Busch Gardens & Strollers

acarleenb

Did you take your own stroller or rent one? Thinking about taking ours since it reclines all the way back (for naps!) but this is our first time taking DD to any kind of amusement park so wondering what others have done. Or any tips for amusement park visits are much appreciated!

Chelle112

We took DS to Busch Gardens last year and used our own stroller. We bought water throughout the day instead of taking our own, mainly because I was scared they'd make us toss it (our friends got through fine with their kiddo's water, though, so I'm not sure of exact rules). We brought one of those battery operated fans that also serves as a squirt bottle (bought it at Walgreens) and put it in his cupholder so it was on him all day. All in all it went well, but he was also a lot younger then and not nearly as active.  Have fun! We hope to make it there this summer, too.

D.Smith

take your stroller

meg1974

I haven't been there with DD, but if I did I would take my own stroller. I'm not sure how comfortable the ones they have are, or if they are made for her size. 

rebus82

Take yours, their rental strollers are pretty basic and not remotely comfy looking. We rented a double last year when we took B and his cousin, and I ended up shoving my sweatshirt under them so they had some cushion and wouldn't slide off the seat constantly. The straps were worthless as well. I'm sure the singles aren't much better, though they might be since I'm sure they're meant for younger kids.

They don't really care if you bring in water and snacks, though I wouldn't try bringing in a full cooler or anything. There are picnic tables in some of the parking lots (in little areas, not just amongst the cars) so you can do lunch that way if you don't to buy. We brought crackers and fruit bars, and bought them some fruit cups (pineapple, grapes, melon) while we walked around. 

BG is very, very, very open and sunny. Definitely bring a hat and sunscreen, and drink lots of water. The Festhouse is a great place to relax and they do a show every hour (?) that's pretty entertaining if you're into German polka. The Sesame St. area is great for kids, and Land of the Dragons has a few good rides that you can ride with LO. The pavilion in Italy puts on some interesting shows as well (they had a painter on stilts last year) that don't require waiting in line. 

Make sure to take LO to see the Clydesdales and sheep in England. Sometimes they're out in the yard, sometimes in the barn, but they're definitely worth a look. I think they do photos with the horses sometimes too. Though be careful, if LO takes too much of a shine she might start asking for a pony a few years early.