safari ride at busch gardens

Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect

Experience the thrill of the Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour, an unforgettable wildlife adventure in the heart of Florida. 

Climb aboard a safari-style open-air vehicle and embark on a guided tour that brings you face-to-face with an incredible array of exotic animals. 

This article shares everything you need to know before booking Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour tickets.

Top Serengeti Safari Tour Tickets

# Tampa Bay: Serengeti Safari Tour tickets # Tampa Bay CityPASS

Table of contents

What to expect at tampa bay serengeti safari, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, tampa bay serengeti safari tour price, tampa bay: serengeti safari tour tickets, how to reach , best time to visit, how long does the safari take.

Explore the graceful giraffes to majestic elephants, curious zebras to powerful rhinos, and swift cheetahs to elegant antelopes. 

The tour offers a remarkable opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in a natural and immersive setting. 

Let the sights, sounds, and enchanting ambiance of the Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour transport you to an exotic world of wildlife and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour is an exciting and educational adventure that takes you through a stunning wildlife preserve in the Tampa Bay area. 

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom.

During the safari, you’ll have the chance to encounter a wide range of animal species up close. 

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guides will share interesting facts and insights about the animals, their habitats, and conservation efforts. 

They will help deepen your understanding and appreciation for the incredible biodiversity found within the Tampa Bay area.

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Tickets to Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari are available online and at the attraction. 

We suggest purchasing your tickets online well in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointment.

Visit the booking page for the Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari, choose your preferred date, number of tickets, and purchase your tickets straight away.

You’ll get the tickets in your email shortly after making the transaction. 

You can show the smartphone ticket and enter.

The ticket for Serengeti Safari Tampa Bay costs US$55 for all visitors. 

The tour is unsuitable for children up to the age of five years. 

An adult must accompany children who are 13 and below.

The Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour is an incredible animal encounter that allows you to embark on a safari adventure across the picturesque Serengeti Plain.

Led by expert guides, the 30-minute off-road tour provides the opportunity to observe exotic animals in their natural habitat. 

Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you hand-feed giraffes and encounter zebras, ostriches, rhinos, and several antelope species.

The tour offers incredible photo opportunities, ensuring you capture memories that will last a lifetime.

The tour includes a guide and transportation in open-air vehicles, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings fully. 

Please note that the tour is not suitable for children under five years of age or wheelchair users. 

It is an ideal activity for nature enthusiasts, families, and wildlife lovers looking for an educational and exciting adventure.

Take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to connect with African wildlife and create lasting memories. 

Ticket Price: US$55

Save time and money! The city of Tampa is known for its stunning waterfront, lovely beaches, historical centers, art and culture backdrop, and thriving urban setting. At just $139, the Tampa Bay CityPASS allows you access to Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, and the ZooTampa, among many other attractions. The CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days after its first use.

The Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari is located at the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida. 

Address : 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, United States. Get Directions . 

You can either take public transport or your car.

Take the Bus 12 and get off at 22nd St @ Okara Rd . 

From there, it is a three-minute ride to the park! 

Enter the location on Google Maps and get started!  

There is ample parking available for visitors.

The Tampa Bay Safari typically operates during the regular hours of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Park, from 10 am to 6 pm. 

The best time to go on the Tampa Bay Safari tour is in the mornings at 10 am as soon as the zoo opens.

There are four advantages of starting early – the animals are most active early in the morning, the temperatures are still moderate, the crowd is yet to get in, and you have the whole day to explore.

However, if you enjoy the crowd, evening safaris will be fun too!

The Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour typically takes around 30 minutes. 

However, you should enter at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour for a relaxed start.

This duration allows guests to enjoy a comprehensive safari experience across the Serengeti Plain, observe African wildlife, and participate in activities such as hand-feeding giraffes. 

The duration may vary slightly depending on animal behavior and park conditions. 

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Tampa Bay Safari Tour.

The tour is generally suitable for children aged five and above.  Younger children are not permitted due to safety considerations and the nature of the experience. 

