New Show, Katonga, at Busch Gardens.
Written: Dec 06 '00 (Updated Apr 05 '04)
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Pros: Think of it, and you will see it at Busch Gardens.
Cons: Bad weather can stop some of the rides.
The Bottom Line: If you live in the area, or can visit often then this is a cheap day out. Can be really expensive for a day visitor.
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| Susie-34668's Full Review: Busch Gardens Tampa |
My husband Len and I moved to Florida 15 years ago. The place, Tampa Bay. Within the first week we had visited Busch Gardens. There and then we decided to buy a years pass. Although we moved north six months later, we were still in easy driving distance to our favorite theme park.
I do believe we must have been 500 times now. Today we chose to visit for a couple of hours. I paid $159 for a 2 year pass to both Busch Gardens and Sea World.. My husband is a senior so he received his for $149. This gives us unlimited visits all year round. Free parking, saving $7 a visit, entrance and a 10% discount on goods and food. We can also take up to 6 friends in and they get a 15% discount. What a great deal.
Animals.
I love the animals. The zoo is vast and has numerous species of animals. The great thing is that the animals are not all in one place, they are throughout the park. You can visit them on the Serengeti Plan, in Edge of Africa, Nairobi, Congo, and Timbuktu.
I just adore cats, so off we trek to see the lions. They are situated behind glass. The first lion we saw 15 years ago actually cracked the thick plate glass, so he went to another zoo. There are normally a male and female out. Sometimes we are lucky enough to see 2 females. Over on Claw Island are the tigers. I adore going in the summer months, when they will sometimes play in the water, surrounding the island. Also it is great to go when the trainer is feeding them. You will get some great photographs.
Check out the apes in the Myombe Reserve. You can also learn about them. This is a wonderful exhibit. You will find elephants, when walking through the park. They are on both sides of you. I enjoy the zebras and giraffes. They are together in one area, but if you do the Rhino Rally ride, often you get a zebra crossing. This is an English expression. On our roads are crossings, they have stripes, so are called 'Zebra Crossings'. Nine times out of ten, a zebra will be standing next to the road, on this ride, and Len and I always joke about the 'Zebra Crossing'.
Think about any animals you love and they will most likely be here. There is also an amazing Aquarium, and you walk along the side of the fish. A great bird show too. You can also walk in an area and have birds flying over you.
Shows.
The 'World Rhythms on Ice', ice skating show is spectacular, the only trouble is, this is closing at the end of the year, making room for something new. If you can get there this month, make sure you see it. It lasts around 35 minutes and they close the doors throughout the show.
Update 5th April, 2004.
The new show, Katonga, opens to the general public on the 8th April, but being a Gold Passport member, Len and I were able to check it out today.
I must say I am sad about loosing World Rhythms on Ice. I really believe this to be a better show, than the new one.
The music was great, especially the lead girl singer, but something was missing.
The stage was beautiful, and there were some great costumes, but I think it lacked the variety of earlier shows. I noticed the majority of older people around me felt the same way.
Once you have seen this show, you really need not check it out again. Whereas, with the ice show, we would go and watch it on a regular basis.
Sorry Busch Gardens.
Back to the review:
The dolphin show is closed. Now we have to head to SeaWorld to see them. The new show that took it's place is R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse. This is called a 4D show, which means 3D plus effects. It is a cute story and all the family will love it. On entering the theater and walking to your seat, you will see it is wet. Can you believe people hunt for dry seats. Water does squirt from the seat in front of you, and yes, comes down from the ceiling. Why go into a fun show and not enjoy joining in.
There is also a variety show with great acts. They change these on a regular basis. Beware, not every day are shows scheduled. We always seem to miss them. Right now, Thursdays - Sundays, we have the big bands. Len and I got to see the Terry Myers orchestra, the Artie Shaw orchestra, and next week we plan on going to the Tommy Dorsey orchestra. These were due to finish at the end of February, but by popular demand, they are continuing on until the end of March. Who knows, we may even get them extended further into the year.
The is a lively open-air show in Morroco. Be near the front and you may well end up on stage.
The Mystic Sheiks of Morocco, are a great marching band. We have known these guys for over 15 years. They always wave and speak to us.
