Universal or Busch Gardens

[mom2riceboys]

I posted this in Orlando Attractions, but thought I might get some good feedback here as well. We're adding a couple of extra days to our trip in May. My husband wants to go to Busch Gardens. The kids and I want to go to Universal/IOA. We've been to UF/IOA before, but never tried BG. Looking at BG's website, it looks kind of boring. I'm afraid there won't be a lot for the boys, age 10 and 5, to do. To give you an idea what my kids like, they loved AK and hated Sea World. So, if you had two days to spend somewhere, please let me know if you'd choose UF/IOA or BG and why. Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[damo]

I'd do both but my son is roller coaster crazy!

 

[ChrisFL]

There's nearly as many animal exhibits as AK and a lot more thrill rides. Busch Gardens is a very nice park but it's not on the same theming level of the Universal or Disney parks...more like Sea World (which makes sense as they're both the same company).

I wouldn't call it boring, there's plenty of different activities to do for all ages IMO

 

[All Aboard]

ChrisFL is right on base. Busch Gardens Tampa is a nice enough park but lacks the really immersive e-tickets that Disney and Universal parks feature. The theming isn't nearly as deep and it has a few too many carnival rides. It's coasters are great and the animal exhibits are very good as well. The Busch parks (especially Williamsburg) are definitely steps up from the Six Flags and Paramount parks, but just don't match up well against Disney or Universal.

 

[mom2riceboys]

Thank you for your replies!