Quick Stop at BGT

I'm going to be in Tampa soon for a short stay. I'm considering a quick visit to BGT (never been) on Sunday before flying out in the evening. Here's the issue:

-I'll be staying in Clearwater Beach.
-Flight home departs at 6:00pm from TPA.
-I'll have a carry-on suitcase to deal with.

So that means leaving Clearwater in the morning and getting to the gates before 10:00am. Which will leave me about 5 hours to hit some coasters before heading to the airport. Not ideal, but better than nothing.

-With Quick Queue + Iron Gwazi add on, can I hit all the coasters?
-There doesn't appear to be a luggage storage option. Or is there something I'm overlooking?
-I'm trying to avoid renting a vehicle during my stay. But if I want to stop at BGT, this could be my solution to luggage storage. I won't have anything valuable in there.

Any thoughts, tips, or tricks?

eightdotthree's avatar

Danimales:

With Quick Queue + Iron Gwazi add on, can I hit all the coasters?

YMMV. I would prioritize.

TPA has luggage storage so you could stop there on your way to BGT, store your luggage, then head to BGT. It seems like by the time you pay for all the transportation here and there that it might actually just be cheaper to rent a car. It's certainly a lot easier.


As long as you’re in the area, you should swing by Knoebels.


Jeff's avatar

I wouldn't bank on everything being open right away. Operationally they're hit or miss. To 8.3's point, you'll have to prioritize, and get to know the fastest ways around, which are not obvious.


Jeff - Editor - CoasterBuzz.com - My Blog

Jeff:

and get to know the fastest ways around, which are not obvious.

I remember standing in line at the entrance gate before the park opened. The family ahead of me asked me what I was going to ride first. When I told them Sheikra they immediately replied that the fastest way there was to take the train. I did not take their advice and was rewarded with being on the first train of the day, and it was a solo ride as well.

My advice - don't take the train.

Great tips, thanks. My initial thought would be to go to Iron Gwazi first, since the Quick Queue only allows you one lap. That will increase my chances of getting two rides on it. After that, it looks like the most efficient way around the park would be to go clockwise towards Sheikra, but I'm not sure how that would play out in reality. However If I had to cut out a couple coasters, reluctantly Sheikra would be on the list, as (correct me if I'm wrong) dive coasters are generally pretty similar.

Definitely prepare for closed rides/one train ops that may slow you down. If all you care about are the coasters (and can also walk at a quickish pace) 5ish hours is more than enough time for that park.

And the train runs very sporadically, sometimes only arriving at each station once an hour. It's a relaxing way to see the animals out on the savannah, but is absolutely not a quick mode of transportation around the park.

Also, don't miss Sheikra. In the three dive coasters I have been on, it's the best. Tigris can be missed (especially since you can ride the clones elsewhere) if time becomes an issue.

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