I’ve been going to Busch Gardens since I was a little kid. It’s only about half an hour from my house. Last year, Seaworld and Busch Gardens were purchased by a new company. I kind of worried that the tone of the park would change, but last week we visited the park and everything looked great. The only difference is that they don’t have the free beer anymore. (My brother will shed a tear over that, but I usually avoid beer and long walks.)
Long walks, you ask? Busch Gardens is huge. HUGE. With several themed areas, an expansive safari and a four major coasters, it takes up a lot of land. You can’t scoot around it in a hurry the way you can at the Magic Kingdom. And I actually love that about the park. Just wear walking shoes.
This weekend, they opened a newly remodeled and re-branded kid area called the Sesame Street Safari of Fun. We visited on Media Day and had a chance to ride the new coaster, Air Grover.
Most of the rides are the old ones from the Land of the Dragons, but the whole area has been spruced up and branded with crowd-favorites like Cookie Monster and Elmo. My son went bananas over the familiar characters. They also added a much larger splash area. Bring a bathing suit and LOTS of sunscreen if you visit, we didn’t see much shade around the splash pad.
If you’re visiting the Tampa Bay area or live within driving distance, I recommend this park. It’s a great alternative to the Orlando parks and I think it offers more bang for your buck. Especially if you have a wide variety of age groups in your party. With the Safari of Fun for the preschool set, Jungala for the elementary/tween kids, the big coasters and rides for teens and plenty of animals and shows for the low-key folks, everyone will have something to do. Probably more to do than you can do in one day.
Busch Gardens Tips
- Dress in layers. Some of the attractions are indoors, and the park landscape varies from ample shade to bright sunlight.
- Pack a towel. Several rides will get you wet.
- Bring bathing suits and swim shirts for the little ones. They can play in the water in Jungala and the Safari of Fun.
- Wear comfortable shoes. If you’re wearing sneakers, bring a spare pair of socks or spare flip flops in case you get soaked.
- Get there early. With no free “fast pass” options, you’ll want to hit Sheikra before the line gets out of hand.
- If you hate lines, you can purchase a Quick Queue online or at the park from $14.95 up to $39.95
- Kids FIVE AND UNDER are FREE. Register for the Preschool Pass here.
- Keep an eye on them on Facebook for info from visitors and the scoop on upcoming events.
About the author: Maria is surrounded by boys. She gets all aflutter when she finds good deals, new episodes of Gossip Girl, and big bold bottles of red wine. Read more from this author.
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Kids 5 and under being free is new. Like, brand new – we just bought our 3 year old a pass a couple of months ago. Maybe they’ll refund it? Doubt it – oh well. Good to know for next year! Thanks!
The signs are still up that you can’t, but you CAN bring your own food! just not glass or rolling coolers =)
I’ve never left a comment before but I love your blog and always enjoy the emailed reviews. I can’t go to the store without my head spinning, trying to remember what you’ve said about this or that product…so thank you. AND, how funny that today I read your review- and I also live about a half hour from Busch Gardens (Tampa…is this the one you are talking about?) I live in Brandon/Valrico…do you live nearby? How funny! As for Busch Gardens, we don’t have passes and it is too expensive for us- but I agree with your review. I’m going to take my boys to Adventure Island this summer for the first time. Growing up here in the Tampa area, we had passes there every summer. Nice to finally write you- thank you for all the hard work!!