Busch Gardens Tampa

Overview

What exactly is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay? Is it a zoo, a theme park or a water park? In truth, it is a unique blend of all three — a large-scale Orlando and Tampa theme park experience that combines world-class roller coasters with impressive animal habitats. Spanning around 335 acres and welcoming millions of visitors each year, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a varied day out that appeals to both thrill seekers and families.

One of the standout features of the park is how it brings together wildlife and rides in one location. It is not unusual to see giraffes roaming across the Serengeti Plain before heading straight to a high-speed coaster nearby. This mix of attractions is what sets Busch Gardens apart from other Florida theme parks.

Thrill Rides

Busch Gardens is well known for its collection of roller coasters and adrenaline attractions. Falcon’s Fury remains one of the most distinctive rides in the park, lifting riders high above the ground before tilting them face-down for a dramatic vertical drop.

Among the headline coasters, SheiKra continues to impress with its 200 ft climb and near-vertical drop, while Cheetah Hunt uses multiple launches to propel riders across the park at speed, weaving through twists, turns and a dramatic plunge into a trench.

Montu is still one of the most popular inverted roller coasters, sending riders through loops and high-speed manoeuvres with their feet suspended below. Kumba remains a classic, known for its intense layout and series of inversions.

There have also been some updates to the ride line-up in recent years. Tigris is still operating and delivers a powerful launch experience, while Cobra’s Curse offers a more family-friendly spinning coaster. A more recent addition is Iron Gwazi, a hybrid coaster that has quickly become one of the park’s most talked-about attractions, featuring steep drops and high speeds.

One important update is that Scorpion closed in 2024, so it is no longer part of the attraction line-up.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Busch Gardens is not just about high-speed rides. Families with younger children will find plenty to enjoy, particularly in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area. Here, younger guests can meet familiar characters and enjoy gentler rides such as Air Grover, a junior coaster with small drops and turns.

Sand Serpent, a spinning wild mouse-style coaster, is also still operating and suitable for families looking for a slightly more adventurous ride without the intensity of the larger coasters.

For a more relaxed experience, the Serengeti Express railway remains a highlight. This train journey travels through the Serengeti Plain, offering views of giraffes, zebras and other animals roaming freely, while also connecting different areas of the park.

Water rides are also available, including Congo River Rapids and Stanley Falls Flume, both of which are popular options for cooling off during warmer days in Florida.

Animal Experiences

Busch Gardens continues to be home to a wide range of animal habitats. Guests can explore areas such as Edge of Africa, where lions, hippos, hyenas and meerkats can be seen, or visit Jungala to observe Bengal tigers and orangutans.

The Myombe Reserve remains a key attraction for viewing gorillas and chimpanzees in a carefully designed environment. Bird lovers can visit the aviary, home to a variety of tropical species.

The Animal Care Center is also open to guests, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how animals are cared for, including treatments and routine health checks.

For a more immersive experience, the Serengeti Safari (a paid upgrade) allows visitors to travel across the Serengeti Plain in an open vehicle, with opportunities to get closer to animals such as giraffes and zebras.

Shows and Entertainment

Busch Gardens offers a selection of live entertainment throughout the year. While shows do change seasonally, there are typically family-friendly performances, ice shows and animal presentations available, providing a chance to relax between rides.