We’re back with an update from Busch Gardens Tampa! The park recently invited us to check out their annual Summer Nights event, which runs through September 6th. Let’s see what’s new with food, entertainment, and fireworks!
During Summer Nights, the park is open until 10:00pm every night, meaning the thrills run late! There’s DJ dance parties throughout the park, roller coasters in the dark, a brand new show (and a returning favorite), and fireworks too!
Cirque Electric
Cirque Electric is a brand new show with several performances throughout the evening at the Stanleyville Theater. The 30 minute show features some awesome and amazing balancing and acrobatic acts in a high-octane setting.
Our favorite act was probably the roller skaters.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQUYblTBvgx/
The acrobatic and balancing acts were also engaging. The sheer muscle strength and dexterity to do these feats is really astounding.
We definitely recommend checking this show out (it’s also a great way to beat the Florida heat as Stanleyville Theater has blissful air conditioning).
Turn It Up!
The popular Turn It Up! ice skating show is back again (after being on temporary pause due to health and safety regulations). We sadly missed seeing this show during our recent visit, but we have seen this show in the past and it’s one not to miss if you love ice skating. It’s fun and full of energy.
SPARK! A Nighttime Spectacular
Every evening at 9:15pm (weather permitting), the skies above Busch Gardens light up with the new SPARK! A Nighttime Spectacular fireworks show. You can view the fireworks from many locations around the park (there are signs throughout the park letting you know where alternate viewing areas are), but for the best view (and to see the lasers and fountains added for this show), you’ll want to watch from the Festival Field.
Iron Gwazi Update
It’s been pretty much radio silence on when Iron Gwazi will be opening. We’re now past the “Spring 2021” target opening timeframe the park had previously stated. The last time Busch Gardens even posted on their social media about the roller coaster was back in November of 2020, when they released the POV video. So as of right now, we have no idea when this purple beast will be opening.
Giraffe Bar
We finally had time to check out and enjoy the new Giraffe Bar that opened up this past spring. The Giraffe Bar is located inside the Serengeti Overlook (the old Swiss House for those who remember) across from Cheetah Hunt.
We tried the Serengeti Sunrise frozen beverage (Flor de Cana rum with tropical flavors, fresh orange and strawberry) while taking in some Tampa Bay Lightning playoff hockey (there are 2 large TVs showing sports), and it was delicious! And check this out… the straw was made of some kind of sugar and was edible!
The Giraffe Bar is a great place to sit, cool off, and relax a bit to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the park.
Let’s take a look around the rest of the park!
Wait times for the coasters were again pretty high, ranging from 55 to 110 minutes. Cobra’s Curse is currently closed for annual maintenance. The Skyride is also still not operating (it has been closed since the park reopened in June of last year).
We always love seeing the amazing and often adorable animals in the park.
We wanted to note that although Busch Gardens still has a park reservation system in place on their website, we were not asked to see our reservations when entering the park. We also wanted to remind our readers that Busch Gardens has recently altered its health and safety commitments per CDC guidelines:
“Based on the recently announced guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, we are modifying our policy regarding face coverings at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. Face coverings will no longer be required for guests and Ambassadors who are fully vaccinated in accordance with CDC guidance. We will not require our guests to provide proof of vaccination but ask everyone to respectfully comply with our revised policy. The safety of our guests, Ambassadors and animals in our care remains our top priority. We will continue to monitor and address this changing environment as necessary.”
Luckily, even though the park was busy, we managed to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Disney Ticket & Travel Deals
(Discount Theme Park Tickets and Travel Packages)
It’s time to give the family something to look forward to. Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you with that by planning a future theme park vacation. There are all sorts of new theme park tickets and travel deals, including a 2 free days offer at Walt Disney World, hotel discounts, ticket deals to various theme parks, 25% off at the Disneyland Hotel and Grand Californian and Discount tickets to Disneyland: More details and to get a quote (HERE)
Let’s Hear From You
It was so nice to enjoy Summer Nights at Busch Gardens. With great coasters and ambiance, it makes for a great night out. Have you seen Summer Nights this year yet? What do you think of Cirque Electric’s glow-light performance? Any animals stand out to you today? Share your thoughts in the comments.
And don’t forget, Halloween is on the way: