BGA Advice

[dandaman]

Since my sister's looking at universities in the area, apparently on our WDW trip later this month, we're going to BGA as well. Am I correct in assuming that crowds are quite small? Off-season at Disney surprised me last August, so I'd think it'd be the same for BG.

 

P.S. Any input on touring advice would be appreciated. What can I say? I'm a Busch Gardens n00b.

[Homer]

You've picked the perfect time to go to BGT.

 

By then, 99% of Florida students would be back in school since Ol' Jeb loves child slavery. Anyways, you should get most of the park's credits done in no time. Although, keep an eye out for tourgroups and other tourists, as they might make the lines a bit long.

 

From my experience, if you want to creditwhore the park fast, heres my way.

 

First, head off to SheiKra since most crowds would be there all day. Then, head over to Timbuktu and ride Cheetah Chase since that ride has poorer capacity. Following Cheetah Chase, see if Scorpion is open, if it is, ride it. Scorpion can still get 1/2 hour long lines since Busch only runs one train on it.

 

Following Scorpion, head over to Kumba. The station would be deserted and if you're lucky, you may get a train to yourself. After Kumba, if you need a credit boost or love Arrow, ride Python.

 

Following Python, hit up the Skyride in Stanleyville and head toward Montu. Montu should have little wait. Following Montu, head over to Gwazi. Gwazi is a bit iffy on operations and Busch would usually operate one side on slow days like the days you're going. If you get one side, then great, you've ridden the pain-master that is Gwazi.

 

After that, you can ride the flat rides/water rides, or you can go on to the next park. BGT is pretty easy to creditwhore on days like these.

[dandaman]

I might have to credit whore anyway. We'd get to the park a little late due to a university tour. (Though, I could beg and plead with my parents to drop me off for the day...)

 

Y'know, I knew I'd get some good info, just not as good as what you said. Thanks. Glad the crowds have about the same patterns as WDW.

 

P.S. I've heard a few bad things about Gwazi. I just need the credit, and I'll be done. Then again, if I can ride Mean Streak more than once...

[pianojohn]

I was just there a few days ago, and lines for Sheikra were 30-40 minutes. This isn't bad, but for some strange reason, they don't open the single rider line anymore.

 

I watched train after train with empty seats and found it ridiculous not to utilize this line. Hopefully, they will come to their senses. Then again, Apollo's Chariot used to have a single rider line that has not been used for years now.

 

It just does not make sense to me! But have fun anyway!

[BarryH]

SheiKra is about a 10-15 minute walk from the front gates. If you want to save your feet, take the skyride from the Egypt area to the Congo. It's not a timesaver, but definitely a footsaver. The skyride will probably have no line right at opening.

[dandaman]

I was just there a few days ago, and lines for Sheikra were 30-40 minutes. This isn't bad, but for some strange reason, they don't open the single rider line anymore.

 

Dang. I always use that (family's never been keen on coasters).

 

SheiKra is about a 10-15 minute walk from the front gates. If you want to save your feet, take the skyride from the Egypt area to the Congo. It's not a timesaver, but definitely a footsaver. The skyride will probably have no line right at opening.

 

Sounds like a good idea. Never been to the park, obviously, so a good overview might be in order.

[dandaman]

We're unofficially scheduled to go on the 25th now. Doubt that matters in terms of events/crowds, but you'd know better than I.

[dandaman]

Now I need some hotel info. Sister and mom are taking the only vehicle to their university tour, so Dad and I:

 

a) Need a decent hotel within walking distance, if they'll just let you waltz up to the front gate and not have to pay for parking

 

b) Need a decent hotel that has shuttle service to BGA

[BarryH]

If I recall correctly, from the entrance to the BGA parking area to the front gates is about 1/4 walk. The closest hotels to BGA are Days Inn and Baymont Inns. They're about 1/2 to 1 mile away. I've stayed at the Days Inn and it was king of ghetto. The Baymont Inns looks decent from the outside. The Baymont may have changed names recently since I can't find it listed on www.baymontinn.com.

 

I stayed at a Red Roof Inn about 2 miles down. It was cheap, but rowdy. Cops were crawling around the place!

 

I did a Google search and found some Tampa hotels that have a free shuttle to BGA:

 

Doubletree:

http://www.doubletree.com/en/dt/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=TPATFDT

 

Embassy Suites:

http://www.embassysuites.com/en/es/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=TPAFRES

[dandaman]

Wow, 5 days already?

 

We're staying at the Best Western, which for some reason actually has "Behind Busch Gardens" as part of its actual name. Free shuttle, but it operates an hour after park opening. Might end up taking a taxi.

 

Thanks again for your help, guys. I'll try to follow Homer's touring plan of sorts. One last question: Any additional tips? Where to eat, where not to waste money, etc.?

 

P.S. Does Gwazi count as one credit, or two "JJ-style" credits?

 

...And is Kumba really that deserted? It looks like an awesome ride to me.

[BarryH]

If I recall, taxi drop-off is right at the front gates, so you don't have to walk too far to get in.

 

As for where to eat, I usually eat at the smokehouse by SheiKra. The ribs are great! As you eat, you can be entertained by SheiKra making its rounds on the track. I've never tried to Crown Colony full service restaurant, but I heard it's pretty good.

 

I woudn't waste money on the carnival games in the Timbuktu games. Even if you win, you might win a 3 foot tall cupie doll and you don't want to drag that thing around the park!

