Planning to visit SeaWorld and Busch Gardens in one weekend? You’re in the right place. SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are must-dos for anyone coming to visit Central Florida. With that said, given that it takes one to two hours to drive between Orlando and Tampa, the task of enjoying them while you’re in town can seem daunting. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make it happen with little to no effort.
Before we start planning your weekend at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, let’s talk tickets. The best way to start? Snag a multi-park ticket that gets you into both parks—and save while you’re at it with discounts from your trusted friends at Orlando Informer.
Now then, let’s get into the fun stuff.
Transportation Options to Visit SeaWorld and Busch Gardens in One Weekend
With park admission out of the way, the next step is figuring out Orlando’s transportation options, especially when it comes to SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Of course, there’s always the option of ride-share services as they’re plentiful in our city.
It’s also worth checking if your hotel of choice offers complimentary transportation. Similar to other theme parks, the closer you stay to SeaWorld Orlando, the better the chances are that hotels in the area do.
On the other hand, Busch Gardens may not be as easy, given Tampa’s distance from Orlando and the possible traffic when driving there. Thankfully, there is free transportation for ticket holders from select points throughout Orlando, including a pick-up time from SeaWorld Orlando. It’s important to know that this option does require reservations, and the shuttle may need to make some stops along the way. However, those reservations can be made well in advance, and the shuttles typically still only take one to two hours to get to Busch Gardens.
Why You Should Plan a Separate Day for Each Park
When it comes to experiencing SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, it’s best to dedicate a full day to each park. This gives you ample time to account for transportation between the two cities and align with each park’s hours of operation. This is especially important for Busch Gardens, as travel time from Orlando—whether by car, shuttle, or ride-share—can take a bit longer, and the park often operates on a shorter schedule than SeaWorld.
If you can, try to plan your visit during one of SeaWorld and Busch Gardens’ year-round events. Yes, it may mean an increase in crowds, making it busier than usual, but events like Howl-O-Scream and SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival can grant extended operating hours, thereby maximizing the amount of time you have to enjoy the parks.
Enhance Your Weekend at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens
SeaWorld and Busch Gardens have a variety of ways to make the most of any visit to their parks. When it comes to maximizing your time, the best option to see everything is by upgrading your admission with a Quick Queue Unlimited Pass. This grants the leisure of unlimited, front-of-the-line access to each participating attraction. These attractions include Manta and Mako at SeaWorld Orlando, and roller coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, like Cheetah Hunt and SheiKra.
Of course, combining the admission with an All-Day Dining Plan can also save you money on dining at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. You can also enhance your visit with a variety of behind-the-scenes tours, offering exclusive access and unique experiences that go beyond the typical day in the park. These add-ons are perfect for anyone looking to create unforgettable memories and take their adventure to the next level.
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