which parks when?

[harperwi]

Caveat: It's hard to know where to post this question, since it half pertains to US and half to Busch/Sea World, so I had to pick one. Here's hoping I don't get bounced!)


O.k., here's the quick background story:

My friend and I just spent a week and a half in Disney at the end of August with his kids. Now I get to venture back to Orlando for a business conference in February, and I'm extending the trip a few extra days to enjoy some more of the touristy things (and to steer clear of the Wisconsin Winter for a little while longer). Because we've just done so many days at Disney, we're looking to venture beyond the parks for three full days. We've been to IOA once before, so we're hoping to knock off the other three non-Disney parks in the region this time around: Sea World, Universal and Busch Gardens.

Now, my question: We have three days for touring - Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Given these three parks, which would you do which day and why? If it matters, the specific dates are Thu, Feb. 26 - Sat., Feb 28.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone!

Jon

 

[highlander447]

I don't think it will matter which day as I understand it saturday u will get locals/kids at all the parks although I think IOA will probably be busy on saturday although during week u sometimes find school trips at the parks

 

[Motherfletcher]

I would do Universal Thurs., IOA Fri., and SeaWorld Sat.
Why?
I would skip Busch this trip because US/IOA can't be done in one day without killing yourself. Busch is quite a drive away on a congested I-4. I would do Seaworld on Sat. because Feb can be cold and locals won't want to consider the thought of getting wet.

 

[harperwi]

While I appreciate your feedback, if you read my background again, I mentioned that we've already done IOA. That's why we're going to the parks we are.

I'm not going to change the three park choices, I'm only looking for day recommendations.

I've personally been to Busch Gardens twice myself, once while staying in Tampa, and once by driving I-4, so I know what's involved.

So...given that these three parks are the ones we'll be doing (US, BG, SW), which days would you go to each?

(I too was thinking Sea World might be a good choice for Saturday, so I'm glad you've corroborated that theory for me!)

Thanks,
Jon

 

[robvia]

I'd do USF on Thursday, BGT on Friday, then SWF on Saturday.
Crowds will be light in February. Doing USF on Thursday makes that day easy after flying into Orlando and the midweek will mean less crowds since kids will be in school.
Then on Friday, you can make the 75 mile 1.5 hour drive over to BGT.
Saturday is SWF, crowds will be light in the morning, but build in the afternoon. Do the rides first, then arrive to each show 20 minutes before they start. Spend the afternoon feeding the dolphins while you slam a few beers in the KeyWest area. Bring lots of cash for the fish food ($4 for 4 fish and they go fast, buy 4 cups). Then you go back to your hotel, pack, and get ready to fly out.