[205] The dragon rethemed addition was done to update the area and was adopted from its sister park in Williamsburg. [322][323] The Mystic Sheiks of Morocco band ceased performances in 2010,[121] and a new 4-D film based on the Sesame Street cast would debut in the Timbuktu Theater, replacing Pirates 4-D.[324] The Sesame Street section opened as Sesame Street Safari of Fun on March 27, on a 2.5-acre (1.0ha) area. [443], (Previously called Bud & BBQ and Bands, Brew & BBQ) For the months of March & April, Busch Gardens hosts a series of concerts in Gwazi Field, mostly from classic rock and country music acts. The most major party zones are Fiesta Festa! The dolphins retired to other locations. [251][252] Busch Gardens premiered a Halloween event from the previous year, Howl-O-Scream, in October adopting the event from its sister park in Williamsburg after its success and in hopes of challenging Universal's own Halloween event. AND you can do this from November 13, 2022 through January 7, 2024. Busch Gardens Tampa Wait Time Calendar. [131] In February 1979, the park unveiled a $18.5 million expansion that would include the Timbuktu addition and a new water park adjacent to the park called Adventure Island. [177][178] Previews of the Intamin-made Tanganyika Tidal Wave began on June 15,[179] and officially opened weeks later. [151][152] The 1,380-foot (420m) Intamin Congo River Rapids ride opened on May 26. Here are 15 insider tips that would help you plan your day at Busch Gardens Tampa. Howl-O-Scream has featured some attractions of the park turned into "horrified" attractions at night. Every September and October since 2000, Busch Gardens is transformed into Howl-O-Scream. A South American macaw rode on each boat. The additions would also call for a railway and create more landscaped environments for animal habitats. After taking a hiatus since early 2022, the crowd estimate calendar is back! What day of the week is Busch Gardens least crowded? [362] The park would disclose in December that wooden roller coasters Gwazi would close in the coming months due to rising costs in operation and feedback from guests. This is a great day for the people of Florida, said Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of CDCs National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCZEI). With four million people passing through its gate, it is doing something right. [134][135] The Trans Veldt Railway operated a new station in the area in 1979. 2022 Busch Gardens Tampa Park Tips & Guide - Parksavers.com [444][445][446] This caused the removal of the event in Tampa, which was replaced by the annual Food and Wine Festival, resembling the one currently at Epcot in Walt Disney World Orlando. in the Cheetah Hunt Plaza and Tigris's Party Zone (formally Viben Village) in Stanleyville. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Facebook Is Busch Gardens Williamsburg busy on Sundays? By the end of the 1970s, the African-themed park had become an internationally known destination for roller coaster fans, animal lovers, and fun seekers. [207][217] The section included a recreation of King Tut's tomb, a sand pit, Egyptian hieroglyphs structures, and the Bolliger & Mabillard inverted roller coaster, Montu. [187] The former Old Swiss House reopened as the Crown Colony House in early 1990. Busch Gardens Tampa Mardi Gras 2021 Guide - Touring Central Florida However, during peak summer days, the park may be open until midnight. [14][15][18][20] The associated gardens featured lagoons and landscaping done by Charles B. [216] The Egypt section opened to guests on May 16, located in the south east portion of the park at the cost of $5 million. [118][119] Both additions were part of Stanleyville and located in the northern half of the section. The building that housed the former Akbar's Adventure Tour simulator ride and U.S. Horseshow Jumping Hall of Fame was turned into a museum in March, with guest and corporate contributions displayed. [111] The beginning of the 1976 year saw the park take on a new name as "The Dark Continent". A gift shop in the bird gardens was reintroduced as the Xcursions shop. [188][189] The Swinging Vines attraction was removed around 1991. Crowd Calendar Sundays will continue to see the largest crowds of any day, with the exception of Saturdays, which will see a slight decrease in crowds compared to the previous year. Busch Gardens Tampa Itinerary: How to Plan the Perfect Trip The African village, located north of the original gardens, accommodated the Stanleyville station, an additional train station on the Trans-Veldt Railway. How Crowded Is Busch Gardens Tampa Today? (Explanation Inside! [73][74] August