The Tampa Bay Safari Tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the off-road nature of the experience.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own camera or smartphone to capture the memorable moments during the Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour. There are incredible photo opportunities, and you’ll want to capture the beauty of the wildlife and surroundings.

We recommend bringing sunglasses, a hat to protect yourself from the sun, a camera to capture the amazing wildlife moments, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the Florida sun.

Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the tour.  Additionally, alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited for the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

Sources # Buschgardens.com # Wikipedia.org # Tripadvisor.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens Tampa Review

Just an hour away from Orlando is Busch Gardens Tampa! Busch Gardens is the best of both worlds, wrapping a first class theme park and zoo all in one! Busch Gardens Tampa not only has amazing roller coasters, cool animals to see, but also up close animal experiences to enjoy in the parks. A few days ago, I got to experience the Serengeti Safari which is an up close safari tour which gives you an up close experience with some animals that are commonly found in Africa. Some of the animals that you get to see up close are rhinos,ostriches, zebras, and giraffes! I wanted to share some details about the tour as well as what I thought about the experience!

First off here are some things you should know about the tour:

• The tour takes place in the back of a slow moving truck and you are standing the entire time so be prepared for that. Also there are no water or bathroom breaks on this tour so make sure you grab a drink and use the bathroom before you start the tour.
• The price for the tour is between $29.00 and $39.00 depending on the time of year, so check the website for current pricing
• This tour is very popular and fills up quickly so make sure you book your tour online before you go to the parks
• Tours are at different times of the day, so pick the one you want. I prefer the earlier tours as they do not seem to be as busy and the animals seem to be more active.
• BRING YOUR CAMERA for some amazing pictures! If you do not bring your camera, there is a camera person on board to get some photos for you to purchase.
• No bags are allowed on this tour but there are lockers provided for free!

Now on to my experience on the tour. We met at the Serengeti Outpost about 15 minutes prior to the tour time where I checked in. After checking in for the tour, I met with my tour guide. Once everyone was there and checked in, we went over what to expect on the tour, some safety information, and then we made our way over to the truck. Once on the truck we went over the safety information again and before we knew it we were off into the savannah. The truck ride was smooth and slow so no need to worry about your safety on this tour! We went into 2 different parts of the savannah which held different animals. You can see most of the animals from the train, however you do get to see some different animals that cannot be seen from the train and you get super close to them as well!!!

So what about you? Have you ever been on this tour? If so, what did you think? If not, will you be doing the tour the next time you are at Busch Gardens Tampa?? Comment below and let me know!

Jason Mayhew

My name is Jason Mayhew, and I am the owner of OFF On The Go. When not traveling with the website, I own my own marketing and PR company, J Mayhew Marketing. I have the best job where I get to travel the world and showcase the most amazing and unique experiences!

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Busch gardens safari: meet amazing animals at the serengeti experience in tampa.

For the latest information about Busch Gardens, check here .

By Maurice Rivenbark and Sean Daly

Experience the Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida

Busch Gardens in Tampa , Florida is famous for its thrill rides, like the new Cobra's Curse and Falcon's Fury attractions, but it's also a great place to encounter animals of all kinds. The Serengeti Safari , an exclusive park experience, puts you up close and personal with extraordinary animals.

Encounter Extraordinary Animals up Close

Nestled within the captivating Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, the Serengeti Safari offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with an array of extraordinary animals. While Busch Gardens is renowned for its thrilling rides, such as Cobra's Curse and Falcon's Fury, it is also a sanctuary for fascinating wildlife. The Serengeti Safari, an exclusive park experience, allows you to embark on a remarkable adventure through the untamed beauty of the Serengeti Plain.

Immerse Yourself in the Natural Habitat

During the Serengeti Safari, you will have the chance to explore the expansive Serengeti Plain, a breathtaking habitat that mirrors the natural environment of the animals. With knowledgeable experts as your guides, you will journey through this stunning landscape, encountering majestic giraffes, graceful zebras, and an array of captivating creatures. Witness their natural behaviors up close, observe their interactions, and admire their beauty in an environment that closely resembles their native home.

