2018 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Complete Guide

17Apr 0

2018 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Complete Guide

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Thinking about making a solo trip out to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay anytime soon? This wild and adventurous theme park is known to have some of the best roller coasters and thrill rides in Florida. Formerly known as the Dark Continent, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay invites you to seek adventures in the lush and mysterious lands of Africa.

I have so many fond memories of this magnificent theme park. It was the first time I had rode a roller coaster, Python, and it was the first park I was able to explore on my own. Busch Gardens was also a place where I created great memories with my large family, being that it was a much more affordable theme park for families to attend together.

Busch Gardens was opened in Tampa, Florida on March 31, 1959 by the Anheuser-Busch company as a free animal attraction alongside a brewery. It has since become a 335-acre theme park divided into African-themed regions: Egypt, Congo, Birds Garden, Jungala, Morocco, Nairobi, Pantopia, the Cheetah Hunt area, Sesame Street Safari of Fun, and Stanleyville that can be done in one day.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is about 70 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort. There is a shuttle service that offers round-trip transportation to the park. The round-trip fare is free with park ticket purchase and departs Orlando daily with a maximum of three stops to Busch Gardens. Reservations are highly recommended and can be reserved by calling 1-800-221-1339 or visit Mears Destination Services online.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.

Busch Gardens usually opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m.; however, during the peak summer days the park may be open until midnight. Remember when planning your trip, always check the park’s website or mobile app for the current hours and wait times.

PRICING AT BUSCH GARDENS

Parking

$20: General parking for cars, motorcycles, trucks, recreation vehicles and campers (FREE for Annual Pass Members)
$26: Preferred parking ($13 for Annual Pass Members; FREE for Platinum Members)

Tickets

One day admission starting at $89.99
Play & Dine: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay + Eat Free All Day starting at $104.99
Fun Card Pay: For a Day, Get All of 2017 at Busch Gardens plus Adventure Island FREE starting at $99.99
Tampa Bay CityPASS: Attractions include: Busch Gardens® Tampa, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Chihuly Collection presented by the Morean Arts Center OR Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI). $106.00

Annual Passes

Busch Gardens only starting at $14/month
Busch Gardens + SeaWorld or Adventure Island starting at $16/month
Busch Gardens + SeaWorld + Adventure Island or Aquatica starting at $21/month

All-Day Dining Plan

All you can eat and drink at Busch Gardens.

Adult: $34.99
Child: $19.99

Quick Queue

You can skip the line on major attractions. Prices start at $15.99 and varies based on how busy the park may be that day. Below are the current attractions included in the Quick Queue system:

Falcon’s Fury
Cheetah Hunt
SheiKra
Montu
Kumba
Stanley Falls Flume
Congo River Ride

Safari Tour at Busch Gardens

Tours

Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Animal Care Center $29.00

An in depth 75-minute tour of how the Busch Gardens zoological staff care for the animals on property.

Elephant Insider Tour $29.00

45-minute walking tour with specialized trainers.

Elite Adventure Tour $199.00

The ultimate VIP experience of Busch Gardens where you can customize your own 7-hour tour.

Guided Adventure Tour $99.99

An in-depth tour of the whole Busch Gardens theme park, complete with front of the line access, lunch, 30-minute off-road wildlife safari, the opportunity to feed giraffes, and more.

Heart of Africa Tour $39.00

75-minute guided tour where you will get up close and personal with wild animals of Africa.

Keeper for a Day Tour $249.00

You will work with zoological staff caring for giraffes, antelope, birds and more! This hands-on experience last 6.5 hours.

Penguin Insider Tour $29.00

Guided tour with specialized trainers.

Serengeti Night Safari $74.99

2.5-hour walking tour through the Edge of Africa and the Serengeti plain served with light refreshments.

Serengeti Safari $29.00

Open-air touring vehicle that takes you through the Serengeti plain.

Tiger Insider Tour $29.00

30-minute walking tour with specialized trainers.

*Discounts available for Pass Members.

TIPS FOR BUSCH GARDENS

Get there early – Arrive 45 minutes prior to park opening is the best way to maximize your day, especially if you’re trying to do it in one day.
Dress appropriately – Florida weather is mostly hot and humid except for the beautiful months of December, January, February, and March.
Find quiet, shaded spots – The Edge of Africa and Myombe Reserve are two, usually serene, sitting areas. The great thing about Busch Gardens is the availability of hidden spots tucked away throughout the park that also offer great views and shade.
Go during the weekdays – To avoid the frustration that a crowed day at a theme park can bring, I suggest avoiding holidays, the weekends, and the summer. This is the time that both locals and tourists flood the park bringing unbelievable attraction wait times and difficult navigation throughout the park.
Bring quarters for locker rentals
Download park guide – Map out day prior to visit. This is a great way to make a note of your must do’s and also a way to help you see and experience as much as you can if you’re only there for a short visit.
Pass on Preferred Parking – Try to get to Busch Gardens early and park near the tram station in the regular parking section. If you pay for an upgrade to preferred parking, then there is a possibility that you may get placed in the back of that lot and will have to walk quite a distance to the front gates.
Find Busch Gardens discounted tickets and special deals – CityPASS, AAA, Undercover Tourist, local business.
Grab a Birthday Pin – If it’s your special day, be sure to stop by guest relations for a special birthday pin to wear at the park.
Purchase the Quick Queue fast pass – This is a most important tip if you’re going on a busy day.
Purchase the All-Day Dining Deal – For one low price, you will get a band that allows you to eat at participating restaurants all day. 1 entrée, 1 side or dessert, and 1 fountain drink, tea or water for each visit. Basically, an all you can eat day at the park. Participating restaurants are Zagora Café, Serengeti Overlook™ Pub, Bengal Bistro, Dragon Fire™ Grill and Zambia Smokehouse. Sharing is prohibited and may lead to revocation of your dining pass if found in violation of the rule.