Busch Jr. had toured the Disney World site and wanted the Tampa brewery and gardens to maintain its hold in the tourist market. The 4-acre (1.6ha) land would house several animal habitats, involving Bengal tigers, Tomistoma, flying foxes, gibbons, and orangutans. How Crowded Is Busch Gardens Tampa Today? - Go Explore Florida Busch Gardens opening hours. This graph shows the posted wait times for each attraction at the park at different time intervals. Edge of Africa, otherwise known as Cheetah Hunt Plaza, is the smallest section of the park. [12] In February 1959, Anheuser-Busch acknowledged the brewery would open in March. or the average wait times for the selected month. The park section was marketed for age groups between older adolescents and young teenagers, who would be too young for their SheiKra roller coaster but too old for the Land of the Dragons area. With August Busch III taking more interest in the Anheuser-Busch parks to help in monetary gains, Busch Gardens also announced an overhaul to its entertainment options. SalinaBristor November 26, 2013 6:51 am Reply to angelmsuarez [243] Landscaping and physical barriers were planned to separate animals, bring wildlife closer to the train, and include several animals such as antelopes, gazelles, giraffes, and zebras. Busch Gardens Tampa Walkthrough - YouTube All of these things combine to create a place thats perfect for anyone who loves to spend time with family and friends. Last year, Universal Studios Orlando closed the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at the end of May for the same reason. Silver Annual Pass - $203.06. The winner here is Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which has the best of both worlds. [308] As part of its plan to sell off Busch parks, Anheuser-Busch InBev ceased free beer samples for guests at the beginning of 2009, having been in place since the parks opening. The exhibit space would be priced at $1 million, located between the brewery and the monorail, and contribute to the growth of the brewery and park. [221][222], General manager Fincher was replaced by Robin D. Carson in a corporate shuffle in February 1997. #4 Ride the coasters when the lines are shorter. Alligators and crocodiles can be observed here up close. Parking at the Tampa Busch Gardens Unless you're an annual passholder - then parking is either complimentary or discounted. Including a park-wide countdown to the new year. Busch Gardens has at least 10 tigers. [95][102], By 1975, the park housed over 800 animals and expanded its live entertainment options throughout the park. [105][106] The snack bar originally located in the parking lot was incorporated into the Morocco area with thematic upgrades. A new logo would also be introduce to phase out an old one used for 20 years prior. You dont always have to pay full admission price to enjoy a day at Busch Gardens Tampa! This is just a bit over an hour from Orlando, home to Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld Orlando. Quick Queue prices vary throughout the season. 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[260] Several projects were proposed to open during the 2003 season, including a white rhino habitat, an add-on zoo keeper experience, a revitalized Timbuktu area with the Das Festhaus restaurant being rethemed, and the premiere of the 4D film, Haunted Lighthouse. [112][113] The Dark Continent was chosen to distinguish Busch Gardens from other comparably named attractions in Florida, such as the Tiki Gardens and Sunken Gardens. Minimalist Motorcycle Packing Checklist From A Couple That Does A Lot Of Motorcycle Touring Across The U.S. Delaware Is Like My Second Home Here Are My Top 6 Things To Do In Delaware. [275] SheiKra opened on May 21, becoming the tallest roller coaster in Florida and the first Dive Coaster model built in the United States. In 2012, Howl-O-Scream celebrated 13 "unlucky" years. Here are some tips for staying cool in the park during hot weather: While it can get hot in the summer, Florida is quite pleasant in the winter. [101] The sky ride transportation gondola opened in May, which linked the park's monorail station, tree tops outlook, and Stanleyville section together. [153][154], For the 1983 season, Busch Gardens added children rides to the Timbuktu and Congo sections. Click the buttons to change the graph instantly. Other former Congo attractions include the Swinging Vines, a family swing flat ride which closed in the early 1990s and the Monstrous Mamba octopus flat ride which closed in the late 1990s. While the prices may not be as good, that isn't the only place you can snag a sweet deal on Busch Gardens discount