Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Launches Nearly $40 Million Park Transformation Under New Leadership
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Launches Nearly $40 Million Park Transformation Under New Leadership |
| [29-April-2025] |
New Park President, Jeff Davis, unveils sweeping additions and upgrades—including new Wild Oasis at Jungala, new animals and animal habitats, new and improved food experiences, and Adventure Island expansion TAMPA, Fla., April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is entering an exciting new chapter with a bold almost $40 million investment and a new park president at the helm. Under the leadership of Jeff Davis, the park is unveiling sweeping additions and upgrades—including the debut of Wild Oasis at Jungala in May, new animal encounters, elevated dining, enhanced guest experiences, and a major transformation of Adventure Island. These improvements aim to make Busch Gardens the best it's ever been and solidify the park as Florida's ultimate family adventure destination.
"The extensive nearly $40 million in investments will further solidify the park's status as a premier destination, ensuring guests of all ages will make unforgettable memories to last a lifetime," said Jeff Davis, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. "The additions and improvements will be made across our infrastructure, operations, staff recruiting, equipment, as well as adding to our aesthetics with more beautiful gardens and plant life. New animal arrivals are also in the plans, such as the reimaged Meerkat habitat, set to open this summer to inspire awe and wonder for all who visit. This is an exciting time for the park and these investments will make it better than ever before." While these recent investments are significant, ongoing enhancements are nothing new for the park. For the past four years, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has consistently introduced innovative new attractions, inviting guests to experience epic adventures. From Iron Gwazi in 2022 to Serengeti Flyer in 2023, Phoenix Rising in 2024 and now Wild Oasis coming in May 2025, each multimillion-dollar addition has strengthened the park's positioning as a desirable destination. With its record-breaking coasters and thrilling experiences, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is often celebrated as the home of "Florida's Best Thrill Rides." Investments to Make Busch Gardens Tampa Bay the Best Ever Explore Wild Oasis: A New World of Kid-Friendly Adventure: Inspired by lush rainforests and teeming with animal encounters, thrilling rides and interactive play zones, Wild Oasis promises unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Within Wild Oasis guests will embark on an incredible adventure. From encountering fascinating new animals to soaring down the all-new Tree Top Drop, families can explore interactive climbing structures, cool off at an immersive splash pad, and take on a thrilling self-guided scavenger hunt. Designed to ignite curiosity and excitement, Wild Oasis promises an action-packed experience for explorers of all ages. New Animal Experiences & Habitat Enhancements: Busch Gardens is an AZA accredited zoo providing world-class care to over 16,000 animals representing more than 200 species – and the animal population at the park is growing! From new animal births to new animal species coming to the park – including capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys and meerkats arriving this spring, there's more to explore than ever. Plus, guests will see many recent investments to the animal habitats throughout the park, such as the new climbing structure for the new troop of chimpanzees, accessibility features to accommodate the geriatric, all-female Asian Elephant herd and a beautiful new Giraffe Barn. Bold New Culinary Experiences Led by Executive Chef Lavon Smith: New Executive Chef Lavon Smith brings an exciting new culinary vision to the park with newly opened full-service venues like Treetop Kitchen, offering guests a vibrant culinary adventure inspired by global cuisine spanning the regions of Africa and South America. Plus, don't miss the Food & Wine Festival and Concert Series. This year's festival features bold new flavors from the Caribbean and India, alongside returning favorites from South America and Europe. There's also an electrifying lineup of new and fan-favorite headlining artists, and—for the first time—concerts on Fridays. Festival access and concerts are FREE with park admission. Year-Round Entertainment, New Shows, and Summer Nights Spectacular: Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay returns on select dates from May 23–August 10, lighting up the park with extended hours and unforgettable thrills. This year's event features an all-new nighttime spectacular, high-energy live shows and exciting ways to enjoy fan-favorite entertainment like Rhythm of Nature—the only year-round ice-skating show at a theme park in North America. From riding world-class coasters under the stars to indulging in limited-time summer eats and treats, it's the ultimate way to celebrate summer. Big Splash at Adventure Island — New Rides, New Energy: Adventure Island, Tamps Bay's #1 water park, continues to expand its thrills with exciting attractions designed for guests of all ages. As part of the recent investments, families can embark on an aquatic adventure at the brand-new interactive splash and play area Castaway Falls – a multi-level play area featuring exciting water elements and cascading slides. Additionally, the summer will bring new thrills, and interactive events guests won't want to miss. More exciting announcements to come later this spring! Annual Pass Members Get Early Access and Exclusive Perks! About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay About Adventure Island Media Contact: Busch Gardens Public Relations, BGTPublic.Relations@BuschGardens.com
SOURCE Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | ||
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