Solo Theme Park Traveler Tip: If you see a family struggling to get a group photo, offer to take their picture. In return, someone from their circle might reciprocate the offer to you.

HOW TO DO BUSCH GARDENS IN ONE DAY

1.Download and go over the park map.

2.Plan to arrive prior to the gates opening.

3.Check out the famous Florida gators in Morocco.

4.Ride Cheetah Hunt.

5.Ride Cobra’s Curse.

6.Ride Montu.

7.Take a stroll on the Edge of Africa or in the Myombe Reserve to relax.

8.Take the Skyride over to the middle area of the park.

9.Ride Sheikra.

10.Have lunch at Zambia Smokehouse.

11.Ride Stanley Falls.

12.Ride the Congo River Rapids

13.Ride Kumba.

14.Ride Scorpion Roller Coaster

15.Ride the Phoenix

16.Ride the Sand Serpent Roller Coaster.

17.Conquer Falcon’s Fury.

18.Grab a delicious pretzel and beer at Twisted Tails Pretzels.

19.Catch up on any park shows that you want to watch.

SPECIAL EVENTS AT BUSCH GARDENS

Food and Wine Festival (March and April)

Coasters, music, food, drinks, fun and more can all be experienced in this standout Busch Gardens annual event.

Summer Nights (June, July, and August)

Experience the terrifying roller coasters at night and party with other Hipsters as DJs play your favorite tunes throughout the night.

Howl-O-Scream (September and October)

The Dark Continent inspired theme park transforms into a terrifying, bone-chilling event where you’ll scream your way through the park.

Christmas Town (November and December)

Christmas treats, Santa’s house, Rudolph and more can be found in this annual Winter Wonderland experience right in the heart of Tampa Bay.

BUSCH GARDENS ATTRACTIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Thrill Rides

Cheetah Hunt, Cheetah Hunt Area

Triple launch coaster with cheetah like speed and the park’s longest ride (4400 feet).

Thrill: High

Height Requirement: Minimum of 48”

Cobra’s Curse, Egypt

Spin coaster, featuring a vertical lift that takes you through the dark legend of the King Snake.

Thrill: Moderate

Height Requirement: Minimum of 42”

Falcon’s Fury, Pantopia

Pivot 90 degrees in midair to a face-down dive in the tallest (335 feet) freestanding drop tower in America.

Thrill: High

Height Requirement: between 54” and 77”

Kumba, Congo

Hear the ferocious roar of the lion in this classic must do roller coaster.

Thrill: High

Height Requirement: 54”

Montu, Egypt

The Egyptian god named roller coaster with seven inversions.

Thrill: High

Height Requirement: Minimum of 54”

Phoenix, Pantopia

A classic swing boat ride that can go in a complete circle.

Thrill: Moderate

Height Requirement: 48”

SheiKra, Stanleyville

Floorless 90-degree dive roller coaster straight down at speeds topping 70 mph.

Thrill: High

Height Requirement: Minimum of 54”

Scorpion, Pantopia

The second roller coaster built at Busch Gardens with a 360-degree vertical loop.

Thrill: Low

Height Requirement: Minimum of 42”

Myombe Reserve at Busch’s Gardens

Animal Encounters

Animal Care Center, Nairobi

This animal nursery features a state-of-the-art facility where guests can view animals receiving treatment, x-rays, and other forms of medical and physical care.

Lory Landing Aviary, Bird Gardens

Features a free-flight aviary for up close encounters and a flamingo lagoon accompanied with a beautiful tropical backdrop.

Cheetah Run, Cheetah Hunt Area

Come face-to-face with the fastest animal on land.

Edge of Africa, Egypt

Walk through the quiet African-inspired village while you watch and learn about the majestic lions, crocodiles, hippos, hyenas, and more.

Elephant Interaction Wall, Nairobi

Meet the powerful creatures face-to-face.

Jungala, Jungala Area

Get up close with Bengal tigers and orangutans.

Penguin Point, Nairobi

Check out the African Penguins who live in warmer weather and water temperatures between 40 and 70 degrees.

Myombe Reserve, Nairobi

Get lost in this quiet reserve filled with gorillas and chimpanzees.

Walkabout Way, Bird Gardens

Go Down Under and have a hands-on experience with kangaroos.