This unforgettable safari experience at Busch Gardens goes beyond mere observation; it provides an opportunity for education and conservation. By participating in the Serengeti Safari, you actively contribute to the park's conservation initiatives, supporting their mission to protect and preserve these remarkable species for generations to come. Learn about the challenges these animals face in the wild and the conservation efforts implemented by the park to safeguard their future.

Learn about Conservation Efforts and Initiatives

The Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens is not only an adventure but also an educational experience. Knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights into the animals' habitats, behaviors, and the conservation challenges they encounter. Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of wildlife preservation and the vital role we play in protecting these incredible creatures and their natural habitats.

Don't miss your chance to embark on the Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Serengeti Plain, witness extraordinary animals in their natural habitat, and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts. Book your safari adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

For this and other Florida travel ideas, go to VISIT FLORIDA's official travelers guide .

PLACES TO REMEMBER

St. Petersburg

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Busch Gardens® Serengeti Safari

Busch Gardens Serengeti Safari

Child age range: (5+).

Please select first date of use from the calendar below!

BUSCH GARDENS SERENGETI SAFARI TICKETS

Trek across the 65-acre Serengeti Plain on an open-air touring vehicle in this popular tour.

Florida's award-winning Serengeti Safari® tour offers guests a unique and up-close look at African wildlife. Led by an expert guide, this 30-minute off-road tour gives guests the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes* and observe exotic animals including zebras, ostriches, rhinos and several antelope species. Be prepared for amazing photo opportunities as this adventure creates memories that last a lifetime!

* Park admission is NOT included and is required

* Must be 5 years of age or older to participate

* Animal interactions and program components may vary

* Subject to availability

* Photo ID required

* Pick up tickets no later then one hour before tour time at the Up Close Adventure Center as soon as you enter the park

• Description

Touring Central Florida

News on theme parks, attractions, & destinations across central florida & beyond, serengeti safari tour at busch gardens tampa.

Posted on March 19, 2018 December 15, 2019 Author Bill 2 Comments

A big draw for visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the impressive collection of wildlife from around the world and the state of the art habitats where guests can get up close to the animals. That includes the over 60 acre Serengeti Plain, where a number of species freely roam each day for guests to view from the Edge of Africa, Skyride, or the Serengeti Express train ride. Another option to see the plain even closer is the Serengeti Safari tour, which is offered several times daily for an additional charge.

The Serengeti Safari tour lasts approximately 30 minutes and is on an open-air safari truck that takes guests through much of the plain. It also includes the opportunity to hand-feed a giraffe, which is the highlight for many who take the tour. The cost ranges between $40 and $60 depending on the time of year and is available to guests ages 5 and above. Pass member discounts apply.

If you purchase your tickets online, you’ll receive an order number and instructions to stop by the Adventure Outpost just inside the gates at the park. Here you’ll receive your actual tour tickets. Check-in for your tour is at the Serengeti Outpost, located in the Nairobi section of the park. Look for the giraffe topiary not too far from the Nairobi train station.

You’re asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before your Serengeti Safari tour time to check-in. There’s a shaded waiting area with seating and complimentary water. Once everyone is checked in, guests are asked to leave bags and any items not needed while on the tour in the secured lockers behind the building. Cameras and cell phones are allowed on the tour, and picture taking is encouraged.

Then it’s time for the tour! As a group, you’ll walk from the Serengeti Outpost over the railroad tracks and into Edge of Africa, where your tour truck is parked and waiting at the Safari Base Camp. Along with your Serengeti Safari tour guide, you’ll also have a Photo Key photographer riding along with you, who will capture images of you enjoying your safari. As you board the truck, you’ll hand over your tour ticket to the guide.

