16/10/2026
✨Team Travel Spotlight: Lucy Visits Busch Gardens✨
Team member Lucy was recently invited on a very exciting work trip with one of our fantastic travel partners, where she joined fellow travel professionals to experience some of Florida’s amazing attractions.
One of the parks they visited was Busch Gardens, located in Tampa, Florida. This incredible park offers the perfect combination of thrilling rides, amazing animal encounters and unforgettable experiences, making it a fantastic option for customers looking to experience something a little different during their Florida holiday.
We asked Lucy to report back on her day at Busch Gardens, what stood out to her during her visit and why she thinks it is a must-do attraction on a Florida holiday.
🎢Lucy’s Busch Gardens Experience🦒
This was my second visit to Busch Gardens, with my first visit being almost 10 years ago! I was really excited to return and see how the park had changed, especially as I was much younger when I visited the first time.
My first impressions of Busch Gardens were nothing short of amazing. I was completely blown away by everything the park had to offer and, as the day went on, it continued to exceed my expectations. There is such a unique mix of experiences here, from incredible rollercoasters and thrilling rides to amazing animal encounters and opportunities to learn more about conservation.
The animal experiences were a real highlight for me. The history and information we learnt about the animals during our tour was so interesting, and one of my favourite moments was getting to stroke Harry the Sloth! It was such a special experience and definitely something I will remember from the trip.
I was also really impressed by the Animal Care Center, which is on display for the public to observe. Visitors can watch the animal care team as they provide treatment and care, which is something I have never seen at a theme park before. I thought this was a fantastic way for guests to get a better understanding of the work that goes on behind the scenes and the importance Busch Gardens places on the welfare of its animals.
Another huge highlight for me was getting to feed a giraffe on the Serengeti Safari Tour (separate ticket). This was definitely a bucket-list moment! Being so close to these beautiful animals and having the opportunity to feed one was an incredible experience and something I would highly recommend to customers who love animals.
The overall atmosphere at Busch Gardens is energetic, exciting and wild. I love the combination of rollercoasters and animals all in one place. It feels completely different from other theme parks, and that variety is what makes it so special. When I last visited, I was only young, so being able to return as an adult gave me a completely different appreciation for the park. I was able to enjoy the rides but also take the time to appreciate the animal experiences, the conservation work and everything else Busch Gardens has to offer.
🎢My favourite ride at Busch Gardens has to be Iron Gwazi. I had never ridden it before, and it was definitely one of the highlights of the whole trip! It is so fast and incredibly thrilling. As soon as I got off, I wanted to get straight back in the queue and ride it again. It is now my new favourite coaster in Florida!
For any customers who might be nervous about the Busch Gardens coasters, my advice would be to just go for it and enjoy them. I felt safe on every single ride I went on, and the thrill and excitement make it completely worth it. Busch Gardens is packed with thrill rides, which I really like because there isn't just one or two main coasters – there are lots of exciting rides to experience throughout the day.
Even if you're a big theme park fan and love rollercoasters, I think Busch Gardens offers something different because of the combination of the rides and animal experiences. You can go from experiencing an adrenaline-pumping coaster to being up close to incredible animals, all within the same day.
⏲️How Long Should You Spend at Busch Gardens?
One of the things that really surprised me was the wait times. They were some of the shortest I have experienced at a Florida theme park, which meant we were able to enjoy lots of the rides and attractions without spending too much of the day waiting in queues.
However, even though we managed to fit lots into our day, I would definitely advise customers to allow two days at Busch Gardens if their itinerary allows. There is so much to see and do, and having two days would give you the opportunity to experience the rides, attractions and animal encounters without feeling like you have to rush around.
We only had one day at the park and, although we had an amazing time, I definitely wish we had more time to ride some of the rollercoasters more than once! Iron Gwazi in particular would have been one I could have happily gone back on again and again.
🌴Why Busch Gardens Should Be on Your Florida Holiday Itinerary
For me, Busch Gardens is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Florida. It offers something really different from the traditional theme park experience, combining world-class thrill rides with incredible animal encounters and opportunities to learn about conservation.
Whether you're a huge rollercoaster fan, an animal lover or travelling with a family looking for a day packed with different experiences, there really is something for everyone.
After visiting Busch Gardens for the second time, I can honestly say that it exceeded my expectations, and I would definitely recommend customers add it to their Florida holiday plans. If you have the time, give yourself two days – you won't regret it!
Thank you for sharing Lucy!
🌟 We’ll be sharing more Team Travel Spotlights soon — because here at Ever After Holidays, we don’t just book the magic — we experience it ourselves! 🏰💫
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