The Best New & Timeless Rides at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Part theme park, part natural wonder - Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an experience like no other. Here, you can discover thrill rides, touching live shows, educational animal encounters, and fun seasonal events suitable for children and adults alike.

So, where to first? 

Here are some of our favourite rides, new and old, to get your Busch Gardens adventure off to a flying start.
  

Best New Rides at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay  

Phoenix Rising and Serengeti Flyer are the newest attractions to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, each offering a unique thrill...

Phoenix Rising 

Launching in Spring 2024, this coaster will let you fly like a majestical Phoenix. You'll twist, turn, drop, loop, and rise like a Pheonix always should, all whilst reaching speeds of up to 44 miles per hour.

The minimum height requirement is just 42 inches, making it a perfect choice for most families visiting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.


 

Serengeti Flyer  

Florida is filled with rollercoasters and theme parks. However, there's one swing ride that has taken rides to new heights since 2023. The Screamin' Swing at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the tallest and fastest ride of its kind. First, You will be seated in back-to-back gondolas, letting you always enjoy the ride from the first row. Then reaching speeds of 68 mph, twin dueling arms will take you up to 135 feet, as you bask in the beautiful views of the Orlando skyline (it is at least always better than looking down).

Iron Gwazi  

For the bravest of them all, Iron Gwazi awaits. Open since 2022, it holds the record for the world's steepest and fastest hybrid roller coaster and is the tallest roller coaster of its kind in North America. 

Reaching speeds of up to 76 miles per hour, and promising numerous airtime moments before dropping from 206-foot-tall peak into a 91-foot-degree angle - no wonder it won Best Hybrid Coaster in the World 2023.

 

Best Classic Rides at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay  

What the older rides lack in thrills, they often make up for in the feel good factor. Here are some of the very best classic rides at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, that are still entertaining the masses to this day...
 

Cobra's Curse 

Go on an archaeological expedition following in the footsteps of the snake king Venymyss. Florida's first family spin coaster is perfect for those looking for a calmer ride for little ones. The immersive backstory and unexpected spins make up for the lack of speed or drops plus you can expect a different ride experience for each seat.

The expedition begins as soon as you join the heavily-themed queue for your ride. In addition to seeing the snake king Venysmyss narrating his mystical story, there is the chance to educate yourself about all kinds of snakes in the ride's housing. 

Sheikra  

When it opened in 2005, Sheikra stood as the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster ever built and held the title for two years. Today, the Dive Coaster still delivers. Inspired by the hawk Shikra - known for its downward dive upon its prey - the mimics the movement from a 200-foot peak, where you will swing loosely on its talons. 

To get technical for a moment, the multiple features of the ride include an Lmmelmann loop, deep curves, and a tunnel descent, followed by a glorious splashdown finale down 90-degree drop, not once but twice. Be warned - there is no time to think, so just enjoy!

 

FAQs for Busch Gardens Holidays 

How many rides are in Busch Gardens Tampa?  

You can find 10 roller coasters and 8 other exciting rides.  

How many days do you need at Busch Gardens Tampa?  

Depending on how you visit the park, two days would give you enough time to do all the rides and events without a rush in a crowded period. 

What to wear to Busch Gardens Tampa? 

Wear whatever you feel most comfortable in! But don't forget sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Try to pack as light as possible, but you also have the chance to rent a locker.  

When is the best time to visit Busch Gardens Tampa?  

The popularity of the park can naturally lead to crowds, but to minimise them, the best months to travel in are January, February and September. Along with the best days to visit: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

How do you skip the lines at Busch Gardens?  

Make your day easier and skip the long lines by buying the ticket featuring the Quick Queue. The upgrade Quick Queue will cut down your waiting time to at least half and is available in different types.  

Does Busch Gardens have water rides?  

There are currently two very fun water rides operating in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Stanley Falls Flume, featuring a log flume and Congo River Rapid, which simulates raging whitewater rapids.  

How do you get from Orlando to Tampa?  

There are many options to choose from, either by drive, train, bus or organized transfer. Every option will take you between 1 and a half hours to 2 hours. Choose what suits you the best.  

Are you ready for adventure? Uncover Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and beyond with our bespoke SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment packages.