Family of 4 (2 adults and two kids: 6 & 9 y/o).
Can not decide between Animal Kingdom and Busch Gardens (Tampa).
We will be booking a private tour no matter which park we choose (so price, lines, transportation and navigation is not an issue), but the question is which park would be the best choice for 6 & 9 y/o kids?

It's been many, many years since I have been to Busch Gardens and only many years since Animal Kingdom. I had been to Africa before I went to A.K. and was very impressed with how they have it set up. It's very realistic and we really enjoyed it. I think our kids were 5 & 7 when we went.

If you choose A.K., try to go on a Sunrise and/or Sunset Safari. The descriptions look like they would be well worth going. This website has lots of info http://allears.net/acc/faq_akl.htm

And coincidentally, I met a Masai guide in Kenya last month who was raised the traditional Masai way (meat, milk and blood for food, lives in mud hut etc). For two weeks he was the game driver for the Disney Imagineers that were in Africa while designing the park. He thought they were regular safari guests. He had read an article in a magazine that a previous guest had given him about this Africa park that was going to be built in the US and he made a couple of comments about the article to these guests. They ended up hiring him to fly to the US and work there when it opened. It's a small world after all.

I'm sure you will have fun where ever you go but A.K. gets my vote (just as long as you aren't expecting lots of rides like in Magic Kingdom).

I think Animal Kingdom would be a better choice for children your age.
Busch Gardens is huge and (aside from the animal park) is a large amusement park.
AK is a "theme" park. There are still plenty of rides there for your children and there are some great shows in addition to the safari.

I see you are in NY. Are you booking one of those special tour guides that made the news? Sorry, I had to go there.

Where are you spending the rest of your trip? If you'll be in Orlando, I'd do AK. If in Tampa, do BG.

Thank you, guys! I guess AK would be a better choice for us. rizzo0904, i don't watch tv that much...what special tour guides are you talking about?

Where you hire a handicapped tour guide to get you front of the line access at the various Disney parks. They act as a "family member" and qualify for a Guest Assistance Card. It's apparently all the rage in NYC.

Disney does offer their own tour guides, obviously, but they are more expensive.

hahah..ok...rizzo0904, i just tried to find some info about "Disney tour guides" in the news and i guess you meant those illegal companies that r using disabled passes. No, we are using a private company, but it is not the first time we book tours with them and they do not use any illegal methods. My friend used to work for them as a tour guide and recommended their services.

I was just being fresh. When are you going to Florida?

Also, if your kids have any interest in NASA take a trip over to Kennedy Space Center.

Don't know yet : ) Waiting for my husband to give me an exact date. I planned everything...just need to know the dates to finally get tickets and book the hotel.
We were thinking to visit the Discovery cove (the little one is obsessed with dolphins), but not sure i wanna spend $300 per person...still thinking.