tickets. [235], In the ensuing year, the Tangiers Theater was replaced by a confectionary store. Tampa February 4, 2022 To have the best day ever, follow our 19 simple Busch Gardens Tampa tips. The African village contained the Tanzanian Theater featuring an elephant show, gorilla and okapi enclosures, and various shops. [85] The Trans-Veldt Railway opened on July 4, between the monorail and Boma section. Staggered entering and exiting. [143][144] The park officially opened the Timbuktu section of the park in January 1980. [117] Python, a steel roller coaster manufactured by Arrow Development, premiered on July 1, as the park's first roller coaster. View schedule [198][199] Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, the roller coaster was established in the northwest area of the park near the Congo River Rapids and bumper cars. Access to Mardi Gras Weekends is included in any admission, with food & beverage items available for purchase. How long are the lines at Busch Gardens Tampa? Another popular attraction here is the Asian elephant exhibit. In Curiosity Cavern, guests can view mammal and reptile exhibits. Both parks have amazing theming, but Williamsburgs theming has more aspects to it. [119] A safari upcharge attraction was opened to the public in November riding through the Serengeti Plain section. In 1965, the park opened its Serengeti Plain animal habitat, the first of its kind to offer animals in a free-roaming environment. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, combining world-class thrill rides, live entertainment and more than 12,000 animals. [15] The brewery was dedicated on March 31, by August Busch Jr. with around 2,000 people in attendance, including the press, political and local leaders. The best days to visit Busch Gardens in Williamsburg are on weekdays, specifically Tuesday-Thursday. There are plenty of things to do and see in the area, including some of the most beautiful parks in all of New York City. Ride some of the worlds most thrilling roller coasters, Enjoy a wide variety of shows and performances, Indulge on a vast array of epicurean delights. At Santa's House, guests may bring their little ones and have pictures taken with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and Santa's Elves next to the Nairobi Train Station which circles around the Serengeti Plain as the Christmas Town Sing Along Train featuring select Christmas carols and songs. If you visit in the winter, then you might want to take along a light jacket. During the Kareebu Jungala atmosphere show, stiltwalkers perform with puppets and interact with guests in the heart of Jungala.[409]. [16][17], The brewery and gardens officially opened to the public for tours on June 1, 1959, as an admission-free facility with 250 attending the opening ceremony and around 1,000 attendees to Busch Gardens. Closed In Early 2023. Therefore, it makes sense to arrive at the park early and take advantage of the parks walking-loop pedestrian layout to enjoy all of the big rides as they come aiming in a counter-clockwise direction (from right side of the park to the back, and then to the left). [50][51] The Old Swiss House was completed in October. [15][23][24] Additional attractions included a dwarf village and the "Hospitality House," a William B. Harvard designed facility that sampled free beer to guests. [296][302] In the deal, InBev reaffirmed the merger would be funded by the sale of subsidiary assets, which added into the uncertain future of Busch Gardens Tampa park. But one of the many elements that make Busch GardensTampa unique is that it also serves as a sanctuary for some of the worlds most beautiful and endangered creatures. It would also connect the Congo and Nairobi sections, include a large dining facility, several attractions, and an amphitheater. [159] The following year, an Intamin looping starship, Phoenix, opened in the Timbuktu section on June 5, 1984. [335][336] A replacement for the short-lived Cirque Dreams, titled Iceploration, was detailed in September, being the largest show production in the park's history. Data Ending 07/15/2023. Congo River Rapids, a river rapids ride opened in 1982. In September 2014, Falcon's Fury, a 335-foot drop tower, opened, replacing the former Sandstorm orbiter flat ride. Reply. [10][26][27] The original gardens was later dubbed the "Bird Gardens". [218] In the same month, the park considered the feasibility of a hotel, the latest effort since the 1980s. 10. [198][200] In 1994, a kids area titled the Land of the Dragons was earmarked to replace the Dwarf Village. Camera! The area for the most part remains mostly gardens and animal exhibits. Busch