Busch Gardens
Florida Guide > Other Parks
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an hours drive from Orlando and well worth a visit. If you prefer not to drive to Busch take the Busch Gardens Shuttle Express for only $5 per person for a round trip from Orlando. The service is usually free with the purchase of a 5-Park Orlando Flexi Ticket.
For pick-up times and locations, call 1-800-221-1339.
This great family adventure park offers many attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent. Busch has a unusual mixture of wildlife and wild and thrilling rides, claiming to be Florida’s premier roller coaster park. There are over 2,000 animals (the alligators have to be seen to be believed), live shows, restaurants, shops and games, Busch Gardens provides excitement for guests of every age.
There are lockers if you need them. These are especially useful for the cooler months, you can leave dry clothing in case you get wet or warmer clothing for the chilly evenings.
The Serengeti Railway runs around the Park with several station stops. You can either hop from one station to the next or just sit back and go all around the park.
For those who like heights there is a Sky ride cable car with great views of the park and very good for cool breezes on a hot day! Try to avoid the stop near the entrance to the Park as this gets very busy. Go to the other side of the Park and you can usually just walk on.
Rhino Rally can also be very busy so if you arrive early go there first, we have been on it many times but never fail to enjoy it.
There is a new 4D show the Haunted Lighthouse a must see for over 7s( a little scary at times for younger ones) and adults, we all laughed out loud. Shows every 20 minutes so not much waiting.
KaTonga is a 35 minute musical celebration of animal folklore that takes you to the heart of Africa. At certain times of the year you can also attend a KaTonga Breakfast show. This must be booked in advance and you enjoy a buffet breakfast whilst mixing with the cast before being shown to premier seats for the show.
For animal enthusiasts there are half hour Serengeti Safari tours for which there is an extra charge. On these you should see giraffes, zebra, antelopes and other African wildlife up close up with great photo opportunities. There are five tours a day but the 11.15 tour can be pre booked. There is a minimum age of 5 years. You can also enjoy a Dining Safari with the 1.00pm tour but again this must be pre booked.
King Tuts Tomb is a replica of the original. Although this is quite a small attraction my 10 year old daughter found it very interesting..
Younger children love the Land of the Dragons, they can spend quite some time here. It is a perfect opportunity for one of the adults in the party to sit down whilst the younger members of the family enjoy themselves and the older ones go off to the roller coasters. The young children enjoy exploring the 3 storey house as well as the slides and the rides. There is a maximum height restriction of 56”.
There are many opportunities to eat at Busch. You can find six Quick Bite locations around the Park where you can get a snack of pizza, chicken strips, turkey legs etc.
The Desert Grill offers ribs, spaghetti and meatballs, pasta dishes as well as sandwiches and a children’s menu. For fine dining you can visit the Crown Colony Restaurant although this is quite expensive.
Do not forget to go to the Budweiser Hospitality Centre to get your 2 complimentary drinks!
Busch Gardens is located:
One hour from Orlando via interstate 4 Corner of Busch Boulevard and 40th Street
It is well signposted and easy to find. You pass several restaurants near to the Park so if you need breakfast before you start these are ideal.
Nearly 5,000 parking spaces are available for vehicles. Spaces are available to cars and motorcycles for $7.00. A shuttle bus takes you the very short ride from the car park to the theme park.
Preferred Parking is offered, but subject to availability. This is located alongside the main entrance. Preferred parking for cars and motorcycles is $11.00.
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