Thrills and Chills: Worth the Drive!
Let’s face it, no one wants to drive on I-4 but this theme park is worth the drive! Just over an hour away in Tampa, Busch Gardens offers an unforgettable experience filled with heart-pounding roller coasters, incredible animal encounters, and family-friendly attractions. If you’re staying in an Orlando vacation rental or one of our Orlando villas, this exciting theme park makes for a perfect day trip!
Planning is Everything
Make a plan for the day. Traffic gets really heavy during morning rush hour periods (7-9A) so leave your rental home early or leave late to avoid the frustration of I-4 traffic jams. Leaving early allows you time to visit a nearby beach or museum before Busch Gardens opens at 10am. Its a smaller park so not as much to walk but there are a TON of rides. Sometimes the lines can get very long. Its encouraged to purchase the Quick Queue passes to ensure you can experience the rides that are in higher demand, like the massively cool roller coasters.
Leaving your vacation home later in the morning is also a good idea as you will have plenty of time in the park and there is usually less people in the park in the afternoons. Be sure to plan for Florida weather and bring ponchos for the water rides.
Thrill Rides You Won’t Find in Orlando
Orlando’s theme parks are known for their incredible attractions, but Busch Gardens takes thrill rides to another level with some of the tallest and fastest coasters in Florida. If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for something beyond the usual attractions near Disney, Busch Gardens is a must-visit. Visitors can experience:
- Iron Gwazi – North America’s tallest hybrid coaster with a 206-foot drop and speeds up to 76 mph.
- SheiKra – A 200-foot vertical drop coaster with floorless trains for an even more intense experience.
- Tigris – A high-speed launch coaster that features twists, loops, and drops.
- Montu – One of the world’s longest and most intense inverted roller coasters.
Up-Close Animal Encounters
Busch Gardens isn’t just about thrills—it’s also home to over 200 animal species! This unique combination of rides and wildlife makes it a standout destination. The Serengeti Safari offers guests a chance to see giraffes, zebras, and rhinos up close, while the Animal Care Center gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at conservation efforts and animal care.
A Great Option for Families
If you’re traveling with kids, Busch Gardens offers family-friendly attractions like Sesame Street Safari of Fun, where younger guests can enjoy rides, splash zones, and character meet-and-greets. The park also features seasonal events, live shows, and interactive experiences that provide fun for all ages.
Easy Day Trip from Your Orlando Vacation Rental
One of the best things about visiting Busch Gardens is that it’s only about an hour’s drive from Orlando, making it an easy and convenient day trip. If you’re staying in one of our budget-friendly vacation rentals near Disney or a luxury Orlando villa, you can take advantage of the short drive and add an extra adventure to your trip.
Book Your Stay in Central Florida
Whether you’re visiting for theme parks, outdoor adventures, or a mix of both, our Orlando vacation rentals offer the perfect home base. We specialize in property management in Orlando, providing top-quality accommodations for travelers looking to explore all that Central Florida has to offer. Book your stay today and start planning your Busch Gardens adventure!
For more information on vacation rentals in Orlando, contact us today!