Gardens 2023 Fun Card on sale early, offering 5 - Tampa Bay Times [58][59] Busch Gardens began charging guests for parking in August because of the increase in visitors and to offset costs. It features a restaurant, The Serengeti Overlook Restaurant and Pub, the Cheetah Hunt roller coaster, and the Skyride station. [246] To retain attendance from returning visitors, Anheuser-Busch began offering a "Fun Card" to Florida residents at their Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks beginning in 2000. [369], The Tanganyika Tidal Wave closed on April 10, 2016, with no plans to replace the attraction. This is not the first time that a theme park has closed a ride due to maintenance. [9][10] Anheuser-Busch formally announced the operating hours of the Busch brewery and gardens in May. [148] To boost attendance in the park, Busch Gardens revealed plans for a $6 million river rapids ride for the Congo section in 1981. [36][37] The escalator featured a 5,000-square-foot (460-square-metre) pool beneath, a 1,000-square-foot (93-square-metre) observation deck atop of the brewery, and a 150-foot (46m) raised walkway to enter Busch Gardens. [28][83][84], Robert B. Bean was named the new general manager for the Busch Gardens park in April 1971. Here are my 9 best tips to help youplan your day at Busch Gardens: This tip could apply to visiting any theme park, but it is especially useful for spending a day at Busch Gardens Tampa. I especially enjoy helping others plan fun trips on a budget! Expect crowds to be lighter on weekdays early in the month, with heavier crowds on the weekends as it gets closer to Christmas. 5. Mondays and tuesdays are the busiest days at busch gardens. Plan an extra day of adventure . [193][194] The exhibit opened on June 17, 1992, with its entrance located near the Moroccan Palace Theater. [280][282], The park's bird show in the Bird Gardens ended in 2007, after 48 years of production. As a local historian, Ive also written about other popular landmarks and attractions for a variety of publications. The documentary film Blackfish and a subsequent online petition led to several popular musical groups cancelling performances at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens "Bands, Brew & BBQ" event in 2014. [383] Iron Gwazi, was expected to be completed by Spring 2020, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida, the park temporarily closed from March 16 to June 11, to assist in slowing down the exposure of guests. There are many ways to save money on Busch Gardens tickets: Busch Gardens opened in 1959 as a visitor center for the Anheuser-Busch brewery that opened on-site that year. Hop on the SkyRide! busier days). Most of the animals you can see here came from Africa and originate from one of the eight areas mentioned above. Thank you for watching. The last major attraction, the panda exhibit, debuted in 1988, officials acknowledging the park was due for another addition. Learn more Among the exhibits are a Nile crocodile named Sobek, meerkats, two prides of lions, a pack of spotted hyenas, three hippos named Moyo, Kita and Devi, vultures, and a troop of lemurs.[439]. [62][63] Near the end of 1966, around 475 animals were exhibited in the African veldt. Many guests will eat only a single meal and perhaps enjoy a snack or 2while theyre at the park for a day. But this time, they had to wear . Guests may also meet the stars from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer over in Rudolph's Winter Wonderland since 2016. 4-Park Silver Annual Pass - $308.60. [21][22] Opening animal attractions for Busch Gardens included a bird show in an amphitheater seating around 200 individuals, a bird sanctuary featuring flamingos and a separate animal area named "Devil's Island," and caged enclosures for eagles and cockatoos. [271] The wild mouse roller coaster, Cheetah Chase, opened in February. The park's Independence Day festivities add fireworks to the entertainment lineup.[448]. December, October and April are the most popular months, while January, September and June are the least popular. [209][210] Anheuser-Busch stated its intentions to close the brewery inside the Busch Gardens Tampa location on October 25. [268] The park began construction in late-2003 on its parking lot to accommodate new tunnels to be built under McKinley Drive for easier access to the park. 10:00 am - 8:00 pm July 2023 Attraction closure schedule For the safety of our guests, attractions occasionally close for improvements and general maintenance. Heres a list of the parks annual music events: There are plenty ofexciting entertainment options at Busch Gardens every day, so be sure to check out