Busch Gardens question about Rhino Rally / Safari Ride
Busch Gardens Tampa: Can anyone tell me if there are one or two Safari rides at Busch Gardens Florida? It's a little hard to tell based on the map I saw....
From Jesse Key
Posted December 19, 2009 at 10:32 PM
The last time I was at Busch Gardens tampa was before Kumba was even open, so it has probably changed a lot since then (I am wanting to play a trip back there soon). I was looking at a park map and was trying to figure out if there was two Safari Rides (one being Rhino Rally) or if there is just one jeep Safari ride? I did see an on-line video of Rhino Rally and I was impressed. Also how would you compare the Florida location to the Virginia location?
From steve lee
Posted December 20, 2009 at 12:10 AM
There's Rhino Rally (great idea, but just like Kilmanjaro Safaris, you can easily miss out on all the animals if they're in a mood) and there's also the additional charge Serengeti Safari, which is a 30-45 minute open jeep tour (on the BGT website, it's under "up-close tours"). A third option is the train, which spends a lot of time moving along the outskirts of the area.
The Tampa and Williamsburg parks are really apples to oranges. Far fewer animals in Williamsburg, but it has the better theming and a much higher number of (cleverly themed) flat rides. I would say Tampa wins in the coaster category, but they're both very nice parks.
From Tony Duda
Posted December 20, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Besides the 3 options Steve said, BGT also has walking tours with fairly up close animal encounters. Curiosity Caverns has snakes, reptiles, etc., Edge of Africa has lions, big apes, etc. and the Field Station has smaller animals. Also, rhinos and elephants and alligators are along walking areas and trainers bring out other animals throughout the day. If you love animals, BGT is great and 10 times better than Animal Kingdom.
I suggest riding Rhino Rally early. Almost every time I'm there, the second portion of the ride seems to break down, and you only get to experience half of the attraction.
The park in Williamsburg is beautiful. I was blown away by how nice it looked when I got to visit. It's theming and atmosphere are miles above the Tampa park.
BGT however is my favorite park to visit out of all theme parks, because there is always something to do. It could stand alone as an all day animal park, but it has shows, rides, and top notch coasters too.
From Jesse Key
Posted December 22, 2009 at 8:37 PM
These responses have all been very helpful! Thanks!
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