Busch Gardens is on the whole, a good park. Some things are very overrated, and some are too underrated. Here's the review ---

FOOD-
The park's food is pretty good, though as usual for a theme park, overpriced a bit. The food is not all typical, with some "country" related touches.

THEMING-
Busch Gardens has supposedly been the Most Beautiful Park for 12 in a row years. I could probably believe that, but it could be a bit more forested in some sections, and more themed. In other words, excellent theming, but uneven.

RIDES AS A WHOLE, IN QUALITY-
The quality of the rides is great, as in 4 out of 5 stars. Some of them are a bit aged [like Loch Ness], but most of them are well maintained and well kept.

COASTERS-
They have 4 coasters, and they are all 4 star coasters. Believe it or not, they could use some innovation to the coasters. The most innovative one was Drachen Fire, retired in 2002, which had two never-again-used inversions (they were safe, though). Too bad. The existing coasters are reviewed later.

SECURITY-
Tight, but good. The security seems good.

CLEANLINESS-
The park is clean, not scummy, but not merticulous either. Just clean.

The Coasters

LOCH NESS MONSTER-
This good coaster has two interlocked loops and plenty of drops and turns. It is fairly intense, but it was built in the late 70's and is starting to seem aged and rickety, especially the lift hill which resembles the sound of a bathtub draining. To its credit, it's a well themed ride, although ivy freely covers the facade of the station.

ALPENGEIST-
The Alpengeist is inverted, meaning you are below the track. It has many tall loops and a huge nearly 200 foot drop, but it isn't quite that menacing. It may seem that way though. The height restriction is VERY much justified. The ride is fun.

APOLLO'S CHARIOT-
This hypercoaster is short, but fun. The huge drop is, well, huge, and the turns and helixes are well executed. You can briefly glimpse the Roman Rapids below you in a portion, but you must look quickly! Fun.

BIG BAD WOLF-
Also a bit old seeming, the Wolf runs through a brief track at about 45MPH in swinging cars.

Overall
Worth a visit, clean and fun.





Recommended: Yes