Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a beloved Florida landmark, opened its gates in 1959, predating the arrival of Walt Disney World and other major theme parks that have since shaped the state’s entertainment landscape. For decades, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has cultivated a reputation for its stunning gardens and meticulously maintained landscaping, creating an oasis of natural beauty within the thrilling atmosphere of a theme park. However, the park’s appeal extends far beyond its botanical charm. Today, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is equally renowned for its exhilarating roller coasters, captivating animal exhibits showcasing creatures from around the globe, dazzling live shows, tempting culinary offerings, and a diverse array of attractions that cater to every taste. A trip to Tampa to experience all that Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has to offer is a worthwhile journey, easily accessible with a short drive from Orlando. Let’s explore the ten best things to do at this iconic park.
1. Take a Dive on SheiKra
For thrill-seekers, a ride on SheiKra is an absolute must. This imposing diving coaster dominates the skyline, beckoning guests with its promise of an adrenaline-pumping experience. As you approach the ride, the anticipation builds, culminating in the slow ascent to a staggering height of 200 feet. Passengers are seated in floorless cars, adding to the sense of vulnerability and excitement. Once at the summit, the car creeps towards the edge of a near-vertical 90-degree drop. The suspense is palpable as the car pauses momentarily, holding riders suspended over the precipice. This brief pause amplifies the anticipation before the heart-stopping plunge begins. The sensation of freefall is exhilarating as the car plummets downwards, reaching incredible speeds.
The dive is followed by a 145-foot tall inversion, twisting riders upside down in a seamless maneuver. But the thrills don’t end there. SheiKra features a second dive, adding another layer of excitement to the already intense experience. The coaster then plunges into a darkened tunnel, disorienting riders before emerging into daylight once more. The grand finale is a splashdown in a refreshing lagoon, creating a dramatic conclusion to a truly unforgettable ride. Despite its intense elements, SheiKra delivers a remarkably smooth ride, ensuring both thrills and comfort for its passengers.
2. Steel Yourself for Iron Gwazi
Prepare for an unparalleled coaster experience with Iron Gwazi, a marvel of engineering that redefines the limits of thrill rides. This wooden-steel hybrid coaster is a testament to innovation, combining the best of both worlds to create a ride that is both visually stunning and intensely exciting. The coaster’s design is the work of a renowned ride manufacturer known for its track record of creating innovative and adrenaline-pumping attractions. Iron Gwazi stands as their most ambitious and extreme coaster to date, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of thrill rides.
The ride begins with a towering ascent to a height of 206 feet, offering breathtaking views of the park and surrounding landscape. However, there’s little time to admire the scenery as the coaster soon plunges into a dramatic 206-foot drop at a beyond-vertical 91 degrees. The sensation of freefall is amplified by the steep angle, creating an unforgettable rush of adrenaline. Iron Gwazi reaches a top speed of 76 mph, making it one of the fastest coasters in Florida. The coaster also features two inversions, including a "zero-G stall" that inverts riders and leaves them hanging upside down as they travel forward along a straight section of track. This unique element adds a new dimension to the coaster experience, creating a sense of weightlessness and disorientation.
3. Go on the Prowl with Cheetah Hunt
Experience the thrill of the chase on Cheetah Hunt, a multi-launch coaster that emulates the speed and agility of the world’s fastest land animal. This unique coaster features three magnetic launches, propelling riders forward with increasing speed and intensity. The most powerful of these launches accelerates the train to an impressive 60 mph, simulating the exhilarating acceleration of a cheetah on the hunt.
The coaster is strategically located alongside the park’s cheetah habitat, creating a sense of immersion and connection with these magnificent animals. As you race along the track, you’ll feel as if you’re competing with the cheetahs, matching their speed and agility. Cheetah Hunt is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, with a minimum height requirement of 48 inches. This allows many children to experience the thrill of a launch coaster without being overwhelmed by extreme heights or inversions. While Cheetah Hunt features one inversion, a heartline roll, and a relatively low ascent of 102 feet, its launches are sure to grab your attention and leave you smiling.
