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Theme parks

Busch Gardens

Published by Skipadoo · Updated November 12, 2026

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.

Tickets and discounts

How tickets are priced and the official ways to save, checked against the park's own website, are on our Busch Gardens discount tickets page.