Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida - is it Worth the Money?

As far as theme parks go, Busch Gardens, located in Tampa Florida is right up there with all the other great parks. But, is it worth the average $600.00 you'll have to spend in order to enjoy a day there? Amongst all the exotic animals, that you might never get a chance to see at any other park or zoo, you'll find some of the most amazing thrill seeking rides available today. Roller coasters like SheiKra, is guaranteed to give you a few heart pounding seconds, as you plunge 200 feet from the sky at 90 degrees straight down toward the earth.

Busch Gardens offers something for everyone, there's no argument there. However, the admission price is a little on the high side, especially for those who do not live in Florida. Florida residents do qualify for special rates, such as pay for a day, come back all year. Unfortunately tourist have to scramble to find coupons to help with admission, and even then they don't save very much.

For thrill seekers the park offers a total of 6 different roller coasters. The most popular are Sheikra, Kumba, Montu, and Gwazi. Each of the 6 coaters are completely different, making them extremely popular amongst the teens. As we all know, anytime a ride is any good, there is going to be a wait. The wait for some of these roller coasters can range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes or more each.

Toddlers and younger children can enjoy the Land of The Dragons. This area was specially created for the little ones with tree houses, small rides, cargo nets, shows, and more. There is very little wait in this area, and the entire area is covered by tall oak trees. There is also water misting from some of the play area's, that helps keep the little ones cool during hot summer days.

If you just not into rides, you'll love the gardens. Busch Gardens offers some of the most beautiful flower beds, and hanging baskets that you've ever seen. A wide variety of flowers, shrubs, and hedges, both exotic, and native, lines the entire park. Almost every color of flower imaginable can be found within the grounds, and each plant is well taken care of.

The animals are no laughing mater. The zoo is made up of several areas, with each one displaying animals native to that country. From elephants, to gorillas each animal has his own habitat which resembles, it's natural habitat. I'm not talking about some paint and plaster job, every detail even down to the trees, and flowers has been put into consideration.

As an educational park, it is one of the best, Busch Gardens truly offers more then just another vacation destination. Unfortunately on a busy day the average visitor can enjoy a fraction of what the park has to offer. Even though there's over 15 shows, you may only have time to work in a few, the same thing applies for the rides. Even if the park was completely empty, you still wouldn't have time to see, and do everything. The best way to make sure you get the most out of your visit, it to plan ahead which shows your going to see, and which rides you want to ride. Map out your entire day, or you'll end up running out of time.

Is Bush Gardens worth the price? The average family of 4 spends approximately $600.00 on a one day visit. This includes admission, 2 meals, a few games, some cheap souvenirs, and a few extras. It's not uncommon for a family to spend a thousand dollars or more, as it all adds up quickly. With vendors on every corner, very few people can resist buying the over priced memorabilia, and forget passing up the cotton candy, and popcorn. So in short your looking at spending $600.00 if you budget, for 8 hours of fun. Is it really worth it?

To find out more about Busch Gardens including driving directions, park times, and other great attractions they offer, visit their website at www.buschgardens.com.