After you get a few basic safety instructions – most importantly about holding on whenever the truck is in motion – you’re off towards the Serengeti Plain. Since the animals move around freely, each tour is a bit different, and you may not see every species.

One of your first stops will be at the black rhino enclosure, which is between the north and south sections of the plain. The solitary creature is often hiding behind the large rock outcropping, and our tour guide said that’s its favorite spot and isn’t normally visible on the tour.

From there, you’ll do a loop on the northern plain, where you may see a variety of species including wildebeest (also known as gnu), zebra, and southern white rhinos. The park has had great success with the rhinos, and you may see some of the younger members of the family who were born at Busch Gardens in the past few years.

It’s worth pointing out that while on the Serengeti Safari tour, you also get some great views of another of the park’s big draws – its thrill rides. Great views can be had of Falcon’s Fury, Kumba, Cobra’s Curse and Montu among others. You may also see one of the park’s trains pass by on its journey around the plain.

Once you’re done with the loop on the northern portion of the Serengeti Plain, you’ll head back past the black rhino enclosure and head onto the southern section. Several antelope species roam freely here, including eland and addax.

Perhaps saving the best for last, one of the final stops on your Serengeti Safari tour will be for feeding giraffes. Your guide will hand out pieces of romaine lettuce for you to hold up for the giraffes to grab with their long tongues. You don’t have to feed the giraffes if you don’t want to, but it’s a fun experience to be able to get that close to such amazing animals. Petting of the giraffes on the neck is permitted, but be sure to steer clear of their face for their safety and yours.

The Photo Key photographer will also be taking pictures, and normally your guide and the photographer will set up a posed shot as well. There’s no obligation to purchase any photos, so feel free to get your picture taken and decide later if you like any of them.

Returning back to where you started on the Serengeti Safari tour, definitely take a moment to sanitize your hands, and don’t forget to wash them thoroughly before the next time you eat. Also, if you left anything in the lockers at the Serengeti Outpost, join your tour guide for the walk back to collect your items.

Be sure to check out your pictures taken on the tour by the photographer at the Serengeti Outpost, or at Adventure Photo near the front of the park before you exit. Just remember your tour time, and the ambassadors at either location can look them up for the rest of the day.

If You Go…

Serengeti Safari Tour Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Offered several times daily Starting at $39.99 per person

Special thanks to photographer Matt Hopkins for many of the images used in this article.

For the latest on  Busch Gardens Tampa  and other theme parks, attractions, dining venues and more across the region, be sure to follow Touring Central Florida on twitter @TourCentralFL & @androckb , and give our facebook page a like.

This post was last updated in December 2019 to reflect current pricing.

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2024 Busch Gardens Tampa 4th of July Celebration: Fireworks, Food, Fun and more!

B usch Gardens Tampa is the perfect place to enjoy Independence Day. Celebrating the July 4 th at Busch Gardens can be lots of fun, but mindful that it’s one of the most crowded days at this Florida theme park !

I know this goes against all my past theme park advice, but if you’re trying to conquer this park on the Fourth of July, then I have the ultimate guide just for you.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

2024 Busch Gardens July Events for the Summer Nights Celebration

You’ll be happy to know that Busch Gardens does more than having a 4th of July fireworks spectacular!

This season you can live it up through the Summer Nights event taking place at this Tampa destination.

For the 2024 Busch Gardens Summer Nights you can enjoy:

• Free Beer Samples
• Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular: Every Friday and Saturday plus Memorial Day Weekend & July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th on the Festival Field usually around 9:15 p.m. (double check the schedule before you go)
• Cirque Electric: High-adrenaline acrobatic show
• NEW! Red, White, and Brews Food Festival
• Gwazi Rocks: Celebrate the summer season through the heart-pounding sounds of drums and the intoxicating movements of dancers and stilt walkers
• Rhythm of Nature: Cool off in this top-notch ice skating performance at Busch Gardens
• Icons : This musical show will have you singing your heart out to the classic tunes of some of the most iconic musicians ever to grace the stage in the Dragon Fire Grill
• 4th of July Celebration from July 4, 2024 to July 7, 2024

What to Know Before You Go to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Choosing to celebrate Independence Day at Busch Gardens Tampa is a unique way to enjoy this patriotic holiday.

