Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay

I don't know how but I somehow have avoided writing this opinion even though I had been to the park on three separate occasions before this year. Well, the wait is over and here you have my opinion and a rough guide to, arguably, the best theme park in Florida.

Location

From the main tourist area of greater Orlando, Busch Gardens is about two hours away (depending on traffic conditions.) It is a relatively simple process on going onto the I-4 (big motorway thing) towards Tampa (west) and driving along until you see a sign for Busch Gardens. There are plenty of billboards telling you which exit to take so this is not a problem. You could co on into central Tampa and back out on the I-275 that brings you right to the park but the signs direct you along a back route to avoid the traffic chaos affectionately known as downtown Tampa.

Many people who travel from I-Drive and Kissimmee get a shuttle bus although we have never done this but I think it would be quite restrictive, especially for those who like to stop and look around a lot.

The location of the park is its biggest disadvantage, being a theme park and zoo means the opening hours are less than others parks so you may well have to come twice (not a bad thing in my opinion.)

The Park

Once you arrive, you pay the $5-7 parking fee and dump your car in the predictably large parking area, otherwise known as an oven (you'll see what I mean when you get into your car after it has been baking in the sun for six hours or so.) The best thing to do in this situation (when leaving) is open the doors and run away for a minute to let the deep heat out then switch on the engine and air conditioning and go a long walk until the temperature is bearable. Other solutions include buying a windscreen mirror thing to deflect some of the heat but the effect is minimal.

Anyhow, you have parked your car and will need to get to a tram-stop to get a tram over to the main complex. This is free and they run constantly all through the day. Remember your tram-stop number, the row you parked your car and any other landmarks or else you could have a long evening looking for your car.

Once you arrive at the main gate, you first have the option of buying tickets followed by the turnstiles where you give in your tickets. Despite the fact, the whole of Florida has a feeling of emptiness about it due to the economic downturn and 9/11, the queues here are longer than before as everyone is frisked and a security guard may inspect your bag.

Well, you are in and the first thing you will want to do is grab a map. Then go and find a nice piece of shade to plan your day. There are eight shows, each lasting 15 to 30 minutes. I recommend you arrive 15 minutes early for most shows. This means you may want to be selective about what shows you are going to see, especially for those planning one day only.

The Attractions

I will start off with the shows.

World Rhythms on Ice
This has the immediate advantage of being an indoor attraction so it is lovely and cool and not affected by any thunderstorms. The show itself is very good. It's theme is the world and centres around world music and people dancing/skating to the it. A very enjoyable experience and although the theatre is big, you will want to arrive early top guarantee good seating.

Dolphins of the Deep
I will be brief here as by the time you have read this, this show will be closed. It is the basic show where everyone piles into a stadium and is told about dolphins, who then perform tricks with their trainers.

Moroccan Roll
This is a rock n' roll show with a Moroccan touch. It has not changed since the first time I saw it (several years ago) but is still worth a visit.

AJABU! The Amazing Acrobats of China
This is a must see, it takes the form of a circular stage with tiered seating around it like any circus. The acrobat troop comes out in two sets - men and women and perform many different tricks and acrobatic stunts. Some of the things they do really are breathtaking including jumping through quite small rings, and gravity defying balancing acts.

International Celebration
This is a celebration of traditional dance and song throughout the world. It is a good 25 minute show and gives you plenty of opportunity to join in and show everyone how well you can sing and dance.

Captain Kangaroo's Roo Crew Live
I never saw this but I will make the wild assumption it is some kind of kid's show.

Now, that you have done the shows, you will probably want to see some animals (they have over 3000 of them), after all it is a real working zoo. Most exhibits are like any other zoo, you look at the animals in an enclosure and that is it but most have shorts talks with the keeper every so often and some are a little bit more interactive.

Asian Elephant
Nothing much to say really, most people know what an elephant is.

Clydesdale Hamlet
See some of the Clydesdale horses made famous (apparently) for pulling the big Budweiser carts. Occasionally, a horse will be brought around the park with a cart. I can say they get up to quite a speed considering the heat and the size of the load.

Orang-utans
See the world's laziest orang-utan sit in the shade and relax all day.

Lory Landing
This is a walkthrough aviary where you can get very close to exotic birds. You can buy some nectar to aid you in your quest for proximity but it is not necessary.

Living Dragons
This is an area where you can see some very large (and not so large) lizards. Some are surprisingly well camouflaged and will provide minutes worth of enjoyment trying to spot them.

You have done the shows, you have seen the animals, time to go home…

…or maybe not. Now, we have the main attractions, the rides, the coasters, the water rides and so on.

The first thing you see when you go in is the (drum roll)

Gwazi
It is a massive wooden thing, and I strongly suggest you avoid this until later in the day as queues can become long. When you do get on one (there are two that race but are basically symmetrical) the first thing you will notice as a major difference from any other coaster is the incredibly loud noise. It really is a problem when it comes to trying to protect your ears. It is a bumpy coaster and it also tends to bang your knees against the protector thing at the front but it is very enjoyable nonetheless.

Tanganyika Tidal Wave
This attraction can be ridden in two ways, on a boat where you go around a river thing then get soaked or on a bridge where you watch the people in the boat go around the river then get soaked. If you have small children, cameras, or dry clothes, you will want to avoid this ride or the bridge as you do get drenched from head to toe and will spend the rest of the day dripping.

Stanley Falls
This is an amusing log-flume but nothing special. It is not the fastest flume in the world but still good fun. I would highly recommend this to anyone who isn't into thrill rides much as it is quite tame but looks good to non-riders.

Python
This is a small coaster, many people think small coasters are better for beginners, however this is untrue! They throw you around more and produce higher G-Forces thus putting immense strain on your neck. Not a nice experience really but some people enjoy them.

