A Wildly Good Day Out at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

🎢 Coasters That’ll Have You Screaming, Laughing, and Saying “Oh Hell” on Repeat

Busch Gardens isn’t messing about when it comes to coasters. It’s got more big ones than anywhere else in Florida—and if you’re a coaster junkie like me, you’ll be grinning like a Cheshire cat with a FastPass.


  • Iron Gwazi – This beast doesn’t just rattle your bones—it makes you feel your feelings in a big way. That first drop? It doesn’t launch you into next week—it drops you there, like you’ve been evicted from the present. Tallest and fastest hybrid coaster in Florida, and it absolutely flings you into chaos with zero apology. Adrenaline? Pumped. Dignity? Left somewhere near the loading station.

  • Kumba – Let’s be honest: smooth it is not. But it’s a proper coaster, none of this modern fluff. Opened in 1993 and still going strong—well, sort of. It’s been standing but not operating since November 2024, sparking all sorts of dramatic speculation about its fate. But hold your horses—test runs have been spotted this August, and the park’s clearly not done with it yet. Fingers crossed it’ll be back soon, because this rattly legend deserves a comeback tour.

  • Montu – This one’s got a special place in my heart. It was my first ever coaster—hadn’t even braved the dodgy caterpillar ride at the fair before this. I screamed, cried, possibly swore, and got off wanting to do it all again. Montu lit the fire. It’s fast, twisty, and feels like being flung around by a very enthusiastic eagle.

  • Tigris – Don’t let its size fool you. This little rocket launches you forwards, backwards, and straight up like it’s trying to send you to space on a budget. It’s intense, chaotic, and absolutely brilliant. You’ll come off wondering what just happened—and loving every second of it.

  • Cheetah Hunt – It’s the marathon of coasters. Lasts 3.5 minutes but feels like you’ve been on a scenic tour of Florida’s adrenaline department. Smooth, fast, and just when you think it’s done—nope, off you go again. It’s the coaster equivalent of your nan telling a story with five false endings.

  • SheiKra – Floorless, 200ft drop, and a vertical dive that’ll have you questioning your life choices. You hang over the edge thinking “this is fine” and then—nope. It’s bonkers, it’s brilliant, and it’s not for the faint-hearted or the tight-trousered.

  • Cobra’s Curse – Fab for tweens, teens, and anyone who likes a bit of spin with their scream. It’s got a lift, a twist, and a snake theme that’s just the right level of ridiculous.



🎟️ Quick Queue passes can save you loads of time during school holidays. I’ll help you decide if they’re worth it—or if you fancy embracing the queue banter and people-watching instead.

🐾 Kids’ Areas That’ll Keep Them Busy While You Plot Your Next Coaster

Busch Gardens knows how to keep the little ones entertained—and not just with overpriced slushies and tantrum-inducing queues. These spots are perfect for burning off sugar highs and dodging meltdowns before lunch.

  • Sesame Street® Safari of Fun – It’s like Elmo’s had a Florida glow-up. Splash zones, pint-sized coasters, and character meet-and-greets that’ll have your toddler squealing like they’ve just seen Santa in July. It’s colourful, chaotic, and surprisingly well shaded—ideal for parents who’ve already lost the will to argue over suncream.

  • Wild Oasis – Newly revamped and tucked inside Jungala, this rainforest-themed play zone is perfect for little explorers who still need a nap by 2pm. Climbing canopies, splash pads, and a drop tower with special effects—it’s basically a jungle gym on steroids. Just don’t wear white.

  • Air Grover – A junior coaster that’s just enough thrill for the brave under-10s. No loop-de-loops, just giggles and bragging rights. You’ll hear “Can we go again?” before you’ve even unclenched your knees.




💦 Water Rides That’ll Soak You in Laughter (and Regret)

Florida heat + water rides = temporary relief and permanent sogginess. These are the ones that’ll leave you drenched, delighted, and slightly betrayed.


  • Congo River Rapids – You will get soaked. No amount of poncho planning will save you. This wild river ride spins you through waterfalls, geysers, and a water cave, while smug bystanders fire jets at you from the sidelines like it’s their job. It’s unpredictable, hilarious, and perfect for cooling off—or testing your waterproof mascara. You’ll walk off looking like a drowned rat and loving it.

  • Stanley Falls Flume – Starts off gentle, ends with a 40ft drop that’ll have your nan clutching her handbag and muttering “Well that was unnecessary.” Classic log flume chaos, with just enough splash to ruin your fringe.



🦒 Animal Encounters That’ll Melt Your Heart (and Possibly Your Ice Cream)

Busch Gardens isn’t just about coasters—it’s got serious animal cred too. Think safari meets theme park, with a side of “Did that giraffe just wink at me?”


