Busch Gardens Tampa is one of Florida’s many theme parks. However, without big names like Disney or Universal attached to it, it can often go overlooked by vacationers looking to visit the main Mouse or Harry Potter. In my three visits to this park, I would actually like to suggest that it is a valuable addition to a Florida vacation, much like adding on a day at SeaWorld Orlando (in my opinion, only better).

My first visit to this park was before having kids, and my second visit was three weeks postpartum with a newborn. This park is vibrant, warm (literally), fun, and has something for everyone. It’s also remarkably clean and not nearly as crowded as the other Florida theme parks.

I would suggest going on a weekday, preferably a Thursday, or even a Friday during the school year. This way, the crowds are lessened, and you can ride pretty much whatever you want, at your own pace, without having to purchase a Quick Queue (a skip-the-line service that can be pricey, depending on when you go).

The park is divided into several lands: Morocco, Stanleyville, Jungala (hence the title of this post), Sesame Street: Safari of Fun, Bird Gardens, Congo, Pantopia, the Serengeti Plain, Nairobi, Egypt, and the Edge of Africa. There are a myriad of different rides, sights, and animal experiences throughout the park. And rest assured, you WILL get your steps in here.

Some recent additions at this park include Iron Gwazi – a high-thrill roller coaster that packs a punch, the re-introduction of the famed Skyride, and Serengeti Flyer, an S&S Screamin’ Swing. A new family roller coaster, Phoenix Rising, is also coming to the park this year (2024). Keep these popular additions in mind – I highly suggest riding Iron Gwazi at park opening or close to park close. You can try to get to the park a little prior to the posted opening time and book it to Iron Gwazi. You may get lucky and even get a couple of rides in before the crowds come in. Thankfully, Iron Gwazi is very close to the front gate of the park.

Speaking of beginning your time at BGT, I would highly encourage you to purchase your tickets and parking online. Make sure your tickets say “Busch Gardens Tampa Bay” – not “Busch Gardens Williamsburg” – it’s a very common mistake, and I have seen people at both parks inadvertently buy tickets for the other park.

Check the weather prior to heading to the park – some of the animals may not be out if the weather is poor, and some attractions may even be down.

Check the park’s online events schedule – days with concerts, Howl-O-Scream, or other special events may be unexpectedly crowded for some parkgoers.

Look at a local thrift store for re-usable BGT or SeaWorld cups – you can usually bring these into the park and get refills for $1.00 or $2.00, as opposed to paying way more for a new cup or drinks throughout the day.

Apply sunscreen frequently and utilize shady spots (like by the bumper cars or SheiKra), especially if you have little ones. The Zagora Cafe located in Morocco, is a great air conditioned spot to take a break with your littles, and enjoy great views of the animals.

So those are just some general tips. Like I said earlier, start your day with Iron Gwazi. You’re beating some of the crowds here, and starting your day on a high note. If Iron Gwazi is down, or maybe you’d like to work your way up to it, start (and book it!) to Cheetah Hunt, located to the right side of the park. Book your safari excursion at guest services, grab some coffee at the new Coaster Coffee Company, and head to Cheetah Hunt. Cheetah Hunt easily gets some of the longest lines, so riding it early may help you to avoid the crowds here. I would also suggest riding the Skyride, since it’s located right next to Cheetah Hunt.

Montu and Cobra’s Curse are also very fun, well-themed rides, located in that general area – if their lines aren’t bad, I would suggest these rides next, followed by walking through the nearby animal exhibits. Depending on your safari time, you can do the bumper cars, Kumba, and Congo River Rapids before that. Make sure to re-apply sunscreen before your safari.

Riding the train at this park from the Nairobi station to the Stanleyville stations is VERY cool – you get some awesome views of the animals and hear some cool background info about the park from a team member.

Perhaps after your Safari, and after taking the train back from Stanleyville, you will want to ride Phoenix Rising. Depending on how the line looks, you may want to come back later that afternoon around dinner time. Same with Serengeti Flyer located nearby.

I would encourage you to do SheiKra, Tigris, and the Stanleyville Log Flume, along with Sesame Street: Safari of Fun (only if you have kids – if you do, it’s awesome!) in the early afternoon around lunch.

In terms of food, most of what BGT has to offer (outside of Food & Wine Festival and Mardi Gras) is generic theme park food. Zambia Smokehouse is probably the tastiest in my own opinion – the Smokehouse Sampler is particularly tasty. They do have a Chick-fil-A on property, but its offerings are limited and its hours are funky. If you are going during a food festival, a sampler may be worth your while. Buying a 10 or 13 item sampler during Mardi Gras in 2022 was enough for my husband and I to eat all day.

The rides at this park are super well-themed. Cheetah Hunt, Cobra’s Curse, and Iron Gwazi are my top 3 here. You will have fun, especially if you come on a less crowded day during the week, taking in all the animals, any shows playing, and riding things at a leisurely pace.

Tampa is more of a metropolitan area. That being said, when you park your car, lock it and do not leave any valuables inside. I have never had anything stolen from my vehicles here, but don’t be a target.

I would also AirTag any strollers or diaper bags – I do this at any theme park, again, just as a precaution. Keep a fanny pack with your ID, keys, credit cards, phone, etc. on you at all times. BGT is cashless, so be prepared for that as well.

You can bring snacks and waters into the park, especially if you have kids, and this will save you both time and money. I typically freeze a bunch of water bottles and throw them into the stroller. They’ll melt and be nice and cool to drink around mid-day. Snacks like pretzels, chips, fruit snacks, fruit, etc. are great to have on hand to not have to stop and wait in a line for an overpriced treat.

Busch Gardens Tampa is a spectacular park, and though Disney is the main Mouse in the state, I prefer BGT to Animal Kingdom. There is more to see, it’s a bit more affordable, and there are way more rides (and less crowds).

Enjoy these tips on your next visit to BGT!

-TTPM