Three of the biggest attractions in all of Tampa are ZooTampa, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and The Florida Aquarium. Thousands upon thousands of tourists and residents visit these destinations for education and entertainment every single year. Busch Gardens is replete with award-winning roller coasters, and the Florida Aquarium continues to be one of the most vital research hubs in the world. ZooTampa is a family-friendly destination that helps kids and adults explore their curiosity about the natural world. Each has major plans for the future.
New habitats and rides to explore at ZooTampa
ZooTampa revealed major plans for new attractions, habitats and rides in 2024.
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“We are proud of our role as the destination for families to come together, be entertained, and connect with each other and wildlife,” stated ZooTampa’s CEO and President Joe Couceiro. “We also celebrate our continued commitment to the conservation and preservation of wildlife not only in our backyards, but also around the world.”
The completely re-imagined Australia family area will include a new ride, Aussie Trek presented by Outback, will feature opportunities for parents and their kids to go on a safari and learn about the land down under’s unique wildlife. The area, which will open Spring 2024, will have an expanded splash pad and dry play area and more opportunities for up-close animal connections with the addition of a wallaby Signature Encounter.
In 2024, massive prehistoric beasts take center stage. At this limited-time special event taking place January through April, guests will come face to face with giant animatronic ferocious predators of the past. Animals not seen for centuries like the dire wolf from the ice age or an allosaurus from the Mesozoic age come to life only at ZooTampa.
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The Zoo will also debut a brand new interactive Stingray Shore habitat.
Florida Aquarium’s $40 million expansion
Florida Aqaurium introduced the comunity to its underwater walking tours this year. But major upgrades and expansions are in the works. A $40-million expansion plan that will include several exciting new exhibits, including a grand outdoor sea lion habitat are in the works. The first of three phases for the project will began back in January of 2023, and is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
Phase I of the project will transform the existing ballroom space in the Mosaic Center into a 3,700- square foot special exhibit hall. Phase II, slated for 2024, will transport visitors to the rocky coasts and will feature an extraordinary two-level puffin habitat complete with a kelp forest, Atlantic salmon and other larger fish species. Multiple viewing windows measuring over 20’ will allow guests to see the numerous nesting sites and deep dive pool of this 45,000-gallon habitat for the beautiful and fun-to-watch birds.
New roller coaster planned for Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens will welcome the new Phoenix Rising roller coaster in 2024.
“This exhilarating new experience will have family members soaring above the Serengeti Plain before going on an exploratory journey over the Pantopia region, with its vibrant colors, thrilling attractions, and more,” write park officials in a press release. “Riders will feel the rush of the wind and thrill of the flight in this suspended roller coaster that enable ride cars and riders to swing side to side as the train races along the track high above the Serengeti Plain.”
This is set to be the first coaster to feature on-board audio, enhancing the ride experience with “a one-of-a-kind soundtrack, integrated into an exhilarating array of twists, turns and surprises for families riding together.”
There’s another aspect to the park that lifelong thrill seekers have sorely missed: The Skyride.
Take in beautiful views of roller coasters and the animals in Busch Gardens care as you cross the lush park from the comfort of the Skyride cable car, that runs between Egypt and Congo on the opposite side of the park. It initially closed during the pandemic in 2020, and has since remain closed for repairs. Back in August, park officials provided a teaser about its return. BGT is teasing us again, this time with a video showing a blue gondola cruising over the park with a caption that reads “testing.”
What to read next:
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- Tampa’s huge holiday boat parade returns this weekend
- The Fold Pizza Shop debuts in Tampa Heights
- Holiday dive, Joy Bar, opens in Tampa
- Busch Gardens teases the return of its iconic Skyride
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