November 2023 Trip Planning Questions

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Thrills & Chills WQAQ

Thrills & Chills WQAQ

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Jul 6, 2022
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Poking this thread to ask how this works and general questions about BGT

What is the ideal park order?
How does quick queue work? Is it unlimited for IG?
What’s the best place to eat?
What’s the best way to travel the park?
Where can I find the best merchandise too?
And also, is the roller coaster insider tour worth it?

I should be going around November 22nd, and it will probably be my only visit there. Trying to maximize my rides and experience at the park

[Edit: Post moved by Admin]
 
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Per the park's website, you get one ride on Iron Gwazi with the QQ Unlimited Plus:

Enjoy unlimited front-of-the line admission at each of the following rides: Tigris, Falcon's Fury®, Cheetah Hunt®, SheiKra®, Montu®, Kumba®, Cobra’s Curse®, Scorpion®, Stanley Falls Flume®, and Congo River Rapids®.

Enjoy one time front-of-the line admission to the ALL NEW IRON GWAZI & SERENGETI FLYER
Click to expand...

Assuming the Roller Coaster Tour includes a QQ for Iron Gwazi, it is actually a better deal. You would need to call and ask about that, however, as the website isn't clear (Busch Gardens Ticket Upgrades | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay).

Without knowing what you wan to do at BGT, it is impossible to answer some of your questions. Unlike BGW, BGT is a full zoo and the animal attractions, skyride, and train can be just as important as the thrill rides. Their animal tours are great. In addition, you will be there for Christmas Town, which could offer things you might want to do.

Xcursions and the Painted Camel used to have the best merch, but I think it is mostly generic stuff now. The Emporium and Marrakesh Market are good stops, as well.

BGT has never had fantastic food. Your best bet is to look at the website. Loosely, their Zambia Smokehouse is a Trappers equivalent; Dragon Fire Grill & Pub is like Marco Polo's; and Twisted Tails is essentially based on our Pretzel place. They have a new Springs Taproom with a nice view that replaces their full service restaurant.
 
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If you have time while in Tampa, I highly recommend going to ZooTampa at Lowry Park. They have an amazing manatee exhibit, shoebill storks, a shoot the chute ride, a kiddie coaster, and a great safari ride.
 
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Coasterguy95 said:
Alright. Officially Tampa bound next Wednesday! However it’s going to rain all day apparently so that’s fucking wonderful lol. What rides close in the rain and does the coaster insider tour get affected by rain.
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It will depend on the amount of rain, all the rides are categorized into different classes that will temporarily close them based on the amount of rainfall. The coaster tour should still be a go but might be altered if the weather worsens.
 
I would walk to Egypt first. Cobras Curse, then the Montu. Next would have to be Cheetah Hunt, front row only. Head into the Edge of Africa, a walking safari that leads into Nairobi and the Serengeti Flyer. Scorpion and Falcons Fury would be the 2 closest attractions, located in "Pantopia", formerly known as Timbuktu. Journey to the Congo Jungle for Congo River Rapids and the Kumba, followed by Tigris, Stanley Falls and Sheikra. Peep in Lory Landing on your way to Gwazi. Be sure to explore Myombe Reserve at some point as well. I'd personally recommend going to the 3rd floor of the Serengeti Ovperlook building, across from Cheetah Hunt. Quiet place to escape if theres rain and word is the full service restaurant is back! If not, Chick fil a or Zambia would be my option. Best way to travel atm is Serengeti Express, Nairobi to Stanleyville (or Kinshasa). Best shop imo is Nature's Kingdom, full of authentic African gifts and merchandise. I'd highly recommend Serengeti Safari, or roller coaster tour. Wish you all the best my guy! This is why I bang the drum on this park having an indoor ride... its the lightning capital of America. Not fair to the local pass members they rely on, let alone an out of state guest who may not be able to utilize the weather policy.
 
You just never know with florida dude. Weather changes every 15min. It's rare to have an all day storm at BGT, especially this time of yr. I'd say you really shouldn't worry about the forecast until night before. Check hourly forecast on weather channel for 33612 or Lake Magedelene.
 
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Tysm man. I’m also gonna have to be up EAAAAAARLY for this. I fly into mco Tuesday night and right after i land, since I’m at 137 credits, me and my aunt are hightailing it directly to funspot Kissimmee after mco so ill be lined up for 150 on gwazi. My flight lands at 9, and fsk closes at 12 so i should be good. Problem is she lives nearly 2 hours from bgt lol. So I’m probably getting up at 6 and leaving at 645ish to get to bgt at 9 and have time to stop for breakfast on the way there. I’m genuinely so fucking hyped for this mannnn its gonna be so awesome.
 
I'd try to get as much rest as possible. BGT is open til 9 Wednesday, and I'd say Christmas Town is a must!
 
Since you asked about the coaster tour, I'd look into that if it's your first time and you're not planning to go back anytime soon. You basically get guided around all the coasters, get to go backstage and you get to climb to the top of Sheikra. If you don't wanna splurge, I'd recommend getting Quick Queue. You're going during a holiday weekend so it will be crowded.

The food inside the park is pretty similar to BGW's food. Personally I'd recommend eating outside the park. Zeko's is pretty good. Wawa is a good staple. Zeko's is a 5-10 min walk from the park entrance and the prices are pretty similar to the in-park prices, but the food is better and you'll be supporting a small business. They're also open super late so if you want something to eat after the park closes, it's right around the corner. If you're eating inside the park, there's a smokehouse under Sheikra and Dragonfire Grill is basically their version of Marco Polo's. Take your pick. Or eat at one place for lunch and one place for dinner.

The train is the best mode of transport around the park, but the closest train station from the entrance is under Sheikra. There's also a station under Kumba and one between Cheetah and Pantopia. Idk if the Skyride is open. It's been closed since 2020.

Definitely do the animal exhibits. They're great. Half the park is one giant safari.
 
netdvn said:
Since you asked about the coaster tour, I'd look into that if it's your first time and you're not planning to go back anytime soon. You basically get guided around all the coasters, get to go backstage and you get to climb to the top of Sheikra.
Click to expand...

Just a quick correction. BGT's roller coaster insider tour has been stripped down to a 1 hour long, 3 coaster experience and, like in Williamsburg with Griffon, they no longer take guests up SheiKra (or even tour SheiKra at all).

This is 100% the best option if line avoidance is the goal:
netdvn said:
If you don't wanna splurge, I'd recommend getting Quick Queue. You're going during a holiday weekend so it will be crowded.
Click to expand...
 
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If it does rain, christmas on ice in the Moroccan Palace would be a great way to stay dry. I'd also recommend a sit down lunch at top floor of Serengeti Overlook to pass time. The only attraction that isn't usually weather permitting is Ubanga-Banga Bumper Cars, located in Congo. Hopefully within that chunk of time the rain will subside. As of Monday everything is in operation. Though it is fall break, therefore I cannot stress to you enough how important QuickQueue is. At 5pm yesterday whole parking lot was full, with plenty still entering. QQ really is a must this time of yr.
 
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