Busch Gardens Theme Park: Tampa

Parts of a Theme Park

Theme parks and amusement parks may seem similar, but they have a basic fundamental difference. An amusement park focuses on individual rides and attractions, but a theme park uses décor, naming, and other small details to create a cohesive environment, a fantasy land that transports visitors into a unique and creative world.

At the Busch Gardens theme park Tampa location, the overriding theme is “Africa” – so much so that the park’s official name is Busch Gardens Africa. Every aspect of the park supports that theme. Different midways sport African names – Timbuktu, Egypt, Nairobi, and Congo – and the corresponding ride names also reflect African associations. Visitors can purchase replica African crafts and clothing, and the architecture of the buildings, flowerbeds, and fountains is reminiscent of an African oasis. This theme wraps every square foot of the park into a stunning, magical world, a fun and exotic getaway, right in the heart of one of Florida’s largest metropolitan areas.

About Busch Gardens Theme Park: Tampa

Even the most well designed theme must offer guests more than a taste of a different culture. Visitors to this Florida theme park, however, will not be disappointed.

Rides

Dozens of thrilling rides make this park a wild getaway for anyone searching for an adrenaline rush. Busch Gardens theme park Tampa may not offer as many individual rides as other parks, but it focuses on high quality, unique rides that are far more than standard attractions. The most popular rides include:

• Gwazi: Two dueling wooden roller coasters that wrap around one another and make close passes six different times.
• Kumba: A powerful steel roller coaster with seven vicious inversions, including several in very photogenic locations.
• Montu: An inverted coaster named after the African god of war that subjects riders to a battle with seven flips, loops, and spins.
• Tanganyika Tidal Wave: A thrilling boat excursion culminating in a 55 foot drop and soaking wave.
• Serengeti Railway: A safari train through savannah plains offers guests an up close glimpse of different African animals.
• SheiKra: An innovative dive machine roller coaster, one of only four in the world – in 2007, SheiKra took riders to new heights by converting to a floorless coaster design.
• Rhino Rally: An interactive jeep tour over varied terrain that brings riders up close and personal to various African animal species.
• Stanley Falls: A classic log flume ride perfect to cool off the whole family.
• Land of the Dragons: A fun dragon-themed play area for younger guests, including several small rides, slides, and a tree house.

Animals

Clydesdale team.

In addition to fabulous rides, the Busch Gardens theme park Tampa location also focuses on introducing visitors to exotic animals in fun and innovative ways. More than 2,700 animals reside in exhibits scattered throughout the park rather than clustered in one zoo location. Several rides interact directly with animal habitats, and other locations – including a stunning aviary – and interactive shows encourage guests to get a personal experience with different species.

In addition to exotic species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, Busch Gardens is also home to a team of Clydesdale horses – the world famous symbol of Busch breweries. Several times each day the horses are hitched to the signature wagon and guests can see them in full regalia, while the barn in the Clydesdale Hamlet is always open and individual horses can be greeted under the guidance of a trainer at scheduled intervals.

Entertainment

High quality entertainment is another key component of Busch Gardens’ success. Several shows, such as the KaTonga musical review of African animal mythology or the roving Mystic Sheiks of Morocco brass band are directly related to the park’s overall theme. Other shows, however, offer guests a range of fun entertainment options. A pirate-themed 4-D performance incorporates different special effects to bring the action directly to the audience, for example. Other entertainment venues offer guests the chance to meet animals, such as holding colorful African birds or opting for up close tours to feed giraffes, participate in species conservation, or even be a zoo keeper for a day (extra charges apply for behind-the-scenes experiences).

Dining

With so many outrageous rides and outstanding animals and attractions, visitors can quickly work up an appetite. Busch Gardens theme park Tampa offers a wide range of dining options, from gourmet meals to quick snacks and from barbeque and fajita wraps to filet mignon and seafood sensations. Corn dogs, turkey legs, ice cream, pizza, taffy, and fudge are other decadent delights to curb the hunger of eager park guests.

Visitor Tips

To make the most of a Busch Gardens Africa vacation, visitors should take advantage of the following tips:

• Lines for large rides are longest in the morning and afternoon, so stay at the park longer to be sure you can experience everything.
• Florida weather can be unpredictable but thunderstorms usually don’t last longer than an hour. Stick around and take in a show until the skies clear.
• Sunscreen is essential: choose a sun block with a high SPF factor for the best protection.
• Stay hydrated by visiting the water fountains located around the park.

Tickets

Busch Gardens Africa is open 365 days a year and there are many ticket options for visiting guests. Basic admission is $65 ($55 for children), but there are discounts for Florida residents, purchasing tickets online, or purchasing at least seven days in advance. Combination passes are available for guests who also want to visit Sea World, Universal Studios, Discovery Cove, Sea World Aquatica, or Islands of Adventure.

Contact Information

For more information about the Busch Gardens theme park Tampa location, prospective guests can visit the official website at BuschGardens.com, call 1-888-800-5447, or write to the park at:

Busch Gardens Africa
P.O. Box 9158
Tampa, FL 33674