Official Busch Gardens Tip:

For Lory Landing, purchase a cup of nectar on your way in to the habitat to hand-feed the lorikeets. Also check the keeper times on the back of your park map to see special animal behaviors, feedings.

Water Rides

Congo River Rapids, Congo

Prepare to get soaked on this thrilling river adventure through waterfalls and deep caves.

Thrill: High

Height Requirement: Minimum of 42”

Stanley Falls, Stanleyville

Get pleasantly refreshed on this classic water log-flume ride.

Thrill: Moderate

Height Requirement: Minimum of 46”

Family Friendly Attractions

Grand Caravan Carousel, Pantopia

Arabian stallions-themed carousel.

Thrill: Low

Sand Serpent, Pantopia

A family fun “wild-style” coaster filled with drop, sharp curves, and more!

Thrill: Moderate

Height Requirement: Minimum of 46” with a possible companion.

Serengeti Express Train, Nairobi

Travel around the park and watch exotic animals roam about. The train has stops in the Congo, Nairobi and Stanleyville stations.

Thrill: Low

Height Requirement: None

Skyride, Cheetah Hunt Area and Stanleyville

Get a bird’s eye view of the Busch Gardens in the cable car

Thrill: Low

Height Requirement: Riders must be 56” or accompanied by a supervising companion.

Ubanga-Banga, Congo

Classic carnival style bumper cars.

Thrill: Moderate

Wild Surge, Jungala

Prepare to be launched out of a 35-foot mountain crater in this drop tower attraction.

Thrill: Moderate

Height Requirement: Must be at least 42” tall to ride alone or 38” tall and accompanied by a supervising companion to ride.

Busch Gardens Shows

Iceploration, Morocco…Final season wrapping up April 2017

Opening Night Critters, Pantopia

Rock A Doo Wop, Pantopia

For the Junior Hipsters

Air Grover, Sesame Street

A is For Africa

Jungle Flyers, Jungala

Kareebu Jungala, Jungala

Sesame Street Safari of Fun, Bird Gardens

Tree Top Trails, Jungala

DINING AT BUSCH GARDENS

Dining at Busch Busch Gardens

Dining at Busch Gardens is way better than the early days. The addition of the Zambia Smokehouse has made for pretty satisfactory theme park dining experience. Although the offerings haven’t reached to the levels of its counterparts in Orlando, you will have a variety of places to choose from.

Bengal Bistro, Counter Service, $, Multiple Cuisines

Jungala

Cheetah Snacks, Counter Service, $, American

Cheetah Hunt Area

Dragon Fire Grill, Cafeteria Style, $, Multiple Cuisines

Pantopia

Garden Gate Café, Counter Service, $, American

Bird Gardens

Ice Cream Parlor, Counter Service, $, Ice Cream

Morocco

Kenya Kanteen, Counter Service, $, American

Nairobi

Kettle Corn, Counter Service, $, Popcorn

Pantopia

Pantopia Grill, Cafeteria Style, $$, American

Pantopia

Refresh Market, Beverage Service, $, Beverages

Stanleyville

Serengeti Overlook Pub, Quick Service, $, American

Egypt

Serengeti Overlook Restaurant, Buffet/Full Service Restaurant, $$, Variety Cuisine

Egypt

Serpent Snacks, Counter Service, $, American

Egypt

Sheikra Sweet Treats, Counter Service, $, American Sweets

Stanleyville

Sultans Sweets, Counter Service, $, Bakery

Morocco

Twisted Tails Pretzels, Counter Service, $, Pretzels

Pantopia

Zagora Cafe, Counter Service, $, American

Morocco

Zambia Smokehouse, Cafeteria Style, $$, Barbecue

Stanleyville

Zambia Smokehouse Busch Gardens

* $ ($14.99 and under), $$ ($15 to $34.99), $$$ ($35 to $59.99), $$$$ (over $60)*

SHOPPING AT BUSCH GARDENS

If you’re an avid theme park souvenir collector, then you’ll be happy with the wide range of knickknacks, trinkets, and apparel available within the park. You will also find African crafts and clothing in the Morocco section of Busch Gardens. Check out the shops below:

- Abby Cadabby’s Treasure Hut
- Caravan Crossing
- Cheetah Gifts
- Cobra’s Crypt Marketplace
- Cookie Monster’s Trading Post
- Cub’s Closet
- Emporium
- Gwazi Gifts
- Kariba Marketplace
- Marrakesh Market: Inspired Threads
- Merchandise Kiosks
- Montu Gifts
- Nature’s Kingdom
- Painted Camel Bazaar
- Sahara Trading Company
- Tiger’s Treasures
- Tropical Wave
- Xcursions

OVERALL

Busch Gardens is one of my favorite theme parks to go to, especially on my solo excursions. It offers such a wide range of attractions and exhibitions that can be enjoyed by anyone. I personally enjoy the nostalgic factor of the classic theme park days in Florida that Busch Gardens so eloquently includes within its gates. To end this guide off I want to list a few Pros and Cons of the park. Please feel free to leave any of your tips and stories about Busch Gardens in the box below.

Pros of Busch Gardens