For those torn between a visit to a theme park or a day at the zoo, Busch Gardens Tampa provides the consummate combo -- more than 12,000 animals representing 250-plus species and a bevy of breathtaking rides that UltimateRollerCoaster.com calls the "largest and most thrilling collection of roller coasters in Florida." Other draws include live shows, several splash-happy excursions to cool you off and a wealth of kid-friendly attractions in Sesame Street Safari.
Must-See Attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa
Cheetah Hunt, the park's longest coaster at 4,400 feet, takes you on a twisting, rollicking adventure and gives a bird's-eye view of animals high above the park's Serengeti Plain. It combines with Cheetah Run, where you can view the world's fastest land animal up close and even see them compete in a daily sprint. Edge of Africa is a walking safari in which you can encounter African animals such as crocodiles, hippopotamus, lemurs and lions in naturalized habitats. Check the daily park map for special animal presentations and a feeding schedule. Iceploration is a half-hour musical show on ice -- yes, in Florida -- that boasts professional skaters, huge puppets and live animals to convey the wonders of the Arctic, African Serengeti, Amazon rain forests and Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Where to Stay Near Busch Gardens Tampa
Although there is no on-site hotel at Busch Gardens, a variety of accommodation options are nearby in the North Tampa area, including several that are hotel partners with the theme park and offer a variety of packages that include discounted Busch Gardens tickets and/or complimentary shuttle service. Two of the closest options include the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa-USF-Busch Gardens, within a half-mile of the park, and the Embassy Suites Tampa USF/Near Busch Gardens.
Best and Worst Time to Go To Busch Gardens Tampa
Park hours typically are from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. during holidays and in the summer season, with slightly later opening times and earlier closing times in less-busy months. Weather wise, to avoid Florida's humidity and summer thunderstorms, the best time to go is from late January to early March and late September to November. Summer also is the park's busiest time, when lines for rides will be at their longest. Other hectic times include the spring-break season from March to early April and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Discounts at Universal's Busch Gardens Tampa
Normal park admission is $95 to $105, but discounts are frequently offered for buying in advance online. Steeply discounted two-day tickets, year-long fun cards and annual passes for Florida residents also are available on the park's website, including some that also include admission to sister park SeaWorld Orlando and Adventure Island, a water park adjacent to Busch Gardens. In addition, partner hotels offer a variety of packages that include accommodations and discount ticket specials.
Food at Busch Gardens Tampa
The park has a range of options, including a sweet shop and several fast-food options ($6 to $12) to the Garden Gate Cafe's all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta and salad buffet ($12 to $17). For barbecue ribs, chicken and beef brisket cooked over an open pit, visit the Zambia Smokehouse ($10-15). Also on the menu: corn on the cob, smokehouse baked beans, apple cobbler and bread pudding.
Parking at Busch Gardens Tampa
A parking fee of $17 to $22 is required at the gate. The resort has ample parking space, though you may face a moderate walk on busy days to the tram that takes you to the park entrance. Some annual passes include parking at no additional cost.
Transportation Alternatives at Busch Gardens Tamps
For guests staying in Orlando, about 75 miles from Tampa, complimentary motor coach service to Busch Gardens is provided through Mears Transportation with the purchase of a park ticket. Many Busch Gardens partner hotels in Tampa provide free shuttle service to the park, so ask before you make your reservation.
Author's bio: Kevin Adams is a freelance writer who has lived in Orlando for more than a decade and has had travel articles appear on USAToday.com and in Golfweek magazine.