Who's Been to Busch Gardens/Tampa?

[DisDee]

We're thinking about visiting my brother in Ft. Myers in March. I've never been to Busch Gardens, so I'd appreciate any tips and suggestions. Thanks!

 

[FreshTressa]

Me...but the rides were to scary for my kids after we did the few kiddy ones and we spent the rest of the day at the water park..which rocks, btw!

 

[ashjohnson80]

I went once in 1989. I can't really remember much though. Since I was 8.

 

[KarenAylwood]

We used to go twice a year when visiting my great uncle in Tampa (now that I'm out of undergrad, we don't get the time to see him anymore ). I loved it! The last time we were there was a few years ago- right after they put in Egypt. It's a great theme park- WAY better than Busch Gardens Williamsburg (had season passes last summer- good, but not as good as Tampa!).

The rides can be a little intense, but it's like any other theme park w/ roller coasters and such (well, not like Disney- more like Six Flags but with better themeing and restaurants ).

 

[tkd lisa]

I haven't actually been there, and I live in Tampa. But my excuse is that I just moved here.

I did want to be sure you knew that it will take you at least two hours from Ft. Myers to get to Bush Garden. My mom lives south of Ft. Myers, and I live south of BG, and it takes me 2 hours and 15 door to door.

You'd actually be closer to BG from WDW than Ft. Myers.

 

[dixipixi]

BG was one of our kids favorite parks. We are currently deciding whether to go back again this year. The coasters are really great.

We found the park very nice for our family. At the time we went our kids were 16, 13, and 9. The 9 y/o is not much of a thrill seeker. He doesn't like drops...but we still found plenty for him to do. He and I love animals and we spent lots of time looking at the animal exhibits while the others rode coasters. He was at the point of being "too old" for the "baby stuff" and not yet willing to do the wilder rides, but he thoroughly enjoyed himself.

We thought their whitewater rapids ride was very good...but beware...you will get soaked. Same for the tidal wave ride. Since we're always down there in June, the water helps cool us off and we don't mind.

True, the park is not Disney, but we thought it was way better than Six Flags.

 

[Mom2Ashli]

If you like Roller Coasters than it is a good park. The newest coaster is Sheikra and it is amazing. It hangs you over the edge and than you dive straight down TWICE!!!

 

[Aidensmom]

We are annual passholders there, and go about once a month.

There is something there for everyone. There are great thrill rides for those that like them, and lots of others for those who don't. There are also a lot of things for children - there are several areas of childrens rides throughout the park, Land of the Dragons which is kind of like a giant playground and also has a show and kiddie rides, and lots of animal attractions.

The food is good too, my husband and I sometimes go to Busch Gardens on our "date day" just to get some barbeque at the smokehouse or to eat at the Crown Colony restaurant.

And lets not forget, they have free beer.

 

[simba928]

Sorry, I don't want to take over the OP thread, but I have one question.

I might be going to Busch Gardens Tampa next week. Long story short, it was supposed to be a surprise trip, but due to midterms, my parents had to tell me and my little bro about it. I told my mom that I wanted where exactly we were going a surprise. My brother opened his big mouth and told me we were going to Bush Gardens and Disney World. He could have been trying to trick me, though. Anyways, while my brother loves roller coasters and thrill rides, I HATE them. The only roller coaster that I have no problem doing is Rockin Roller Coaster in WDW. I really didn't like Universal when we were there a couple years ago. I got bored after the first couple days (we were in the park for 5 days). How does Busch Gardens compare to Universal? Is there things for the teenage non-thrill seekers to do and enjoy?

 

[mushumadness]

we went in december, we had a great day out, loved the rollar coasters and the park was really quiet, we will definatly go again

 

[Aidensmom]

Simba928 - I don't do roller coasters either, and there are plenty of rides there that I like, such as the flume, the bumper cars and the skyride. There are several shows, and there are lots of animals. There also is a pretty good game area, and there are a lot of neat shops.

 

[Equidae]

I worked a summer at BG and my sister has been working in guest relations/admin for 4 years now. It's a good park, but not as clean or themed as Disney. Thankfully they recently redid their parking and tram situation and redid the outer gates to the parks. Most of the rides are thrill type rides (Montu, Kumbaa, Gwazi, Shiekra and the smaller Python and Scorpion) and others that you would find at a fair or another park (the sandstorm is a state fair type ride for example). A lot of the shows are good (SKIP the Rock 'n' Roll show at Marrakesh Theatre -- it's horrible!) and the animals are awesome. The employees there aren't the caliber as Disney for the most part (heck, when I worked there I had one employee steal money out of my cash register the SECOND I turned my back. Thank goodness it was caught on tape) and I still am sad they took the dolphins away. One of their rides, Rhino Rally flipped over when it first started -- and they didn't fire the guy responsible. Nope, they just moved him to another department.

So, I may sound a bit negative about BG, but after working there I don't see what the big deal is. Disney is far superior I think. That being said, it's a fun day if you like rollar coasters (they are amazing!) or animals (which are amazing too!).