Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida Offers Fun for Everyone

Entering Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida feels like entering another country. The entrance could be a sidewalk cafe and plaza on the Mediterranean. Listening to other people only further influences this feeling, as travelers from all over the world visit Busch Gardens every day.

Busch Gardens in Florida has an African theme. It is far more than just a bunch of rides. Something for everyone can be found here.

Everyday there are numerous shows for guests to stop, rest and enjoy. The Mirage Canteen features a small cast singing songs reminiscent of the 1930's and 1940's while dancing and undergoing several costume changes. It is very much like a World War II USO show. Katonga is a larger show held in the Moroccan Palace and features a cast dressed as African animals telling parables. The imagery is beautiful and costumes and scenery are very much like the Broadway version of The Lion King.

Going to Busch Gardens is just as good as going to the zoo. There is an area devoted entirely to birds, featuring everything from a Bald Eagle to flamingos, to parrots you can actually feed and handle. A small section is devoted to lizards from all over the world. Here, dragons and other strange looking creatures can be viewed from behind glass.

There is a large animal reserve that guests can actually pay to take a driving tour through. Get a close up look at zebras, feed giraffes, and watch various birds and other animals. Or opt to take the free walking tour and view from afar. See the hippos frolicking amongst exotic fish and turtles, a crocodile basking in the sun, and elephants, lemurs and meerkats playing together.

Another section of the park offers the chance to watch chimpanzees and gorillas living in a man-made habitat. Several chimpanzees of different ages play together, pick bugs off of each other, and swing on ropes. The gorillas are lazier, but there currently is a baby gorilla who attracts crowds just because she is so cute.

For beer lovers, there is a beer club where you can go and drink any of the different types of Busch-Anheuser beers offered. Make sure to stop by the Clydesdale stables and see the actual horses and Sprint the donkey from the commercials. They may even be out putting on a show if you arrive at the right time.

As any park will have, there are games scattered throughout the different areas beckoning to those who like a challenge. Try to make a layup, play ring toss, or hit a target with a bean bag to try to win a prize. Just remember to bring extra money for the games. They can be quite expensive.

Of course there are rides at Busch Gardens. Some are thrillers, while others are more tame. The majority of the rides are roller coasters, Sheikra being amongst the most popular. This roller coaster goes 200 feet up and 90 degrees straight down. It just recently become floorless. There are several water rides to keep guests cool, and the Sky Ride sails you from one side of the park to the other. Hop on the train for a ride around the park to see what else is offered.

During the summer months, the temperature in Tampa swells to the mid-90's, but with the heat index, it is more like 110 degrees. To help park goers stay cool, there are numerous mist stations located around the park. If you want to get soaked, go stand near Sheikra at the point where the coaster hits the water. As it hits, it sends a wave of water that splashes those waiting by the railing.

Coolers are not allowed into the park, so be sure to bring money for food and drinks. Luckily, water fountains can be found all around the park, so you can refill a water bottle whenever necessary.

Busch Gardens is a great getaway for the entire family. There truly is something for everyone. From the little tyke, to the senior citizen, and everyone in between, Busch Gardens is sure to provide an entertaining experience.