From high-speed coasters to incredible up-close encounters with exotic creatures of the African grasslands, going wild at Busch Gardens, Tampa is to be expected. Before you go this summer, be prepared for the Safety Regulations they have implemented to stop the spread of coronavirus and be sure to make an advance reservation as capacity is limited.
Favorite Thrill Rides for All Ages
Are you already fans of being shot up in the air on Tigris or plummeting straight down (we mean 200 feet at a 90-degree angle) on SheiKra? My favorite Cheetah Hunt coaster allows guests to enjoy the incredible speed of the world’s fastest animal along the 4,400 feet of track (making it the park’s longest coaster). Thrill seekers will surely enjoy the 130-foot drop into an underground trench. The ride also boasts not one, not two, but three launch points where riders are shot 60 miles an hour up hundreds of feet of state-of-the-art coaster track! Riders can also expect amazing views of the park while on the coaster from its bird’s eye vantage point.
Tampa Theme Park Encourages Interaction with Wildlife
The heart-racing excitement does not end with the high-speed coaster. Located right next door is the Cheetah Run, an all-new animal-interactive experience. The Cheetah Run allows guests to the park to watch as cheetah trainers direct a rehearsed sprint through the cheetah terrain.
The Cheetah Run goes along with Busch Gardens’ overall emphasis on animal conservation. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is a registered non-profit conservation foundation which has awarded more than $17 million in support of 1,200 animal conservation projects around the world..
The park allows guests to interact with the animals like never before, as you can see from our video.
Serengeti Safari is where guests ride in a the back of a flatbed truck across 65 acres of wild terrain and come face to face with giraffes, zebras, hippos, and other creatures commonly found on African wildlands. Furthermore, knowledgeable park guides ride with guests and share their wealth of fascinating fun facts about all the animals and the ways that the park works to keep up their positive relationships with the planet’s most incredible wildlife. Groups are permitted to feed giraffes that typically stick their heads curiously over the railings of the truck, allowing for a truly once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Rides by the Ages at Busch Gardens Tampa
Families planning a trip to Orlando, where several theme parks have reopened, should make sure to leave a day for this Africa themed park, because it’s so different from the other area themeparks.
Toddlers will enjoy the Sesame Street Safari of Fun play area with its many animals and gentle rides. Bird Gardens aviary is another fun place where little ones can pose with birds at feeding stations. Everyone will enjoy the Opening Night Critters show when the park’s talented handlers encourage animals to do amazing ‘stunts’ for the audience.
Teens and family members into extreme coasters can look forward to the park’s famous SheiKra, one of the tallest dive coasters in the world with a very cool water-feature finale. At 335 feet, Falcon’s Fury is the tallest freestanding drop tower in North America; Montu is one of those coasters that hurls you upside down and back upright again on its route — and Kumba are all fun too.
Trip Planning Details for Busch Gardens Tampa
There’s plenty of on-site parking for a fee, but many a free shuttle service (the eco-friendly choice) goes from several locations in Orlando to the park. Check the Busch Gardens website for seasonal vacation packages, as there are great values in multi-day tickets that include admission to Busch Gardens Tampa and her sister parks: SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove; as well as other packages with Universal Orlando and Wet n’ Wild. Note that all the parks are not open yet due to the pandemic and local public health regulations.
For more information about vacation packages, park hours and to plan out your day (always a good idea in the busy summer season), visit Busch Gardens Tampa.
And for other wildlife attractions in Tampa, check out this review of the city’s Wild Side.
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