busch gardens
 

Can someone tell me what there is to do at busch gardens besides the rides? My wife and myself are not big on rides and we are wondering if it would be worth the drive from fort myers ,where we will be vacationing for a week.Also should we take a hotel in Tampa , if we do decide to go?Any suggestions on which one?

If you don't like roller coasters, you probably won't feel like you got your money's worth at Busch Gardens. There's animals to see, you could pay extra $$ and do a safari trip, there's shows and shops, but the rides are the big draw. I'd recommend you consider going to Epcot instead. It's not that much further.

Personally, I would not drive up to Tampa for Busch Gardens if I didn't like rides. They do have a lot of animals, but it's nothing spectular. They also have some shows, including an Irish dancing one. Check their website for details.

My question is, why are you thinking about coming up to Tampa? Do you want a little break from Ft. Myers? If so, you could certainly make a nice overnight visit to the area - lots to do and see, depending on what your interests are. If you don't really want to drive up but feel like you should, then I would say forget it - just relax and enjoy yourself in Ft. Myers. If you want a day trip, Sarasota is wonderful - art museum, plays, shopping, botanical gardens, etc.

I agree with the others.

Spend the day at Sanibel instead. Rent some bikes, do the Ding Darling thing, pluck shells, etc.

While in Ft. Myers, check out the Edison/Firestone estates and museum. I found that suprisingly wonderful!

I am always surprised that people have such a limited view of Busch Gardens -- or if they are basing their opinions on a trip there, that they indeed missed all BG has to offer. Busch Gardens is actually one of the South's largest most diverse zoos, and is known among those who work in the zoo field for being outstanding. It has a huge cross section of animals on its expansive "veldt" that are typical to what you would find on the Serenghetti. You traverse the veldt via either a train, or there is also a skytram. Also, there are many other animal exhibits in the park, including gallapagos turtles, alligators, crocodiles, and gorillas, all in elaborate incredible settings intended to replicate their natural habitats. And there is entertainment throughout the park in various venues all day long (so many people do not see any of the entertainment venues, it's amazing). They have a very nice theatre, much like a Broadway-type theatre, and right now they have a RiverDance group that is a great 30-minute show. There are circus acts at some theatres, belly dancers, snake charmers, and in the Fest Hause you can eat and watch the show which is usually a german-style musical ala Busch Gardens. They have a dolphin show similar to what you'd see at Sea World. There are water rides that are more like canoe or raft trips, not like the roller coasters, including a flume ride. And there is at least one virtual reality ride (a simulator type thing). They have some Clydesdales in their stables, which you can visit. There is at least one movie, although I think it's about the Clydesdales. They have some terrific restaurants in the park. They have shops that have lots of items that come from Africa, the shopping is a lot of fun (you can actually get a shopping pass). The park is landscaped to the hilt, I like to go occassionally just to see how they've landscaped for the season. They have an elaborate orchid garden that is really unusual, orchids on simulated canyon walls -- you peruse it on a raft ride. They have a huge collection of birds that stay at the park (although on occassion one escapes and makes the news -- they stay where they're fed but get a wild hair every now and then).

And of course there's the one free beer. That's all they'll allow you -- and only if you're old enough -- but later in the day you can sneak back for another.

So whether you go is up to you -- but there is plenty to do at Busch Gardens.

TG, we actually have year passes to Busch Gardens (we have enough people come into town that want to go, it was far cheaper to have year passes than buy tickets every time). We just weren't that impressed. It's smaller than I expected, the animal exhibits are smaller than I thought, the shows are OK but then I am not a show person. I did mention the Irish dancing in my previous post, and we are going to go for that. We tried shopping, in fact we went up for their "passholder special sale" and found it all to be overpriced. The skyride is nice, but if there's a little bit of wind, they close it down. My husband thought Sea World in San Diego was much better. (He hasn't been to the one in Orlando, and I haven't been since I was like 10.)

If someone does go to Busch Gardens, here are my recommendations:

-- eat at the restaurant that looks over the Seregenti plains. It's about the same price as the other lunch places, in a much nicer atmosphere with a great view.

-- you actually are allowed 2 beers per day :-) and make sure you ask for the Bacardi Silver Raz. I am not a beer drinker, and I LOVED this stuff. Very sweet and smooth.

-- the bird aviary is wonderful. Spend the $3 or whatever to get the fluid and the parrots will come jump on you to drink from it. One of the larger birds was attracted to my husband and kept sitting on his head and preening his ears. It was hilarious and wonderful.

-- if you want to take the Land Rover ride over the serengti, get to that ride right away. The line forms quickly!

-- the bird show outside the aviary is pretty neat (of course, I am biased, as my handle will show!)

-- make sure you find all the animal exhibits. some are pretty well hidden.

We have enjoyed our times at Busch Gardens, don't get me wrong. It's just that it does have a heavily packaged feel (at least to me) and it's smaller than I expected. Plus, I hate driving on vacation. So if I were in Ft. Myers, I wouldn't want to drive up to Tampa for it. However, many people don't mind driving for vacation and as TG points out, you may indeed feel that it's well worth the drive up.

birder, you must be referring to someone else who said it's "worth the drive up". I'm not one to do a lot of driving. I was replying to those who posted that there's not much there other than rides. I have no idea if icecube will think it's worth the drive up.

We've had passes in the past but now only my son has one as he and his buddies like to go from time to time. They're a great bargain. I can't quite figure out if you like to go or don't like to go -- or just force yourself to go with your friends.

