Explore Busch Gardens Florida! Tampa Bay's #1 Attraction
Only an hour's drive from Orlando...Busch Gardens Florida is an excellent day out for all the family to have loads of fun.
Here's a quick geographical lesson...Busch Gardens is situated down the gulf coast area of Tampa Bay Florida, with easy access from Orlando along the improved I-4 highway.
We have travelled here a few times during our visits to Orlando Florida, and have never been disappointed with what's on offer...All aspects of this theme park we believe push the right buttons.
From a safari ride on 'Rhino Rally' around the 'Serengeti plains' to the thrill seekers paradise of 'Sheikra', 'Gwazi', 'Montu', 'Scorpion'...get soaked at the 'Congo River Rapids', and enjoy toe tapping dinner shows at the 'Desert Grill' over lunch...Busch Gardens Florida has it all.
News Update!
Busch Gardens are proud to announce the recent opening of 'Jungala' formerly located in the area known as 'Congo' Don't worry 'Congo River Rapids' is still about
Sunkissed tip;
It's a long day and may be a bit too much for the young ones of about one to four years of age...but hey, you know your own children better than us, so read on and decide for yourself if you want to take that day out away from Orlando.
To help you explore Busch Gardens...here are a few useful tips you might find helpful to get a feel of the place before you arrive...especially if it's your first time. Click on the blue hyperlink of your choice and 'bookmark' if required.
Dining...What's on offer at the park? Do you have to pre-book for certain restaurants?
Rides...Thrills, spills, ages and height restriction info.
Shows...Look out for the Pirates 4 D show, plus much more.
Tours...From feeding rhinos to your own extreme rides.
Forums...Personal views about the park...always useful 1,2,3.
"We find these links very helpful to pre plan and budget before your visit"
Arriving At Busch Gardens
If you have decided to drive to the park from Orlando or Kissimmee depending on the time of year (High season) etc this should take you around an hour, check opening times before you leave your home town.
Parking charges as we build this page (2007) are...$9.00 dollars for cars, and $14.00 dollars for preferred parking - close to main entrance into park...these prices are subject to change, we recommend you check this website before you leave your home town, to confirm prices.
If the shuttle service is your first choice of travel from Orlando, check pick up times when you request your pick-up point in Orlando, you will pay at Busch Gardens service desk on arrival at the park ($10 Dollars per person)...remember it's free if you have purchased 5 Park Orlando Flex tickets.
Once Inside The Park!
Remember your park map as you enter the park...if you require a stroller/pushchair/wheelchair...make your way round to the right, walk pass lost and found and the hire place is next, these hire charges start from $10 dollars.
If you are 'thrill seekers' head straight towards 'Sheikra' as in high season this becomes busy as soon as the gates open...don't forget your park photo...you will be approached.
Now our children are grown up, we personally split up into groups and do our own thing until lunch time and meet up at the 'Desert grill', two way radios are useful here just to keep in contact.
If you have young ones with you, head towards the 'Land of the Dragons'...and the Bird Gardens, they love this area, then hop over to 'Edge of Africa' and take a ride on the train around the Serengeti Plain and the rest of the park (stops are along the way to save those legs).
If we had to criticize Busch Gardens it would be 'Rhino Rally'. Since its opening in 2001 problems have been a regular occurrence with the vehicles and the water bridge...so we would recommend you ask at the gate if the ride is working properly as in the high season this ride becomes extremely busy.
Sunkissed tip;
Use the cable car ride to check out Rhino Rally...if there is no water flowing forget the ride. Also by using the cable car you can get some excellent photos off Busch Gardens, and it's a great way to travel around the park.
If the ride is working, Busch has its equivalent to Disney's Fastpass to beat the crowds which is called Quick Queue Ticket.
The rest of the park is brilliant and is totally down to you and your family on how you want to approach it...remember what time of year you are going.
During the high season, get the rides out of the way first, as they do become busy...and remember 'you will get wet' on the Congo River Rapids.
After the rides enjoy dinner, then explore the colorfulshows...The Pirates 4 D is the new one on offer and good fun.
We hope you enjoy your visit to Busch Gardens as much as we do. We recommend you check out the forums above for that personal point of view regarding the park.
"Don't forget if you have come by shuttle bus...remember the time it leaves, it's a long walk back to Orlando"
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Only an hour's drive from Orlando...Busch Gardens Florida is an excellent day out for all the family to have loads of fun.
If you have decided to 
If you are 'thrill seekers' head straight towards 
The rest of the park is brilliant and is totally down to you and your family on how you want to approach it...remember what time of year you are going.
