Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Experience thrilling rides and exotic animals at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a unique theme park blending adventure with wildlife encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more rides.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more rides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience thrilling rides and exotic animals at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a unique theme park blending adventure with wildlife encounters.
"The coasters were a great collection. From mild thrills to pulse pounding heart accelerators."
🎯 Prioritize Top Coasters
Head straight for Iron Gwazi or Cheetah Hunt first thing to beat the longest lines.
🎟️ Consider an Annual Pass
Passholders get perks like Quick Queue, discounts, and free parking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iron Gwazi
Pantopia
Experience Florida's tallest, fastest, and steepest hybrid coaster. A must for thrill-seekers!
Cheetah Hunt
Serengeti Plain
A high-speed launch coaster that mimics a cheetah's hunt. Smooth and exhilarating.
Animal Encounters
Various locations
From safaris to feeding giraffes, get up close with diverse wildlife.
+1
Serengeti Flyer
Timbuktu
Soar high on this thrilling swing ride with intense negative-G moments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ride Strategy is Key
Beyond the Thrills
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Prioritize Top Coasters
Head straight for Iron Gwazi or Cheetah Hunt first thing to beat the longest lines.
🎟️ Consider an Annual Pass
Passholders get perks like Quick Queue, discounts, and free parking. +1
🍽️ All-Day Dining Deal
Saves money if you plan to eat multiple meals in the park.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a refillable water bottle; there are stations throughout the park.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Prioritize Top Coasters
Head straight for Iron Gwazi or Cheetah Hunt first thing to beat the longest lines.
🎟️ Consider an Annual Pass
Passholders get perks like Quick Queue, discounts, and free parking. +1
🍽️ All-Day Dining Deal
Saves money if you plan to eat multiple meals in the park.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a refillable water bottle; there are stations throughout the park.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy footwear is essential.
📱 Check Ride Status
Use the park app to monitor ride availability and wait times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for its thrilling roller coasters and impressive animal encounters, often comparing it favorably to top zoos. The park is noted for its cleanliness and friendly staff, offering a good mix of attractions for all ages. However, some guests find the food options to be overpriced and lacking in variety, and occasional ride closures can be a point of frustration.
"had such a great time at Busch Gardens! The park was clean, well organized, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout the day. The rides were amazing—plenty of thrills for adrenaline seekers, but also a nice variety of shows and calmer attractions to balance it out. The food options were better than expected, and everything felt safe and well maintained. Overall, it was an experience worth repeating—I’d definitely come back again!"
Ronni Diaz
"I had the best animal encounters in a theme park that I have every had here at this park!
I fed giraffes, hung out with an old turtle, went on safari, and got covered in birds.
The coasters were a great collection. From mild thrills to pulse pounding heart accelerators. Even a few unique ones like no other park could offer.
I did a vip tour that consisted only of my group and it was great! We got a full on food buffet at lunch time. Had private time to talk with snake handlers and had great don't row seats for the ice skating Christmas show.
This was my first time here, but will not be my last!"
Appreciated Images
"Great park for all ages. We loved all the animals and the Safari Expedition ( costs extra, need tickets) where we fed giraffes by hand. We had a blast on the rides. The express tickets are worth it if you want to get to all the rides. We also bought the refillable drink package and for $20, it was totally worth it. Really love Busch Gardens."
Kells (BossLady_K)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Several shuttle services operate between Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, offering a convenient option for day-trippers. Some hotels near Busch Gardens also provide shuttles.
Busch Gardens offers various parking tiers, from general parking to preferred parking closer to the entrance. Prices vary by season and demand. Annual passholders often receive parking benefits.
While direct public bus routes might be limited, ride-sharing services and shuttles are the most common ways to reach the park without a car.
The address is 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612. It's easily accessible via major highways in the Tampa area.
Yes, using GPS with the park's address or name will guide you directly to the entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Busch Gardens website, at the park's entrance, or through authorized third-party vendors. Buying online in advance often offers discounts.
Look for online promotions, Florida resident deals, and package deals that might include tickets and other attractions. Annual passes can also be cost-effective for frequent visitors.
