Trip Report Part 2 Parks (Part1) & Shopping

[Biggus]

Right lunch time frantic typing,

Thurs 27th March,
Get up early and drive to Busch Gardens - my first 'long' I4 drive.....Because we are staying in Esprit we go down H27 to the I4 turn then head west, no probs (does anyone else hate way the I4 is built in concrete sections and all you get is the rhythmical 'thump-thump-thump-thump' like you have a flat tyre!!) Anyway rant over, get to Busch (well signposted) forgot to ask when directed to park for preferred parking so had to get the bus from the car park - took ten minutes and preferred would have been a two minute walk (good when knackered when park closes!!) Get in no probs - usual security, decide not to bother with the Sarengheti Safari and headed sraight to Gwazi. This was the only ride closed the last time we went (and the only ride we didn't do) so I was vvvv keen to ride, 'dragged' my mum on it (I'm sooo evil Julie!!) - but she hadn't encountered the 'front row' before and was a little nervous hehehehehe Q'd for about 15 mins. Fantastic ride, almost tempted to tell you to forget metal coasters but then again I love them all!! Next step Rhino Rally, huge thunderstorm halted this (and every other ride) for about 45 mins - we were chuffed that we had Q'd when we had (undercover) watching the soaked to the skin people filing in afterwards made us chuckle!! Got to be the navigator which was funny, two of our party weren't aware of the 'surprise' which was quite entertaining, generally though if this ride is q'd longer than 1/2 hour I personally don't think that it is worth the wait. We then walked back and got the train from Niagra Station round to Congo, mum was a little too scared to ride Kumba so had to pass - no fun riding on your own. Walked around to the 'wet' section, got lockers by Congo River Rapids (have quarters handy) - everyone rode Congo River Rapids and got very wet Q'd for 1/2 hour, squidged (well clothes did) over to Tanganika and Stanley Falls but big thunderstorm halted the rides again. Waited 20 mins for the storm to pass and then 20 for the rides to start again, everyone rode both and had a good laugh. Then went to get dry (and change into spare clothes - essential to take) in toilets by the tigers. When we went back to get photos of the tigers they were play fighting (both Siberian and Bengal) which was great - got it all on camera and loads of decent 'action' photos, wonderful powerful creatures. This topped the day off, just took a leisurely walk back to the Bud facotry thing for the couple of freebies. Considered another ride of Gwazi or quick trip to Montu but by now we were all tired and hungry so got back to the car (via bus) and went to IHOP nearby - not bad but too tired to really worry (Good big Caesar Salad). Wife drove home (I'd had the freebies in the Bud Factory and it showed because I snored al the way home apparently!!)
Gotta go, have been doing this off and on for about 3 hours!!
Stay tuned for Part CCVVVII in about 8 weeks time!!! Next up - Universal and Discovery Cove.

[steph_goodrum]

"I4 turn then head east"
I'm surprised you found it Biggus isn't it west on the I4 towards Tampa/Busch Gardens?

[Biggus]

Thanks Steph,
It's been a long long long day in work - I have now edited so people do not get the wrong info. Sorry I am such a doofus, but I'm going off to cry now coz you are nasty to me!!![:I][:I][:I][:I][:I]

[steph_goodrum]

Thtat was the only reason I pointed it out Ben, I wasn't sure my geography is hopeless but I have to navigate when we're over as Mick can't concentrate on the road signs and foreign cars!, I just thought if anyone tried to follow the instructions they might have a problem. It was right for when you come home though! You know I don't mean it.

[Biggus]

Steph,
And to think that I did a Geography degree - eeek!! In my defence the junction with the I4 off H27 is very poorly signposted, hehehe. I know you don't mean it, loads of tongue in cheek comments are made on here every day - generally by me!! Like I said I wasn't awake on the trip home - until I came to as the car was turning and asked "Where are we" to which my wife replied "Home and you snored all the way!!!" Oooops!! Will try and get the next section of the saga out today (my boss is on holiday!!)

[dbrook]

Hi Biggus,

How long did the journey take to Busch Gardens please. We plan to do it on our next trip and are based at Highlands Reserve just down from you on the US 27.

Looking forward to the Discovery Cove write up which my children are anxious to do.

Diane.

[Biggus]

Diane,
Roughly an hour(ish) each way, assuming you keep to the speed limits (unlike most of the US drivers - even in their artics!!) follow the directions on the Busch Gardens flyer and is signposted very well. It (like most long drives in Florida) is very boring, not quite as bad as the trip to Kennedy but still not the most fun. Make sure the kids are looking to the right of the road as you approach the 'World of Flight'?? on the I4, whoever is driving should notice the 'downed' white plane first (is it a DC9?) with the parachuting man out the back ......quite a landmark. Hope you have fun, Highlands Reserve looked nice when we played golf - strangely enough I am wearing my HRGC polo shirt today!!

[dbrook]

Thanks for advertising us Biggus!

It's a long time before we are out at the villa again unfortunately (we've only just been) and with teenage girls and GCSEs next year it looks like being 2004 summer! But we will be visiting Busch Gardens and thanks for timings/directions. We also have guests just asked me how long it takes so the info is very useful, to thanks for that and enjoy the rest of your holiday.

Diane.

[steph_goodrum]

At least if they are doing their gcses diane you may be able to get away a little earlier than the July rush if you can make it before June 30th makes quite a big difference to flight prices. We're stuck this year as doing AS our daughter has to go back after her exams and start on A2 work but next year we can get an early start.

[dbrook]

Guess we have bought at the wrong time to take advantage of our villa Steph. The following year my second daughter does her GCSEs, then the eldest has AS and A levels, then my 3rd daughter starts with it all. We only get one week off at Spring Bank too.

A lot easier if they are little, working, or if they go to independent schools (longer holidays!).

Diane