Wild Oasis Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opens June 6. See what’s coming: capybaras, new attractions, and a rainforest-inspired splash pad.

Wild Oasis Busch Gardens
Photo by Jon Self

On May 16, we were invited to a technical preview of the new Wild Oasis Busch Gardens Tampa Bay area. During that visit, we also sampled some food from the recently opened TOMA quick-service dining location at Orang Cafe near Wild Oasis. We got a glimpse of this new theme park area opening soon.

Wild Oasis Busch Gardens
Photo by Jon Self

How soon? Busch Gardens Tampa Bay today announced the debut of Wild Oasis at Jungala. The theme park states that it is North America’s most immersive kid-friendly adventure realm, opening for pass member previews starting on May 30 and opening to all guests on June 6. Inspired by lush rainforests and teeming with animal encounters, thrilling rides, and interactive play zones, Wild Oasis Busch Gardens promises unforgettable experiences for the whole family.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Wild Oasis to our Pass Members and guests. This vibrant, rainforest-inspired realm is filled with incredible animal habitats, immersive attractions and hands-on play areas designed to entertain, educate and inspire,” said Jeff Davis, park president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “It’s an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.”

According to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, within Wild Oasis, guests will embark on an unforgettable adventure. From encountering fascinating new animals to soaring down the all-new Tree Top Drop (opening later in June), families can explore interactive climbing structures, cool off at an immersive splash pad, and take on a thrilling self-guided scavenger hunt. Designed to ignite curiosity and excitement, Wild Oasis promises an action-packed experience for explorers of all ages.

What is Wild Oasis at Busch Gardens?

Wild Oasis Busch Gardens
Photo by Jon Self

Wild Oasis is set to be North America’s most immersive kid-friendly adventure realm. Located in the park’s Jungala area, this rainforest-inspired attraction aims to entertain, educate, and inspire visitors of all ages.

Photo Credit: Busch Gardens

Habitat Hideaway

At the heart of Wild Oasis is Habitat Hideaway, a lush, multi-species habitat where guests can encounter capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys, and tropical birds. Designed with both ground-level and aerial viewing platforms, it offers unique perspectives of these fascinating animals in a naturalistic setting.

Photo Credit: Busch Gardens

​Habitat Hideaway will introduce guests to all-new animals who will join the park’s collection of over 200 animal species. Guests will be able to encounter capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys, and tropical birds. Set in a lush, natural environment, this all-new multispecies animal habitat will offer unique viewing perspectives from ground-level and aerial viewpoints, providing visitors with an up-close experience with these fascinating animals.

Tree Top Drop at Wild Oasis Busch Gardens

Wild Oasis Busch Gardens
Photo by Jon Self during technical preview

Thrill-seekers can climb aboard the all-new Tree Top Drop, a 35-foot drop tower featuring an immersive multimedia experience, which will open later in June. Riders will be surrounded by action-packed jungle scenes displayed on screens throughout the ride’s underground spring-themed environment. With a height requirement of 38 inches (with an adult) and 42 inches to ride alone, this attraction is perfect for younger thrill-seekers looking for an exciting adventure.

The adventure continues throughout Wild Oasis Busch Gardens with a variety of exciting attractions for all ages. Explorers are invited to tackle the Canopy Climb, an expansive attraction featuring four levels of climbing structures, 200 feet of horizontal climbing trails, and vertical climbs reaching 45 feet high. This attraction encourages physical activity and exploration among young adventurers. ​

Photo Credit: Busch Gardens
Photo Credit: Busch Gardens

Younger adventurers can cool off at Enchanted Falls, an interactive splash pad and play area with fountains and spray towers. This provides a refreshing experience for younger guests. For those looking to journey further, the Rainforest Quest offers guests the opportunity to embark on a self-guided educational scavenger hunt, exploring the interconnected wonders of nature and highlighting the relationships between different species in the rainforest. Wild Oasis represents Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s commitment to combining thrilling attractions with educational experiences, making it a must-visit destination for families seeking adventure and learning.

Wild Oasis
Rudy the Capybara
Photo Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

About two weeks ago, we learned that new animals were arriving for the Habitat Hideaway section of Wild Oasis Busch Gardens. It will feature new animals like squirrel monkeys and capybaras in the all-new Habitat Hideaway.

Our Wild Oasis Busch Gardens Visit

Wild Oasis Busch Gardens
Photo by Jon Self
Wild Oasis Busch Gardens
Wild Oasis Busch Gardens
Photo by Jon Self

In fairness, we were told that not everything is ready at Wild Oasis in the Jungala area of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This visit was called a technical preview. We still needed to wear a hard hat and protective clothing during our most recent visit. However, most of Wild Oasis will be operating on June 6 when it opens for all guests.

For more information about Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, visit the theme park’s official website. Also, for more theme park news and information, visit MSM News.

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Jon Self

Jon Self is an avid theme park fan. You can follow him at @pastorjonself on X/ Twitter or Jon.Self.37 at Instagram. He has been writing and editing in the theme park media world for over a decade. He also writes for several "foodie" sites as well as in the faith-based world.