4. Drop into Falcon’s Fury
Prepare for a heart-stopping descent on Falcon’s Fury, a drop tower ride that takes the concept of freefall to new heights. Standing at a staggering 335 feet, Falcon’s Fury is among the tallest drop tower rides in the world, offering breathtaking views of the park and surrounding landscape. However, the ride’s most distinctive feature is its unique seating configuration. Prior to the drop, the seats pivot 90 degrees, positioning riders face-down for the harrowing descent.
This face-down position intensifies the sensation of freefall, creating a sense of vulnerability and anticipation. As you hang suspended high above the ground, you’ll experience a moment of pure adrenaline before plummeting towards the earth. The combination of extreme height and the face-down position makes Falcon’s Fury one of the world’s scariest rides.
5. Feed a Giraffe on Serengeti Safari
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Serengeti Safari, an immersive tour that brings you face-to-face with some of Africa’s most iconic animals. This extra-charge tour takes guests inside the park’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain aboard an open-air truck. The 30-minute guided tour provides a unique opportunity to observe free-roaming animals such as zebras, antelope, and rhinos in their natural habitat.
The highlight of the Serengeti Safari is the opportunity to feed giraffes. These gentle giants are known for their docile nature and graceful movements, making them a delight to interact with. You can feed the giraffes by hand, offering them specially prepared food pellets. For the truly adventurous, you can even volunteer to have a giraffe eat lettuce out of your mouth, creating a truly memorable experience.
6. Dine and Imbibe at Serengeti Overlook
Indulge in a culinary adventure at Serengeti Overlook, a restaurant that offers not only delicious food and beverages but also breathtaking views of the Serengeti Plain and its diverse array of animals. While Busch Gardens boasts a variety of dining options, including the Zambia Smokehouse with its BBQ delicacies and the Dragon Fire Grill & Pub with its diverse menu, Serengeti Overlook stands out for its unique ambiance.
Enjoy beer flights and other beverages at the Giraffe Bar, or indulge in air-conditioned comfort in the waiter-service Treetop Kitchen. From either location, you can soak in the stunning views of the Serengeti Plain, observing giraffes, zebras, and other animals as you dine.
7. Settle in for a Show (or Two)
Take a break from the thrills and excitement of the rides with a visit to one of Busch Gardens’ captivating live shows. The park offers a variety of performances throughout the day, providing entertainment for guests of all ages. The Moroccan Palace Theater hosts a well-regarded ice skating show. In addition to the show, you’d be able to chill out amid the theater’s air conditioning. The park’s Stanleyville Theater also features ambitious productions.
8. Consort with the Animals
Beyond its thrilling rides, Busch Gardens is also a renowned zoo, home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world. Be sure to allocate time to explore the park’s various animal exhibits, offering opportunities to observe and learn about these magnificent creatures. The Nairobi section features elephants, while Kangaloom is home to kangaroos and wallabies. In the Edge of Africa, you can observe hippos in their natural habitat.
One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the animals is to take the Serengeti Express train through the Serengeti Plain, where ostriches, zebras, gazelles, and many other animals roam freely.
9. Trek to Sesame Street
For families with younger children, a visit to Sesame Street Safari of Fun is a must. This dedicated area of the park is designed to delight and entertain young children with a host of kid-friendly rides themed to the beloved Muppets characters.
Kids can ride the Air Grover roller coaster, spin on Big Bird’s Whirly Birdie, or take a spin on Elmo’s Safari Go-Round carousel. Bert and Ernie’s Watering Hole offers a chance to cool off and get soaked, while the "Let’s Play Together" stage show provides interactive entertainment for the whole family.
10. Don’t Forget About the Park’s Other Coasters
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay boasts an impressive collection of roller coasters, offering thrills for every level of adrenaline seeker. While SheiKra, Iron Gwazi, and Cheetah Hunt often steal the spotlight, don’t overlook the park’s other exciting coasters. Each offers a unique experience, contributing to the park’s reputation as a coaster enthusiast’s paradise.
