BGT's food is pretty good in general, and the smokehouse by Shiekra is phenomenal (easily the best in-park BBQ I've had, every time I eat there). In terms of themeing I think it is pretty much a wash between DAK and BGT. The parks have two completely different vibes and styles, and both pull it off wonderfully. It is a lot closer than WDW to the Tampa beaches (roughly an hour of difference in driving time depending on the beach), as it took me about 2 hours to get to Clearwater from the Disney area. The animal experiences are, in my opinion, slightly better at Busch Gardens (the Orangutan exhibit is great, and the Orangs will even "play" with you at times if they're feeling curious from the other side of the glass. One day one of them was fascinated at the cell phone a lady had, it was quite an interesting and fun 10 minutes or so). There should be plenty to keep the kids entertained, and obviously some great rides for you in the coasters.
It obviously isn't Disney, but I don't think you can go wrong if it's really just a day trip in a beach-focused vacation and you aren't planning to go near Orlando otherwise.