 

Gwazi is two credits. Both tracks are different rides. One side may not be open, depending on your time of visit.

 

Kumba is generally not too busy in the morning and loads pretty quick, so it may look deserted. During slow times, I've never seen more than a 5-10 minute wait. I've seen Kumba with a 45 minute wait during busy times!

 

Misc tips:

1.) Wear sunscreen

2.) Don't eat yellow snow

3.) The white zone is for loading and unloading only. No parking please

[ECZenith]

I also reccomend taking the skyride as previously mentioned and NOT the train. The trains take a while to come by and go slowly to the Sheikra area. It will take the same amount of time as walking and you'll aslo get to see the animals as active as they will be all day. (morning)

[dandaman]

If I recall, taxi drop-off is right at the front gates, so you don't have to walk too far to get in.

 

Awesome. Heard something about this Nairobi side entrance, but I think I'll stick with the crowd at the main one... unless you can buy tickets at the Nairobi gate?

 

As for where to eat, I usually eat at the smokehouse by SheiKra. The ribs are great! As you eat, you can be entertained by SheiKra making its rounds on the track. I've never tried to Crown Colony full service restaurant, but I heard it's pretty good.

 

Personally, I don't like ribs, but a beef sandwich sounds just as good. The view would be cool, too.

 

I woudn't waste money on the carnival games in the Timbuktu games. Even if you win, you might win a 3 foot tall cupie doll and you don't want to drag that thing around the park!

 

"Don't you see?! They give us money, we give them crap!"

 

--The Jerk

 

Gwazi is two credits. Both tracks are different rides. One side may not be open, depending on your time of visit.

 

Since it's the off-season, I might only get one credit. Oh, well. Maybe Busch is saving my sanity that way.

 

Kumba is generally not too busy in the morning and loads pretty quick, so it may look deserted. During slow times, I've never seen more than a 5-10 minute wait. I've seen Kumba with a 45 minute wait during busy times!

 

Late August = best

 

Misc tips:

1.) Wear sunscreen

2.) Don't eat yellow snow

3.) The white zone is for loading and unloading only. No parking please

 

Barry, don't give me that white zone **** again! (Actually, the lady's name is Mary, so it rhymes. Go me. ) How'd you know Airplane is my favourite movie of all time? (Hell, beats SOAP any day.)

 

I also reccomend taking the skyride as previously mentioned and NOT the train. The trains take a while to come by and go slowly to the Sheikra area. It will take the same amount of time as walking and you'll aslo get to see the animals as active as they will be all day. (morning)

 

Good point. Heck, my dad's 53, he'll appreciate being more laid-back in walking as opposed to keeping up with his credit-whoring son!

[the_rock401]

Baymont is a nice place, but it's a long hike to the main gate. Since they have built up the wall around the place, you have to walk the full distance of the park perimeter along Busch Blvd, then double back and walk from the parking tram tunnel back to the main gate. We were there in February, which is almost as good as late August for a BGA visit, and we decided it wasn't worth saving $16 over 2 days to not park in the BGT lots.

[BarryH]

^There is a Narobi gate side entrance. If it is open in the morning, enter through it. You'll be steps closer to the skyride in Crown Colony. Later in the day, though, it may not be open.

 

After you're done riding coasters, check out some of the park's shows. I would recommend seeing Katonga. It's a cool show, plus you get free air conditioning!

[dandaman]

I'm thinking about riding the Skyride first, just to get to Sheikra eventually while getting oriented.

 

So, can you buy tickets at the Nairobi gate?

[BarryH]

There's only one set of ticket booths, which are pretty close to the Narobi gates. The eKiosks are also near the Narobi gates.

 

You can also buy your tickets online ahead of time at www.buschgardens.com.

[dandaman]

I suggested buying them at CAA for a $5 discount, to no avail. Probably just buy them there, but thanks, anyway.

 

// Wonders if I should hit Montu first just 'cause it's there

[BarryH]

^I would do Montu later, as most guests have the same idea as you...since they are close to Montu when they enter, they will do Montu first. Most guests also hit Gwazi first since it is close to the entrance. I would enter through the Narobi gate and take the skyride to the Congo. Then do SheiKra first. You can get a few good rides with a minimal wait. Then hit the coasters in the Congo area (Python and Kumba), then Timbuku (Cheetah Chase and Scorpion), and then Montu. Montu usually has a short wait in the afternoon.

 

Of course, I am assuming you are visiting on a weekday. On Saturdays, all bets are off!

 

Now you owe me $5.

[dandaman]

^I would do Montu later, as most guests have the same idea as you...since they are close to Montu when they enter, they will do Montu first.

 

Kinda like the morning Raptor rush...

 

Most guests also hit Gwazi first since it is close to the entrance. I would enter through the Narobi gate and take the skyride to the Congo. Then do SheiKra first. You can get a few good rides with a minimal wait. Then hit the coasters in the Congo area (Python and Kumba), then Timbuku (Cheetah Chase and Scorpion), and then Montu. Montu usually has a short wait in the afternoon.

 

Sounds good.

 

Of course, I am assuming you are visiting on a weekday. On Saturdays, all bets are off!

 

Now you owe me $5.

 

Visiting this Friday... and if I could, I'd give both you and Homer a 5.

[dandaman]

All right, folks! Leaving for the Florida drive now... thanks again for all the help. I'll try to do a separate BGA Photo TR.