Ray

If you were going for the first time, which one would you go to? BTW, we ARE NOT Disney people or amusement park people, nor are our 9 & 12 year old boys. However, we thought the experience may be worth it.

Eileen

At the risk of getting the pro-Disney vs. non-Disney discussion going again -- how do you know that you're not Disney types if you haven't been there? Also, I wouldn't think of Disney as just an "amusement park." Even if you never went on a single ride, there's plenty to do. We've been to both Disney and Bush Gardens. Bush Gardens is quite attractive and I'd go there again, but I'd consider that more of an amusement park. There are shows 'though and the animals.
Also, if you've really closed your mind to Disney, you might consider Epcot.

Merilee

Busch Gardens is a good place to go if you like roller coasters...they have quite a few...but they also have shows (last time I was there they had an ice-skating show) and they also have the animal safari area...I agree with Eileen that Epcot would probably be a better choice for you...there's alot to see and do...my kids loved the Honey I Shrunk the Kids 3-D movie and the Malestrom in Norway. It's a good choice if you are not interested in a traditional amusement park setting.

garyt

Ray - Busch Gardens is a Zoo/amusement park experience...compared to WDW, the experience is nowhere near as diverse and worthwhile... the prior post is correct in that a day at Epcot will expose your kids to a Science/ cultural experience not expected from an amusement park... grab Birnbaum's unofficial Guide to WDW for help on the park experience...its worth the $15 and after spending a day there... try to stay away....

x

you can`t even compare the 2.....BG is very nice but not even in WDW league.....I think most anyone would enjoy the whole complex....kids are kids,ven if you think they`re not....lots of adults enjoy it too minus children...you`d probably at least enjoy Epcot...you also never know for sure if yo don`t try....don`t miss an oportunity to do fun things w/ the kids..they will grow and be gone b4 you know it..glad we got many ops for family trips and quite a few to WDW and I`m not a big RIDE fan......

xxx

If none of you are really amusement park people, then I say.....don't go to either! Do you know how much it is to get into those places? YIKES! BG is a minimum of bout $40 per person, not sure what WDW is.....spend the money elsewhere.

ron

we live in west central fla and are vet theme parkers. BG vs. WDW for my young teens: BW because the animals are closer, you can rest between ride lines at a bunch of different shows, the park is easier to navigate, and the lines are shorter (relatively speaking). but their favorite park is sea world orlando for most of the same reasons above. if you decide to do BG, check out www.thatparrotplace.com. great hotel owned by 1 guy who understands what family hospitality is all about. enjoy

ron

we live in west central fla and are vet theme parkers. BG vs. WDW for my young teens: BW because the animals are closer, you can rest between ride lines at a bunch of different shows, the park is easier to navigate, and the lines are shorter (relatively speaking). but their favorite park is sea world orlando for most of the same reasons above. if you decide to do BG, check out www.thatparrotplace.com. great hotel owned by 1 guy who understands what family hospitality is all about. enjoy

Celeste

By the way, Busch Gardens and Sea World, which are both owned by Busch, are offering free admission to all police department, fire department, EMT personnel, and military personnel (active and reserve) and their families (first visit only) until 12/31/01.

Beth2

Had to write with my two cents worth! If you go to Sea World, consider Discovery Cove. Your boys would LOVE that. Snorkel, river tubing, aviary full of wildlife, and even a swim with the dolphins if you want to splurge. Discovery Cove is a full day's visit in itself, and includes lunch and a pass to go to Sea World any day during the week prior or post your Disc Cove ticket.
To choose between Busch Gardens and WDW...no contest! But which WDW park to choose is more difficult. Sounds like you DON'T want the Magic Kingdom. Consider Animal Kingdom if they like wildlife, zoos, etc. MGM if they are interested in how movies and animation are created (plus the two most thrilling WDW rides). EPCOT if they are interested in science and social studies.
Hope it's a family vacation you'll all love!

lena

if you're kids have never been to Disney, then please take them.I think it's an important part of growing up. Just the magic of being there is so special, even if you don't go on many rides (although you're kids will). Both places are expensive but have lots to offer. My preference for Busch Gardens is the shade but not if I hadn't gone to Disney already. I found Epcot to be quite boring. We go to science museums alot so I didn't think there was anything so great there. D.C. has much more to offer. Disney is for fun, magic, fantasy, there's more exciting parks to visit than Epcot. Maybe after you've done magic kingdom.... my husband is anti amusement parks. Last year we were in Orlando for a sports event and my 9 year old was so excited to see Mickey on all the signs. He finally asked my husband.."daddy who is Mickey Mouse?". The guilt! He still had trouble going to Magic Kingdom but we went to Universal for 2 hours (expensive but worth it for my kids to have "been".) Somethings stay in a child's memory for life. I will never forget going to Disney, the Macy's Day Parade, the world's fair, Radio City, etc....they're special moments. You may even like it yourself.

Kristina

I grew up in Jacksonville FL & went to Disney every year, sometimes twice a year. Busch Gardens & Universal Studios are like Six Flags - a bunch of rides but nothing for te imagination. Disney is not just an amusement park - Epcot Center, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom - they're really more for adults than little kids (which yours aren't). Give Disney a chance before writing it off. You won't regret it.