Busch Gardens is an Africa-themed animal theme park located outside of Orlando in Tampa. It focuses on it's tropical landscape, exotic animals and it's amusement attractions. It is operated by SeaWorld Entertainment and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It features ten themed areas as well as specific animal habitat zones.
Morocco
Morocco serves as the main entrance to the park, Gwazi was the main attraction of this area until it closed in 2015 however the ride is still there.
Attractions
Gwazi
Gwazi Gliders
Bird Gardens
This area is mainly gardens and animal exhibits where you can feed multiple kinds of animals.
Attractions
Walkabout Way
Sesame Street Safari of Fun
This is the children's area of the park and features attractions that were re-themed around Sesame Street in 2010.
Attractions
Telly's Jungle Jam
Rosita's Djembe Fly-Away
Bert & Ernie's Watering hole
Air Grover
Stanleyville
Stanleyville features water rides and the first dive coaster in America, SheiKra
Attractions
SheiKra
Stanley Falls Flume
Tanganyika Tidal Wave
Congo
This section is themed around the jungles of the Congo and features two of the parks most popular attractions.
Attractions
Kuma
Congo River Rapids
Ubanga Banga Bumber Cars
Jungala
Jungala features up close animal encounters as well as being a more grown up kids area.
Attractions
Jungle Fliers
The Wild Surge
Pantopia
This area was originally named Timbukto and has had lots of renovations over the years.
Attractions
Scorpion
Sand Serpent
Phoenix
Pantopia Theater
Caravan Carousel
Falcon's Fury
Nairobi
This area is mainly animal habitats and houses the large Animal Care Center.
Crown Colony Plaza
This is the smallest area of the park and features a restaurant and cheetah themed attractions.
Attractions
Cheetah Hunt
Cheetah Run
Egypt
This area is made to look like an Egyptian market place and features roller coasters as well as a new one to 2016, Cobra's Curse.
Attractions
Cobra's Curse
Montu
Tip #1: Take the bus to Busch!
If you purchased the Orlando FlexTicket you get free transportation to Busch Gardens from SeaWorld or Universal Orlando. There are only specific times you can get the bus and you have to make sure you are back at the bus stop to go back to Orlando but it takes you directly into the park and you can't complain about free transport!
Tip #2: Don't feel the need to go on every coaster!
Without a doubt, Busch Gardens has the most coaster attractions out of the theme parks and with it being further out of Orlando there is less chance you'll spend multiple days at the park. I wouldn't recommend trying to fit every attraction in on one day as that many coasters can ruin your day and not make you feel your best so check out the more mellow attractions!
Tip #3: Take the train or the skyride!
The Serengeti railway and the Skyride take you around the park and is a great way to get off your feet. You can get some great views from either so maybe try both!
Tip #4: Don't let the non-magic ruin your day!
So every time I have been to Busch Gardens which is about 5 times, I have had to deal with really horrible staff at the park. Whether it's a member of staff yelling at me (when I was a kid!) or jsut really rude staff it put a damper on the day. I get it it's not Disney but Universal have great workers in the park, so don't let it ruin your day if it doesn't match up to the other parks.
Tip #5: Conquer your fears!
If your not good with roller coasters in general this probably isn't the park for you. I love roller coasters I've never been scared of a roller coaster and I love rides like The Tower of Terror with a drop. However Falcon's Fury was a whole new level, it slowly brings you up before plummeting you face first towards the ground. I was hyperventilating and crying before I went on the ride but the minute I got off I was so happy I had done it, it was amazing! So don't let fear strike you out, who knows when you'll be back or if the ride your dubious about will still be there!
Tip #6: Use the app!
As with all of the theme parks, you can grab a park map, the Busch Gardens map however is HUGE! It doesn't fold neatly away like Disney and is rather a nuisense to go in and out of your bag for. Busch Gardens now have an app that'll show you the quickest way to get to your next attraction, the attraction wait times etc. So much more handy than a map!
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