It’s time for a Busch Gardens Tampa update! Today we’ll be taking a look at this year’s Summer Nights event, say goodbye to an attraction going away, get a sneak peek of Howl-O-Scream, and take a look around the park to see what’s new!
Summer Nights
Summer is underway and the nights are heating up at Busch Gardens. The annual Summer Nights event is back through August 6, allowing guests to play in the park later as the operating hours are into the evening.
Between electrifying shows, nightly fireworks, and rides in the dark, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Returning is the Moroccan Palace’s award-winning ice show, Turn It Up! Remix, which has been given a bit of a revamp this year, featuring brand new routines mixed in with popular favorites. If you love high-energy ice skating, this show is not-to-miss!
Also returning is the popular Cirque Electric show, which dazzles the Stanleyville Theatre with an array of acrobatic acts under the ambiance of blacklight, leaving guests on the edge of their seats.
One more returning show is Gwazi Beats, performed in Gwazi Plaza, which features a fun and high-octane combination of drums and dancers.
A brand new show, Icons, performs several times daily at the Dragon Fire Grill, which features live performances of fan-favorite hits inspired by music legends. Sadly we didn’t get to see this show, but we are thrilled to see live performances back at the Dragon Fire Grill again!
And what way to best cap off your night than with fireworks! The Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular is performed nightly at 9pm (weather permitting). You can see the fireworks throughout the park, but the best viewing area is from Gwazi Field (where you can also see the fountain and fire effects).
There are also photo opportunities and dance parties set up around the park that get going once the sun goes down.
Free Beer Is Back
That’s right! Free beer is back… for a limited time. Now through July 20 at Twisted Tails Pretzels (located in the Pantopia area of the park), guests 21 and up can enjoy one complimentary 7-ounce beer, while annual pass members aged 21 and up can enjoy two complimentary 7-ounce beers!
Farewell Sand Serpent
Busch Gardens has announced that the Sand Serpent roller coaster will be closing July 9 to make way for a new experience at the park. While a fun ride, it’s a basic Wild Mouse coaster, and honestly was not the most popular ride in the park (it usually has a minimal wait). We’re excited to see what the park will be putting in its place!
Howl-O-Scream Sneak Peek
Evidence of Howl-O-Scream has already begun to pop up around the park. This extremely popular haunt event begins this year on September 8 and occurs on select nights through October 31.
While the full lineup has yet to be announced, the park has thrown a couple bones to us haunt fans to get us excited, with the announcement of a brand new house and brand new scare zone for 2023!
D.H. Baggum’s Circus of Fear (new house) – Come one, come all, to the most terrifying show you’ve ever seen. D.H. Baggum brings you all his monstrosities that are sure to make your spine tingle and your blood run cold!
Sin City Zombies (new scare zone) – On the outskirts of the Vegas strip lies a small town that is home to some of the best entertainers to ever live, and is overrun by zombies who run rampant. Try your luck and hope your number wins because this is one town you don’t want to lose in.
We can’t wait to see what Howl-O-Scream entails this year. Catch up on what last year’s event was like below:
Ghouls Night Out: Busch Gardens Tampa Howl-O-Scream 2022 Thrills & Chills
Around The Park
Let’s take a look around the rest of the park!
Over at the alligator habitat, a large chain link fence has been installed. Apparently, at least one guest has climbed over the barriers already in place to separate guests from the animals. This has led to the park putting up additional safety features.
Busch Gardens’ newest ride, Serengeti Flyer, continues to thrill guests daily. The park is also offering “milder” rides from park opening until 1pm and “wilder” rides from 1pm until park close.
Large shade structures have been installed at the flamingo habitat in the bird gardens area of the park. This is a very welcome addition, as the open area is in full sun so any respite from the Florida sun is wonderful to see.
Over at the Giraffe Bar (one of our favorite spots in the park to cool off), we gave the Hungry Tusker a try. This delicious, refreshing frozen beverage features Amarula African Cream Liqueur, Hula Hawaiian Dark Rum, Coconut, and Pineapple. A portion of sales of this drink support the Amarula Trust Conservation Fund which safeguards & protects African Elephants.
Cheetah Hunt was commanding a 120-minute wait time the day we visited. It’s still an extremely popular ride more than 10 years after it opened!
The park is teasing the return of Bier Fest, which will begin on July 21. This popular event features all sorts of local, craft and import beers along with other beverages and delicious food items (think Food & Wine Festival, but… Food & Beer).
The lion habitat is currently behind walls while it gets some TLC.
Iron Gwazi at dusk just hits differently.
Sultan’s Sweets at the front of the park has been transformed into Coaster Coffee Company! This revamped location features Starbucks Coffee, along with some sweet treats and grab-n-go items.
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Let’s Hear From You
And that should wrap things up around Busch Gardens Tampa! Will you be visiting Summer Nights this year? Excited for Howl-O-Scream? Leave a comment below!