Is Busch Gardens (Local) Trip Worth It for Spring Break? ($4,626) or Universal Trip for ($7,874/$6,074 w/ Points)

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to decide between a local trip to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for Spring Break or heading down to Universal Orlando. Here's a breakdown of the costs for both options:

Option 1: Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Total: $4,626.30 for 4 People)
This total includes everything: 3-day park admission, hotel stay, all-day dining plan, reserved seating, and special experiences like animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours.
The dining plan is all-you-can-eat every 90 minutes on one day, and 3 meals per person on another day.
The only additional cost was $1,439 for the Unlimited Express Pass for 2 days, bringing the total to $4,626.30.

Option 2: Universal Orlando (Total: $7,874.00 / $6,074.00 with Points for Flights for 4 People)
2-Day Universal Orlando Park Tickets (with Express Pass): $3,300.00
Airbnb Stay (3 nights): $1,100.00
Flights for 4 People: $1,800.00 ($0 if using points)
Estimated Food Costs:
Per Meal: Approximately $35.00 per person
Total for 3 Meals/Day for 3 Days: $1,260.00
Uber Transportation:
Washington, DC to Dulles Airport (Round Trip): Approximately $134.00
Orlando Airport (MCO) to Airbnb (Round Trip): Approximately $140.00
Airbnb to Universal Studios (4 Round Trips): Approximately $140.00

Universal costs $3,247.70 more than Busch Gardens Williamsburg with flights included.
Universal costs $1,447.70 more than Busch Gardens if flights are covered with points.

Which option do you think offers better value? Is Universal worth the extra cost, or is Busch Gardens a solid alternative for Spring Break?

[Anonymous]

I think these are both terrible deals. It’s so much money to ride rides for 3 days. But I guess I’d do universal. The idea of $5k at Busch Gardens is shocking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think these are both terrible deals. It’s so much money to ride rides for 3 days. But I guess I’d do universal. The idea of $5k at Busch Gardens is shocking.

can you suggest something else? I priced these out and they are also more expensive:

Atlantis Bahamas (Total: $8,805.50 – $10,405.50 for 4 People, 3 Nights)
Flights for 4 People: $3,500.00 – $4,500.00
Accommodation:
1-Bedroom Suite: $1,842.75 each
Minimum Required Suites: 2
Total for 2 Suites: $3,685.50
Food Costs:
Estimated at $100 – $150 per person per day (varies based on dining choices).
For 4 people over 3 days: $1,200.00 – $1,800.00
Resort Fees:
Estimated at $70 per room per night plus VAT.
Total for 2 Suites, 3 Nights: $420.00

Turks & Caicos Beaches Resort (Total: $12,000.00 for 4 People, All-Inclusive)
Flights for 4 People: $1,000.00
All-Inclusive Resort Stay (2-Bedroom Suite, 3 Nights): $11,000.00
Includes all meals, drinks, water sports, and resort activities

Jamaica Beaches Resort (Total: $8,000.00 for 4 People, All-Inclusive)
Flights for 4 People: $1,000.00
All-Inclusive Resort Stay (1-Bedroom Suite, 3 Nights): $7,000.00
Includes all meals, drinks, water sports, and resort activities

[Anonymous]

I've been to Busch Gardens many times, and can't think why you would need the unlimited express pass in April. It won't be crowded enough to justify that expense until the summer.

[Anonymous]

One day limit at an amusement park. Go early and stay late. Done.

[Anonymous]

I've done both several times and you are overspending like mad. Busch Gardens should be a very cheap trip, and two days max (one is fine). If local the year pass is a much better deal and worth it for Christmas time.

[Anonymous]

Do you really need 3 days at B&G? That seems like a lot. Also, the dining plan sounds excessive. Who is tanking up every 90 minutes? People want less food since they are riding. What type of animal encounters and is that needed?

[Anonymous]

You will regret spending that much at Busch Gardens. You can get through every ride in 1 day. If you want to stay local, do Busch Gardens and maybe Williamsburg or something else in the area.

[Anonymous]

Overall, I’d chose Universal.

[Anonymous]

That seems way, way too expensive for Busch Gardens. I don't know what extras you'd be tacking on but you don't really need those and I don't think those behind the scenes tours are worth the money. I took my kids to the Christmas event for way less than that. Busch Gardens is also a 1 or 2 day park.

Universal has that new park opening in May and it's supposed to be very good. I'd avoid going for a while after it opens but if you want to do Universal I'd maybe wait a year so you can see the new park.

[Anonymous]

3 days at Busch Gardens is 2 days too long.
You can do that trip in way less money.

[Anonymous]

These prices are all outrageous. I would rent an apartment on the beach in Miami Beach somewhere and enjoy the beach and pool.

[Anonymous]

We only ever get one hotel at most when we go to Busch Gardens and then we drive home after. I'm also surprised people get the dining plans too.

We just did 4 days in Universal and it was incredible. Instead of an air bnb, stay on site at their premium hotel and get the express passes for free.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP - price out the premium hotels. You'll save on buying the express pass and Ubers, plus I think you get early entry. Three days at Busch Gardens is a lot. Another option would be to combine Busch Gardens and Florida by flying into Tampa instead and spending spring break there.

[Anonymous]

If you're looking to save money I would do B&G for 1 day and Williamsburg for 1 day. Don't get the skip the line pass or the dining plan.

How old are your kids? Are you going for 3 days because that's what's in the budget or are there only 3 days available for vacation due to something like work?