The German Festhouse, is now longer. It has a new theme and a different menu. I really don't like the show. It is a bunch of young people playing drums, and more drums. When I asked today, at the guest relations window, they said it would be moving to another area. No one can talk while eating their meal. Yes, the show has been moved outside, which is a great place, for this fun filled, loud show. I know the teenagers will love it.
We are lucky enough to have the Irish Thunder show in the theater. The theater is now called the Desert Grill. The show runs for 30 minutes. I would certainly suggest you go early to get front row seats. It is difficult, if you are sitting near the exit, to see these feet flying through the air. There are also wonderful singers, and an amazingly talented lady on the fiddle. A must for anyone. This show runs until the end of March.
The Rides.
Well, Len and I rode Gwazi. The dueling roller coaster. I do not know what come over us. We must have been idiots. When it was finally over we thanked the Lord. My legs were so wobbly that I had to be helped out. It is a dueling roller coaster, and when they pass at 50 miles an hour, boy it's impossible to keep your head upright. I will never do this one again.
I love the Stanley Falls. This is the smaller of the 3 water rides. Even so you may wish to check it out before taking small children.
The Tanganyika Tidal Wave is larger and has a 55 foot drop. You sail along on calm waters and everyone feels confident. Then you see the ramp leading up to the top. Hold you breathe. Then let it out when you hit the water. You will get wet regardless of where you sit. You can also stand on the bridge over the ride to get drowned.
If you want to stay wet head to the Congo River Rapids. This is a round boat with 12 seats and belts. You will be pushed and shoved in every direction. The water will come over the side of the boat and watch out for the waterfalls.
It may be best to do all these rides first, and then walk to dry off.
Kumba is the largest, fastest, roller coaster in the South Eastern U.S, and no I haven't been on it, and don't want to.
Montu is a monster too. It is an inverted roller coaster. I have watched with horror peoples legs dangling, but they always seem to go back for more.
Today I checked on Akbar's Adventure Tours. This is a simulator which I love. It has been out of action for months. I asked if it would ever be up and running. I was told it kept breaking down and was too expensive to fix. They have no idea what will take it's place.
Rhino Rally is a must. Jump into a Land Rover and explore. You will be on land and sea. Not suitable for anyone with a bad back. You will get jolted.
The Scorpion and Python are the smaller coasters, that were there before the new bigger versions.
For the small children there is the Land of Dragons. Here are dozens of adventures for the little ones. There is a stage too, where shows are put on. Len and I love watching the little ones.
There are so many other wonderful places of interest, just too many for me to mention. Of course there are restaurants, small eating areas, places to buy soda and popcorn. Prices have gone up over the years, but are similar to Disney and other theme parks. Remember you can always ask for a cup of iced water. This is free, instead of paying $2.50 for a bottle.
Don't forget the free beer. I did say 'free'. At the hospitality house you are allowed 2 free samples a day. You do have to show I.D., and can only have one at a time, and no it doesn't work to say your wife is outside and you want hers. I have known people to get their 2 at lunch-time and them come back late afternoon (change of shift) and get another 2, but I never do that.
A mid-way is situated for anyone who loves to play games. Many a time I have seen people carrying large animals won by playing darts, or throwing hoops. I just hope they don't have to take them on a plane.
If you are a visitor and only plan one day, it used to cost $51.95 + tax, for adults. I do know it has recently gone up. However, you can return the next day for $10.99. Also at the beginning of the year they have a fun pass. You pay for one day and get the rest of the year for free. You do not get any of the annual pass benefits with this offer.
Busch Gardens is situated in the heart of Tampa. On Busch Blvd. Close to I 275 and easy directions from I 4. The telephone number is 813 987 5082. You can also get excellent information at their web-site www.buschgardens.com.
Finally I would like to point out the wonderful flowers and shrubs. We try to go once every week or two, and walk most of the park. If we get tired we go on the cable cars or train. Today the cable cars were not working, because it was windy.
This could be a tiring day for people on vacation. There are strollers and wheelchairs available for the small and elderly. Also lockers to keep dry clothes or towels. Plenty of restrooms, I know every one of them. If you see a couple walking round without a map, it could be Len and myself. We know every inch of the park. Need more information, then leave a comment or e-mail me. I so needed to up-date this review. Most of the original rides and shows were no longer there.
Thanks to all who read, and I will let you know when new things come to my favorite place, Busch Gardens.
Susie.
Recommended:
Yes
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