However, I do not recommend visiting this Florida theme park on this particular day if it’s your first visit because it will be hot and crowded.

If you still plan on doing Busch Gardens in July, you may have a few questions.

Get up to 35% off of your Busch Gardens Tampa Tickets with Groupon TODAY!

Is Busch Gardens Busy on 4th of July?

If you’re a solo traveler , this one’s especially for you. Avoiding the Busch Gardens Holiday crowd (especially in July and December ) means shorter lines and less traffic.

For many theme park guests, this can be a bit tricky. Taking your whole family to Busch Gardens sounds like the best day ever!

The only issue is, every other family has the same exact idea.

So, be prepared to experience high wait times and lines everywhere throughout the parks Lines even for something simple as having a bathroom break.

Get your cheap Busch Gardens Tickets with CityPASS TODAY!

What are the Busch Gardens 4th of July Hours?

You’ll be happy to know that Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Independence Day.

So, you’ll have plenty of time to explore this wonderful theme park!

Is Busch Gardens Crowded in July?

The month of July is one of the busiest times at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Not only are most students out of school, you have to deal with one of the major holidays in America, which is Independence Day.

The park is open much longer during July, but you still have to fight the crowds and the unforgiving Florida sun.

July Days to Avoid at Busch Gardens:

• Independence Day (unless you don’t mind the Busch Gardens crowds)
• The Weekends

Recommended: 25 Fun and Free Things to Do in Tampa, Florida TODAY!

What Should I Wear to Busch Gardens in July?

Lightweight clothing such as shorts, leggings, comfy shoes, a t-shirt, a hat, and sunglasses are all perfect for your trip.

7 Tips to Conquer Busch Gardens 4th of July Crowds

As mentioned earlier, I know this goes against all of my normal Busch Gardens advice, but if you’re trying to conquer the park for the Fourth of July, then I have 7 tips to help you survive.

1. Map Out Day Before You Get to Busch Gardens Tampa

Mapping out your day is a good way to make sure you’re able to enjoy each must do item.

Route your path around the park in advance by downloading a map online or on your phone.

Your Busch Gardens 4th of July Itinerary

• Download and go over the park map.
• Plan to arrive prior to the gates opening.
• Conquer Iron Gwazi!
• Check out the famous Florida gators in Morocco.
• Join the Cheetah Hunt.
• Ride Cobra’s Curse.
• Experience Montu.
• Enjoy a stroll on the Edge of Africa or in the Myombe Reserve to relax.
• Take the Skyride  over to the middle area of the park.
• Ride Sheikra.
• Conquer Tigris!
• Have lunch at Zambia Smokehouse.
• Ride Stanley Falls.
• Conquer the Congo River Rapids
• Ride Kumba.
• Dive into the Scorpion Roller Coaster
• Conquer Falcon’s Fury.
• Grab a delicious pretzel and beer at Twisted Tails Pretzels.
• Enjoy the Summer Nights Festivities.
• Watch the Busch Gardens 4th of July Fireworks show.

Get Your Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Tickets Today! CLICK HERE.

2. Start Early

Independence Day at Busch Gardens Tampa is going to be super crowded and tortuously hot.  

You don’t want to have to combat both the heat and the crowd.

This will make you so frustrated on your solo Busch Gardens trip and if you’re in a group, you guys may become snappy with each other.

It is also very common to see the Busch Gardens parks reaching full capacity on Independence Day.

So, I recommend staying in the park all day, because even if you leave for a break there’s a chance you may not be able to get back in. 

3. Take Frequent Breaks on Indoor Attractions

This is to help combat the heat while enjoying the festivities at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Indoor attractions are also a good way to take a break from the jam-packed streets in the park. 

And if it rains , which it most likely will, you’ll be in a covered area.

