If you're in the mood for some BBQ (and why wouldn't you be?) The Skyride is located in the Cheetah Hunt Area and Stanleyville. At Busch Gardens Tampa, a 335-acre African-themed animal park, enjoy the ultimate family adventure. If you did not know, Busch Gardens offers a variety of special behind-the-scenes tours. Formerly known as the Tampa Bay Hotel, the Henry B. Opened in 1959, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay predates Walt Disney World and Florida's other major theme parks. SheiKra at Busch Gardens: Mother of ALL Dive Roller Coasters! Of course, many things might belong on this list, so be sure to check out our other sections of this post., TIP: Many of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Florida's top attractions and tours are included for free or at a discount with any of the many Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Florida tourist attraction discount passes available to you. If youre visiting with kids, you know theyll become antsy at some point in the day. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 18. Learn More! It will also feature two inversions, including a zero-G stall that will invert riders and leave them hanging upside down as they travel forward along a straight section of track. Pivot 90 degrees in midair to a face-down dive in the tallest (335 feet) freestanding drop tower in America. Thank you! Horse camps are held throughout the summer and include equine education, grooming and feeding, trail rides, riding lessons and horse shows, while the petting zoo allows visitors to feed and interact with a range of farm animals such as goats, pigs, rabbits, and horses. 10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612-6401. If you buy a product or service by clicking on an affiliate link, ThemeParkHipster will get a small commission. There is the Air Grover roller coaster, the spinning Big Birds Whirly Birdie, and Elmos Safari Go-Round carousel to name a few. Let the glowing reviews from delighted visitors who have personally experienced the park firsthand be your guide. Eating in a theme park is half the fun since you and your family get to eat things you normally wouldnt. We offer many dining options inside the park. Or, if you plan your day just right, time the big rides around meal times. What Happened to Python at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay? Learn how to keep weeds out of a yard. But even better than just regular funnel cake is their special 4th of July red velvet funnel cake if you visit during the summer months. Home to over 1,300 animals, including chimpanzees, Borneo orangutans, Florida Panthers, Queensland koalas, and Florida manatees, the Zoo focuses on endangered, threatened and vulnerable species from around the world, with an array of habitats devoted to Asia, Africa, Australia and Florida. Located just minutes away from the park, you'll have easy access to all the excitement while enjoying a peaceful stay here. Located alongside actual cheetahs, the coaster is designed to make passengers feel as if they are racing against the sleek and speedy animals. See pictures and our review of Busch Gardens. The content on this site represents my own and not those of any organization or activity mentioned. Kumba is my absolute FAVORITE ride at Busch Gardens and it can still compete with many of thetop roller coasters today. Visitors can also take a ride on Gwazi Gliders, which had formerly been located in the Congo section. This card will have a specific ride time on it. Listen to Podcast Episode 63 Below for Your Busch Gardens Itinerary. The Best Dark Rides at Busch Gardens Tampa BayThe Best Fast Rides at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The Busch Gardens Animal Care Center takes great pride in the exceptional animal health and rehabilitation work it provides for animals throughout the park. Yes, we offer free Wi-Fi to our guests by selecting BuschGardensGuest to connect once inside the park. These Busch Gardens Tampa tips will help you organize and prepare for a great day of fun. Be the first to hear about special offers, park news, upcoming events, and more! The Straz Center is home to the Patel Conservatory, which offers an array of educational programs, workshops and classes that focus on training in the performing arts training for educators, families, community partners, and adults. 