Busch Gardens

Did you know that Busch Gardens is actually older than nearby Disney World? It's also cheaper and includes themed lands on Morocco, the Congo, Timbuktu, Egypt and Nairobi; plus animal exhibits based on the Serengeti Plain and the Myombe Reserve (and that's just scratching the surface). But what recent guests like the best is how up close and personal you can get with the park's exotic creatures.

"Busch Gardens Tampa has so many interesting things to do -- but my children were most impressed by the kangaroo feeding experience," says one TripAdvisor user, later noting, "My 10-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter have never enjoyed any attraction this much." Other park guests were disappointed to find renovations under way during their visit, i.e., closed roller coasters and attractions. A February vacationer also tells TripAdvisor "They are putting in a new roller coaster that looks impressive BUT it is going nearly in the center of the park so there are areas that you cannot visit and some rides are changed due to construction." The final verdict seems to be that Busch Gardens is still a very worthwhile experience if Tampa is your final destination. If you're traveling over from Orlando, however, some say you might want to leave a visit to this park for a later date.

The amusement park is open anywhere from between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. For $78 ($70 for kids) you'll get two days in the park. Visit Busch Gardens' official website for the hours of the day (or days) you intend to visit, and further details on tickets and attractions. Also consider purchasing a Flex combo ticket for entry into this park and four or five others spread out between Tampa and Orlando. Flex tickets costs anywhere between $244 and $300, depending on package and age.