Busch Gardens Tampa Indoor Attractions:

• Rhythm of Nature Located in the Moroccan Place Theater
• Icons: Located in Dragon Fire Grill
• Cobra’s Curse: Queue portion is indoors
• Cirque Electric: Located in Stanleyville Theater
• Animal Care Center

Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forget to cool off on the water rides at Busch Gardens. They’re a quick way to easily feel refreshed.

4. Get a Quick Queue Before Your Arrival

If there’s any day that requires a Busch Gardens Quick Queue , it’s the 4 th of July at Busch Gardens Tampa. 

As its name suggests, Busch Gardens Quick Queue allows you to get on rides faster by skipping the stand-by line for some of the most popular attractions at the park.

You’re going to want to be strategic in your day by mixing top rides in with attractions that have an indoor element .

Like I stated before, you’re going to want ways to combat the Busch Gardens heat.

5. Stay Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated in the intense Florida heat felt at Busch Gardens Tampa.

You can avoid heat related illnesses such as, a heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rash by having proper hydration. 

The more your body sweats under the mentioned conditions, the more fluid you need to replace.

Listed below are some ways to stay hydrated at Busch Gardens Tampa: 

• Drink before you feel thirsty
• Keep a Water Bottle with you to Refill throughout the day
• Monitor your water intake
• Avoid dehydrating beverages such as, alcohol, coffee, and soda
• Drink cool fluids
• Eat food high in water (fruits and vegetables)

Hipster Power Tip: Remember the most the significant amount of dangerous UVB rays occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. So, keep sunscreen on hand!

6. Visit Busch Gardens Tampa on July 5th

You’ll get to experience the same events taking place in the park on Fourth of July on the 5th, 6th and 7th days too! Such activities like: 

• DJ dance parties
• Special shows

Another reason to go to Busch Gardens on July 5th is that you’ll have a lesser crowd level than the 4 th of July. 

This will allow you to be able to experience the parks prior to the rush of the crowds and still be able to do something for the patriotic event on the actual date of the holiday..

7. Stake out your Busch Gardens fireworks viewing spot early

You’ve made it through the heat AND the crowd! 

Now it’s time to pick your favorite fireworks spot in the park and camp out until it’s time for the Independence Day spectacular show!

I recommend getting a spot at least an hour prior to the start of the show. Be sure to pick a location that will not have too much obstruction of the fireworks.

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

My Final Thoughts for Busch Gardens on the 4th of July

Have fun and know that it’s going to be insane at Busch Gardens.

If you have a good spirit and welcome the excitement of the high-volume crowd level, then you’ll have a spectacular time on Independence Day.

What about you? Do you think it’s silly to go to Busch Gardens Tampa on the 4 th of July? Let us know in the comments section below.

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor , and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

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(Original Article Date: June 5, 2022/Updated on June 26, 2024)

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A Busch Gardens Tampa Blog

Five things you might not know about the history of busch gardens.

Maybe you’re already a Busch Gardens geek and know its whole life story.  However, your average visitor may not be aware of some of the fun and unique things about this great park’s history.  So this month as the park celebrates its 60th Anniversary we present “Five Things you Might Not Know About the History of Busch Gardens”

5.  It’s been around longer than Disney World

This month (March 2019) the park turns 60 years old.  By comparison, Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971, making it only 47 years old!

4. It used to have/be a brewery with free admission

Back in 1959 the park opened as a FREE Anheuser-Busch brewery tour and botanical garden experience (hence the Busch name).  Over time an admission fee was added along with animal experiences and amusement park style rides were built in the 1970’s.  The brewery itself was later closed in 1995 and demolished, freeing up the area for the Gwazi roller coaster and other attractions in the middle of the park.

Picture courtesy of BGThistory.com

3. It’s official name has changed a couple times

The park has basically always been known as Busch Gardens “something”.  Today it’s officially Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, but from 1976–1990s it was known as “Busch Gardens: The Dark Continent” and from 2006–2008 it was known as “Busch Gardens Africa”.

