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Old 01-17-2012, 05:25 PM
 
Location: Savannah, GA
794 posts, read 1,862,725 times
Reputation: 1694

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Just before Christmas, my family and I went to Busch Gardens with my Son who was on leave from Afghanistan. First off, they allowed my entire family into the Park for free in appreciation to my Son's service in the military.

The Park was spotless, the Gardens were lush and beautiful. The attractions were fun and in beautiful shape. The roller coasters were really really fun.

We left the park thinking how lucky we are to have such a marvelous theme park right in our backyard. I really feel this park is very underrated. It was just a great experience top to bottom!

To anyone who hasn't been in a while I have to give it Two Thumbs Up!!!! We will certainly go back many times.
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Old 01-17-2012, 05:53 PM
 
224 posts, read 551,907 times
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Yeah right? I used to go there every summer growing up and it was one of my first jobs. Love Busch Gardens. I suggest using the map and going for the entire day to see it all. We used to pack a cooler lunch and go out to the parking lot to eat since we'd come with family/friends and feeding4-6 people there would be pretty expensive. I worked at the now closed down German Festhous and would ring up a family of 3-4 for $100 20 years ago for some potato salad and sausages.
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Old 01-17-2012, 06:27 PM
 
Location: Tampa, FL
27,798 posts, read 32,487,946 times
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kbrkr - I agree. I've had a season's pass for the last three years - mostly for the entertainment shows and concerts. I find a one-day pass is too expensive, but for approx $100 for the year (including parking) is well worth it.
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Old 01-17-2012, 06:30 PM
 
Location: Tampa, FL
3,237 posts, read 6,328,731 times
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It used to be much better when it was more than just a bunch of roller coasters...

Loved the festhaus, the monorail thing over the serenghetti, the brewery and brewery tour, the birds and the hospitality house. A lot of stuff that made busch gardens great is gone...
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Old 01-17-2012, 06:46 PM
 
Location: Tucson AZ
77 posts, read 138,570 times
Reputation: 69
Looking forward to visiting all these places when we move to Florida in March This board has helped my family out so much!
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Old 01-17-2012, 09:17 PM
 
Location: Tampa, FL
181 posts, read 357,506 times
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Are trying to decide to go here or to Disney Quest for my son's 7th birthday. BG is twice as expensive (times 5 tickets) but we'd get the pay for a day, play all year deal....

He's really not that much into coasters and we have a zoo pass, so while I don't think it's a good fit - he does, mostly bcs other kids talk about it. I don't know, it's been a long time since I've been (before he was born) is there more there for kids than kid-coasters?
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Old 01-18-2012, 01:48 AM
 
35,309 posts, read 52,355,243 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crazynip View Post
It used to be much better when it was more than just a bunch of roller coasters...

Loved the festhaus, the monorail thing over the serenghetti, the brewery and brewery tour, the birds and the hospitality house. A lot of stuff that made busch gardens great is gone...
I used to actually like taking the tour of the brewery.
The park has become a bit too pricey for me and my family
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Old 01-18-2012, 03:25 AM
 
792 posts, read 2,294,318 times
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I agree.

Busch Gardens is way better and much cheaper than the other amusement parks in this part of Florida.(Disney & Universal).

I get passes every year.

Went to Disney once. Thought it was very outdated and expensive. Not worth it IMO.

Universal only has a couple of really good rides and it is very expensive too. I found a lot of Universal to be outdated too. The Harry Potter part was really cool though.
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Old 01-18-2012, 03:41 AM
 
Location: Tampa, FL
2,637 posts, read 12,639,061 times
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I also agree that Busch Gardens is very under rated. I grew up in Florida and I've been to almost every theme park here at least once. Busch Gardens is my favorite, and not just because it is the closest. There is something there for everyone. If you like roller coasters, it is an amazing park. If you like animals - again, you'll have plenty to do. There are rides that are not roller coasters and special areas for kids. The namesake gardens are quite beautiful if you are into that sort of thing and there are several fun shows to catch. If all else fails you can play the carnival games at the midway. I personally always eat at the smokehouse, I can't resist that scent. In fact when I used to live on that side of town I sometimes came into the park with my annual pass just to eat at the smokehouse!
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Old 01-18-2012, 07:37 AM
 
Location: Castle Rock, Co
1,613 posts, read 3,242,244 times
Reputation: 969
I agree, I hadnt been in YEARS as im not really into roller coasters. My company rented out the park this year for a while and we got to enjoy a lot of the rides and attractions. It really was a good all around park, my 2 year old daughter LOVED it. Im not huge into roller coasters so I thought it would be boring for me but I had a good time as well!
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