Busch Gardens, a name synonymous with thrilling rides and beautiful landscapes, has a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century. The park was initially established by Anheuser-Busch as a marketing vehicle to promote its products. The first Busch Gardens park, located in Tampa, Florida, opened its doors in 1959. It was designed as a lush garden filled with exotic animals and bird species, along with complimentary brewery tours and free beer samples.

In 1975, a second Busch Gardens park opened in Williamsburg, Virginia. This park was themed around European countries, offering visitors a unique experience of different cultures through rides, shows, and culinary delights.

Over the years, both parks have expanded significantly, adding a wide variety of attractions, including world-class roller coasters, live entertainment, and seasonal events. Today, Busch Gardens is renowned for its blend of thrilling amusement rides, animal encounters, and immersive thematic experiences.

Top Rides

Busch Gardens is home to some of the most exhilarating rides in the world. Here are a few of the top attractions:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

  1. Iron Gwazi: As North America’s tallest hybrid coaster, Iron Gwazi features a 206-foot-tall peak, a 91-degree drop, and reaches speeds of up to 76 mph.
  2. SheiKra: This floorless dive coaster offers a 200-foot, 90-degree drop and a top speed of 70 mph.
  3. Cheetah Hunt: A triple-launch coaster that mimics the speed and agility of a cheetah, taking riders through a 4,429-foot track at speeds up to 60 mph.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

  1. Pantheon: The world's fastest multi-launch coaster, featuring a top speed of 73 mph, four launches, and a 95-degree drop.
  2. Griffon: Another dive coaster, Griffon offers a 205-foot drop and reaches speeds of up to 71 mph.
  3. Apollo's Chariot: A hypercoaster that boasts airtime and a series of drops, reaching speeds of up to 73 mph.

Features

Busch Gardens is more than just thrilling rides; it offers a variety of features that make it a unique destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Animal Encounters

Both Busch Gardens parks offer extensive animal habitats, allowing visitors to see and interact with a wide variety of species. Tampa Bay’s Serengeti Plain is home to giraffes, zebras, and rhinos, while Williamsburg features a wolf sanctuary and an aviary with exotic birds.

Themed Areas

Each park is divided into themed areas that offer immersive experiences. In Tampa Bay, you can explore areas like the Congo, Egypt, and Pantopia, while Williamsburg offers European-themed villages such as France, Germany, and Italy.

Seasonal Events

Busch Gardens hosts several seasonal events throughout the year. These include Howl-O-Scream during Halloween, Christmas Town during the holiday season, and the Food & Wine Festival in the spring. These events feature special shows, themed attractions, and unique culinary offerings.

Available Discounts in 2024

Busch Gardens offers a variety of discounts and promotions to make visiting more affordable:

  1. Annual Passes: These provide unlimited access to the parks along with perks such as free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, and exclusive member events.
  2. Fun Cards: A Fun Card allows unlimited visits for the year it is purchased, but without the additional perks of an annual pass.
  3. Group Discounts: Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more, making it a great option for family reunions, school trips, and corporate outings.
  4. Military Discounts: Active and retired military members can receive special discounts and offers on admission.
  5. Special Promotions: Throughout the year, Busch Gardens runs various promotions, such as buy-one-get-one-free tickets, discount codes, and seasonal sales.

Conclusion

Busch Gardens remains a beloved destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. With its combination of world-class rides, animal encounters, immersive themed areas, and a rich history, it offers something for everyone. The available discounts in 2024 make it an even more attractive destination for those looking to experience the excitement and beauty of these iconic parks. Whether you're visiting for the first time or are a seasoned park-goer, Busch Gardens promises a memorable adventure.

Looking for discounts to Busch Gardens in Tampa Florida? There are many ways to get discount tickets to amusements parks including Busch Gardens. We will be constantly scouting for these discounts and posting them here.


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Busch Gardens Fun Card

The 2024 Busch Gardens Fun Card is a seasonal pass valid from now through 12/31/13. It costs the same as regular one-day admission: $90.95 for adults and $82.39 for kids (3-9). There are no blackout dates. The Fun Card includes admission to many special events (such as Real Music Concert Series, Bands, Brew and BBQ, Viva La Musica, Summer Nights). Excludes Howl-O-Scream. It does not include parking or discounts on food and merchandise. This ticket can be purchased on the Busch Gardens website.