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.
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.
Andrew M./BBGIHere 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.
