TAMPA, Fla. — Busch Gardens is a theme park that boasts thrilling rides, live entertainment and even exotic animals at its two locations in the country, including the one in Tampa.
According to their website, it is a family-oriented park with 10 thrilling coasters, 3,000 animals and even a water park called Adventure Island that sits right across the street.
But, how much does this all cost for families?
Before going on some of the fastest roller coasters in the country and getting to look at some fan-favorite animals like cheetahs and elephants, take a look at the average cost of the park for a family of four.
Single-day tickets start at $139.99, but on weekends, they are typically more expensive. This does not account for extra fees, taxes, holidays, parking, skip-the-line passes, bundles to go to Adventure Island and some other attractions.
The prices depend on when you go, and there are also deals if you get a ticket allowing you to go to other theme parks such as SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Adventure Island. There is a limited-time offer until June 9 with tickets starting at $65.
Quick Queue is a ticket upgrade that starts at $29.99, allowing guests to skip the lines once per ride at the most popular rides for one day. The park also offers Quick Queue Unlimited and Quick Queue Unlimited PLUS, each of which is more expensive but allows you to skip rides more often.
Some other upgrades include animal encounters and insider tours to go behind the scenes to view animals. The animal insider tours start at $29.99, and the park even offers "Keeper for a Day" upgrades, which get pricey starting at $249.99.
Busch Gardens also has an annual pass called a Fun Card, which varies in price depending on the features. The most basic card in the Silver Pass starts at $297.
The park also offers bundles with other theme parks such as SeaWorld and Adventure Island so you can visit multiple places.
So, for a family of four to enjoy a single day at Busch Gardens without any add-ons or upgrades, tickets cost $559.96
There are different food options for families depending on whether they want to sit down and eat at a restaurant or just get a quick bite. Prices depend on the type of dining and types of food.
While the park's website had the menus online, the prices were not listed for the food items.
Parkgoers could purchase an all-day-dining upgrade starting at $59.99, each for people ages 10 and up and $29.99 for children ages 3 to 9. The five restaurants at the park are included in the upgrade and buyers get one entree platter, side or dessert and one fountain soft drink every 90 minutes at any of the restaurants.
So, for a family of four, with children 10 or older, it would cost $239.96 to purchase the all-day dining upgrade.
Unlike Disney and Universal, Busch Gardens doesn't have its own hotels or resorts, but there are hotels in the area you could stay at if you're from out of town.
The park's website lists its hotel partners:
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Tampa
- Embassy Suites Tampa Near Busch Gardens
- Hampton Inn and Suites Near Busch Gardens
- Hilton Garden Inn Tampa North
- Holiday Inn and Suites near USF and Busch Gardens
- Holiday Inn Express and Suites Near Busch Gardens (Busch Blvd.)
- Hyatt Place
- The Don CeSar
- RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds
- Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites in Clearwater Beach
The last three are near the beach, so they will be much pricier. Busch Gardens also offers hotel packages that have benefits such as a free shuttle to the park, discounts on dining and merch and offers such as buying two nights and getting one free or getting entry to Adventure Island for free.
Without a hotel package, standard rooms range from $163-$205 for hotels not near the beach. This price is for a Friday night, but the price will ultimately depend on the hotel and date.
The theme park allows you to purchase parking in advance starting at $32 plus tax for general parking for cars, motorcycles, trucks, recreational vehicles and campers. It costs $35 for preferred parking.
How much will it all cost?
Adding all the lowest-option costs, here's how much an average one-day stay at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay would be for a family of four. This total does not include airfare.
- Tickets: $559.96
- All-day dining pass: $239.96
- Hotel: $163
- Parking: $32
Average 1-day grand total: $754.96 without the dining pass; $994.92 with the dining pass.