So how do you think they compare to the other Florida parks you've been to? Which ones are your favorites? I'm not crazy about Sea World. The restaurant BTW is the Hospitality House.

Actually, I'm a little ashamed to say I haven't been to very many parks! (At least not since I was much younger, in high school, etc.)

I have been to both MGM & Universal, and didn't like either. I just thought they were sort of boring. I don't know why, I know a lot of people love them.

I have always liked epcot and can't wait to go back with hubby in tow, who has not been there. I would like to try Disney's new animal park, my parents went recently and liked it. I loved Adventure Island as a teen (of course, who wouldn't?) and actually want to go this summer when it's steaming hot. When I was a teen, I LOVED Sea World, it was my favorite park, but not sure if I would still feel that way.

I have been to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and loved it, but haven't been to Sunken Gardens yet. It's on our list! And now that Cypress Gardens has reopened, we want to go there as well. Didn't there used to be some sort of Weeki Wachi Gardens with a mermaid show? We drove up there and could NOT find it.

What other parks am I missing?

A couple of years ago, the city of Weeki Wachee bought it. It is a beautiful spot but I doubt the city will be able to keep it up. It's just off Hwy. 19 in, of course, Weeki Wachee.

I like Busch Gardens because it is a gardens whose theme of exotic wild Africa is not too distant from what Florida really is, as opposed to other themes and theme parks. And I like its intimacy. It is definitely the oldest Florida park, even older than Gatorland :) But I know others want something more from a park which is why Busch Gardens is not the #1 tourist attraction in Florida. I believe it's fallen every year in attendance the past few years. Have you been to Adventure Island in the summer? I think you'd like it. And it's reasonably priced.

You would also love Homosassa Springs, if you've not been there, with all its wildlife -- but it too is very small and intimate. Sunken Gardens is pretty but not much there. Certainly something to do in SP though.

I didn't say there wasn't much to do, I said I didn't think it would be "worth it" to go there if they weren't into rollercoasters. I've lived in the bay area for 30 years and I have been to BG well over 100 times so I feel like I've given it a fair shot. While the animals and shows are nice and all, I can't imagine anyone would think it was "worth" 5 hours of driving and $55.95.

We enjoyed our day at Busch Gardens but we felt the price of admission is high for what you get. It would take over 200.00 for a family of four to just get in and while nice, it's not Disney or Cedar Point.

Gotta disagree with the last one in particular - we like BG better than Disney! My mum now 78 visited with us the last 2 years and not being a big roller coaster fanatic (though give her her due she did quite a few the first time)loved the whole thing.

Definitely have lunch looking out over the Serengetti plains (you feel you actually are in Africa), visit the apes - I sat on my own for half an hour just watching them watching me! At times you don't even know you're in a "ride" park.

Life's too short - You gotta try everything once!

Hi Tandoori_Girl,
My family and I (kids 3.5 &6) are planning on going to Busch Gardens for two days the end of June and then heading over to the beach. I am trying to decide between St. Pete Beach (Don Cesar), Naples (Ritz) or Sarasota (Ritz). Which do you recommend or any other suggestions. Also, where is the nicest place to stay convenient to Busch Gardens?
Thanks

Hi YouGoGirl =; I'm sorry to say that I have no suggestions for places to stay at Busch Gardens. I live in South Tampa so I just drive. There are so many places around there, all sort of generic OK tourist spots, nothing of note. I'd go for a Comfort Inn or Hampton Inn, one of those nice new places with a big pool. Sorry I can't be more helpful. And consider going to Adventure Island on your second day. It's Busch's water park next to BG. In June that would be a great way to cool off and have some family fun.

The Don Cesar is an old romantic hotel on a beautiful beach. It is elegant with great restaurants. Around there is mostly funky beach shops, lots of goofy golf for the kids, a huge video arcade in Treasure Island. Sunken Gardens with the Hands On Childrens Museum attached.

I've not stayed at the Ritz in Sarasota, but I don't think it is on the beach. But it has a beach club on Lido Key that I think they shuttle guests to. There have been some posts here about their restaurants not being up to snuff but St. Armands Circle shopping and restaurants are nearby.

In Naples, there's a walking downtown with some touristy art spots, fun restaurants, a lively scene but not particularly geared for children.

You might consider the drive for your decision. Sarasota is an hour fifteen from Tampa. Naples is another hour onto that. If the hotel is your decision-maker, maybe another post would be a good idea. "Don Cesar, Ritz Sarasota, or Ritz Naples" LittleMissFoodie or Patrick might weigh in on that one.

Going to BG one day and Adventure Island one day. If we decide to stay at the Don, is it worth it to stay there the entire trip and just drive to BG and AI. According to mapquest it is 30 miles (or 40 minutes). What's the "real" time with construction and traffic?
Thanks

There are some very nice hotels in Tampa, the Grand Hyatt and the Waterside Marriot in particular. They are 15-20 minutes from BG. If you want to be at the beach and don't want to switch hotels, then the Don is definitely worth the drive. It is 45 minutes without traffic on interstate except when you get off for BG (1 mile) or when you get off for the Don, and that ride is express not stop and go. There is AM rushhour traffic from SP to downtown Tampa from 7:30 - 9:30, PM traffic from downtown Tampa to SP from 5-7. It is slow, not stopped unless there is an accident.

The Crown Colony restaurant is a nice location for a post-park dinner to stay out of the traffic and unwind, overlooking the veldt and all the animals at BG, but you won't find such a thing at Adventure Island, it's all pizza and burgers. Not sure what time AI closes.