Busch Garden day pass with teens

Question

Hi, we are going to Busch Garden on 9Feb with a day pass meal deal included, family of 4, 2 teens 13 and 15 boys. I was looking for "do's and dont's" and guidance about the free shuttle from Orlando. Thanks.

Answer

Visiting Busch Gardens Tampa with teens can be an exciting day full of roller coasters, animal encounters, and shows. Since you’re going on February 9th with a day pass that includes a meal deal, here’s a detailed guide to help your family make the most of the day.

Do’s and Don’ts:

Do arrive early: The park opens in the morning, and arriving early allows you to hit popular rides like SheiKra, Montu, or Tigris before lines get long.
Do plan your route: Busch Gardens is large, so check the park map and plan which rides and animal exhibits to prioritize. Teens usually love the thrill rides first.
Do use the mobile app: The Busch Gardens app provides real-time wait times, show schedules, and dining locations, which helps with meal planning and avoiding long lines.
Do use your meal deal wisely: The meal deal usually includes a set number of meals or snacks. Identify the participating restaurants in advance to maximize your value.
Do hydrate and wear sunscreen: Even in February, Florida can be sunny. Water fountains are available throughout the park.
Don’t bring large bags unnecessarily: Lockers are available for roller coasters requiring secure storage. Avoid carrying bulky backpacks that can slow you down.
Don’t skip shows: Animal presentations and live shows are entertaining and educational, especially for teens.
Don’t forget comfortable shoes: You will be walking a lot—sturdy sneakers are recommended.

About the free shuttle from Orlando:

Some hotels and tour operators in Orlando offer shuttle services to Busch Gardens Tampa, but these are typically paid services rather than completely free. Check your hotel for available packages or day trip shuttles.
The drive from Orlando to Tampa is about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic, so plan your departure accordingly if using a shuttle.
If your shuttle or bus picks up early in the morning, bring snacks or breakfast, as you may arrive at the park around opening time.
Confirm in advance the return schedule to avoid waiting long periods after the park closes.

Extra tips for teens:

Consider the Quick Queue option if you want to minimize wait times for roller coasters.
Teens may enjoy the zipline experience over the park if they meet height and weight requirements.
Use single-rider lines if your group doesn’t mind splitting up temporarily—it can save significant time on popular rides.

In summary, plan early, prioritize the thrill rides for the teens, use the meal deal strategically, and confirm shuttle details in advance. With a little preparation, your family can enjoy a smooth, fun-filled day at Busch Gardens Tampa.