Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa

[hyperchik4eva]

I'm going to Busch Gardens in Tampa in a few weeks and I want to try and see EVERYTHING. I plan on getting a fast pass but what is the best order to do the whole park?

[robbalvey]

If you have the Quick Queue pass, then it really doesn't matter.

 

I prefer SheiKra in the morning, Kumba a bit later since it seems to warm up nicely, and Gwazi whenever you feel like taking a beating!

[Midgetman82]

Sheikra opens 30 minutes after the park opens, head to Montu or Gwazi first, then Sheikra, Kumba, and then Gwazi and/or any other ride. If you want to do Cheetah Chase, don't wait till near the middle of the day because the ride line will get crowded and extremely slow, the ride will not be worth it then. That's what I did last week and it worked perfectly as the rides I got on immediately had empty lines, they were quick to fill up as I went back to them (except Gwazi).

 

Be sure to see the Katonga Show as this show will not be there after Labor day. If the line for Rhino Rally is longer than 30 minutes, skip it because it won't be worth riding at all thanks to its downgrade.

[alpengeist04]

I've always had success heading to Montu first and getting in a couple rides (front & back) with minimal waits. Then I would head back to Kumba and have the ride to myself for a good half hour. But Robb is right, Kumba is great once it's warmed up. ...Easily my favorite of all the B&Ms in the US.

[808Freq]

Depending on what day you are hitting the park, the lines at BGT arn't terribly long. You won't have any problem doing everything if you plan it out right. And Robb wasn't joking about the beating on Gwazi. That's why I like to do it semi early. I'm more able to take the beating then.. I always end up getting a terrible headache if I ride it in the afternoon.

[crabalot]

Some useful info from a local Florida boy: The best time of year to go to Busch Gardens in Tampa is early January if you're a Florida resident. They have a discount resident deal that lets you in free for the rest of the year for a one day ticket price. Granted the Passport gets you discounts, but free admission works for me. Also, go during the week when the kids are in school in Tampa. I rode the Kumba 3 times in a row and never had to get off! Late November/early December is good because it's cool but not frigid. You'll have to forgo the water rides unless you like hypothermia!

As far as the coasters, the Sheikra has an awesome drop, but the rest is relatively uneventful and short. It was like kissing a naked Anjolina Jolie then having to go home before dessert. The Gwazzi will leave you in pain. This wooden ride jerks you rather violently with no real thrill numbers. The Scorpion is good for the virgin rider, but a no go for the veteran. Not much there. The Kumba and the Montu are the bomb! Both have great G-force effects and lots of twists, loops and drops. I prefer the feet dangling type so I give the Montu the edge, but definately hit the Kumba for the solid floor thrill. Oh, apparantly a new one is coming in 2011.

The rest of the park is great for the family. Lots of Animals (after all, it supposed to be like Africa) and little kid areas like Jungala and Sesame Place. There's other stuff too-go to the site for everything.

[dragonskeep]

I hope you have a nice time. Don't be turned off on Gwazi. It is rough but I never had a bad ride in the front car. Hop in the very front bench and it should be fun. Again, if you don't want your back and skull jack-hammered to death ride the very front bench. Kumba is so great it makes me smile to know it is pretty again. Do what Robb said. Montu is one of the best coasters in the world IMO, the very front at night will make you a better person. Sheikra is great fun. I prefer the back car, the drop is way more fun from there. If you can only ride one coaster in the front have it be Montu. Cheetah chase is being replaced by something way more cheetahy. I hate the ride, I see no reason for it's existence.

 

For a theme park show, Katonga is pretty good.

 

Laury landing is a fun experience, you have nectar and the birds come to drink. It's the type of thing thats easy to miss but I think it's fun. The train ride through the sarengeti can be real cool at around sunset. Pick a time of day thats more comfortable for you and more animals will be out to see.

 

Stay as late as you can. Busch Gardens is a lot of fun at night.

[hyperchik4eva]

I just want to say thank you to all of you guys. Our trip ended up getting cancelled so I was not able to go. Your tips will be great for next time though. I'm currently hoping to be joining TPR next year for the Road to Cedar Point.