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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a renowned theme park located in Tampa, Florida. The info below will help you get to the park and prioritize your time.

Theme and Attractions

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines thrilling rides, captivating shows, and up-close animal encounters, all within a beautifully landscaped setting. The park is known for its African-themed environment and offers a unique blend of entertainment and wildlife experiences.

Roller Coasters and Thrill Rides

Busch Gardens is famous for its exhilarating roller coasters and thrill rides. Some of the notable attractions include:

  • SheiKra: A floorless dive coaster that features a 200-foot vertical drop and speeds reaching 70 mph.
  • Montu: An inverted roller coaster with seven inversions and high-speed maneuvers.
  • Cheetah Hunt: A multi-launch coaster inspired by the speed and agility of a cheetah.
  • Kumba: A steel coaster known for its intense loops, drops, and corkscrews.
  • Falcon’s Fury: North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower, offering a breathtaking 335-foot plunge.

Animal Encounters

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is also a zoological park with a strong focus on animal conservation and education. Guests can explore animal habitats and enjoy up-close encounters with a variety of species, including elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, and more. The park offers unique experiences such as the Serengeti Safari, where visitors can embark on a guided tour to observe and learn about African wildlife.

Live Shows and Entertainment

Busch Gardens presents a diverse lineup of live shows, musical performances, and theatrical productions. From high-energy acrobatic displays to educational animal presentations, there’s something for everyone. The park also hosts seasonal events and festivals throughout the year, including Halloween and Christmas-themed celebrations.

Dining and Shopping

Busch Gardens features a range of dining options, from quick-service eateries to full-service restaurants. Guests can enjoy a variety of cuisines, including international flavors and local favorites. The park also offers numerous retail shops where visitors can find souvenirs, apparel, and unique merchandise.

Accessibility and Services

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay strives to provide accessibility options for guests with disabilities. The park offers services such as wheelchair and Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV) rentals, accessible pathways, and accessible seating at shows and attractions. Accessibility guides are available to provide information on ride requirements and accessibility features.

Busch Gardens Accessibility, Nearby Airport, and Parking

The park is situated at 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa, Florida. It is located northeast of downtown Tampa and covers a vast area of land. The park is easily accessible from major highways and is well-connected to the surrounding areas.

Accessibility

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is committed to providing accessibility options for guests with disabilities. The park offers services and facilities to accommodate guests’ needs, including:

  1. Wheelchair Accessibility: The park is wheelchair accessible, with paved pathways and ramps throughout the park. Guests may bring their own wheelchairs or rent them from Stroller and Wheelchair Rentals, located near the park’s entrance. It is advisable to bring a non-electric wheelchair as the park does not provide electric wheelchair rentals.
  2. Attractions Accessibility: Most attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are accessible to guests with mobility disabilities. The park provides accessibility information for each attraction, including boarding procedures and any specific requirements. Guests may refer to the park’s accessibility guide or contact guest services for detailed information.
  3. Service Animals: Service animals are welcome at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. However, certain attractions may have restrictions due to the nature of the ride or the safety of the animal and guests. It’s recommended to contact guest services for specific guidelines regarding service animals.

Nearby Airport

The nearest major airport to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is Tampa International Airport (TPA). Here’s some information about the airport:

  1. Distance and Location: Tampa International Airport is located approximately 17 miles southwest of Busch Gardens. The airport is situated near the downtown area of Tampa and is easily accessible from major highways.
  2. Airlines and Destinations: Tampa International Airport serves as a hub for several major airlines, offering domestic and international flights to numerous destinations. Some of the airlines operating at TPA include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and more.

Parking

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay provides parking facilities for guests visiting the park. Here are some key points to know about parking:

  1. Parking Fee: A parking fee is applicable for guests visiting Busch Gardens. The fee varies depending on the type of vehicle (standard car, oversized vehicle, etc.) and is subject to change. Preferred parking, which offers closer proximity to the park entrance, is available for an additional fee.
  2. Parking Lots: The park has multiple parking lots conveniently located near the park entrance. There are designated accessible parking spaces available for guests with disabilities. Valid disability parking permits are required to utilize these spaces.
  3. Preferred Parking: Busch Gardens offers preferred parking for an additional fee. This option provides guests with parking spaces closer to the park entrance, offering convenience and quicker access to the park.

It’s important to note that parking availability and fees may vary, so it’s recommended to check the official Busch Gardens Tampa Bay website or contact guest services for the most up-to-date information regarding parking options and fees.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay strives to ensure a positive and inclusive experience for all guests, providing accessibility features and convenient parking options to enhance the visit.

Operating Schedule and Tickets

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay operates year-round, with varying opening hours depending on the season. It’s advisable to check the park’s official website or contact guest services for the most up-to-date information regarding operating hours, ticket prices, and special events.