the latest showscheduleat the park or online! [96][97] The first thrill ride at the park, the log flume, opened in June in the Stanleyville section. [215] In addition, the park hosted another temporary Olympic village as a sponsor of the 1996 Summer Olympics. Busch Gardens offers an incredible chance for day-trippers to experience the thrills of a themed amusement park at an accessible and convenient value, making it a popular go-to for years. What is the busiest day at Busch Gardens Tampa? [53] By November, Anheuser-Busch acquired around 46 acres (19ha) of land east of its existing property for a potential expansion of Busch Gardens or its brewery. [34][35] The escalator opened on March 22, 1961, as part of a renovation to the Busch brewery and its public tours. The younger leaves of the plant will continue to, This process is known as photosynthesis and is the primary source of energy for all life on Earth., The best time is 2-3 weeks after the last frost when the soil temperature is 60 degrees. [130] Construction was well underway in November for the expansion entitled Timbuktu. Busch Gardens Tampa opens "Serengeti Flyer," The World's Largest S&S Swing. Opened on April 5, 2008, Jungala is a 4-acre (16,000m2) family attraction featuring up-close animal encounters, rope bridges to explore three stories of jungle life, and a water-play area for children. 8. Buy plenty of water at the park to help you stay hydrated. A typical adult meal at Busch Gardens can costbetween $10 and $20. [39] In the same month, Anheuser-Busch communicated its intentions to expand Busch Gardens at the cost of $3.5 to $4 million as the company projected a rise in attendance for the coming decade necessitating growth. Click to Expand the Typical Wait Time Table, Busch Gardens Tampa Typical Average Wait Times. Saturdays will remain the busiest day of the week, with Sundays also seeing heavy crowds, especially during the summer months. [145][146][147] Scorpion, a Schwarzkopf steel roller coaster, later opened in Timbuktu on May 16. The section opened with a Chance Rides carousel and trabant, a dolphin show in the Dolphin Theater, the Sandstrom orbiter, the Festhaus dining hall with a dance show, an airplane ride, various game booths, and specialty shops. The train departed from the "Nairobi Junction" station into the animal habitat and was an upcharge attraction. A staple attraction that once stood in this section was the brewery. It contains all the attractions from Land of the Dragons which are now re-themed. The construction of the Tampa brewery coincided with the construction of a competing brewery in the Tampa Industrial Park complex by Schlitz. [350][351] Busch Gardens later revealed in November a retheme of the Timbuktu section into "Pantopia", where Falcon's Fury would be located. [441] Also, in a secluded area of this region is a solitary female eastern black rhinoceros named Jody. Wait Times at Busch Gardens Tampa - Thrill Data Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Wikipedia [28], A $5 million expansion was announced in July 1959 by Anheuser-Busch to the existing facility because of the newfound success. [283] The roller coaster, SheiKra, closed temporarily in May 2007 and reopened in June with floorless trains. Plus, Christmas treats, Santa's house, Rudolph and more can be found in this annual Winter Wonderland experience right in the heart of Tampa Bay. 2. A Busch Gardens Tampa ticket combines world-class thrill rides with up-close animal experiences into one wild theme-park. After all,Florida isnt always hot there are at least 1 or 2 days each winter in the Tampa area when the temperatures dontrise above the 40s. [289][290] Jungala opened on April 5, at a higher estimated cost of around $40 million. The Moroccan Palace is located here, as well as the outdoor Marrakesh Theater. [124] In addition, the land hosted a shooting gallery, the Bengal tiger's Claw Island exhibit, and an Intamin swing ride entitled the Swinging Vines. Once you get into the park, you'll notice one of the top roller coasters close to the street called Montu. [393] The former Garden Gate Cafe reopened as the Springs Taproom in January 2023.