2821 S MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL, Phone: 813-839-2409. If you go to Busch Gardens on a slow day, usually in January, then youll most likely be able to ride Congo River Rapids alone! Plant Museum, 20. Are you trying to figure out if one day is enough from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay? If the sampler seems like too much for you, you can also buy any of the BBQ entrees separately. Ybor City Museum State Park is also home to a typical casita, a recreated cigar workers house, and beautiful lush Mediterranean-style gardens. You cant go wrong with a pretzel any day of the week. Are you trying to figure out if one day is enough from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay? Busch Gardens Tampa is a world-renowned amusement park and one of the best things to do in Tampa, Florida, that offers a wide variety of fun activities and adventures for the whole family. Plant Museum was once a luxurious 500+ room resort hotel opened by railroad magnate Henry B. Forest Discovery Centre - Educational gallery in a colonial bungalow. Iron Gwazi is also a Busch Gardens must-do for your trip! Our kid-friendly rides, water activities, play areas, games and shows will provide your children with hours of fun, designed just for them. Known as a diving coaster, passengers are lifted 200 feet in the air in floorless cars, brought just over the edge of a 90-degree (thats straight down, folks) drop, held there for what feels like forever, and then released into a heart-pumping dive. During this time, the rest of your group will wait with the kids who cannot ride. Get started here! You can enjoy beer flights and other beverages at the Giraffe Bar, or indulge in air-conditioned comfort in the waiter-service Treetop Kitchen. From some of the worlds most interesting animals to some of its most endangered, share in our passion for the animals in our care through up-close encounters. One of the most important Busch Gardens Tampa tips is also the most logical one: wear sunscreen! Dress Appropriately. Many parks have drop tower rides, which take passengers up a tower and then release them into freefall. Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Travelers Guide. From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters that defy gravity to up-close encounters with fascinating wildlife, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the place where incredible adventures come to life. Frankly, I'd say the best way to enjoy Busch Gardens is to spend at least 2 days there one day for the rides and shows, another for the animals and enjoying the lush gardens. 12802 Easy Street, Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-920-4130. The Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) was established in 1989 with the aim of collecting, preserving and presenting significant and innovative exhibitions of contemporary art from around the world. 3. Interactive exhibits include a glass-encased simulated wetlands display, a Stingray Beach where visitors can touch a bamboo shark and a pristine coral reef housed in a vast tank. Visitors can enjoy ranger-led guided tours of the Park who will share their knowledge of the surrounding ecosystems and environment, as well as Park Ranger Nature Educational Programs for children and adults. Don't let long waiting lines dampen your spirits. 10165 N Malcolm McKinley Dr, Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-884-4386. Hipster Power Tip: Use the free charging stations located next to Scorpion roller coaster and Falcons Fury. Available from Corona Tools and local retailers. Scorpion at Busch Gardens Tampa: A Classic Roller Coaster for Enthusiasts. View all 8 images. In this video, I'll go over all the top attractions at Busch Gardens to help you decide which ones you'll have to include during your trip!---Say \"hello\" to me on: Instagram: @chrissatravelsFacebook: Chrissa Travels FloridaReddit: www.reddit.com/chrissatravelsfloridaPatreon: Chrissa Travels FloridaBuy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/chrissatravelsOr read my travel blog at: www.chrissatravelsflorida.com--------------------------Music from Epidemic Sound (affiliate link):https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/exa8m3Audio Recorded on Blue Yeti USB Microphone (affiliate link):https://amzn.to/3yT1MZZVideo Recorded using Canon EOS R with Sigma 24mm 1.4 Lens, DJI Pocket 2, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.Canon EOS R Camera (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3EmTdruCanon Sigma 24mm 1.4 Lens (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3H5tKVdDJI Pocket 2 Camera: https (affiliate link)://amzn.to/3mtxPL7iPhone 12 Pro MaxCheck out my all favorite gear that I use to create my videos here (affiliate link):https://www.amazon.com/shop/chrissatravelsflorida------------VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS--------------00:00 - Intro00:29 - Morocco Area \u0026 Myombe Reserve01:32 - Egypt Area \u0026 Cheetah Run Exhibit02:22 - Cheetah Hunt03:27 - Cobras Curse04:15 - Montu04:53 - Edge of Africa Area \u0026 Animal Exhibits06:07 - Nairobi Area \u0026 Animal Connections Exhibit06:55 - Serengeti Express Train, Outpost, \u0026 Animal Care Center08:02 - Asian Elephants08:29 - Pantopia Area08:52 - Falcons Fury09:38 - Scorpion09:58 - Sand Serpent10:11 - Kumba11:01 - Congo River Rapids11:17 - Tigers11:56 - Orangutans 12:30 - Tigris13:26 - Sheikra14:36 - Sesame Street Safari of Fun15:00 - Bird Gardens \u0026 Kangaroos Established in 1992 to fight against and end the private trade and ownership of exotic cats, Big Cat Rescue is now home to more than 100 wild cats, representing 11 species. 10165 N McKinley Dr. Tampa, FL 33612 Phone: 813-884-4386 Website: buschgardens.com EXPERT TIPS BY: Skye Rodgers Tampa Local Expert Things to Do in December: "With new, expanded hours,. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is one of the largest performing arts complexes in the Southeastern United States and provides a variety of world-renowned artistic and musical events for the public to enjoy. It looks so unassuming as you approach it but dont let its simple design fool you. Terms & Privacy | Disclosure | Disclaimer | My Story | Contact Me. 2023 Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival Guide: Tickets, Food, Concerts and more! Wood in the Moorish Revival style and was also used as a base of operations during the Spanish-American War. Big Cat Rescue. 5 Things You Must Eat at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay In addition to the show, youd be able to chill out amid the theaters air conditioning. Complete with icing and fruity pebbles on top, this snack will make your day more colorful and delicious. And we couldnt end this without sharing the most important tip of all: how to save on Busch Gardens tickets. Soothe your senses with the ultimate post-adventure relaxation at this exceptional hotel. Thats followed by a 145-foot tall inversion, a second dive, a lights-out tunnel, and a splashdown finale in a lagoon. It has multiple benches throughout with shaded covering. Any other loose articles can be placed inside any locker located throughout the park. Activity provider: GetYourGuide Tours & Tickets GmbH. Featuring three magnetic launches, one of which revs up its trains to 60 mph, Cheetah Hunt is a giddy experience. Tours of nearby Dunedin and St. Pete are also offered, exploring the Gulf Coast waterfront districts of both cities. It's worth the hour-and-change drive from the Mouse House to check . As a guide, we've narrowed down some of the best activities and have grouped them into the following categories to help you navigate the city: art, museums, parks, nightlife, and eats. ThemeParkHipster: A subsidiary of NJ Vaughn Media, LLC. 16 Backyard Vegetable Garden Ideas for Beginners Instead, try to pack as lightly as possible. Satisfy your hunger and recharge with a delightful experience at one of the many fantastic restaurants nearby. 21 Plants for Small City Gardens | BBC Gardeners World Magazine Have you ever been to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay? One of the most important Busch Gardens Tampa tips is also the most logical one: wear sunscreen! 2022 Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Tickets: Everything You MUST Know (Travel Podcast), Busch Gardens cares for the animals on property. In addition to hands-on animal encounters, Busch Gardens is a roller coaster fanatics dream come true. Visitors can enjoy a variety of educational experiences, such as animal encounters, behind-the-scene tours, keeper talks, and other special events that relate to the living planet. Yes, free guest tickets are one of the many perks of having an Annual Pass Membership at Busch Gardens. the Zambia Sampler from the Zambia Smokehouse should be your go-to for lunch or dinner in the park. Where to Find THE BEST Busch Gardens Coupons and Deals! Things to Do in Tampa, Florida: Henry B. 17 Things You Must Do at Busch Gardens Tampa (Episode 15), What is the Quick Queue at Busch Gardens? There are lots of traditional theme park foods and snacks available at Busch Gardens and if youre looking specifically for this sticky treat, stop by Sultans Sweets on your way in. Now that you know some of the basics for your trip, lets go through how to do Busch Gardens in a day. You can find smoking areas on thepark mapor theBusch Gardensmobile app. Not a Clue Adventures offers a range of guided outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and specialized outdoor adventures. Next: 10 Best Orlando Resorts (That Aren't Disney). Starting at Platt Street at the Columbus State Park to the north, the 10-foot-wide Bayshore Boulevard ends to the south at Gandy Boulevard. See 1 Experience. The Florida Aquarium is located in the Channel District of Downtown Tampa and is home to over 20,000 aquatic plants and animals from all over the world. 