AgentSoB Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 This is officially I believe my first trip report. A few weeks back I was in Tampa for my spring break, which meant an obvious trip to some parks in the area. I selected Busch Gardens for myself and my girlfriend decided she wanted to visit Seaworld. After a bit of organizing we bought length of stay tickets for both parks. This ran for about $90 a piece, so that wasn't that bad. Tuesday the 24th was our day... or so I thought. Let me just remind you that we had been told that the area had been in a drought for several months. So, what happens the day we pick to go... you guessed it RAIN. However, it was only cloudy when we got up so we attempted to go anyways. We arrived at the park slightly after opening to an empty lot. So empty they parked us in perferred parking just outside the gate. The entrance area of this park is beautiful. I honestly don't know how the Busch parks aren't up for cleanest and friendliest parks. 4 people greeted and welcomed us before we even got to the gate. They took our fingerprint?? and we were let in. ONce in we decided to hit the Egypt are and Montu. The are around Montu is stunning and the replica of King Tut's tomb is a nice touch. Having only been on Raptor I haven't had much B&M Invert experience. We walked on to the second row and began the climb up one of my now favorite coasters. The ride pulls inversions out of no where and doesn't stop delievering until the brakes. Also, it is immersed into the scenery so each cave is painted and themed. It made for a great ride and an awesome experience. After Montu we decided to take a look at the near by shop and take a look at the Edge of Africa exhibit. I was surprised that most of the animals are complete show boats and try everything to get your attention. It is almost as if you are the exhibit and they are there to see you. Once again, I have to mention all of the great scenery. Flowers, trees, waterfalls all made me feel like I was in the Jungle. Everything was that well done. As we were doing this the rain began to show up with a sprinkle. We decided to duck into a show to keep dry. We picked Katonga a musical with an African theme. Least that's what I began to get. We only got to watch 10 minutes of the show. The theater we were in and some of the park lost power. We were in the middle of a slight thunderstorm. My day was ending right before my eyes as everyone decided it best to pack it up as the radar on the cell phone was indicating more rain. I left with one ride and an empty stomach. This is where one of the suggestions I got on here came in handy. We went to Mel's Hotdogs and got some food. I must say it was really good. At lunch we decided to try BG again tomorrow. The next day was a lot better weather wise and I'll try to keep this part shorter for times sake. We arrived about the same time the next day. Let me get this out of the way every part of Busch Gardens is as beautiful as the next. We decided next to hit another show. An animal show by the name of Critter Castaways was the choice. It was very well done with the animals doing the stunts with most of the trainers out of sight. Birds and Parrots were flying everywhere. Several flew inches above our heads. Now for the rest of the coasters.... Gwazi was next and we picked I believe it was the Tiger side. The station was decked out again and the queue theming nice. There was no wiat for this one either. The ride was decent with a fast speed and lots of turns. I think it might be due for a little retracking as it was a tad rough. I can handle rough though... The ORP was crazy as I look like I had been shot. Not a bad ride though and I would do it again. Next we hit the big one... Shiekra was our biggest wait of the day as I expected. However, there was still only a 25 minute wait. The ride didn't really dissapoint and the drops were amazing. As many people have said you really don't realize you are going through the splash down. The only thin I felt was a little mist. Everything was well kept and it looks as if the ride is still brand new as the paint looks barely faded. Airtime was pretty decent as well expecially in the drops of course, but also in the immelman (SP?). One grip I do have is that the ride is short. With our wait though it wasn't a big deal. I did experience a rather long line next though and that was the wait to get food. I waited almost as long for food as i did for Shiekra. However, I will say they were generous with the helping of chicken fingers and fries. Also, they ran me 8.29 which is about what I pay at the island. So it wasn't that big of a deal Next was one I was waiting for and that is Scorpion. Although small, it pack a sting (haha). A 20 minute wait was followed by an intense loop and tight turns. Anton did not let me down. The bigger models must be fantastic... I felt the G,s on this one so we passed on Cheetah Chase their wild mouse. It looked to be a clone of Roadrunner Express at Kentucky Kingdom. Finally, the last coaster was Kumba. It was pretty fast and intense. It kind of reminded me of a not floorless Dominator. The scenery was great as it looked at some points if the Jungle brush was going to swallow us. The only think i can say about this ride is it must be next on the list to paint as it was rusted in spots. This was the only coaster I noticed it on. Also, there was a bit of shuffling after the midcourse. Otherwise, it was smooth sailing. All in all it was a great trip to a great park. I really haven't been to such a beautiful park. I think thelandscaping department there needs a huge thumbs up. I truely felt I was in different areas due to all the themeing. Pictures are next... (Coming up as they are not loading for some reason.) 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The Interpreter Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Great TR! And hot dog! You liked Mel's! Terpy, who adores Mel's! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flightoffear1996 Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 NIce trip report did you get to ride the rides multiple times? I really want to make it to Busch Gardens some day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentSoB Posted April 8, 2009 Author Share Posted April 8, 2009 We could have gotten multiple ride but we only stayed the second day till 4. We would have had 3 more hours for rerides. Also, I think it was you Terpy that suggested Mel's Ok... lets see if I can get the photos up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blake Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Nice Pics. Thats my favorite B&M Montu. Hope you enjoyed your stay! P.S. Love the angels! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentSoB Posted April 8, 2009 Author Share Posted April 8, 2009 Continued with Seaworld Orlando photos Yikes... This mime was hilarious before the sealion show... He was mocking people as they walked by anything to get a fish guess... Whew a face only a mother could love It was feeding time so all we got was Manatee butt Dolphin show set I guess they were hungry The only really good picture of Shamu we got because the fricken camera died They have a B&M Floorless called Kraken it is quite a blast. Inversion after inversion. It also has a loop that goes into an underground cave I give it a 9 out of 10. Once again... a excellent Busch coaster that is immersed into its surroundings. This is beside the entrance.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Thanks for the great report and the excellent pictures to go with it. I love heavy theme in parks and from your description of Busch Gardens it looks like we are in for a great treat when we plan to make a trip there in late September. Your report has now got me more excited about going there, thanks. Edit to add; you posted your Sea World part as I was typing my response to you first part. Your pictures are great and it looks like you had a great day. Wow those dolphins can really jump. After reading this first report from you and seeing how good it was I hope this is not your last. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RailRider Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Great Trip Report thanks for sharing. Enjoy the trip Avatar, you will enjoy it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiko_coaster Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Ok. Hands down my favorite part was sea world... eheh. butttttt darn you didnt get many pictures of the Shamu Show... Except that it gets old after the 20 times i've seen the show. I think the dolphin and whale show is AMAZING now, but the clyde and seamour show has been the same forever!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zorba Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Whew a face only a mother could love Yeah, but at least the Seal is cute .... j/k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCryptRaider Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Busch Gardens Africa is an amazing park. Kumba, SheiKra, & Montu are amazing B&M's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiruler102 Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Great trip report, Nice shot of the older lady, she looks so photographic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentSoB Posted April 10, 2009 Author Share Posted April 10, 2009 Haha I didn't even noticed she was looking at me. The photo ops wer kinda hard to capture as everyone was trying to take pictures of similar things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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