With all of the amusement parks in Tampa, Florida, it can be easy to overlook Busch Gardens even if it’s one of the firsts to set up base in the state. Doing so, however, would be a wrong move, because this place offers a lot to visitors, from beautiful gardens and animal attractions to thrill rides and fun shows. In fact, the venue has so many highlights that a single day may not be enough for you to see and enjoy everything it has to offer, especially if you’ll be visiting for the first time. To help you plan your itinerary, here is a guide to Busch Gardens, Tampa, so you don’t get overwhelmed with the number of things this underrated park has in store.
Things to do / Highlights
Given the number of attractions in Busch Gardens, a better question would be, “What can’t you see at the park?” Here are just some of the highlights here.
Thrill rides
You cannot talk about Busch Gardens without running through its list of thrill rides, and it’s got plenty. Cheetah Hunt will make you see just how fast real cheetahs can run, while Falcon’s Fury will take you up, down, and upside down. If you still haven’t had your fill of being twisted and turned, head over to Montu, an inverted roller coaster. If you love drops, check out Sheikra. Cobra’s Curse is fun too, but if you’re afraid of snakes, this might not be the ride for you as there are real snakes here.
Gentle rides
If you like rides but not those that make you feel like your heart is in your throat, there are options in Busch Gardens that you can enjoy. Ubanga-Banga Bumper Cars is a must for bumper-car fans. Stanley Falls Flume is fun, although you may get a little wet, as with Congo River Rapids. Skyride meanwhile allows you to enjoy views of the entire park. You can also take a Serengeti Express Train ride if you want a quick and easy way to go and see what the entire park has to offer.
Animal Care Center and Animal Habitats
What makes Busch Gardens stand out from other amusement parks are the animals. There are different fauna housed in the park, including but not limited to hippos, penguins, kangaroos, cheetahs, tigers, gorillas, alligators, and even elephants.
Shows
Various shows are held throughout the day. These may change between seasons, so be sure to check out the website to know what performances will be held during your visit.
Sesame Street Safari of Fun
Toddlers sometimes miss out on having fun in amusement parks because they’re too little to enjoy the activities and attractions. At Busch Gardens, they’re not left out. Sesame Street Safari of Fun is a play area where kids from 2 to 6 years old can have fun playing around.
What to eat
Food and drinks can’t be brought inside the park. Don’t worry though, because there are several restaurants scattered throughout where you can grab a snack or even a full meal. Dragon Fire Grill is a favorite because it offers multi-cultural fare. If steaks are more your thing, head to Zambia Smokehouse. If you love your beers, go to Brew Club, although it may not be a good idea to kick back a few if you’re planning to try some thrill rides! Here’s a helpful tip: if you have a big appetite, you can get the All-Day Dining deal, which will allow you to get one entree, one side item or dessert, and a drink every hour.
Things to buy
Much like other amusement parks, Busch Gardens has souvenir shops where you can purchase memorabilia to remind you of the fun time you spent here. Unlike the others, however, you can find a variety of options that go beyond the usual shirts, caps, and stuffed toys. At Emporium, you can buy jewelry. It also features a wide variety of gift items that you can purchase to give to your loved ones back home. At Nature’s Kingdom, you will be able to find home decors such as sculptures and authentic African carvings. Marrakesh Market, meanwhile, offers nearly as many colorful options as what it’s named after. Xcursions features conservation-related products as well as Guy Harvey merchandise. Sahara Trading Co. is the place to go if you want to get nautical-themed items. There are other smaller gift shops scattered around the park that you can check out if you’re looking for specific souvenirs.
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Travel tips
Grab a map
The first thing that you should do as soon as you get here is to grab a map. That way, you will have something to aid you in navigating this spacious park.
Lockers
Bags are not allowed in any attractions. Fear not though, because there are lockers that are available for rent at the Morocco area, near the lost and found section. There are also rides that have lockers for short-term use.
What to bring
As mentioned earlier, you will not be allowed to bring your things with you to the attractions, so try to keep the stuff you carry to a minimum. A change of clothes, however, may be needed if you plan on going on the water rides.
What to wear
Florida can be very hot, especially during summer, so wear clothes that are light and breathable and just bring a hoodie to toss over your top in case it gets cooler.
Safety
Some rides impose certain restrictions, so be sure to check the rules for each ride beforehand, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Smoking
There are designated smoking areas in the park.
Best time to visit
It’s best to arrive before the gates open, especially if you plan on trying out most, if not all, of the rides here. Allot the entire day for seeing what Busch Gardens has in store for you, because they sure are plenty!
How to get there
The easiest way to get to Busch Gardens is by car. If, however, you don’t have your own ride, don’t worry, because shuttle services are already in your admission ticket. There are pick-up and drop-off locations across Orlando, Florida.
How to book tickets (from USD 107.0)
You can purchase tickets on-site (you can choose to buy from the self-service kiosks or from the manned ticket booths). If, however, you don’t want to go through the trouble of queueing, you can buy your passes online. Busch Gardens allows you to purchase tickets from the official website. There are also tour services such as Viator where you can get them.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket
Duration: 8 hours
Busch Gardens, Tampa information
Busch Gardens, Tampa
Address: 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 9pm
Cost: From 25 USD
Official website: Busch Gardens, Tampa
Department of tourism: City of Tampa
Tampa Bay CityPASS with Discount Attraction Admission Tickets
Duration: 9 days
History
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