Busch Gardens Tampa bay

Day two of our From Florida to Central America adventure.

On the few days prior to our cruise we stayed in Tampa Bay Florida. The hotel we stayed at was great, The Hampton Inn Rocky Point Tampa Bay. TIP They have a great rate for people cruising out of Tampa that includes transportation and parking for the entire cruise! The free breakfast here was excellent and the staff was super nice and understanding. The pool there was tiny but they will let you use the hotel next door for the pool since they are sister hotels. The beach that was in walking distance isn't usable, this was a disappointment for us but the hotel hosts told us there are dangerous bacteria in the waters. Across the parking lot literally is one of our favourite restaurants, Bahama Breeze.TIP though a bit pricey they have great food and you must try the house made beer, Aruba Red! I would definitely stay here again even though driving around the area was difficult to say the least, even with a navigator!

We arrived early at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, about an hour early and there was already a huge crowd of people waiting to get inside. This shouldn't have worried us because all day long the lines were short, and the park seemed vacant. We both have been here before but this time we did a few things we have never done before, the first being riding Sheikra. This coast has  90 degree drop straight down an looks intimidating. Too bad its bark is worse than its bite. Sure it was a fast ride but not really much to it. I got more thrills from Montu and Kumba as per usual. Those two are the best rides in the park. We both have a place in our hearts for Scorpion and hope it never meets the same fate as the great Python! Some classic rides just should be left alone.

This trip we did something else different. We tried the sunset safari (adults only) and while we fed giraffe and watched the other animals we drank free beer. Our guide Gabe was amazing. he knew more about the animals than most thick reference books!  know a lot about animals but Gabi and I learned so much more than what we already knew that we left completely re-educated!

The park is big and after only two times around our feet was killing us! There was only one rude employee who told me I was a stalker for standing outside the bathrooms waiting on my wife to finish! TIP We found a great pizza place at the garden cafe, for $10 each you can all you can eat! Also don't try beating the crowds to Shiekra like we did, they wont open that side of the park til later and we found ourselves behind our planned schedule due to waiting at the edge of that section!

 We love Busch gardens Florida and would definitely revisit if given the chance.

For more pictures of this adventure click here!