2023 Universal Orlando Packing List Guide: What to Pack for an EPIC Trip! Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. All camping equipment is provided and guides are fully trained in all fields, as well as health and safety. 25 Fun and Free Things to Do in Tampa, Florida TODAY! To maximize your time at the park, head to the biggest and baddest thrill rides first. If you want to capture your Busch Gardens Tampa memories forever and smartphone pictures arent cutting it, purchase a PhotoKey. PLEASE READ MYDISCLOSUREFOR MORE INFO. You will then be about 10-minutes from the park. Silver Annual Pass - $203.06. Want to take your adventures to the next level? The beer is flowing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July 21 through September 4 . If animal thrill rides are what you're after, then add Everest to your Florida itinerary, especially the intense backward rollercoaster at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It may not look intimidating, but this ride built on pure thrills! AVOID the Universal Orlando Wait Times with Express Pass: Is it worth it in 2023? This part of the park has remained popular over the years thanks a lot to having two of the most popular rides in the park. This adorable and yummy snack is available year-round at the Giraffe Bar at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. To upgrade, please visit Guest Services at the park. If youre not a roller coaster tycoon and cannot wait to see the animals, head to these areas of the park first. If seeing the animals is your top priority, youll want to follow these Busch Gardens Tampa tips. THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Busch Gardens, Tampa, FL What credit cards are accepted at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay? Many of these shows are indoors, allowing you to escape from the hot Florida sun! Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is home to Floridas first theme park Chick-fil-A. Animal attractions include a Cheetah Run, Bird Gardens, Jambo Junction and Edge of Africa, and a variety of restaurants, cafs, bars, and shops provide all-day dining and shopping for park visitors. The Museum features 17 themed areas that hosts over 170 interactive exhibits, ranging from Design and Build displays to an Engineers Workshop where children can immerse themselves in each theme and enjoy hands-on learning experiences. 3821 USF Holly Drive, Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-974-4133. Yes, I did just say that!!! If you are thinking about taking a trip to Tampa, then take advantage of the CityPass which allows you to do the most popular attractions in the area for one cost! If youll be visiting Busch Gardens with younger children, youll want to head over to Sesame Street Safari of Fun. 5 Relaxing Things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa Whether you're seeking adrenaline-inducing fun or incredible animal experiences, it's the ultimate destination for a day filled with non-stop laughter and joy. Today I'm going go over the perfect Busch Gardens itinerary. The parks Stanleyville Theater also features ambitious productions. Things to do In Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa, Florida This dynamic museum teaches young minds about the world around them through play. Upgrade to include admission to Adventure Island Tampa, SeaWorld Orlando, and . Elevate the fun by bundling your park tickets with a range of must-see Tampa attractions. Vallin Kostovick suggests growing a garden with a specific theme, and it's one of our favorite gardening tips. Celebrate the Holidays at Christmas Town Busch Gardens Tampa. Groupon Busch Gardens: Money-Saving Travel Deals You Must Get TODAY! If you can fit everything in your pockets or a small bag, great! All Rights Reserved. Operated by SeaWorld Entertainment, Busch Gardens Tampa features an array of exclusive park experiences, such as a Serengeti Safari and Guided Adventure Tours, live entertainment and shows, themed rides and special kids attractions. Busch Gardens has an incredible collection of roller coasters. All the attractions from the previous iterations remain. However, those that have never been there for themselves may not quite understand how much this amazing park has to offer. