News Summary
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is set to launch a $40 million upgrade with the new Wild Oasis section opening in May, featuring exotic animals and enhancing family experiences. The area will highlight species like capybaras, anteaters, and an all-female herd of Asian elephants, alongside interactive play zones. The park also plans renovations in Adventure Island and introduces a new Chick-fil-A dining option, all supervised by new president Jeff Davis, who aims to enrich visitor engagement.
Tampa, Florida – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is set to unveil a significant $40 million upgrade, introducing a new kid-friendly section named Wild Oasis in May. This interactive area is designed to enhance the family experience at the park and will feature a diverse range of exotic animals, making it a must-visit destination for families and animal lovers alike.
The Wild Oasis will showcase several species, including capybaras, giant anteaters, and squirrel monkeys. The park is also preparing for the arrival of new animals in the spring, with the goal of creating an engaging and educational environment for guests. Additionally, a climbing structure is being built specifically for a new troop of chimpanzees, further expanding the animal interactions available within the park.
Among the key highlights of Wild Oasis is an all-female herd of Asian elephants, which will serve as a significant draw for visitors interested in wildlife. The opening of this area is part of Busch Gardens’ larger initiative to enhance visitor experiences, with early access granted to guests who hold a 2025 annual pass before its official public launch.
In addition to the Wild Oasis upgrade, renovations are underway at Adventure Island, Busch Gardens’ water park adjacent to the main attractions. A recent addition to this park is Castaway Falls, an interactive splash and play area that opened to guests this year. Further details about upcoming renovations at Adventure Island will be provided in due course.
The recent upgrades are being supervised by the park’s new president, Jeff Davis, who joins Busch Gardens after a long tenure at SeaWorld San Antonio. Davis brings over 30 years of experience in the industry and is committed to improving the park’s infrastructure and operations, enhancing overall aesthetics, and optimizing staff recruitment. His vision includes revitalizing the gardens and enriching the plant life throughout the park.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is located off Interstate 275 in Tampa and spans 300 acres, combining thrilling rides with unique animal encounters. The park is home to approximately 16,000 animals from over 200 species. Since its opening in 1959, Busch Gardens has continued to grow its offerings, attracting around 4 million visitors in 2023, as reported by Statista.
The park is accessible to the public with single-day ticket prices starting at $139.99, though these fares may be higher on weekends and during peak periods. Guests should also consider additional costs, such as parking and dining options. General parking is set at $32, with preferred parking available for $35. Visitors can opt for an all-day dining upgrade for $59.99 for adults and $29.99 for children, which provides limited access to restaurant offerings across the park.
For those planning to stay longer, hotel packages available for visitors including complimentary shuttles, dining discounts, and entry deals for Adventure Island add value to the trip. The estimated average cost for a family of four for one day at Busch Gardens ranges between $754.96 (without dining) and $994.92 (with dining), making it essential for families to plan their visit accordingly.
In an additional update, Busch Gardens has announced the upcoming opening of a Chick-fil-A within the park, which will replace the former Bengal Bistro in the Jungala area. This new dining option will feature menu items typical of the chain; however, it will remain closed on Sundays.
With these expansions and enhancements, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay aims to provide a more engaging and enjoyable experience for all visitors, solidifying its position as a premier attraction in the Tampa area.
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HERE Resources
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Celebrate Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Additional Resources
- ABC Action News
- Wikipedia: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Business Observer
- Google Search: Busch Gardens upgrades
- Fox 35 Orlando
- Google Scholar: Animal exhibits in theme parks
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: theme parks
- WTSP
- Google News: Busch Gardens cost
