When you arrive at Busch Gardens the newest attraction is the one to hit first. It's called Cheetah Hunt and it's a great ride. There are a number of cool roller coasters some big, some smaller for the younger kids. There is a kids play area with everything for 2-12 and an awesome stage show with all the muppet characters. Make sure you see the animal shows and take the tour through the Serengeti Plain where you see all the African animals, lions, tigers, rhinos, hyenas, etc. There is a guided safari you can take for an extra charge. We've not done it yet but you can get closer to the animals if you want to. There is a petting area for the kids where they can feed and pet kangaroos and wallabies. They will love it!
While you're there visit the Myombe Reserve. It's one of the best gorilla enclosures I've ever seen. There are several open air observation places for photo shoots and 2 glass enclosures where the gorillas walk right up to you!
Other that the gorillas my favorite area is the cheetah enclosure. I've never seen a cheetah in real life and they're a breathtaking animal to look at. Again, you're right there with them at arms length and they now have a cheetah cub in the pride. It's the photo shoot of a lifetime!
Restaurants are plentiful (like gift shops) but the quality of food is great. We find the best places to eat are the grills where you eat cafeteria style. God for families. A good way to save money is to buy half size water bottles and refill them during the day, If you don't you will spend $20.00 every time you buy water. A beer is about $6.00 so it can get pricey. Pack things like beef jerky or cookies in plastic baggies that you can carry in your purse or the cargo pocket of your shorts. We do this to save money. This is what we do when travelling with a family of four and you will save a lot.
A day at Busch Gardens is a memorable family event. I suggest you get your tickets on line before arriving. It's just like concert tickets. If you buy at the gate you pay premium prices. If you are with AAA or AARP there are good discounts on sites like Expedia.com, Hotwire.com, Priceline,com, or any of the others. All these sites are good but shop and compare. Some of the sites have good discounts for military families so check on that. I know that Kayak.com will compare prices with competitors right on their site but I suggest you check the other sites yourself. There are various ways to save by planning your whole trip on one site so play with it for a while before buying. In this economy hotels, restaurants, and theme parks are offering discounts so shop vigorously before buying.
As a Floridian we want you to visit as we thrive on tourists but it doesn't mean you have to go broke. Do your homework and you can save hundreds of dollars and enjoy your vacation. Feel free to email me with any specific questions you may have. If you do, tell me whether or not I have your permission to publish your question with answer. If you want to know something there are thousands of people who may need to know as well. Happy travelling!