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Stroll along Tampa Riverwalk past romantic parks, hotels and romantic restaurants, visit the Tampa Museum of Art, the Tampa Bay History Center, great beaches, and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. 22 Best Things To Do in Tampa Updated March 7, 2023 Tampa is tailor-made for families who love animals. Visitors can enjoy a variety of guided tours through the facility, ranging from photographic and keeper tours to feeding and night tours and visit the resident cats, which include tigers, bobcats, cougars and mountain lion. Once the first party finishes the ride, pass the card to the rest of the riders for their turn. Tampa Riverwalk is a well-maintained pedestrian pathway that runs along the Hillsborough River and connects downtown Tampa with the citys lovely waterfront, several public parks, and a variety of hotels, museums, restaurants and other entertainment venues. Traveling alone to the parkshas changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories. 35% off of your Busch Gardens Tampa Tickets with Groupon TODAY! The Museum also presents staff-directed daily programs for children of all ages that are based on seasonal themes, such as Toddlers Tuesdays and Whisk it Wednesdays, and offers field trips, summer camps, and other special events throughout the year. I used to be so jealous of amusement parks like Cedar Point who have had this delicious franchise inside of their parks for years. The Tampa Museum of Art is a state-of-the-art museum and one of the top Tampa attractions with a focus on antiquities and modern and contemporary art. There is also plenty of space for outdoor yoga classes and sports. In addition, select a few must-do Busch Gardens Tampa Bay rides before entering the park. Have a delicious pretzel and beer at Twisted Tails Pretzels inside the colorful Pantopia area of the park. Certain species of animals tend to be more active in the morning when the temperatures are still relatively cool. The sampler includes slow-cooked ribs, brisket, and BBQ chicken. Not to mention the thrilling coaster photo-ops! 2. photo credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay via Facebook. Related: Take This 5-day Miami To Key Largo South Florida Road-Trip. However, they have added four attractions to the area as the park is constantly growing. Get Your Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Tickets Today! Just know that the thrill levels are high for this Busch Gardens roller coaster. 2-Park Silver Annual Pass - $246.78. And, you should! Tilling can bring organic matter to the top of your garden and turn into a natural compost. I hope you have a fun day at one of my favorite theme parks in the world. Ideally, do your best to incorporate both aspects of the park into your day for a truly memorable experience. Guests are also allowed to bring clear water bottles into the park. When the kids are ready to play, head over to the Sesame Street Safari of Fun. Proudly selling Busch Gardens is well-known for its amazing attractions that have kept people coming for years. From diverse cuisines to mouthwatering flavors, you'll find the perfect eats to refuel and make your day even better. This area of the park is also a great spot to sit, read, or unwind. Several of the most prestigious houses in Tampa can be seen along the walk in Old Hyde Park, a number of which are noted on the National Register. Indulge in tasty flavors and a good atmosphere at this market-style eatery. This is one of my favorite theme park spots to eat. My name is NikkyJ and Im the owner of ThemeParkHipster. Youll learn new ways of the discovering the park through the lens of your camera. More day trips from Tampa, Boasting approximately 4.5 miles of scenic views that parallel Tampa Bay, Bayshore Boulevard is known to be one of the countrys longest continuous sidewalks. Enjoy free shuttles, park admission, savor 10% off dining and much more. Typically, lunch and dinner time is when most park goers exit the queue lines in search of some grub. They are a great way to discover how Busch Gardens cares for the animals on property and how staff are also able to maintain the thrills. I remember as a kid, I would be fascinated by how much people screamed on roller coasters. Busch Gardens' newest attraction, Cobra's Curse puts a spin on family thrills with this one-of-a-kind spin coaster. The birds will be uninhibited as they soar all around you. Fort Foster State Historic Site is located on the east side of the park and features a reconstructed fort from the Second Seminole War, and visitors can enjoy ranger-guided interpretive tours around the site every Saturday and Sunday. Scorpion at Busch Gardens Tampa is one of the few remaining attractions in the park. Pivot 90 degrees in midair to a face-down dive in thetallest (335 feet) freestanding drop tower in America. 