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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's HOWL-O-SCREAM is BACK just in time for Spooky Season!

9/10/2022

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Tampa's Premier Halloween event, Howl-O-Scream, is BACK at Busch Garden's Tampa Bay! Taking place on select nights, Thursday-Sunday from now until October 31st, Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream® returns in full force, taking over the entire park with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more.  

Yesterday I was invited to attend the opening night and after going the last few years, I have to say, I think this is my favorite year yet! Scare zones were throughout the park and more decorated. There were new houses as well as some old favorites, but they felt scarier. My favorite was The Forgotten, which was like a red room of pain vampire house - very well decorated. The Christmas house, The Residence: Home for the Holidays, was definitely a fun spin on halloween horror too. 
Although last night was not too busy, this event is guaranteed to get much, much busier so I highly recommend the front line fear pass which will get you to the front of the houses one time each - instead of waiting in long lines! You can also do the front line fear pass extreme, which will include the coasters that will be open. I had the equivalent to this pass and I have to say, it was AMAZING - totally worth it and allows you to do everything you'd want to do during your visit.
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This year there were bumper cars with clowns and I was here for it. It was fun to feel like a kid again bumping into people and interacting with the spooks like this. The line was short too - so if you are looking for something different to do during your visit, be sure to visit the bumper cars.
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This year for drinks there were some new cocktails, fun souvenir cups, my fav - the Jell-O shots, and soon there will be blood bag drinks. My drink of choice for the night was this vodka grape drink which I cannot remember the name of, but it tasted a lot like a vodka cranberry. It was yummy.  They also had one with tequila. The Jell-O shot was made with peach schnapps and was delish! Definitely a fun way to start the evening.
New this year were interactive necklaces. These were super cool! These skull necklaces light up different colors depending on the area of the park you are in and then, from what I was told, go into a fog mode while in the houses. They also sold "no boo" necklaces for those wanting to enjoy the evening but not be scared. 

As usual there was some great entertainment. Unfortunately, we were only able to catch the last 10 minutes of Fiends because we were off having too much fun - lol - but what we did see was funny and great as usual. We did catch the Rolling Bones which was really good. I loved how their instruments changed colors to the music and they played really well. Highly recommend catching them for a short performance. We did not see any of the other shows while we were there since we were off doing other things around the park. 
Howl-O-Scream is an extra ticketed event at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, so be sure to see which nights are available and find your tickets HERE. Here's wishing you a happy spooky season!
Note from The Orlando Millennial:​
I am a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay & Seaworld 
blogger ambassador.  In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events.  I often share my adventures at the parks on Instagram, so be sure to follow along at @orlmillennial
As always, all opinions are my own.
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Busch Gardens Tampa's ALL-NEW Summer Celebration, Complete with Extended Hours, Live Entertainment, & Fireworks - HAPPENING NOW!

6/9/2022

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  • Summer Celebration Fireworks Spectacular with fountains, lasers and other special effects
  • Parkwide entertainment, plus block party plazas with DJs nightly
  • Free beer is back!  Complimentary beer samples available for guests from now until August 7
  • Coasters like the ALL-NEW Iron Gwazi, the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster, offer an entirely different thrill after dark
  • Starting at $14.75 per month, Annual Passes are the best way to enjoy Summer Celebration, and an entire year to experience new thrills like Iron Gwazi
An ALL-NEW Summer Celebration debuted at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay over Memorial Day Weekend! The park will feature a variety of entertainment throughout the day, including the return of “Cirque Electric”, and “Gwazi Beats”, a new atmospheric show combining drums, dancers, and stilt-walkers in a pulse-pounding display of music and dance. Plus, the award-winning “Turn It Up!” has resumed to daily operations in the Moroccan Palace Theater.
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To celebrate the summer season, guests 21+ can enjoy a complimentary beer sample daily at Pantopia Drinks & Snacks from NOW until August 7. For those craving something sweet to beat the heat, the Moroccan Delights ice cream parlor will reopen with a refreshed look and mouth-watering treats like handcrafted thrill shakes, ice cream floats, specialty sundaes and more.
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After nightfall, the park glows with unique theming, entertainers, and the thrill of conquering coasters in the dark like the all-new Iron Gwazi. Guests can dance to DJ beats throughout the park, including a newly themed block party plaza presented by Coca-Cola®. For an epic finale to a thrilling day of adventure, guests will be drawn to the vibrant energy radiating from a unique new production on the Festival Field. As the most stunning show ever to light the park’s sky, “Summer Celebration Fireworks Spectacular” will feature an explosive array of colors and exciting effects from dazzling lasers to mesmerizing fountains and pyrotechnics. This all-new production is offered every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night at 9:15pm from NOW until August 7, including an extra presentation on July 4 for Independence Day.         
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With the return of world-class entertainment and all-new thrills like Iron Gwazi, there’s never been a better time to become a Pass Member. Annual Pass Members enjoy 12 months of visits with special benefits including exclusive access to the Pass Member Lounge opening later this summer, plus free parking, free guest tickets, access to special VIP events, savings on merchandise and more! Annual Passes start as low as $14.75/month with no down payment. Restrictions apply.
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Busch Gardens’ Summer Celebration takes place daily from NOW until Sunday, August 7 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Florida.

More about Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA accredited zoo with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species, and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit
www.BuschGardensTampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.
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Note from The Orlando Millennial:​
I am a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay & Adventure Island 
blogger ambassador.  In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. I often share my adventures at the parks on Instagram, so be sure to follow along at @orlmillennial
As always, all opinions are my own.