Park hours vary seasonally and by day of the week. It's best to check the official Busch Gardens website for the most up-to-date operating hours for your planned visit date.
Yes, Busch Gardens offers Quick Queue, which allows you to bypass the regular lines on select rides for an additional fee. Platinum passholders receive complimentary Quick Queue.
No, a valid admission ticket or annual pass is required to enter Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
🎫 🎢 Onsite Experience
Thrill-seekers should not miss Iron Gwazi, Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra, and Montu. These are consistently rated as top coasters.
Absolutely! The Sesame Street Safari of Fun area is specifically designed for younger children with age-appropriate rides and attractions.
Busch Gardens is home to a wide variety of animals, including giraffes, tigers, elephants, rhinos, zebras, and many more, spread across themed areas like the Serengeti Plain. +1
Yes, the park features live shows, street entertainment, and seasonal events like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town.
Yes, it's considered one of the best theme parks for animal encounters, offering safaris, feeding opportunities, and close-up views of diverse wildlife. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options range from quick-service kiosks to sit-down restaurants. While some find the food quality and price disappointing, others recommend the All-Day Dining Deal for value.
If you plan to eat multiple meals and snacks throughout the day, the All-Day Dining Bracelet can be a cost-effective option.
While classic theme park fare like burgers and fries are prevalent, some healthier options can be found. Exploring different dining locations is recommended.
Generally, outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are not permitted, with exceptions for baby food and specific dietary needs. Check the park's policy for details.
Opinions vary, but some travelers highly recommend specific locations for their quality and value, while others suggest avoiding certain eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the animals on the Serengeti Plain, the vibrant themed areas, and the towering roller coasters. Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal.
Most rides prohibit loose articles, including cameras and phones, for safety reasons. Some rides may have specific policies, so check signage.
Consider unique angles of the coasters, close-ups of the animals, and the beautifully landscaped park grounds. The themed architecture also offers great backdrops.
A versatile zoom lens is useful for capturing both distant animals and ride action. A wide-angle lens can be great for park landscapes.
Yes, with patience and strategic positioning, you can get excellent photos of the animals, especially during feeding times or when they are active.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
+1 Beyond this dedicated zone, the park's numerous animal exhibits offer engaging and educational experiences for all ages. 🎢 Thrill-Seekers
To maximize your ride count, arrive at park opening and head straight for the most popular coasters, or invest in a Quick Queue pass to bypass long lines. 💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Thrills: Busch Gardens' Roller Coasters
Cheetah Hunt is another fan favorite, known for its unique launch system that mimics the speed of a cheetah, providing a smooth and exhilarating ride through the park's landscape. Beyond these headliners, Montu provides an inverted coaster experience with multiple inversions, and Kumba offers a classic, intense ride.
For a different kind of thrill, Serengeti Flyer is a giant swing ride that sends riders soaring high above the park, creating moments of weightlessness. It's advisable to tackle the most popular coasters early in the day or utilize the park's Quick Queue system to minimize wait times, especially during peak seasons. When planning your ride strategy, consider the Busch Gardens Tampa location and its layout to efficiently move between attractions. Checking the park's app for real-time wait times and ride status is crucial, as maintenance can sometimes affect availability.
A Wild Adventure: Animals at Busch Gardens
+1 Visitors can enhance their experience with extra-cost animal encounters, such as the popular Giraffe Feeding Safari, where you can get up close and personal with these gentle giants. The park houses numerous other animal exhibits, featuring everything from majestic Bengal tigers and playful orangutans to fascinating reptiles and colorful birds in dedicated aviaries.
Many of the animal habitats are designed to provide ample space and naturalistic environments, reflecting the park's commitment to animal welfare. For those interested in a deeper dive, consider the VIP tours or specialized animal encounters that offer more intimate experiences and educational insights from park zoologists.
Maximizing Your Visit: Tickets, Passes, and Value
When considering food, the All-Day Dining Bracelet is a popular option that allows you to eat at participating locations throughout the day. This can be a cost-effective choice if you plan on having multiple meals and snacks, though some reviews suggest the food quality could be improved.
It's also worth noting that Busch Gardens Tampa hours can vary, so always check the official website for the most current operating schedule for your visit date.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit