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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
USINFO | 2013-05-17 16:16
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (formerly known as Busch Gardens Africa) is a 335-acre (136 ha) 19th century African-themed animal theme park located in the city of Tampa, Florida. It opened on March 31, 1959 as an admission-free hospitality facility for Tampa Anheuser-Busch; in addition to various beer tastings they had, a bird garden and the Stairway to the Stars which was an escalator that took guests to the roof of the brewery.[1] Busch Gardens is currently accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Busch Gardens continued to grow and in 1965 they opened the 29 acre Serengeti Plains which allowed the African wildlife to roam freely. It continued to focus on its tropical landscape, exotic animals, and amusements to draw visitors. Busch Gardens began charging admission as the entertainment became more complex, with extra fees for the thrill rides, such as the roller coasters for which Busch Gardens is now known. Currently Busch Gardens competes with other such parks in Florida and charges comparable fees. The park is operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, owned by the private equity firm The Blackstone Group. In 2011, the park hosted 4.3 million people, placing in the Top 20 of the most-visited theme parks in the US and in the Top 25 worldwide.
The Serengeti Express (a replica steam train) runs along the back end of the park and makes stops at the Nairobi, Congo and Stanleyville themed areas. The train track was recently renovated, and its tracks have been changed.
The Skyride transports guests between Crown Colony and Stanleyville.
Morocco
The park's main entrance is home to the Mystic Sheiks of Morocco brass and percussion ensemble. Treats can be purchased at the Sultan's Sweets and the Zagora Cafe. The Moroccan Palace, a 1,200 seat indoor theatre, is located here, as well as the outdoor Marrakesh Theater. Gwazi is the major ride in this area.
Gwazi, a 105-foot (32 m), 50 mph (80 km/h) dueling wooden roller coaster named after a mythological creature with the head of a tiger and the body of a lion opened. The dueling sides consist of a lion side and a tiger side, which cross paths seven times. In 2011 Busch Gardens replaced the original trains which were boxy and sat four per coach. The new trains seat two per coach and should provide a smoother ride. Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters designed the original trains. Great Coasters International, who built the coaster, designed the new Gwazi trains.
Gwazi Gliders, a small hang glider flat ride relocated from the Congo section's defunct Pygmy Village kids area.
The original section of the park that opened back in 1959. The area for the most part remains to be mostly gardens and animal exhibits/shows. A staple attraction that once stood in this section was the brewery. However, the brewery closed in 1995 and Gwazi now sits where the brewery was located. The traditional, educational bird show is currently being replaced with a newer, more entertainment-based show, including a number of mammals.
"Walkabout Way" Themed as an Australian outpost, Walkabout Way opened in June 2010. This area which is the Bird Gardens give guests the chance to see and hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. In addition this area is home a kookaburra, magpie geese and Australian black swans. This experience is open to all guests 5 years of age or older.
Busch Gardens continued to grow and in 1965 they opened the 29 acre Serengeti Plains which allowed the African wildlife to roam freely. It continued to focus on its tropical landscape, exotic animals, and amusements to draw visitors. Busch Gardens began charging admission as the entertainment became more complex, with extra fees for the thrill rides, such as the roller coasters for which Busch Gardens is now known. Currently Busch Gardens competes with other such parks in Florida and charges comparable fees. The park is operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, owned by the private equity firm The Blackstone Group. In 2011, the park hosted 4.3 million people, placing in the Top 20 of the most-visited theme parks in the US and in the Top 25 worldwide.
The Serengeti Express (a replica steam train) runs along the back end of the park and makes stops at the Nairobi, Congo and Stanleyville themed areas. The train track was recently renovated, and its tracks have been changed.
The Skyride transports guests between Crown Colony and Stanleyville.
Morocco
The park's main entrance is home to the Mystic Sheiks of Morocco brass and percussion ensemble. Treats can be purchased at the Sultan's Sweets and the Zagora Cafe. The Moroccan Palace, a 1,200 seat indoor theatre, is located here, as well as the outdoor Marrakesh Theater. Gwazi is the major ride in this area.
Gwazi, a 105-foot (32 m), 50 mph (80 km/h) dueling wooden roller coaster named after a mythological creature with the head of a tiger and the body of a lion opened. The dueling sides consist of a lion side and a tiger side, which cross paths seven times. In 2011 Busch Gardens replaced the original trains which were boxy and sat four per coach. The new trains seat two per coach and should provide a smoother ride. Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters designed the original trains. Great Coasters International, who built the coaster, designed the new Gwazi trains.
Gwazi Gliders, a small hang glider flat ride relocated from the Congo section's defunct Pygmy Village kids area.
The original section of the park that opened back in 1959. The area for the most part remains to be mostly gardens and animal exhibits/shows. A staple attraction that once stood in this section was the brewery. However, the brewery closed in 1995 and Gwazi now sits where the brewery was located. The traditional, educational bird show is currently being replaced with a newer, more entertainment-based show, including a number of mammals.
"Walkabout Way" Themed as an Australian outpost, Walkabout Way opened in June 2010. This area which is the Bird Gardens give guests the chance to see and hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. In addition this area is home a kookaburra, magpie geese and Australian black swans. This experience is open to all guests 5 years of age or older.
