Busch Gardens Tampa Bay officially announces $40M in upgrades for 2025, including Wild Oasis, new animals, dining, and more family-friendly adventures.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is entering an exciting new chapter with a bold, almost $40 million investment and a new park president. Under the leadership of Jeff Davis, the park is unveiling sweeping additions and upgrades, including the debut of Wild Oasis at Jungala in May, new animal encounters, elevated dining, enhanced guest experiences, and a significant transformation of Adventure Island. These improvements aim to make Busch Gardens the best it has ever been and also solidify the park as Florida’s ultimate family adventure destination.
Park President Jeff Davis
“The extensive nearly $40 million in investments will further solidify the park’s status as a premier destination, ensuring guests of all ages will make unforgettable memories to last a lifetime,” said Jeff Davis, park president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. “The additions and improvements will be made across our infrastructure, operations, staff recruiting, equipment, as well as adding to our aesthetics with more beautiful gardens and plant life. New animal arrivals are also in the plans, such as the reimaged Meerkat habitat, set to open this summer to inspire awe and wonder for all who visit. This is an exciting time for the park and these investments will make it better than ever before.”
While these recent investments are significant, ongoing enhancements are nothing new for the park. For the past four years, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has consistently introduced innovative new attractions, inviting guests to experience epic adventures. From Iron Gwazi in 2022 to Serengeti Flyer in 2023, Phoenix Rising in 2024, and now Wild Oasis coming in May 2025, each multimillion-dollar addition has strengthened the park’s positioning as a desirable destination.
Investments to Make Busch Gardens Tampa Bay the Best Ever
Wild Oasis will be a kid-friendly adventure. The area drew inspiration from lush rainforests. It will contain animal encounters, thrilling rides, and interactive play zones. Wild Oasis promises unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Within Wild Oasis, guests will embark on an incredible adventure. From encountering fascinating new animals to soaring down the all-new Tree Top Drop, 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 also promises an action-packed experience for explorers of all ages.
New Animal Experiences & Habitat Enhancements: Busch Gardens is an AZA accredited zoo providing world-class care to over 16,000 animals representing more than 200 species – and the animal population at the park is growing! From new animal births to new animal species coming to the park – including capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys and meerkats arriving this spring, there’s more to explore than ever. Plus, guests will see many recent investments to the animal habitats throughout the park, such as the new climbing structure for the new troop of chimpanzees, accessibility features to accommodate the geriatric, all-female Asian Elephant herd and a beautiful new Giraffe Barn.
New Culinary Experiences at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Bold New Culinary Experiences Led by Executive Chef Lavon Smith: New Executive Chef Lavon Smith brings an exciting new culinary vision to the park with newly opened full-service venues like Treetop Kitchen, offering guests a vibrant culinary adventure inspired by global cuisine spanning the regions of Africa and South America. Plus, don’t miss the Food & Wine Festival and Concert Series. This year’s festival features bold new flavors from the Caribbean and India, alongside returning favorites from South America and Europe. There’s also an electrifying lineup of new and fan-favorite headlining artists. Festival access and concerts are FREE with park admission.
Year-Round Entertainment, New Shows, and Summer Nights Spectacular: Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay returns on select dates from May 23–August 10, lighting up the park with extended hours and unforgettable thrills. This year’s event features an all-new nighttime spectacular, high-energy live shows, and exciting ways to enjoy fan-favorite entertainment like Rhythm of Nature, the only year-round ice-skating show at a theme park in North America. From riding world-class coasters under the stars to indulging in limited-time summer eats and treats, it’s the ultimate way to celebrate summer.
Big Splash at Adventure Island — Adventure Island continues to expand its thrills with exciting attractions designed for guests of all ages. As part of the recent investments, families can embark on an aquatic adventure at the brand-new interactive splash and play area, Castaway Falls, a multi-level play area featuring exciting water elements and cascading slides. Additionally, guests won’t want to miss the summer’s new thrills and interactive events. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay promises more exciting announcements to come later this spring!
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.
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