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It’s not free admission, but it may be the next best thing: free beer! All summer long guests 21+ at Busch Gardens can enjoy free beer.

If you didn’t already know, for many years, Busch Gardens was home to a brewery. To honor that history, all guests 21+ are eligible to receive two complimentary 7 oz beers each visit. Guests can get their free beers daily beginning at 10:30 a.m. until one hour before park close at Twisted Tails Pretzels in Pantopia. You’ll need proof of admission when you redeem your free beer. This deal lasts through July 20, 2023.

Summer Celebration event features a variety of parkwide entertainment, including the Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular, Cirque Electric, Gwazi Beats and the new Icons show at the Dragon Fire Grill. Summer Nights celebration runs through August 6, 2023.

[Source: Busch Gardens]


Busch Gardens Tampa Voted Among Best In USA Today

USA Today released the Readers’ Choice results for their theme park surveys for 2023. Busch Gardens in Tampa did very well in multiple categories against theme parks across the country.

Busch Gardens Sign

Here are the accolades Tampa‘s theme park earned for each of the categories in USA Today:

  • Favorite Theme Park

    USA Today asked which theme parks are their readers favorites. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay was voted 8th best in the USA. We all know the park well. The rides are world class. The animals are in the care of an organization that has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

  • Best entertainment offerings

    The survey asked readers to vote on the best entertainment offerings at theme parks in the USA. Busch Gardens earned two spots on the top 10 entertainment offerings.

    The Animal Care Center gives an up-close look at some of the animals that live at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. It was ranked at #5. There are scheduled demonstrations, or you can book behind-the-scenes tours to see what the handlers and veterinarians do.

    Ranked as the #3 entertainment offering is Turn It Up! Remix. The show, located in the Moroccan Palace Theater, the ice skating, paired with video and projections, make it one of the top shows in the USA.

  • Best Theme Park Cuisine

    Fans of BBQ will be happy to know that the Zambia Smokehouse came in at #6 on the list of best restaurants in theme parks. Ribs, pulled pork, chicken, brisket, all the sides and of course, of the adults, beer, all appear on the menu. There’s plenty of seating, which is a step up from its predecessor in its earlier years, the Stanleyville Smokehouse.

  • Best Roller Coaster

    There are several beloved roller coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Kumba, Cheetah Chase, SheiKra and Montu, for example, draw big crowds of coaster fans. However, the one that was ranked #4 in the USA Today for Best Roller Coaster is Iron Gwazi. Having replaced a wooden roller coaster, the hybrid iron/wood coaster stands by itself as a special attraction. Iron Gwazi stands 206 feet tall with a nearly straight drop and a top speed of 76 mph. It’s a much smoother ride than the original Gwazi.

  • Best Outdoor Water Park

    Along with Busch Gardens, it’s water-park cousin across 40th Street earned a spot in the top 10 for favorite outdoor water park. Adventure Island was ranked #7. It has a wave pool, lazy river, splash and play zone, slides and waterfalls.