Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is entering an exciting new chapter with a bold investment of nearly $40 million and a new park president at the helm. Under the leadership of Jeff Davis, the park is undergoing a comprehensive expansion and upgrade, including the debut of a wild oasis at Jungala in May, new animal encounters, upscale dining, enhanced guest experiences and a major revamp of Islands of Adventure. These improvements are designed to make Busch Gardens the best park ever and solidify the park's status as Florida's ultimate family adventure destination.
“This significant investment of nearly $40 million will further solidify the park as a premier destination, ensuring guests of all ages create memories that will last a lifetime,” said Jeff Davis, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Islands of Adventure. “We will make additions and improvements in infrastructure, operations, staff recruitment, equipment and add to our aesthetics with more beautiful gardens and plantings. Plans also include the arrival of new animals, such as a redesigned meerkat habitat, which will open this summer to inspire awe and curiosity in all visitors. This is an exciting time for the park and these investments will make it better than ever.”
While these recent investments are significant, continued improvements are nothing new for the park. Over the past four years, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has continued to introduce innovative new attractions that invite guests to experience epic adventures. From Iron Gwazi in 2022 to Serengeti Flyer in 2023 to Phoenix Rising in 2024 and Wild Oasis launching in May 2025, each multi-million dollar expansion strengthens the park’s positioning as a desirable destination. Home to record-breaking roller coasters and thrilling experiences, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is often cited as home to “Florida's Best Thrill Rides.”
Making Busch Gardens Tampa Bay the best investment ever:
Explore a wild oasis: A new world of adventure for kids: Inspired by lush tropical rainforests and filled with animal encounters, thrilling rides and interactive play areas, Wild Oasis will provide an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Inside the Wild Oasis, guests will embark on incredible adventures. From encountering fascinating new animals to soaring over the new Tree Top Drop, families can explore interactive climbing structures, cool off in an immersive paddling pool and go on exciting self-guided scavenger hunts. Designed to inspire curiosity and excitement, Wild Oasis offers an action-packed experience for explorers of all ages.
New animal experiences and habitat improvements: Busch Gardens is an AZA-accredited zoo that provides world-class care to more than 16,000 animals of over 200 species, and the park’s population continues to grow! From the birth of new animals to new animal species coming to the park – including capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys and meerkats arriving this spring, there’s more to explore than ever. In addition, visitors will see many of the latest investments in animal habitats throughout the park, such as new climbing structures for a new chimpanzee group, accessible facilities to house an aging all-female Asian elephant herd, and a beautiful new giraffe barn.
Bold new culinary experiences led by Executive Chef Lavon Smith: New Executive Chef Lavon Smith brings an exciting new culinary vision to the park, offering guests dynamic culinary adventures inspired by global cuisines from Africa and South America through full-service venues such as the newly opened Treetop Kitchen. Also, don’t miss the Food and Wine Festival and Concert Series. This year’s festival features bold new flavors from the Caribbean and India, as well as returning favorites from South America and Europe. There’s also an exciting line-up of new and fan-favorite headline artists, with concerts taking place on Fridays for the first time. Admission to festivals and concerts is free with park admission.
Year-round entertainment, new shows and great summer nights: Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will return on select dates from May 23 to August 10, bringing extended hours and unforgettable thrills to the park. This year’s event features new nightly spectaculars, high-energy live shows and exciting ways to enjoy fan-favorite entertainment like Nature’s Rhythm, the only year-round ice skating show at a North American theme park. From riding world-class roller coasters under the stars to enjoying limited-time summer treats and delicacies, this is the ultimate way to celebrate summer.
The big splash of MapleStory – new amusement facilities and new energy: Islands of Adventure is Temps Bay's number one water park, expanding its exciting experiences with exciting attractions designed for guests of all ages. As part of the recent investment, families can embark on aquatic adventures at Castaway Falls, a new interactive splash and play area, a multi-level play area with exciting water elements and cascading slides. In addition, summer will bring new exciting and interactive activities that visitors should not miss. More exciting announcements coming later this spring!
