I have 2 boys ages 7 and 10, not roller coaster riders. I have heard different views about busch gardens, not sure if I should go to both or just pick one?? Both are animal lovers.

I am not a roller coaster rider but I really enjoyed Busch Gardens for the animals, animal shows, and non-roller coaster rides. It is a very different kind of park.

Sea World would be great for them too. Lots of close up (and some interaction) w/the animals.

Are you coming into Orlando? I assume so. If so, definitely go to Sea World. Going to Busch Gardens involves getting to Tampa and either staying there a night or doing it as a long day trip. I prefer the option of staying in Tampa for the night. We stayed at Sheraton Suites when our 2 kids were the ages of yours, and were able to do it with one room (fold out queeen sofa in living area).

I am a UK travel agent and I have just "inspected" both places.

My wife hates roller coasters, but we still got a lot out of our trip to Busch Gardens. There is a 45 minute train ride that goes past all the animal "parks", and a rhino safari which is an adventure ride but with real SUV's. A cable car ride takes you over the "plains". They also have shows and demonstrations.

If you do not want to drive, they have their own free bus from Orlando (an hour or so).

Seaworld is an aquatic zoo and also has the killer whale show and a water-ski spectacular.

If you are going to do both, and your visit is long enough, you might want to consider a 5 park flex ticket - that gives you 14 days unlimited access to Seaworld, Busch, Universal studios, Islands of Adventure and Wet n wild (not Disney though).

When are you going? If you are going off-season, then I would recommend Busch Gardens. We went there in early December and you could literally walk onto any ride you wanted. There were absolutely no lines for any of the rides. So we did the non roller coast rides, fed the lorikeets, etc. Great fun. The guy who "drove" our safari ride was very clever and funny in a non-corny,non-schmaltzy way.
Note: there is a lot of water on some of the rides, so bring plastic ponchos! If not, pack along a change of clothes.
We didn't find the drive between the Orlando area and BG (and back) that tiring.

I guess it depends on your boys. We loved Sea World, it's shows and exhibits. There is nothing quite like it. I have also been to Busch. The tour through the animal exhibit was most disappointing. The Roller Coaster broke down while we were deciding whether or not to go on. (Thank heavens) The shops, etc, were very touristy. It's more geared to the adult visitor.

I would skip Busch. Your boys will love Sea World. Allow them all the time they want to watch the fish and animals through the glass walls in the aquarium section. And if you sit near the pools during the water shows....you may get splashed. The kids LOVE that, but getting them dry again, can be a problem.

Thanks for the responses. We are planning on going to Animal Kingdom as well. We went to Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios last year, all of us were very disappointed. Sea World seems like the place to go. My fiance and I are getting married on Fort desoto beach and thought BG might be something the kids would enjoy while we are there. But from the responses I think Sea World, Animal Kingdom, and then the Florida Aquarium in Tampa sounds like a plan,any opinions?

What does everyone think of Cypress Gardens?

irish, sorry, haven't been to Cypress Gardens since it reopened (must get out there one day!), but may I suggest Lowry Park zoo in Tampa since your boys love animals? At Lowry Park they can feed giraffes, ride camels, pet walleroos; really interact with and learn about animals.

My family has had annual passes to Busch Gardens, Disney and Universal. Last summer we did Busch with 4 children under age 11 and they had a great time. We stayed at the Embassy Suites near the park on the University Campus. My children loved Universal so if you didn't like it I can't see how you will enjoy Busch Gardens. It is an older park not as clean and the area is not as nice as Orlando. We enjoyed but I don't plan to return there. Seaworld was fun and the shows were enjoyable