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Busch Gardens

My family is visiting my parents in Sarasota the week between Christmas and new year’s. My boys 12 and 14 want to go to busch gardens to ride coasters. I am worried about crowds during that time. We tried to do disney same time a few years ago and it was awful. Will we be standing in hours long lines all day for just a couple rides?

Visiting Busch Gardens Tampa between Christmas and New Year’s is a popular time, and yes, it can get quite busy. Unlike Disney, Busch Gardens is slightly more manageable, but during the peak holiday week, you should expect larger crowds and longer wait times, especially for the park’s most popular roller coasters.

Here’s what to expect and some tips for your visit:

  • Lines for major coasters like SheiKra, Montu, Iron Gwazi, and Falcon’s Fury can range from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the time of day and weather.
  • Smaller rides and attractions generally have shorter waits, but peak times mid-morning to mid-afternoon can still see lines of 15–30 minutes.
  • The holiday season may feature special events, decorations, and evening shows, which can draw additional crowds.

Ways to minimize wait times and maximize your day:

  • Arrive early: Getting there at park opening gives you a head start on the most popular rides before the crowds build.
  • Use Quick Queue passes: These are paid passes that allow you to skip regular lines for major rides. They can make a huge difference during busy holiday periods.
  • Plan strategically: Start with the coasters and high-demand rides first, then enjoy shows, animal exhibits, and smaller attractions in the afternoon.
  • Check park app: Busch Gardens’ official app provides real-time wait times, helping you plan which rides to hit next.
  • Consider single rider lines: For some coasters, single rider lines can significantly reduce your wait time if your group doesn’t mind splitting up temporarily.

Overall, while the park will be busier than average, with careful planning and possibly a Quick Queue, you and your boys can still enjoy multiple coasters without spending all day in line. Arriving early and focusing on the biggest rides first is key during this busy holiday week.

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