2. In 2013 an Emmy nominated TV show started originating from the park

The Saturday morning CW show Wildlife Docs is filled in the park’s animal care facility.  It follows the park’s animal staff as they care for the more than 12,000 different animals living in Busch Gardens.

1.  The park’s first “ride” was probably an escalator called “Stairway to the Stars”

Seen in the video below, the escalator transported guests over a reflecting pool to an observation deck on the roof of the brewery.  It was an 86 foot ride that was often billed as the world’s longest outdoor escalator .

These are of course just some fun highlights, but if you really want to dig deeper into the history of Busch Gardens Tampa head over to the great site BGT History .   Also, here’s a great video the park put out.

Happy Birthday Busch Gardens!

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

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Busch Gardens Reverses Course After Fans Shame Them Into It

in Busch Gardens , Theme Parks

It is unusual for any business actually to listen to its customers. It is even more remarkable to take feedback from guests and dramatically alter one of its promotions to make them feel they were heard.

Last week, Busch Gardens Williamsburg tweeted that its roller coaster, Pantheon, was the fastest multi-launch coaster in the world. They were so confident in the claim that they followed it up with, “Don’t even think of debating us on this.”

Reminder that literally EVERYONE should be debating @BuschGardensVA on this because it has been blatantly false advertising from the start. Pantheon is GREAT—making it all the more sad that BGW chooses to rely on lies rather than highlighting its actual merits. Real 🤡 behavior. https://t.co/dq8b6GUmH6 — BGWFans (@BGWFans) June 14, 2024

Related: Fans Want Busch Gardens to Apologize After ‘Blatantly False Advertising’

Coaster enthusiasts have decided to debate Busch Gardens Williamsburg on this claim, saying that the company has “blatantly lied” about the speed of their coaster and that there are other faster multi-launch coasters.

While thrill ride fans took no issue with Busch Gardens’ comments about Pantheon’s speed and record-breaking status, they did point out that Soaring with Dragon at Hefei Suna Land in China has a top speed of 77.7 mph, making it faster than Pantheon.

So, this week, to appease its most hardcore guests, Busch Gardens Williamsburg changed the description of its coaster to be more factually accurate.

Last week, the description on the amusement park’s website read:

Pantheon, the world’s fastest multi-launch roller coaster, harnesses the speed and strength of five of the greatest Roman Gods. This record-breaking coaster stands 180 feet tall with a top speed of 73 mph and features a 95° drop, 4 launches, 5 air-time hills, and 2 inversions.

We criticize @BuschGardensVA when they misstep, so it's essential that we do our best to highlight when they change course and correct their mistakes as well. Huge props to BGW for removing their claim that Pantheon is the world's fastest multi-launch coaster! 👏 Big 👍 from us! pic.twitter.com/N1vibZQcmw — BGWFans (@BGWFans) June 17, 2024

This week, Busch Gardens changed the description to read:

Pantheon, harnesses the speed and strength of five of the greatest Roman Gods. This record-breaking coaster stands 180 feet tall with a top speed of 73 mph, and features a 95° drop, 4 launches, 5 air-time hills and 2 inversions. Voted one of the world’s most anticipated coasters of 2022 by USA Today 10Best Awards, this coaster located in the park’s Festa Italia Village further elevates Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s portfolio to nine world-class coasters that are sure to delight even the most daring-thrill seekers.

After roasting the park for what they called “blatantly lying,” theme park fans quickly gave Busch Gardens Williamsburg props for realizing and correcting their mistake. The amusement park has one of the best coasters in America; there is no reason to stretch the truth.

The theme park also received praise from guests for listening to their criticism and making changes to appease them, something very few other parks do.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has since taken down the tweet claiming that Pantheon is the fastest multi-launch coaster in the world.

So, well done, Busch Gardens. At least guests know that someone is listening.

What are your experiences at Busch Gardens Williamsburg?