News Summary
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced a transformative $40 million enhancement plan aimed at improving guest experiences and expanding attractions. Under the leadership of Park President Jeff Davis, the park will introduce Wild Oasis, a new family adventure zone, alongside new animal habitats, dining options, and engaging attractions. Visitors can look forward to refreshed animal exhibits, including new species and an updated meerkat habitat. Additionally, the return of the Summer Nights event and enhancements at nearby Adventure Island promise a memorable summer for families. This initiative emphasizes responsible wildlife care and creating unforgettable guest experiences.
Tampa Bay – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced an extensive transformation plan valued at nearly $40 million, aiming to enhance the guest experience and strengthen the park’s status as a premier family entertainment destination. The overhaul, under the leadership of newly appointed Park President Jeff Davis, will introduce several new attractions, animal habitats, and dining options set to debut in the coming months.
A key highlight of this transformation is the upcoming Wild Oasis, a new family adventure zone scheduled to open in May within the Jungala area of the park. Wild Oasis will cater to young adventurers and families, featuring engaging animal encounters, immersive play zones, a splash pad, climbing structures, and an exciting new ride called Treetop Drop. The attraction will also include a self-guided scavenger hunt, allowing guests to explore the area at their own pace.
In addition to Wild Oasis, the park will welcome new animal arrivals, including capybaras, giant anteaters, and squirrel monkeys. An updated meerkat habitat is also part of the enhancements. Existing animal habitats will receive improvements to enrich the animals’ living environments, such as a new climbing area for the chimpanzee troop, better accessibility for the Asian elephant herd, and a new barn for the giraffes.
The transformation also emphasizes improvements in dining experiences at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Executive chef Lavon Smith is leading a culinary overhaul, with the newly opened Treetop Kitchen offering a full-service globally inspired dining experience. The annual Food & Wine Festival will also return, showcasing bold flavors from the Caribbean and India, alongside a fresh lineup of live music. For the first time, festival concerts will occur on Fridays, included with park admission.
Another exciting aspect of the summer season is the return of Summer Nights at Busch Gardens, taking place from May 23 through August 10. Guests can look forward to extended park hours, nighttime coaster rides, and a dazzling new nighttime spectacular, in addition to the Rhythm of Nature ice show, which is the only year-round ice-skating performance at a U.S. theme park.
Next door, Adventure Island will also see enhancements of its own, particularly with the introduction of Castaway Falls, a family-friendly water play area designed to complement the park’s existing attractions. The improvements at Adventure Island aim to provide visitors with an enjoyable and refreshing experience throughout the summer months.
This ambitious transformation plan is being implemented with a strong focus on wildlife care and guest experiences. Jeff Davis has emphasized that these investments are crucial for positioning Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as a leading destination for family entertainment and creating unforgettable memories. The park aims not only to attract visitors but also to foster a greater connection between guests and wildlife.
The overall overhaul of Busch Gardens and Adventure Island is set to make significant strides in enhancing what the parks have to offer, creating a diverse array of attractions, culinary delights, and engaging wildlife encounters for visitors of all ages. This transformation will undoubtedly set a new standard for theme parks, while placing an increased emphasis on responsible animal care and environmental awareness.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Invests $40 Million in New Attractions
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Unveils $40 Million Upgrade
Additional Resources
- Osprey Observer: Busch Gardens Unveils $40 Million Transformation
- WFLA: Busch Gardens Adventure Island Undergo $40 Million Transformation
- Herald Tribune: Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Tickets
- PR Newswire: Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival Returns
- WFLA: Iron from Wood – What was Gwazi at Busch Gardens?
- Wikipedia: Busch Gardens
- Google Search: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Google Scholar: Busch Gardens Transformation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theme Park
- Google News: Busch Gardens