  • Edge of Africa – A walking trail with lions, hyenas, and meerkats doing their best Attenborough impressions. It’s peaceful, immersive, and a cracking spot for pretending you’re on safari while secretly checking your phone for coaster wait times.


  • Serengeti Safari Tour – Hop into an open-air truck and hand-feed giraffes while zebras and ostriches strut past like they own the place. It’s 30 minutes of pure magic—and yes, the giraffes are as photogenic as they look on Instagram. Just don’t wear anything you’re precious about. Giraffe slobber is a real thing.

  • Myombe Reserve – Gorillas and chimpanzees doing their thing while you chill on shaded decks with a snack. It’s quiet, leafy, and perfect for pretending you’re deep in thought while actually eating crisps and people-watching.



  • Lory Landing – Lorikeets will land on you if you’re holding nectar. Kids love it. So do grown-ups—until one lands on your head and you realise you’ve become a perch. It’s colourful chaos and absolutely brilliant.

  • Animal Insider Tours – From sloths and penguins to elephants and gorillas, these behind-the-scenes tours let you meet the stars of the park up close. Some are seasonal, some are VIP, and all are brilliant if you fancy swapping rollercoasters for real-life wonder. Warning: you will want to adopt something by the end.

  • Animal Care Center – A peek behind the curtain at how Busch Gardens looks after its furry, feathery, and scaly residents. Educational, heartwarming, and a great breather between rides. Also a solid spot for pretending you’re doing something wholesome while secretly checking your coaster app.


✨ Extras That Make It Sparkle (Because Busch Isn’t Just Coasters and Giraffes)

Just when you think you’ve nailed the itinerary, Busch throws in a few curveballs:

🎭 Pop-up performances – One minute you’re sipping a slushie, next minute you’re in the middle of a drum circle with a bloke dressed like a lion. It’s like Bootle meets Broadway.

📸 PhotoPass – Perfect for capturing your “I’m totally fine” face mid-coaster or your “I’ve just been licked by a giraffe” moment. Great for the fridge, or to haunt your kids with later.

🛍️ Unique shopping – African-inspired souvenirs, plush toys, and bits you won’t find in the bigger parks. Ideal for buying something lovely, then forgetting where you packed it until you unpack and go “Oh aye, that!”


📅 When’s Best to Visit? (AKA When You’ll Sweat Least and Moan Less)

Florida’s weather has more mood swings than your Auntie Pat after two prosecco's. Here’s the lowdown:

☀️ Spring & Autumn – Mild temps, lower crowds, & fewer arguments over who forgot the sun cream.

🌞 Summer holidays – Busier, hotter, and full of families doing the “we’re having fun, I swear” routine. Manageable with planning and a good poncho.

🎄 Winter holidays – Christmas Town brings lights, festive cheer, and the chance to see a flamingo next to a fake snowman. Surreal, but brilliant.

🧢 Top Tip: Florida weather’s cheeky—ponchos, fans and comfy shoes make a big difference. And if you’re wearing new sandals, may the odds be ever in your favour.


🧳 Alison’s Must-Pack Essentials (Because I’ve Learned the Hard Way)

👟 Comfy walking shoes – For us, it’s Sketchers Go Walk trainers or sandals. Your feet will thank you. Your knees might send flowers.

💧 Refillable water bottle – Stay hydrated, Hunni. Dehydration makes people cranky and no one needs that in a queue.

🌧️ Poncho/light raincoat – Or just get wet like we do and pretend it’s part of the experience. Florida sunshine’ll dry you off before you’ve finished moaning.

🔋 Portable charger – Because your phone will be working harder than your legs.

📞 Let Me Take The Stress Off Your Shoulders

Whether it’s day tickets or full itineraries with SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove, I’ll tailor it to suit you—and make it feel 100% your way. No faff, no fluff, just honest help and proper planning.

📱 Message me on Facebook: @Holidays Your Way

 💘 Final Thought From Me

Busch Gardens is one of those places that sneaks up on you—in a good way, not like your cousin who always wants to borrow a tenner. It’s heartfelt, exciting, and packed with moments you’ll talk about long after you’re home. Whether you’re feeding a giraffe, riding Florida’s biggest coaster, or splashing through the rapids while shouting “I told you we’d get soaked, Hunni!”—it’s a day worth having.
Yes, it’s a bit dated in places. Yes, the food’s nothing to write home about (unless you’re writing a complaint). But it’s still my favourite park. It’s got everything my family and I need: thrills, animals, chaos, and memories that stick.
So let’s plan it together. I’ll bring the know-how, you bring the excitement—and maybe a spare poncho.
With love,








Alison x 
Holidays Your Way

Your Busch Gardens Expert and Partner.







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