?

To be honest Louise, I'd say yes.

There is a place to meet and greet with the Sesame Street characters, but we didn't head in there, so I can't comment. With your little ones, I'd go as far to say to wait until they're all a bit older (and taller) then they'll be able to hit the big ones.

Great day omg I love your bag I can.t wait to get one or maybe 2!

Honestly, the bags are great. Really well made and I just love mine. I haven't changed mine since I got home

 

[Chilly]

DH and I were just talking about Busch yesterday and we came to the same conclusion to leave it a few more years before we go again.

 

[Tinks1984]

DH and I were just talking about Busch yesterday and we came to the same conclusion to leave it a few more years before we go again.

Yeah, I'd completely agree Claire. It is really a long way for one theme park and to make me go there again there'd have to be something to make me amazed and be like 'Wow!'

 

[jjk]

another lovely day

 

[Pinky166]

Welcome to the Dooney & Bourke club! I am such a bad influence Don't read my trip report as I bought more.


I love the pic of you getting soaked on the rapids.

We love Busch Gardens but I do agree it hasn't moved on since we first went 10 years ago. We mainly go for the rides, but you will never in a million years get me on Gwazi for the precise reasons you didn't like it.

 

[Tinks1984]

Yes Claire, you are a very bad influence, but in a good way! I adore my bag and everyone's said how lovely it is I've not swapped bags since I got back either, I can't leave Mickey, even for my Radley's

I'm following your trip too Claire...so I look forward to seeing more handbags!

 

[Disney_Sarah]

Great report x