Busch Garden's in Tampa

[cwsoxfan]

This is way O/T, but just curious if any of you have been to Busch Gardens? We're planning a Spring Break trip with the kids. It's either Bonita Bay and staying at my in-laws place and going to Busch Gardens for the day or go straight to Disney World.

I know your probably thinking go to Disney. We took the kids last April, so we thought we'd try a more low key vacation this year. I just don't know if Busch Gardens is too old for them. At the time of the vacation the kids will be 8,6,3 years old. As far as my in-laws condo there's the beach, pool and according to the WDW reservation guy....shuffle board. LOL! Is it going to be THAT low key?!

The other option is to fly into Orlando and stay a few days and then drive over to their condo for a few days and fly back from there.

Decisions, decisions....

So, how's Busch Gardens maybe that will help us decide?

TIA!

Dallas

 

[pumpfe]

Hi Dallas,

I live about an hour south of Tampa and while I haven't been to Busch Gardens in about 5 years, I think your kids are probably too young. There are tons of rides (mega-roller coasters) that would most likely be too much the the youngest 2. The safari isn't as good as Animal Kingdom (IMO)

I have an annual pass to WDW so I am pretty partial.

Have you considered Sea World? Or Universal Studios Islands of Adventure?

Where are you staying in WDW? If you are looking to stay on site I would recommend Port Orleans Riverside. It is moderately priced (for WDW that is), there is an outstanding pool for the kids and a food court.

Where ever you choose, I'm sure you will have a great time.

Debbie Russo

 

[candi]

I live in Orlando and agree with Debbie. Your children a little young for Busch Gardens. I also agree that Sea World and Universal would be much better choices.

One more comment. The weather in our area is absolutely wonderful in March and April!!! You should have a great time.

 

[buffettgirl]

We haven't been there for years, but enjoyed Busch Gardens when my kids were younger than yours. I vote for SeaWorld too. Shamu made me cry tears of joy, and we loved feeding the dolphins.

 

[cwsoxfan]

Thanks everyone! I did a search last night and looked around the Busch Gardens website. It did look like it would be too old for my kids. I completely forgot about Sea World. Where is that closest to again? I'll do a search.

This is what we are thinking fly into Orlando and do the Disney thing and then drive to Bonita Bay and hang out at my in-laws condo. The drive from Orlando has me concerned, but hopefully the kids will be so exhausted they'll sleep for most of it. My dh checked it out and he said it's a 3 1/2 hour drive! Yikes! We will then fly home out of Fort Myers.

Candi, you're right the weather is perfect in March and April. One year we went in February, but it was too cold to go swimming and at night we had to wear our winter coats!

I'm so glad I posted. You're right the kids will have fun at Sea World. My little guy will get a kick out of Shamu. I can't wait to research this now!

Thanks again!

Dallas

 

[candi]

Dallas,

You will see that Sea World is in the same general area as Disney World. I'm thinking maybe 15-20 minutes apart. I used to go to the parks alot when DD was young. DH and I are just finishing up a yearly pass for Universal but I haven't been to Disney or Sea World in several years.

Well, I guess it's time for visit!

P.S. Despite what some people think, December, January and February can get quite chilly here. Just this Saturday we had wind chills at about 50 degrees during the day! Man is my blood thin

 

[cwsoxfan]

>Man is my blood thin

Candi, That's what I tell my sister when she calls from there and tells me it's cold. I tell her to come to Chicago! She lives in downtown Orlando. Thanks for the help. I think my family in Orlando needs to get out more. ha ha! They didn't suggest Sea World.

Well, I have to still book all the tickets...better get going!

Dallas