Busch Gardens is a 335-acre, African themed, animal theme park, located in Tampa Bay. The park is owned by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. The park is home to some of Florida’s biggest roller coasters: Kumba, SheiKra, and Montu. I have to say, I gave all 3 a miss!
I visited in December 2008 with my family. Some of the rides and shows I did/saw, may now have been changed. The park is that big, we ended up spending 2 days there, just to be able to see everything.
The best way to arrive at the park is by car. Car parking will cost you $18 for the day.
Here are some of the most popular attractions I did at Busch Gardens, back in 2008:
Rhino Rally
This one was one of my favourite rides in the park. It is a safari-themed attraction, located in the Nairobi section of the park. One minute you are traveling on a normal safari, the next you traveling, lost down the river.
To beat the queue’s get there early. We went on it first thing, just as it was opening. Fastpasses are available.
Sand Serpent
Sand Serpent, formally known as the Cheetah Chase is a fun, wild mouse style roller coaster. These are the type of roller coasters I love.
Gwazi
Gwazi is a traditional, wooden roller coaster. I have to say, I do enjoy a good, old wooden roller coaster when I visit a theme park. Since my visit to Busch Gardens, Gwazi has been shut and plans to rebuild a new one, aiming to be the tallest in the park. I’ve read online, the new wooden roller coaster should be up and running by the end of 2019.
Congo River Rapids
Unfortunately, since my visit, this ride has been shut due to safety concerns, after 4 people lost their life’s on a similar ride in Australia. It’s a shame, as this was a ride I really enjoyed at Busch Gardens. Hopefully, in near the future, it will get replaced with another, but safer rapids. White-water rafting down the river, getting spun in all directions, soaking you through; it was a great ride!
Scorpion
Scorpion is a steel roller coaster, containing loops, twists, and turns. I enjoyed this roller coaster, it’s a lot tamer than some of the big roller coasters in the park, i.e. Kumba. I would say this is more of a family-friendly roller coaster.
Wild Surge
I’m terrible with heights so I thought I would try out this kid’s ride, as it doesn’t travel as high as the adult version. Wild Surge is one of them rides that take you up to a certain height, then without any notice, you get dropped at speed. Wild Surge drops you a nerve-racking, 35 feet, providing fantastic views of the park. Even though it wasn’t as high as the adult one, I still found it too high. My sisters both loved it, despite me gripping onto their hands too tightly, stopping their blood circulation.
Stanley Falls Flume
Stanley Falls Flume is a great family-friendly ride; just as longs you don’t mind getting a bit wet, after plunging down a drop of 40 feet. This ride is perfect on a hot day!
Animal Habitats
Best time of day to walk around the animal habitats; either first thing in the morning or at dusk. This is when they are the most active. We got to see Flamingo’s, Tigers, Rhino’s, Elephants, Apes, Chimpanzees, Alligators and many more.
Pirate 4D Show
It was a great show to watch. You got sprayed at as the boat battled through rough seas, nipped at by the crabs on the beach. The 4D show made you feel like you were actually at sea with the pirates. Unfortunately, the show closed in 2013.
Christmas Celebration Show
A show was full of Christmas songs and dancing, perfect for all the family, helping you get right into the Christmas spirit. We visited at Christmas, however, if you are planning on visiting at any other time of year, I am guessing this show will be replaced with something else.
Christmas on Ice
This was one of my most memorable shows at Busch Gardens. Dancers performed on ice, to music, providing a spectacular performance. This show is a ‘must-see’ show! The show was performed in the Stanleyville Theatre, for 30 minutes, 4 times a day.
