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.
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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.
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.
All you can eat and drink at Busch Gardens.
You can skip the line on major attractions. Prices start at $19.99 and varies based on how busy the park may be that day. Below are the current attractions included in the Quick Queue system:
*Prices subject to change.
Safari Tour at Busch Gardens
An in depth 75-minute tour of how the Busch Gardens zoological staff care for the animals on property. $29.00
45-minute walking tour with specialized trainers.$29.00
The ultimate VIP experience of Busch Gardens where you can customize your own 7-hour tour. $199.00
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. $99.99
75-minute guided tour where you will get up close and personal with wild animals of Africa. $39.00
You will work with zoological staff caring for giraffes, antelope, birds and more! This hands-on experience last 6.5 hours. $249.00
Guided tour with specialized trainers. $29.00
2.5-hour walking tour through the Edge of Africa and the Serengeti plain served with light refreshments. $74.99
Open-air touring vehicle that takes you through the Serengeti plain. $29.00
30-minute walking tour with specialized trainers. $29.00
*Discounts available for Pass Members. Prices subject to change.
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.
Florida weather is mostly hot and humid except for the beautiful months of December, January, February, and March.
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.
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.
This tips is especially important if you’re traveling solo and you want to ride roller coasters.
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.
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.
Websites such as CityPASS, AAA, Undercover Tourist, and local businesses are perfect places to start!
If it’s your special day, be sure to stop by guest relations for a special birthday pin to wear at the park.
This is a most important tip if you’re going on a busy day.
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.
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Coasters, music, food, drinks, fun and more can all be experienced in this standout Busch Gardens annual event.
Experience the terrifying roller coasters at night and party with other Hipsters as DJs play your favorite tunes throughout the night.
The Dark Continent inspired theme park transforms into a terrifying, bone-chilling event where you’ll scream your way through the park.
Christmas treats, Santa’s house, Rudolph and more can be found in this annual Winter Wonderland experience right in the heart of Tampa Bay.
Triple launch coaster with cheetah like speed and the park’s longest ride (4400 feet).
Thrill: High
Height Requirement: Minimum of 48”
Spin coaster, featuring a vertical lift that takes you through the dark legend of the King Snake.
Thrill: Moderate
Height Requirement: Minimum of 42”
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”
Hear the ferocious roar of the lion in this classic must do roller coaster.
Thrill: High
Height Requirement: 54”
The Egyptian god named roller coaster with seven inversions.
Thrill: High
Height Requirement: Minimum of 54”
A classic swing boat ride that can go in a complete circle.
Thrill: Moderate
Height Requirement: 48”
Floorless 90-degree dive roller coaster straight down at speeds topping 70 mph.
Thrill: High
Height Requirement: Minimum of 54”
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 Gardens
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.
Features a free-flight aviary for up close encounters and a flamingo lagoon accompanied with a beautiful tropical backdrop.
Come face-to-face with the fastest animal on land.
Walk through the quiet African-inspired village while you watch and learn about the majestic lions, crocodiles, hippos, hyenas, and more.
Meet the powerful creatures face-to-face.
Get up close with Bengal tigers and orangutans.
Check out the African Penguins who live in warmer weather and water temperatures between 40 and 70 degrees.
Get lost in this quiet reserve filled with gorillas and chimpanzees.
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.
One Brave soul riding through icy cold waters on a January day.
Prepare to get soaked on this thrilling river adventure through waterfalls and deep caves.
Thrill: High
Height Requirement: Minimum of 42”
Get pleasantly refreshed on this classic water log-flume ride.
Thrill: Moderate
Height Requirement: Minimum of 46”
Arabian stallions-themed carousel.
Thrill: Low
A family fun “wild-style” coaster filled with drop, sharp curves, and more!
Thrill: Moderate
Height Requirement: Minimum of 46” with a possible companion.
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
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.
Classic carnival style bumper cars.
Thrill: Moderate
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.
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.
Jungala
Cheetah Hunt Area
Pantopia
Bird Gardens
Morocco
Nairobi
Find in Pantopia
Located in Pantopia
Stanleyville
Egypt
Egypt
Egypt
Stanleyville
Morocco
Pantopia
Morocco
Stanleyville
Zambia Smokehouse Busch Gardens
* $ ($14.99 and under), $$ ($15 to $34.99), $$$ ($35 to $59.99), $$$$ (over $60)*
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:
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.
For more information visit the official Busch Gardens website to start Planning Your Busch Gardens Trip!
Don’t forget to get up to 50% off or more on Tampa Bay’s 5 best attractions at CityPASS.com for your next vacation.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
Last Update November 23, 2018
*Prices, attractions, events, and dining experiences subject to change and may be offered seasonally.
JOIN NIKKYJ ON THIS SOLO THEME PARK JOURNEY NikkyJ is the author of The Solo Theme Park Traveler's Guide who loves ALL things amusement park related. She was born and raised in Florida which attributed to her passion for theme parks. Instead of rushing over to the thrill rides, like she used to, you may find her in the Italy Pavilion at Epcot enjoying a nice glass of Pinot Noir and a delightful book! NikkyJ enjoys traveling solo to theme parks and wants to show you how you can overcome any of your fears and TAKE THE SOLO THEME PARK CHALLENGE!
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