35% off of your Busch Gardens Tampa Tickets with Groupon TODAY! Single Day Ticket - $89.99, (including dining) $129.99. The Moroccan Delights, is a bakery shop located in the front of Busch Gardens. This tip could apply to visiting any theme park, but it is especially useful for spending a day at Busch Gardens Tampa. On your visit, you notice that Busch Gardens is divided up into different sections, themed around the African locations such as: Egypt, Congo, Jungala, Morocco, Nairobi, and Pantopia. The lawn is an expansive open area for concerts and festivals with terraced and sloped edges to provide optimal viewing. Guests are also allowed to bring clear water bottles into the park. Among many other esteemed accreditations, Busch Gardens has passed expert third-party audits to join fewer than two dozen facilities . Its queue is also quite cool as the Komodo dragon exhibit encompasses it. Additionally, if you intend to stay at Busch Gardens all day, your food tab will add up fast. As odd as it may seem in sunny, hot, and humid Florida, Busch Gardens has been presenting a well-regarded ice skating show in its Moroccan Palace Theater for years. Stanley Falls Flume is thrilling with its 43-foot drop. The Park is also an important educational resource, with a modern interpretative center boasting a range of exhibits and displays, an observation tower and a lovely boardwalk for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Can I bring food to the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park? The twisting Tigris, with a 50-foot skyward surge . Travel around the park and watch exotic animals roaming about. Busch Gardens Tampa - Great Theme Park and Zoo We make every effort to ensure that all guests can have an enjoyable experience. With kid-friendly rides, splash and play areas, and shows just for them, its the perfect way for the little ones to enjoy the day. The venerable park has long been admired for its lovely gardens and lush landscaping but is now also lauded for its wild roller coasters, truly wild animal exhibits, great shows, tempting food, and other things to do. Drawing some 4 million visitors each year, Busch Gardens Tampa is a major theme park, with its popular roller coasters being the biggest lure. Not true! A slice of Bavaria returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as the park celebrates its annual Bier Fest event. If you are wondering what to do in Tampa today, this is a great place to visit. With a minimum height of 48 inches, Cheetah Hunt is fairly accessible to a wide audience, including many children. CLICK HERE. The Serengeti Flyer is the worlds tallest and fastest ride of its kind. But the unique ride offers one devilish feature that distinguishes it from its counterparts: Prior to plummeting, its seats pivot 90 degrees so that riders are positioned face-down for the harrowing drop. Theres also the Cheetah Hunt area, Sesame Street: Safari of Fun, and Stanleyville (a classic location in Busch gardens). AVOID the Universal Orlando Wait Times with Express Pass: Is it worth it in 2023? Experience the ultimate getaway with our exclusive vacation packages! 6 Family-Friendly Things To Do in Tampa | CityPASS Scrapbook Its perfect for coaster newbies who arent into the intense thrills of the other rides at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. My favorite aspect of Zambia Smokehouse is the outdoor covered patio with a picture-perfect view of Sheikra. Four Park Ticket: Unlimited Visits + Free Parking - $203.12. In addition to the wild thrill machines near the top of our list, visitors will want to ride the rails on the parks other attractions, including: The 11 Scariest Roller Coasters in North America, The 13 Fastest Roller Coasters in the World, You'll Love the Rides and the Animals at Busch Gardens Tampa, Top 10 Steel Roller Coasters in North America, Cedar Point's Valravn Coaster Breaks 10 Records, The 10 Tallest Roller Coasters in the World, The Coolest Launched Roller Coasters in the Country, PortAventura Is One of Europe's Biggest and Best Theme Parks, Dollywood's Lightning Rod Thunders Past Wooden Coasters, The 13 Best Rides at Six Flags Great America. Free, Parks and Gardens, Recreation . Do so and stay hydrated all day long! Read: Groupon Busch Gardens: Money-Saving Travel Deals You Must Get TODAY! This calming railroad ride takes visitors around the Serengeti Plain and offers views of giraffes, zebras, lions, and more.