Planning a trip to Tampa About This Page:

[wildcatmom]

Hi All! I am not actually new here but its been a very long time and I couldn't remember my old name/password so figured it was just easier to rejoin!

We have decided to start planning a trip to Tampa. We were going to do BG, Adventure Island and some time at the beach. But I have some questions:

1. How many days should I plan for BG? We do not like to be hurried. We like to take our time but do want to include all the big rides for dd and all the animal attractions too.
2. I haven't seen a lot about Adventure Island. Do any of you recommend it?
3. I noticed on the websites that both of these parks offer a "dining deal". Is it worth it? How expensive is the food and what all does the "deal" include?

Thanks for any info!

[CRCrazy]

I'd say that you could spend 2 days at Busch Gardens if you like to do it all and take your time - it really depends on your family's touring styles.

That said - it looks like you are going to be in the area for the week - and if these are the parks you plan to visit - your best bet would be to buy the 2 park ticket at Busch Gardens website - then you'd have unlimited visits to either park for 14 days! So - you could be flexible - do 1-2 days at each park, and if you want to go back - you can!

I haven't been to Adventure Island, so I can't say one way or another - but chances are, it'll be fun!

The dining deal at each park gives you the opportunity to purchase a wristband that gives you a free combo meal, drink and dessert each time you go through the line at the participating restaurants. The restaurants are pretty typical theme park fare - burgers, chicken, etc. Busch Gardens has a few more options - but their price is higher as well. You can find more info here Busch Gardens Tampa :: Dining

[wildcatmom]

Thanks.

[Sue M.]

We spent 2 days at Busch Gardens. It's a great park. Be sure to take in some shows. We went to one show that was amazing, almost like a Broadway show! Prob have a different one on now, it was a few years ago. i don't think they had a dining plan when I went. We just had lunch there, we were staying in Orlando, but got the Sea World/Busch Gardens multi ticket, and they bussed us free from Sea World to Busch Gardens. Had dinner when we got back to Orlando.

[dahlizyx]

Two days at BG should give you enough time to take everything in. I haven't been to Adventure Island, so I don't know.

I lived in Tampa a few years back and I really loved it there. If there's time, you should check out Tarpon Springs - Tarpon Springs Florida|Sponge Docks|Tarpon Springs Greek Restaurants|Epiphany|Tampa Bay|Shopping - and Ybor City - Ybor City Chamber of Comerce.

Some food recommendations:
Columbia Restaurant in Ybor (they've been around for over 100 years and have great food and Flamenco shows - Columbia Restaurant).
Berns Steakhouse (great food and tours of the kitchen, and when you're done with your meal they take you to a special dessert room. oh yeah! - Bern's Steak House > Home).
Lennys (an absolute MUST for breakfast lovers! best breakfast ever, and cheap too - Lenny's In Clearwater, Florida - Mr Breakfast.com).

[modisney]

I go with the 2 days at B.G. We've been to Adventure Island several times. It's considered to be "Tampa's" waterpark and therefore seems to have a more local crowd than tourists. It's compact and easy to get around. There are lockers at the front entrance as well as towards the back of the park close to Fabian's Fun Port. The beach space with lounges fills up quickly as there's not many so I'd recommend bucking up for one of the 4 cabanas located by the wave pool Pricey for a day, yes, convienient, yes! The attractions seem to be fun for everyone no real huge thrills. It's a fun day for us.

[skateycat]

adventure island is a lot of fun. i can't compare it to the water parks at disney since i have not been to those. i like marie's idea of the 14-day pass thingy. you will have to drive about an hour to get to any beach...you did not say exactly where you are staying in tampa....maybe you are in st pete or clearwater in which case you are right at the beach. i like the restaurant suggestions above...berns is pricey, though...

[Sue M.]

We stayed at St. Pete beach & had dinner at Crabby Bills. Casual, fun beachfront restaurant.

[wildcatmom]

Originally Posted by skateycat

adventure island is a lot of fun. i can't compare it to the water parks at disney since i have not been to those. i like marie's idea of the 14-day pass thingy. you will have to drive about an hour to get to any beach...you did not say exactly where you are staying in tampa....maybe you are in st pete or clearwater in which case you are right at the beach. i like the restaurant suggestions above...berns is pricey, though...

We really haven't decided on a place to stay. How far is St. Pete and Clearwater from Tampa?

[skateycat]

well, depending on traffic and depending on where in st pete or clearwater you stay and where in tampa you want to go, it is around 30-40 mins unless it is rush hour. confusing, right? and there is currently construction going on north of the tampa airport on I-275 which can cause you lots of headaches. to get to tampa from st pete or clearwater, you cross over a bridge or two. anyway, search around to see where you want to stay, then if you need more info, let me know...you can pm me if you want. my dsd lives in st pete just right before the bridge going to tampa...she is very near the st pete airport. check fares for that airport as well as sometimes (not always) it can be cheaper. have fun planning!

[Sue M.]

We stayed at The Sirata Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach and enjoyed our stay.