The holidays are a fading memory, but there’s always something to look forward to at Busch Gardens Tampa. This delightfully complex park, just an hour from Orlando, has a lot going on. Between the Mardi Gras celebrations, the opening of a new coaster just a few weeks away, lots of entertainment, and all the amazing animals, there’s always a wide variety of things to see and do!

Let’s take a quick look around the park for the recent updates…

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras

Christmas Town has moved out and the Big Easy has moved in. Mardi Gras is back for another season of food and festivities. Guests can enjoy various New Orleans-inspired fare, including beignets, shrimp & grits, jambalaya, po’boys, hurricanes, and more while enjoying Bourbon Street beats with a brass band and local live music. There’s even a small parade that travels through the Mardi Gras area!

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

Sampler lanyards are once again available, and we really can not recommend these enough, as you can get the most bang for your buck using your punches toward higher-priced food/drink items.

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

 

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In
Clockwise from top: Hurricane, Creole style jambalaya, shrimp & grits, bananas foster beignets 

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In
Mardi Gras takes place every Friday-Sunday beginning at noon now through March 6.

Iron Gwazi Opening Date Announced

Busch Gardens Tampa has announced that Iron Gwazi will be making its grand debut on March 11, 2022! This is one of the most anticipated new coasters of the year, and we can’t wait to finally take on this purple behemoth.

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

“The incredible anticipation for Iron Gwazi is shared by both our guests and Ambassadors, and we are beyond excited to open this amazing coaster,” said Neal Thurman, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Park President. “Iron Gwazi diversifies our thrill ride portfolio and is an impressive addition to the Tampa skyline. Combining classic elements of a wooden coaster with a smooth, steel track will provide thrill seekers with an unforgettable experience.”

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

If you’re an annual passholder, you can get in on the fun even earlier, as the park will be holding exclusive passholder previews on select dates beginning February 13 through March 10.

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

 

Real Music Series

The popular concert series is back again to entertain guests at the Stanleyville Theatre. The shows are included with park admission, however, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. So if there’s a particular act you want to see, we highly recommend arriving early to the theatre to get in line for the show.

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

We have a rundown of all the acts performing in this year’s Real Music Series.

Let the Music Move You! Real Music Concert Series Returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Build-A-Bear

A brand new Build-A-Bear Workshop recently opened at Busch Gardens! This new retail shop is located at the front of the park. The popular plush boutique allows guests to pick a character style, stuff it, and customize it.   

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

There are a couple Busch Gardens-specific shirts as well as some fun animal/safari-themed clothing choices.

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

Busch Gardens Passholders get a 20% discount on purchases from this Build-A-Bear location.

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

Updates Around the Park

Lory Landing has reopened after being closed for several months. We love all the colorful birds that reside in this free-flying aviary.

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

Stanley Falls Flume recently reopened after a lengthy refurbishment. Classic log ride fun. 

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

2022-themed merchandise is now available at the park. There’s a small collection of apparel and trinkets.

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

This isn’t new, but we love the orange/citrus-themed merchandise available at the Painted Camel.

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

This stainless steel water bottle is so pretty!

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

To round off today’s visit to Busch Gardens, here are a few of my favorite shots from my trip! I hope you enjoy them.

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In
WHEEEEE!!!

Cheetah Hunt may not be the fastest or most intense coaster, but it is also a LOT of fun!

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In

Falcon’s Fury is also back from refurbishment and ready for you to drop in (see what we did there?)

, Busch Gardens Tampa Update – The Big Easy Rolls In


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Let’s Hear From You

Are you looking forward to experiencing Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens? Anything catch your eye on the Real Music festival lineup? Will you be one of the first to ride Iron Gwazi in March? Let me know in the comments below!

More theme park reading:

Universal Orlando Update – Beautiful Days and Mardi Gras on the Way!

FIRST LOOK: Disney California Adventure Lunar New Year Eats and Treats 2022

 

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Amy VandenBoogert
Amy is lucky to live in beautiful Tampa Bay, Florida and frequently visits the Busch Gardens theme park in that city. You can find Amy's updates on Busch Gardens and other Central Florida attractions in MiceChat's Orlando Parkhopper columns.