#Discover
Busch Gardens Tampa®
Busch Gardens Tampa (formerly known as Busch Gardens Africa and Busch Gardens: The Dark Continent) is a 335-acre (136 ha) 19th century African-themed animal theme park located in the city of Tampa, Florida. It opened on March 31, 1959 as an admission-free hospitality facility for Tampa Anheuser-Busch; in addition to various beer tastings they had, a bird garden and the Stairway to the Stars which was an escalator that took guests to the roof of the brewery. Busch Gardens is currently accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Busch Gardens continued to grow, and in 1965, opened the 29-acre Serengeti Plains, which allowed the African wildlife to roam freely. It continued to focus on its tropical landscape, exotic animals, and amusements to draw visitors. Busch Gardens began charging admission as the entertainment became more complex, with extra fees for the thrill rides, such as the roller coasters for which Busch Gardens is now known. Currently Busch Gardens competes with other such parks in Florida and charges comparable fees.
The park is operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, majority owned by the private equity firm Blackstone Group. In 2011, the park hosted 4.3 million people, placing in the Top 20 of the most-visited theme parks in the US and in the Top 25 worldwide.
Top Attractions
As voted for by you
1)
Cheetah Hunt
138
votes
2)
Falcon's Fury
135
votes
5)
Congo River Rapids
30
votes
7)
Serengeti Railway
19
votes
8)
Cobra's Curse
12
votes
9)
Serengeti Plain
8
votes
1)
2 Park SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Ticket
2)
3 Park SeaWorld, Aquatica & Busch Gardens Ticket
4)
Disney, SeaWorld Park Switch Ticket
5)
Universal, SeaWorld Switch Ticket
6)
Orlando Park Hopper Special Offer
7)
The Orlando Passport Plus
9)
Orlando Halloween PassPort
10)
6 Park Halloween Switch Ticket
See:
Busch Gardens Tampa®
Do:
Busch Gardens Tampa®
Things to do
Cheetah Hunt
Height Requirement: 48in or taller
Type: Thrill Ride
Description: Launch into the ultimate excitement of Cheetah Hunt®, our newest roller coaster experience that coaster enthusiasts can't stop talking about. This triple launch coaster carries riders high above the park, then races down along the ground through a rocky gorge. At a length of 4,400 feet, it is the park’s longest thrill ride attraction.
SheiKra
Height: 54in or taller
Type: Thrill Ride
Description: Plunge from the sky on SheiKra®, our ferocious, floorless dive coaster by the masters of motion at B&M. Climb 200 feet to the edge of a 90-degree drop that inches you mercilessly over the edge—and stops.
Then surrender to speed as you dive straight down into a 70 mph coaster whirlwind with an Immelmann loop, a second dive into an underground tunnel and a splashdown finale that drenches SheiKra fans waiting to catch their own piece of the fun.
Montu
Height: 54in or taller
Type: Thrill Ride
Description: Challenge yourself to seven intense inversions on Montu®, a B&M inverted roller coaster named for an Egyptian god of war. Climb high into the air and hold on for a twisting drop, a 60-foot vertical loop, an Immelman loop and a zero-G roll…and that's only the beginning! Whether you speak coaster or not, come see why Montu means thrills to roller coaster enthusiasts in any language.
Things to see
Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation
Attraction Type: Live Show
Located: Stanleyville Theater
Duration: 20 Minutes
Description: Party along with Alex the Lion and his friends as they vacation with guests at Busch Gardens. The original live musical show features singers, dancers and rock/pop music performed by a live band.
Sing, clap and dance along to original songs and party favourites as you join the Madagascar characters on their full throttle Busch Gardens adventure.
Iceploration
Attraction Type: Live Show
Located: Moroccan Palace Theatre
Duration: 30 Minutes
Description: Busch Gardens® Tampa's biggest ice show ever, Iceploration®, is now open. The 30-minute show combines some of the most amazing aspects of the park’s rich entertainment history, including world-class skaters, larger-than-life puppets, amazing costumes, original music and even animal stars.
Iceploration tells the story of Austin, who believes technology keeps his pre-teen generation connected more than ever, and his grandfather – and old-world explorer – who encourages him to put down the smartphone and “explore the world,” including the African Serengeti, Great Barrier Reef, the Arctic and the Amazon rainforest..
