Going to Tampa, FL (01/21/14 to 01/24/14)

[Crazy4Coasters!]

Hey there guys! My wife and I are traveling to Tampa, FL from Tuesday Jan 21st (arriving at 5:40pm) until Friday Jan 24th (leaving at 2pm. We are planning to visit Busch Gardens but we're still indecisive on what else to do. We are renting a car so we can travel a bit but we're not sure how close are any parks or attractions you think we should visit. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[robbalvey]

Tampa to Orlando is about the same distance as SFMM to KBF, but without the traffic. Usually takes me about an hour fifteen to get from BGT to basically Universal Orlando. What are you interested in doing?

[Crazy4Coasters!]

You just made my day with the words "no traffic!" We are just looking for anything fun and enjoyable to do. I think we would like to visit at least one more park and see any other fun attractions located in the vicinity.

[robbalvey]

You just made my day with the words "no traffic!" We are just looking for anything fun and enjoyable to do. I think we would like to visit at least one more park and see any other fun attractions located in the vicinity.

Have you ever been to Epcot?

[Crazy4Coasters!]

No I have not. This is my first time in Florida so I don't know what's there to do around that area.

[robbalvey]

No I have not. This is my first time in Florida so I don't know what's there to do around that area.

Major Theme parks in Orlando:

 

- Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom.)

- Universal Orlando (Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure)

- SeaWorld

 

Major Theme parks outside of Orlando within an hour:

- Legoland Florida (Winter Haven)

- Busch Gardens Tampa (Duh)

 

Water parks in Orlando:

- Blizzard Beach (Disney)

- Typhoon Lagoon (Disney)

- Wet N Wild (Sort of Universal)

- Aquatica (SeaWorld)

 

Other notable attractions:

- Downtown Disney

- Citywalk

- Discovery Cove

- Fun Spot Orlando (Has the woodie & vekoma flyer)

- Ripley's Believe it or not

- Wonderworks

- Tons of mini golf and other random short attractions

 

If you've NEVER been to Florida I would say budget a day for each park, and if you get done with it early, you can always hit up one of the other side attractions.

 

If you're interested in Disney at all, and you're from SoCal, I would actually NOT recommend Magic Kingdom. Most people I know that come from SoCal and have a short amount of time at WDW go to Magic Kingdom and spend most of their day hating on the park because it's "Not Disneyland", and I personally find that a horrible waste of someone's park day. Of COURSE it's not "Disneyland" but that doesn't make it a "bad" park, it's just "different."

 

I would personally suggest something like Epcot or Animal Kingdom, the two parks that are VERY different than anything you have in SoCal. Why fly all the way out here just to compare and contrast? See something NEW and different that you can't get back home.

 

If you're not into Disney, I'd recommend Universal/IOA.

 

That's my thoughts on things.

Edited January 18, 2014 by robbalvey

[Crazy4Coasters!]

Thanks a lot Robb! Your suggestion is exactly what my wife and I were feeling. I think we'll visit Busch Gardens on Wednesday and visit Disney Animal Kingdom on Thursday. Thank you again for the insight, it was really helpful in deciding what we will do.

[robbalvey]

Thanks a lot Robb! Your suggestion is exactly what my wife and I were feeling. I think we'll visit Busch Gardens on Wednesday and visit Disney Animal Kingdom on Thursday. Thank you again for the insight, it was really helpful in deciding what we will do.

Get to Animal Kingdom EARLY as that's when you'll most likely see the most animals. It's not a full day park, and I'd suggest checking out Downtown Disney afterwards.

[Crazy4Coasters!]

I really appreciate all the advice Robb. We've are looking forward to our trip and I thank you and your wife for always keeping up with TPR. We have all benefited from all the infinite insight and resources you both have given your website throughout the years. Please keep up the great work because you've able to help countless of people, couples and family enjoy their time together all around the world.