Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, nestled in the heart of Tampa, Florida, is a premier family-friendly destination known for its thrilling roller coasters, lush animal habitats, and immersive themed areas. Originally opened in 1959 as a hospitality and bird garden for the nearby Anheuser-Busch brewery, Busch Gardens has since transformed into a world-renowned theme park that uniquely combines adventure rides with educational and captivating wildlife experiences.

This guide will explore the park's history, top attractions, animal exhibits, seasonal events, dining options, and tips to make your visit unforgettable.

History of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay began as a small park adjacent to the Anheuser-Busch brewery, offering complimentary tours and a serene bird sanctuary. Over the decades, the park expanded its attractions and animal exhibits, creating a unique blend of a zoo and theme park. Its African-themed areas, lush landscaping, and thrilling roller coasters have made it a standout attraction in Central Florida, with something to offer for visitors of all ages.

Today, the park covers 335 acres and is home to over 12,000 animals from more than 300 species, making it one of North America's largest zoos. It is also famed for its world-class roller coasters and family-friendly entertainment, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and animal lovers alike.

Top Attractions

Roller Coasters

1. Iron Gwazi: The newest and most thrilling addition, Iron Gwazi is North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world. With a 206-foot drop and speeds reaching up to 76 mph, it’s a heart-pounding ride for adrenaline enthusiasts.
2. SheiKra: This floorless dive coaster features a dramatic 200-foot drop at a 90-degree angle, providing a breathtaking view of the park before sending riders into a thrilling plunge.
3. Montu: Known for its intense inversions, Montu is one of the world’s largest and longest inverted coasters, giving riders a rush with seven inversions.
4. Cheetah Hunt: Inspired by the agility and speed of cheetahs, this triple-launch coaster accelerates riders to 60 mph and sends them racing through the Serengeti Plain.
5. Tigris: A steel-launch coaster with dramatic twists, turns, and drops, Tigris mimics the power and agility of a tiger.

Family-Friendly Rides and Attractions

1. Cobra's Curse: A family-friendly spinning coaster that offers a unique experience with its forward, backward, and free-spinning motion.
2. Stanley Falls Flume: A classic log flume ride that ends with a splash, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
3. Sesame Street Safari of Fun: A vibrant area designed for younger children, featuring kid-friendly rides, water play areas, and character meet-and-greets with beloved Sesame Street characters.
4. Congo River Rapids: An exhilarating white-water rafting adventure through caves, waterfalls, and geysers that’s fun for the whole family.

Animal Exhibits and Experiences

1. Serengeti Safari: A highlight of the park, the Serengeti Safari offers an up-close encounter with giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and other African animals. Visitors ride in an open-air vehicle through the 65-acre Serengeti Plain, hand-feeding giraffes and learning about conservation efforts.
2. Edge of Africa: A winding walking path that allows guests to view African wildlife, including lions, hyenas, meerkats, and crocodiles, in settings that replicate their natural habitats.
3. Jungala: A lush jungle area featuring tigers, orangutans, and a variety of smaller animal species. Interactive exhibits and viewing platforms make it a must-see for animal lovers.
4. Animal Care Center: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the park’s state-of-the-art veterinary facilities. Guests can watch procedures, learn about animal care, and even interact with some of the resident animals.
5. Penguin Point and Bird Gardens: These areas house a variety of exotic birds, from colorful macaws and flamingos to playful penguins and waterfowl.

Seasonal Events

1. Howl-O-Scream: A Halloween-themed event featuring haunted houses, scare zones, and spooky shows. This event is geared toward older children and adults looking for a thrilling Halloween experience.
2. Christmas Town: Busch Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season with millions of twinkling lights, festive shows, holiday-themed rides, and seasonal treats.
3. Food & Wine Festival: A springtime event that showcases gourmet cuisine, fine wine, craft beers, and live music performances from popular artists.
4. Summer Nights: During summer evenings, the park hosts a series of events with extended hours, fireworks, and themed entertainment.

Dining Options

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a variety of dining experiences to suit every taste, from quick bites to sit-down meals.

• Serengeti Overlook Restaurant: Enjoy a leisurely meal with stunning views of the Serengeti Plain.
• Zambia Smokehouse: A popular BBQ spot featuring smoked meats, ribs, and traditional sides.
• Dragon Fire Grill: Offers a variety of international cuisines, from Italian pasta to Asian stir-fry.
• Twisted Tails Pretzels: A great spot for a snack, offering soft pretzels with creative twists and dipping sauces.

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive Early: Busch Gardens can get crowded, especially on weekends. Arriving early will help you maximize your day and reduce wait times.
• Use Quick Queue Passes: Consider purchasing a Quick Queue pass for expedited access to popular attractions, particularly if you visit during peak times.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: With its expansive layout, visitors can expect to walk several miles throughout the day.
• Plan for the Weather: Florida’s climate can be hot and humid, so bring sunscreen, hats, and stay hydrated.
• Check Showtimes and Feeding Schedules: Many animal exhibits have specific feeding times or shows. Check the schedule to catch these unique opportunities.
• Utilize the Busch Gardens App: The park’s official app provides maps, real-time wait times, show schedules, and mobile ordering options for food.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a unique blend of high-energy thrill rides, captivating animal exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment. Whether you’re a roller coaster enthusiast, an animal lover, or looking for a fun day out with the family, Busch Gardens is an ideal destination that delivers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.

With its ongoing conservation efforts and innovative attractions, Busch Gardens continues to evolve while maintaining its status as one of Florida’s top theme parks. Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, there's always something new to explore at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!