Who has taken the bus to Busch Gardens from Universal?

[AlexandNessa]

Can you give me an idea of about what time you arrived at the park?

On the website, it says pick up time is 8:30 (which I am still shocked hubby agreed to this), and it says you can arrive as late as 11:30. Just looking for a ball park of what time folks actually arrived. I would love to sign us up for the Thrill Seekers Tour, but looks like the only time that tour leaves is at 10:30, so that will have to be a game day decision based on availability.

Any other ins and outs of the BGT shuttle? Thanks!

 

[Dav2205]

My memory is hazy from last year but I remember the bus taking 60-90 minutes from USO.

The bus was fine, the fact I don't really remember it should tell you that there was no major problems . In fact, the only real memory I have is having to run for the bus because we got up late .

 

[damo]

We got in about 10 I think. It was an easy ride and we didn't hit traffic. That was last year so my memory is a little fuzzy.

 

[cookiemonstermommy]

We got there a little after 10 when there was no traffic.

Be prepared to fill every dang seat in that bus...or if they're filled already to wait 5-15min for the next bus to come along.

To be honest, it wasn't worth the time or the money for my son (7yo at the time)or me.

 

[AlexandNessa]

thanks for the responses.

To be honest, it wasn't worth the time or the money for my son (7yo at the time)or me.

cookie, would you elaborate on this please? Was the bus not worth it, is that what you're saying? Or was BGT not for you?

 

[cookiemonstermommy]

Well, a combo of both I guess....

BGA (Busch Gardens Africa) wasn't as nice as I thought it'd be.
Maybe I was spoiled by BGE (Busch Gardens Europe). DS and I found ourselves definitely ready to go home just slightly before it was time to leave. Yes, we had fun, but usually we're a "Aww, too bad we didn't have more time!" kind of family, and with this it was "Okay, let's go home now."

If I had been staying 5min away, and just hopped on a trolley or something to get there, then maybe I'd have been less disappointed. But the long commute (even longer home, because of traffic) in a cramped bus wasn't worth it to me for the short day spent at an "okay" park.

All in all-would I do it again? Nah, not like that. *MAYBE* if I were very close (as in, already in Tampa) and I got some wicked discounts, sure, I guess.

 

[Motherfletcher]

We have left BGT and drove to Universal in less than an hour so the bus can't take more than an hour and a half. You and Mike will love it. Free BEER! BGT doesn't get as busy but lines grow long for Shiekra and Rhino Rally. Try to get those out of the way first.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

I took the bus from Sea World to BGTin Feb. It was simple, no hassle, and easy. On the way there, I played my GBA. On the way back, there was a movie.

 

[damo]

Jodie, if you like coasters you will like Busch Gardens. The ride on Shiekra is such fun.

 

[AlexandNessa]

Thanks! Mike and I are always up for new coasters. I was trying to gage how bad the bus ride is, and if there was any shot of us getting on the Thrill Seekers tour. Sounds like we have an outside chance, if there's room on the tour and no traffic. Fingers crossed!

(Did someone say Free Beer? )

 

[highlander447]

The tour is excellent have u booked the guided adventure tour that incls the safari, done the tour twice now and well worth the money, the bus gets u there around 10:30, we where told if we where late for tour we would just catch up with it, if u are late chances are u will only miss Gwazi, just let them know that u are getting the bus that way the guide will wait for you most likely

 

[tropical depression]

the ride over is worth it for SheiKra alone, especially that it's now floorless. an outside seats in the front row is a SICK ride.

 

[AlexandNessa]

Ugh, bumping this up to see if anyone can help. After reading these responses, I thought perhaps we could meet up with the tour if the bus arrived late. However, I let them know we'd be on the bus, and they said unfortunately if we were late, we couldn't take the tour. We would have to meet up at the guided tours office, and we wouldn't be able to catch up with the tour if the bus were late and the tour already started.

Did I get some wrong info or do you think they've just changed their policy? I would hate to spend the $200 for the tour and then not get to go because the bus was having a bad day.

 

[highlander447]

They must have changed policy as we waited for a couple to arrive from the bus

 

[tropical depression]

our daughter has been to the Adventure Camps and we were told if you were late, they'd just radio their location and you would meet them. they tell you on the Serengeti tour not to be late, because the truck will leave without you, and you'll get a refund.

in my opinion, the guided adventure tour is a better deal than the thrill seekers tour.

 

[AlexandNessa]

We were looking at the Guided Adventure Tour ... does this typically start with rides and then end with the Serengeti Safari? I may just sign up for the tour, and then play dumb in case we're late, but if the tour starts with the Safari, then I wouldn't risk it.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Christysuelouise]

OK so I don't really know a whole lot about the tours, but I pretty much grew up in Tampa and had annual passes to Bush Gardens for several years. I could walk that park backwards in a blindfold. The number of times I've been to BG is definitely in the hundreds and I still enjoy it. The rides are neat and the animals are really cool. I would love to do one of the tours one day just to get out closer to the animals, but riding the train, the Rhino Rally, and maybe the skyride will get you close enough to get a pretty decent view of most of the critters. Go visit the brewery and drink a beer for me

 

[drj1950]

Does antone know when the bus leaves orlando to go back to tampa?I've taken the bus but its been many years,I live just 10 minutes from BG.With gas so high it night be worth it

 

[AlexandNessa]

Here is the information from the site:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The fare for round trip transportation is only $10.00 per person (payable at the Busch Gardens Service Desk once you arrive). Transportation is complimentary with the purchase of the five park Orlando Flex Ticket.
Passengers are responsible for transportation to and from the designated pickup and dropoff locations in and around the Orlando area. Mears Taxi services are available at a minimal charge by calling (407) 422-2222.
Arrival time at Busch Gardens is subject to change: could be as late as 11:30 a.m.
Departure time from Busch Gardens—6 p.m. everyday; except during peak holiday periods and Summer Nights; then 7 p.m.
# of stops for each shuttle are not determined until day of trip. Your shuttle could potentially have a maximum of 3 stops on the route.
For additional information please call 1-800-221-1339.

 

[tropical depression]

We were looking at the Guided Adventure Tour ... does this typically start with rides and then end with the Serengeti Safari? I may just sign up for the tour, and then play dumb in case we're late, but if the tour starts with the Safari, then I wouldn't risk it.

Thanks for your help!

I'm going to BG for a couple of hours today, I'll stop by the adventure tour center and ask