Friends went to Busch last Jan and said that there was alot of construction and many of the attractions were closed. We will be there in Mid-Jan, is this normal in Jan. Are a lot of attractions closed?

Since we have great zoos where we live we really are not interested in the animals. Is it still worth going? We did Disney last year and are going to concentrate on other attractions this year.
Thanks

Sandy...try the busch web site: buschgardens.com for information you requested. Busch is pretty much completed their construction, although you never know with them what will close next....The park has alot of animals and roller coaster rides...if this is not of interest to you then dont try Busch Gardens...(also, the park is not as clean as a Disney park)

I went to thier website first and could find no information on closures. I also tried e-mailing and have not had a response. So I was hoping someone had been in Jan and could shed some light on this for me.

being fla. residents, we always go to the parks (disney, busch, universal) during the winter months to avoid the crowds. there will always be some attractions that are closed....i don't think the season has anything to do with it although it would make sense to do maintenance while the crowds are smaller. if its cold outside, Busch will keep some of the animals inside....other then that i can't report any significant closures.

Sandy, I believe I answered another note of yours on this topic, but wanted to reinforce what Rob said--the closures aren't for lack of people. This is simply the *least* crowded time. If maintenance is necessary on any area, as it inevitably is, it's the best time to do it, and also a good time to build out new areas in preparation for the huge crowds in the summer, both locals and tourists. The park will be crowded though, and they can and will fill all the rides.

As I said in my last note, they are constantly upgrading the park to keep pace with Orlando, and those upgrades may impact one or more areas temporarily, but they are not closing for lack of people wanting to ride, or inclement weather (though I really don't see the pleasure of doing the flume then walking around the park wet for the rest of the day in Jan or Feb!)

We live in Tampa and winter is the only time I'll go. On our last visit in March, much of the safari area was closed as they made improvemnts, a disappointment for us, but that was it for closures. If you are going to be in the Tampa area anyway, I suggest you give them a call. Or...post again close to your departure date and I'll see what I can find out for you then.

Thanks for the info. We haven't purchased our tickets yet. My friend made it sound like half the park was closed last Jan. I don't mind one or two closures but half the park is pushing it. If I want to get a Canadian deal I have to buy in November thats why I'm asking so early. You know, when you only have 7 days you would like them all to be great. But you guys have eased my mind and I think I'll give it a shot.

To CMC, I posted this in a few boards because I wasn't getting any replies. Thanks. We Canadians are made tough, so if you see 4 soaking wet fools walking around in the cold it may be us.