Born to Rock
Attraction Type: Live Show
Duration: 25 Minutes
Description: Feel the beat and get ready to let loose with Busch Gardens® Tampa’s Born to Rock! Follow along with Arvin as he unexpectedly finds himself in the middle of a rock-n-roll musical production, filled with mash-ups of contemporary music and high-energy choreography.
A live guitarist, belly dancers and a top-notch circus round out this excitingly wonderful whirlwind of color and music. After Arvin discovers he’s in a blossoming love story, true love is realized and the cast “goes crazy” with a show-stopping party of music and dance.
Places to eat
Sesame Street Safari of Fun Family Buffet
Dining Type: Buffet
Cuisine: American
Service: Counter Service
PriceRange: Entrees £7 - £12
Reservations: Not required
Description: Enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat buffet along with the chance to meet your favorite Sesame Street® characters.
Book your Sesame Street® Safari of Fun™ Family Buffet today! Review dates by clicking on the calendar "select" icon and choosing the calendar. Available dates are shown in gray.
Park admission is required but not included. Menu subject to change. This buffet is hosted in an outdoor / covered pavilion. Remember your camera, there are many great photo opportunities!
Zambia Smokehouse
Dining Type: Casual
Cuisine: American
Service: Counter Service
PriceRange: £10.00
Description: Follow the smoke to Zambia Smokehouse, where the enticing aromas from our open barbecue pit are just the beginning of an exciting and flavourful meal.
Additional Information
Parking/Transport: Nearly 5,000 spaces are available for vehicles.
-
$15 - General parking for cars, motorcycles, trucks, recreation vehicles and campers
-
$22 - Preferred parking ($11 for 2 Year & 1 Year Pass Members; FREE for Platinum members)
Preferred parking is subject to availability. Tour buses may park for free.
Lockers: All-day lockers are located adjacent to the Reservation Center in the first gift shop to the right of the main entrance for $7.00. Stop by to check availability. Single-use lockers also available at the exit turnstiles in the Main Gate Plaza and at all major attractions, for the price of $0.50.
Stroller Rental: Find strollers, wheelchairs, ECVs and other helpful items to make your day comfortable. Single Strollers: $14.99 tax inclusive, Single Kiddie Car: $17.99 tax inclusive, Double Strollers: $24.99 tax inclusive and Double Kiddie Car: $27.99 tax inclusive
First Aid: The main First Aid station is located on the right (west) side of the Desert Grill restaurant near the Scorpion® roller coaster in Timbuktu. Skyride First Aid is located in the Skyride building near the restrooms, directly next to the Edge of Africa entrance. Registered nurses and emergency medical technicians staff our First Aid centers during park hours. Over-the-counter medications are available at select gift shops for purchase. Staff members throughout the park can call for medical assistance if a guest requires assistance.
Reviews:
Busch Gardens Tampa®
Here’s what our customers had to say about the park
Customer Rating :
Name :
Mr George Smyth
Date of Visit :
Feb 20 2020
Date of Review :
Mar 05 2020
Favourite Attraction :
Tigris
Review :
N/A
Theme Park Tip :
N/A
Customer Photo : N/A
Customer Rating :
Name :
Mr Geoffrey Prudhoe
Date of Visit :
Feb 14 2020
Date of Review :
Mar 01 2020
Favourite Attraction :
SheiKra
Review :
Excellent roller coaster rides
Theme Park Tip :
Good walking shoes required
Customer Photo : N/A
Customer Rating :
Name :
Mr Gavin Simkins
Date of Visit :
Feb 15 2020
Date of Review :
Feb 29 2020
Favourite Attraction :
Tigris
Review :
New in 2019 - great fun :-)
Theme Park Tip :
N/A
Customer Photo : N/A
Customer Rating :
Name :
Mrs Adelle Wardle
Date of Visit :
Nov 28 2019
Date of Review :
Dec 14 2019
Favourite Attraction :
SheiKra
Review :
This was my families favourite Theme Park that we have ever visited, there is so much to do and for all ages!!
Theme Park Tip :
The slushes are fab!!
Customer Photo : N/A
Customer Rating :
Name :
Mr antony seaman
Date of Visit :
Nov 12 2019
Date of Review :
Nov 27 2019
Favourite Attraction :
Tigris
Review :
Seat of the pants rides. A rollercoaster fan paradise. Many great rides all within a safari based park. Many animals to see in great environments. And they are owned by a brewery.
Theme Park Tip :
Either take a gentle stroll around the many animal enclosures or go crazy on some of the best thrill rides in Florida. Best to visit at quieter times to avoid the queues.
Customer Photo : N/A
