Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Perfect for Teens

While there are many theme parks to choose from in the Orlando area, Busch Gardens is well worth the drive. My daughter and her boyfriend recently went to Busch Gardens for the day. It was less than an hour drive from the Champion’s Gate/Ginn Reunion area where we live. Being residents of greater Orlando, we have been to all of the local theme parks numerous times, but we’re always looking for something new and fun to do.

For starters, the price was great, especially compared to the Disney theme parks; $55 for a basic ticket online $65 at the gate (Florida residents get an even better deal), and for $10 more, it becomes a Fun Card, valid for admission for the rest of the year!

The rides were great, 3 big steel coasters (including a floorless dive coaster called SheiKra), 2 smaller steel coasters (one for grownups, one more kid sized), 2 wooden racing coasters (under one name, Gwazi), and 3 water rides (awesome on a hot day). On top of all that they have two really great rides that incorporate the animals of Africa (the theme of the park) called Rhino Rally, a safari race, and a more traditional safari ride that you book in advance (extra charge).

The animals and animal shows are amazing from elephants to great apes, and since the kids’ trip Busch Gardens has added a brand new area called Jungala (opened in April 2008) with more animals and more rides.

They said the food was great, in fact they said “much better” than at the Disney parks. And the souvenir selection is very good, and very reasonably priced. My daughter came home with two adorable stuffed animals of high quality for $12.99 each.

All in all, I would highly recommend Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for a day trip from the Orlando area, especially with bigger kids who like the big rides.