Congo River Rapids
Busch Gardens have created a very profitable catch-22 situation here. You get on a big circular boat and go around a river that spins you around and generally makes you feel as if you are out of control. You then get to near the end and are surprised at how dry you have stayed. Then some inconsiderate fool on a bridge puts a quarter (25c) into a machine and a hose soaks you. So annoyed, you plot revenge and march up to the bridge and soak the next boat that comes around and the process continues. In summary, fun but wet!

Kumba
This is one of the greatest coasters around although often ignored in favour of the wooden and new Gwazi and the legendary Montu. Some key features of the Kumba include a loop that goes around the climb, a tunnel, a very cool turn where you can touch the grass (although not recommend for safety reasons), and several tight twists. Apart from that, it is a basic coaster. If you are ever on it, try to lift your legs to fully experience the G-Forces created (you cannot lift your legs at certain points.)

Kumba (an account by my mum who hates coasters but rode this one once to say she done it)
Why am I doing this?
Hey, do we go all the way up, help!
AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Never again!

Scorpion
Just like the python except smaller. It consists of a ramp then one loop then three of four tight turns to slow you down then you get off. As I said, dull for coaster freaks like my dad and I.

Rhino Rally
This is very unique, first off, you are in a specially converted Landrover (longer and more seats.) Secondly, you have a guide who actually does drive the vehicle and not just pretend to (at times) and thirdly it is a real safari; you actually do drive around and have to stop occasionally as a rhino wanders onto the path. Now, it has been open 2-3 years and I have been twice every year but have never seen the whole thing open. There are two parts, the land bit where you get close to the animals and learn about them then the water bit where you get into deep danger and come close to death. The water bit looks great fun, exciting and generally a worthwhile experience but closed. I am actually beginning to doubt whether they have ever had the water section open.

Akbar's Adventure
This was a very shaky headache inducing simulator around tombs and the like. It was also inside so had many things going for it. Unfortunately it broke down on an hourly basis and was always closed for maintenance so I only got to ride it once. It has now been closed indefinitely.

Skyride
This is not really a ride but a useful way to get from one side of the park to another while getting a birds-eye view of the park. I suggest you do this first to get to the back of the park where numbers are less. It takes the form of a four-person cart thing that hangs below a wire something like a telegraph pole.

Busch Gardens Railway
Again, this is not really a ride but a working railway with two old steam trains pulling passengers around the park. It is the best way to see the Serengeti Plain and will generally give you a good view of the whole park.

Montu
Everyone who knows anything about rollercoasters will tell you that the Montu is one of the top ten coasters in the world. It is the first thing you will see when you park your car and last ride you see when you are leaving the park. The sheer size of it makes it an immediate hit among coaster fans then add in the fact it is inverted (your legs dangle free) and the fact you go underground a few times and the fact you do rolls within inches of walls and finally the fact that the whole coaster looks like a normal coaster put through a blender.

I loved this ride so much, I rode it three times without getting off, it was the final afternoon, and there was no queue so I stayed on and enjoyed every second of it. Over the years, I have probably rode it over 20 times now. The best bit is the barrel roll and 90 degree turn all in one going underground just when you think the ride is over. The coaster starts to slow down and you think, that was great, it cannot be improved then it does get much, much better.

Usually, I do not mention any dining places in these theme park opinions but I will make a special exception here for the amazing Sultan's Sweets. No matter how hungry you are, a medium looking cheesecake from here will fill you up. Normally, I would eat a big lunch so when we first went in and got a small cheesecake, I laughed and said something along the lines of OK, what will I have for my real lunch. Then I ate it and was quite full. They also do some equally dense chocolate cake and a large selection of fudge.

I am pretty sure there are a few things I left out but it is up to the individual what attractions they visit. For example, you can go to an Anheuser Busch tasting session where you taste Budweiser and other Anheuser Busch products but we never went, as we are all teetotallers. Others may have omitted all the coasters.

Tips and Stuff

- There is a kids bit where there are some very small rides, bright colours and a few other things designed specifically for small children. I cannot write much about it other than I'm sure its fun for younger visitors.
- Due to Florida's climate, thunderstorms may arrive without much warning, in this case, all outdoor attractions will be closed immediately. Riding a rollercoaster and getting hit by lightning would be the ultimate thrill ride but may result in premature death and large maintenance costs.
- However, Busch Gardens promise a rain guarantee so if the weather messes your day, pop along to a ticket outlet and get free tickets for the following day.
- As I mentioned earlier on, Florida is relatively empty so the parks have very small queues (especially Busch), some good offers on tickets and a general happiness to see tourists.
- I think I said it earlier on but it is worth repeating. The park closes at 1800 so plan your day around the morning and afternoon. This will also reduce the chances of your day being disrupted by rain.
- Ride the Gwazi later on when the queues have died down, it is at the front and attracts everyone to it as a first place to go.
- I must comment of the facilities as ciao have a little combo box for it. They are great, toilets are spotless and around every corner, the bins are emptied every time you think of putting something in one and the pavements/streets are also very clean. All round, the standard of the park is next to none apart from other parks.
- Oh yeah, I better explain the title. Eddie Cochran once sung 'Summertime Blues' with the line "ain't no cure for the summertime blues." Of course, this is wrong as you'll find a trip to Florida and Busch Gardens will remove those blues quite nicely.

Verdict

I love this because of the large amount of rollercoasters (and other reasons).
My mum loves this even though she despises rollercoasters.
Now, that means basically anyone who goes here will love it, I am sure there are some people who would go and walk around all day and yawn and hate it but I suspect that is the minority.

Chris