Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens in tampa is a theme park similar to SeaWorld that has one of the largest zoological institutions and is owned and operated by SeaWorld Entertainment. There are a variety of zoo animals to see along with rides to ride. Busch Gardens® gets its name from the 36 acres of personal gardens of Adolphus Busch, co-founder of Anheuser-Busch, which were open to the public in Pasadena California in 1906. The gardens became a major tourist attraction the gardens were even used in some Hollywood films in the 1930s. Adolphus Busch passed away in 1913 and the gardens later closed in 1937.
The Busch Gardens® Theme Park in Tampa Bay opened on March 31, 1959, sporting an African theme giving it the nickname of “The Dark Continent.” It has 335 acres and holds more than 2,700 animals, and has about 27 total attractions.
Busch Gardens Rides
Some of the attractions include:
- Tigris
- Cobra’s Curse
- Cheeta’s Hunt
- SheiKra
- Falcon’s Fury
- Montu
- Kumba
- Stanley Falls
- Serengeti Express
- Scorpion
- SandSerpent
- Air Grover
- Congo River Rapids
- Wild Surge
- SkyRide
- Iron Gwazi (opening in 2021)
SeaWorld
SeaWorld has a setup unique to any other theme park in the world: one third of SeaWorld® is dedicated as a theme park, one third encompasses a marine animal zoo and the final third is set up to be a marine animal hospital.
Aquatica
Aquatica is SeaWorld Orlando’s version of a full scale water park. It is truly fun for the whole family with something for everyone including wave pools, rides and more.
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is a unique hands-on park within SeaWorld® that offers a unique vacation experience! Animal and aquatic lovers of all ages should experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Want to Visit any of SeaWorld®’s Theme Parks?
Orlando Vacation offers discount tickets to SeaWorld®, Aquatica®, and Discovery Cove® Visit our tickets page for more information!
SeaWorld’s Zoological Impact
SeaWorld’s philosophy is to educate the public about marine wildlife and how to preserve it for future generations. SeaWorld Entertainment also owns and operates Busch Gardens®, so you’ll know that the same philosophy will be applied to both parks.
There are many attractions and special events which provide a refreshing and distinctive experience for families. Many of the animals you will see at SeaWorld have been injured at sea and the doctors on staff at SeaWorld® rescued them from disastrous consequences. After their rehabilitation, many of the animals were not fit to return to the wild so SeaWorld® developed shows around them meant to bring clarity and attention to the fates of these beautiful creatures
Where to Stay When Visiting Busch Gardens
Orlando. Yes, even though Busch Gardens® is in Tampa Bay and Orlando is about 85 miles away, you can stay at one of the Orlando hotels or vacation homes. By staying in Orlando, you can save money on lodging and still be able to be close to the Orlando theme parks. Some of our vacation packages include SeaWorld® tickets with Busch Gardens as well. The travel time from Orlando to Tampa Bay is about an hour and 30 minutes, but it’s something to consider if you want to experience sister theme parks on your Orlando vacation.