Take a Look at the Best Guide to Online Savings at Busch Gardens.
Do you love getting out and experiencing new things? If so, Busch Gardens should be at the top of your list of places to visit. This popular theme park has something for everyone, with thrilling roller coasters and fantastic animal exhibits.
However, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, the many fun things to do at the theme park can get pretty crazy, and you need to find ways to keep your budget in check.
If so, then we’ve got just the guide for you.
Keep reading our best online guide to savings for tips on how to get the best deals on tickets, hotel rooms, and more so that your next trip to Busch Gardens is unforgettable.
What to Keep in Mind When Planning to Visit Bus Busch Gardens
Check the Parks Website
First, check the park’s website for special promotions and discounts. You can also sign up for their email newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest offers. We recommend buying your tickets in advance online. You can often find discounts when you purchase them ahead of time, and this will save you time at the gate.
Decide When You Want to Go
Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. If you’re looking for a place to stay, you can save by purchasing tickets online in advance; plenty of hotels near the park have special rates and packages available.
The Tampa hours for Busch Gardens vary by season, so check the schedule before you go. The park is open every day except for Christmas Day.
Finally, remember to enjoy the rides, shows, and attractions—there’s a lot to see and do at Busch Gardens.
Choose Your Ticket Type
There are several different ticket options available, and the best deal for you will depend on how many days you want to visit and what type of attractions you’re interested in. Family-friendly tickets and discounts are also available.
Multi-day tickets are the best value if you visit for more than one day. When buying a multi-day ticket online, you can save up to $20 off the regular price.
Take Advantage of Discounts
There are a few different ways to save on your visit to Busch Gardens. In addition to the discounts mentioned above, you can save by taking advantage of the park’s membership program. Members receive free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, and other unique benefits.
Another way to save is using a credit card offering bonus points or cashback on theme park purchases. Be sure to compare rates before you visit to get the best deal.
Tickets and Parking
One-day tickets to Busch Gardens start at $106.73, but discounts are often available. A single-day ticket with an all-dining plan costs $144.35, and any-day tickets start from as low as $136.83.
Moreover, an all-day ticket perk includes a 4 Park Ticket with 14 consecutive days of unlimited visits and free parking. You will be able to see the whole park in two weeks. Also, you can save on tickets by purchasing them online in advance or by taking advantage of special deals offered by the park. If you’re to stay more than one day, multi-day tickets are the best value. They include:
- Two Park Ticket @ $136.24
- Two Park Ticket plus All-Day Dining Deal @ $189.75
- Three Park Ticket @ $164.06
- Three Park Ticket plus All-Day Dining Deal @ $244.32
- Four Park Ticket: Unlimited Visits plus Free Parking @ $234.60
The undercover tourists also sell tickets and parking deals. Also, we recommend taking full advantage of the all-day dining deal, which is only $10 more and gets you a meal and a drink at most of the park’s restaurants. You can also bring in your food and beverages, but there are restrictions on what types are allowed.
What About the Annual Passes and Fun Cards?
If you frequent visitors, an annual pass may be the best option. Yearly passes include free parking and other unique benefits, and they start at $19.50/month, depending on your level.
The levels include:
- Gold Pass @ $261.54 or $19.50/month inclusive of tax
- Bronze Pass @ $174.47 or $12.75/month inclusive of tax
- Platinum Pass @ $436.92 or $33.25/month inclusive of tax
- Silver Pass @ $222.84 or $16.50/month inclusive of tax
Fun Cards are another option, and they offer great value if you plan to visit the park multiple times. For 12 months, Fun Cards include one visit to Busch Gardens and unlimited visits to the park’s other two theme parks, SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica.
Attractions and Rides
Busch Gardens offers a variety of attractions and rides for visitors of all ages. Some of the most popular include:
Kumba, SheiKra, and Griffon
These three roller coasters are some of the tallest and fastest globally. They’re sure to get your heart racing. Kumba is a steel coaster that reaches speeds of 97 miles per hour. SheiKra is a floorless coaster that drops riders 200 feet at 70 miles per hour, and Griffon is a winged coaster that reaches 114km per hour speeds.
Falcon’s Fury
It’s the park’s newest attraction and will surely get your adrenaline pumping. Falcon’s Fury is a drop tower with you plunging 60 miles per hour straight down.
The Curse of DarKastle
This dark indoor ride is perfect for thrill seekers. Riders are transported to the world of Dr. Von Darkstein, where they encounter bats, rats, and other creepy creatures.
Jungala
Jungala is a 4-story play area that’s perfect for kids. They can explore the jungle, climb through the trees, and even meet tigers up close.
Cheetah Hunt
This award-winning coaster is perfect for those who are looking for a thrill. Riders speed along 4,000 feet of track, encountering hills, drops, and curves. When it comes to charges, Cheetah Hunt is one of the best coasters in the park.
Rhino Rally
This safari adventure takes riders through the jungle on the back of a Rhino. They’ll encounter lions, tigers, and other animals along the way.
Stanley Falls Rapids
It’s a perfect attraction for those looking for a relaxing ride. Riders float down a lazy river, enjoying the sights and sounds of the jungle around them.
Montu
This inverted coaster is one of the most popular in the park. Riders are suspended upside down as they speed through the track’s twists and turns.
Scorpion
This steel coaster is one of the oldest in the park but is still a favorite among visitors. Riders speed through the track at 50 miles per hour, encountering hills, drops, and loops.
SandSerpet
It’s a family-friendly steel coaster that reaches speeds of 28 miles per hour, perfect for those looking for a milder ride.
Best Ways to Save Money at Busch Gardens
There are a few different ways to save money at Busch Gardens.
Purchase Your Tickets in Advance Online
You can also sign up for the park’s email newsletter for exclusive deals and discounts. Another way to save is to purchase a dining deal with a meal and a drink at most park restaurants. However, it doesn’t mean the tickets are online only. You can also find advance tickets at local retailers and from undercover tourists.
Look for Discounts and Packages
Busch Gardens offers various discounts and packages for those looking to save money. You can often find deals on the park’s website or through third-party websites like Groupon. Military personnel can also receive discounts on tickets.
Purchase an Annual Pass
The annual park will save you money in the long run. You’ll have unlimited visits to the park’s other two theme parks. Planning to visit Busch Gardens more than once in 12 months might be worth considering purchasing a Fun Card.
Fun Cards include one visit to Busch Gardens and unlimited visits to the other two theme parks, which can be very valuable if you visit more than once.
Bring Your Food and Drinks
You can bring food and drinks into the park, which is a great way to save money on snacks and beverages. There are a few restrictions, so check the park’s website for more information.
Stay at a Nearby Hotel
If you plan on staying in the area for a few days, it might be worth considering staying at one of the nearby hotels. Most hotels offer special deals and discounts for guests visiting Busch Gardens.
Visit in the Off-Season
The park is open year-round, but the crowds are usually smaller in the off-season. During this time, you can also find cheaper tickets and hotels.
The Bottom Line
These are just a few ways you can save money at Busch Gardens. Check the park’s website for more information on discounts and deals. With some planning, you can save money on visiting one of the best theme parks in Florida.