Busch Gardens reopens June 11. What to expect when you visit

View of a theme park from the top of a roller coaster

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island today announced a phased reopening (with capacity limitations) on June 11.

The reopening of the parks will include enhanced health and safety protocols for cleaning and sanitizing, physical distancing, face covering requirements, and temperature screening. A new online reservation system will also help manage capacity so that guests can enjoy a safe and fun experience while maintaining physical distancing. The phased reopening plan was approved by the State of Florida.

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State approves Busch Gardens reopening plan

“We thank Governor DeSantis, Mayor Castor, and County Administrator Merrill for their support of tourism in Central Florida as we prepare to reopen our Tampa parks to the public on June 11,” said Marc Swanson, interim CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.

“Over the past two months, we have worked with state and local health officials, third party medical and epidemiology experts, and attraction industry leaders to enhance our strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards. We are committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and animals in our care, and will continue to follow the guidance from health officials as conditions evolve.”

Future home of North America’s tallest hybrid coaster

Busch Gardens has enticed the imaginations of roller coaster enthusiasts across the world with the announcement of Iron Gwazi, the tallest hybrid coaster in North America.

Iron Gwazi has been buzzed about for months. America’s tallest hybrid coaster is modeled after the endangered slender-snouted crocodile. So get ready to scream on the ride and then educate yourself afterward about Bush Gardens’ conservation efforts.

The roller coaster is 206 feet tall and features a nail-biting 91-degree drop.

Solar Vortex will be America’s first dual tail water slide

“We have been eagerly awaiting the day to announce the reopening of Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, and we’re so glad that day is here,” said Stewart Clark, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. “The health and safety of our guests has always been our top priority and we’re looking forward to delivering memorable experiences at our parks while addressing the important health and safety needs of our guests during this time.” 

Another new ride, Solar Vortex is set to join Islands of Adventure. Solar Vortex will be America’s first dual tail water slide. The slide will launch riders 20 miles per hour down a winding slide and will harness the power of the sun to provide a colorful trip down.

New safety website’s for guests

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island have launched new safety websites with detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when the parks reopen, including key operational changes. Specific information by park can be found by visiting the following websites:

·         Buschgardens.com/tampa/safety

·         Adventureisland.com/safety

To help manage capacity to maintain physical distancing within the parks, all parks will require advance online reservations. Guests will be asked to visit the reservation pages of park websites where reservations will be required to guarantee entry given anticipated demand. Reservations will be available starting at 10am on June 8. 

Visit buschgardens.com/tampa/reservation and adventureisland.com/reservation for more details.

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