[394]. [253][254], After its success, the Fun Card was reintroduced in 2001 for Florida residents. We have 2 small children ages 1 1/2 & 4 yrs. [165] An animal nursery, named the Nairobi Field Station, opened on December 9. [329] Busch Gardens announced two attractions for the coming year on October 13, with an Intamin-made launched roller coaster named Cheetah Hunt located in the former monorail station and a cheetah enclosure titled Cheetah Run. [166], The bird show gained a birds of prey segment including falcons, eagles, and owls in February 1987. Busch Gardens is located at 10165 N McKinley Dr. in Tampa, Florida. [440] It is home to the Grvy's zebra, Grant's zebra, sable antelope, reticulated giraffe, Ankole-Watusi, addax, southern white rhinoceros, eland, impala, ostrich and marabou stork. [332], Busch Gardens disclosed on May 16, 2011, a replacement to the old rhinoceros enclosure with a 16,000sqft (1,500m2) "Animal Care & Nutrition Center". While the official temperature in Tampa has never reached 100 degrees, summertime temperatures easily soar into the 90s, and humidity can make being outdoors rather uncomfortable for some. View the Daily Typical Wait Time Heat Map. Most guests plan their entire trip to the park around the weekend. [338][339][340] The Iceploration show debuted on February 2. 2022 Fun Card - $124.08. Real Experiences. How do you avoid lines at Busch Gardens? Speaking of animals, you can even get the chance to hear some of the parks animal keepers talk about the creatures they care for. [175] By the end of 1988, park officials were considering several additions such as a new boat ride, another show for the Moroccan Palace theater, new exhibit spaces, and reopening the Old Swiss House. The three newest members of the lion pride include a male named Kembe and two females named Shaba and Shtuko. Do you have to wear masks at Busch Gardens Tampa? Busch Gardens' newest attraction, Cobra's Curse puts a spin on family thrills with this one-of-a-kind spin coaster. [333] Cheetah Hunt and its associated Cheetah Run enclosure opened on May 27. [5][6] Anheuser-Busch made public on July 25, that it had purchased a 160-acre (65ha) plot of land in Tampa for $320,000 to construct a $20 million brewery. Also located in this area is family attraction: Wild Surge, a shot tower that launches guests above a waterfall. It used to be that most of the rides were located in the back of the park, but in more recent years roller coasters such as Montu, Cheetah Hunt, and Cobras Curse have been built not far from the main entrance. The expansion would initially call for the additions of an amphitheater seating 1,000 guests, a "tree tops" viewing platform of the African veldt, a locomotive train, and a log flume. [181][180] The koalas exhibit opened in the previous panda enclosure on June 28. From energetic Broadway-style ice-skating shows and enchanting belly dancing performances to comical animal acts and toe-tapping music revue programs, there are manyentertaining productions on stage every day at Busch Gardens. Telly's Jungle Jam, an interactive play area. The bird show would later be replaced by an animal show titled, Critter Castaways. People often ask me how best to get in all of their favorite rides in during a visit to Busch Gardens Tampa. [124] The park announced Questor in May 1991, a motion simulator ride manufactured by Reflectone,[190] which opened on May 23. View Park Map Animals See more than 200 species thrive at one of America's most highly accredited zoos. [241] Occurring in the same month, the San Antonio facility for the park's animals opened,[242] as well as plans to revitalize the Serengeti Plain were announced. [301], A friendly agreement between Anheuser-Busch and InBev was negotiated on July 13, forming Anheuser-Busch InBev. [342][343] SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment changed the logo and slogan of its Busch Gardens parks in February 2013, choosing a "coaster tree" to represent the park's environment and rides. For some plots, the end range date has no effect. [47][48] Thomas J. Pinta was named manager of Busch Gardens in July. During off-peak season, the park may open as late as 10 AM and close as early as 5 PM. [55] The African veldt contained a variety of animals mostly imported from Africa, including cheetahs, chimpanzees, elephants, gorillas, lions, and rhinos with habitats faithfully recreated by the park. Do you have to wear a mask on rides at Busch Gardens Tampa? The closure included part of the Congo section surrounding the roller coaster, including the Claw Island exhibit and a restaurant. In March, several Latin music acts are hosted on the stage in Gwazi Field. With an All-Day Dining Pass, you getall the food and drink you wantat certain restaurants in the parkfor one price. Tampa hotels with free airport and Busch Gardens shuttles Jun 21, 2023; Collecting a car . [348][349] The park's Crown Colony restaurant closed indefinitely by mid-2013, with industry observers citing budget cuts and slow attendance for the change in operation. [390][391] A new entrance plaza, entertainment, and pass member lounge were planned in April to come during the season.