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BRAND NEW Rapids Racer & Wahoo Remix Rides NOW OPEN at Adventure Island in Tampa, FL

6/9/2022

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  • Rapids Racer features the world’s FIRST dueling saucers 
  • Wahoo Remix, formerly Wahoo Run, has been refreshed with synchronized lights and music 
  • All-new front gate arrival area and other parkwide enhancements which debuted this spring 
Adventure Island, voted one of the country’s TOP TEN water parks by USA Today, opened two new thrills in May. 

RAPIDS RACER
On Rapids Racer, riders grab a two-person raft before racing through nearly 600 feet of slide, complete with low walls to encounter opponents throughout this side-by-side experience. The thrill of the chase is amplified as guests swirl through the world’s first dueling saucers in this exhilarating journey full of high-speed tunnels, turns, and more.
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WAHOO! REMIX
Formerly Wahoo Run, Wahoo Remix will be Adventure Island’s FIRST waterslide to feature synchronized light and sound elements, delivering an all-new, high energy, family raft ride experience with ultimate party vibes. Enclosed tunnels that were once dark will now glow and groove as riders zoom through over 600 feet of fun. With a variety of stunning light shows, each ride could be different than the last.
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“With the addition of these two new slides, plus several other parkwide enhancements, Adventure Island is truly a can’t-miss destination for family fun in the sun”, said Neal Thurman, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay & Adventure Island Park President. 
The park is undergoing one of the largest refreshes in its 40+ year history, complete with a new front gate arrival plaza, freshly painted slides and areas, a social-worthy photo opportunity near the Endless Surf pool, and the recently opened Hang Ten Tiki Bar. In between thrilling rides on fan-favorite slides, guests can unwind in an all-new tropical oasis with hammocks, lounge seating and beach games.

Experience the fun all year long!
The best way to experience the fun all season long is with an Annual Pass. In addition to unlimited visits, Pass Members receive special benefits including FREE parking, up to six FREE guest tickets, savings on merchandise and other exclusive perks throughout the year. 

About Adventure Island: 
Located right across the street from Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, Adventure Island® is Tampa's Island paradise, featuring a combination of exhilarating water rides and tropical, tranquil surroundings. A fun-filled tropical atmosphere awaits, with adventurous water slides including Solar Vortex, Vanish Point™, Caribbean Corkscrew® and Colossal Curl™, cascading waterfalls, a 17,000-square-foot wave pool, children’s water playground called Fabian’s Funport® and other family attractions. Guests can dig their toes into the sand or relax in lounge chairs or a private cabana. For more information, visit AdventureIsland.com for more information. 
Note from The Orlando Millennial:​
I am a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay & Adventure Island 
blogger ambassador.  In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. I will be visiting Islands of Adventure this month to check out all the new updates and will be sharing my visit on Instagram, so be sure to follow along at @orlmillennial

As always, all opinions are my own.
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Tampa's Favorite Christmas Town is Here!

11/17/2021

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Santa Claus is coming to town - oh wait, no, he's already here! That's right - if you saw my post from earlier in the month (see here), then you may already know that Busch Gardens Tampa's Christmas Town has arrived earlier this year! I was again lucky enough to be invited out to check out the grand opening weekend of their brightest holiday event and it did not disappoint!

Different entertainment and special things are offered throughout the day, so I would check the schedule for the day you are interested in going to ensure you get to do everything you want to do.  
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My friends and I decided to go a bit later in the day so that we could enjoy the food and drink booths in the "Christmas Town Village" - always a favorite of mine, plus see all the beautiful lights, and the fireworks! We had perfect chilly weather, which really added to the feeling of the holiday season.
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Let’s talk drinks. This year I really enjoyed the frozen eggnog, but I think my favorite was the apple brandy hot toddy.  When it got cold enough outside I order one and it was just SO good!  My significant other ordered the Jack Fire, which was too strong for me but he loved it - definitely high on the alcohol content, so if you are looking for bang for your buck - that is your drink! Between the four of us that night, we had 3, 8-punch sampler cards, which I highly recommend.  The sampler cards are the BEST way to try out different drinks and if you love one, then buy it in the bigger size.  Plus, you can use it on the food, which is normal size. Seriously, an AMAZING DEAL - I always recommend this!
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Totchos: Sweet Potato Tater Tots, Smoked Brisket, Bacon Onion Jam, Beer Cheese, Green Onions
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Bison Chili Mac: Gemelli Pasta, Sam Adams Beer Cheese, Parmesan Crumbs
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Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Vanilla Whipped Cream
For food, I was a little bit limited on what I could eat.  Although many of the food options sounded good, many of them included some form of pork, which I do not eat. I was able to have them make me the totchos without the bacon onion jam and it was still very good - but my friend got it with so that is the picture that you see.  The bison chili mac was outstanding - honestly, so good. My friends agreed it was one of their favorite things of the night. The maple bourbon pecan pie was very good too. There were a few other items I wanted to try but I waited too long and they sold out - so be sure to grab what you want when you can - you don’t want to miss out if something is popular!
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As always, the lights around the park were beautiful. I love how they use such colorful lights, especially near the kids area, I feel like you never see these colors anywhere else and it is just so magical! One of my favorite places every year is the bridge that is full of lights that change to the song that is playing. I definitely spent a little time in there in awe as always.
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We used this park visit to feel like kids again and we took a ride on the merry-go-round, which if you haven’t been on it, they have some pretty cool looking horses - even a camel!  We also rode one coaster before deciding it was back to food and drinks before fireworks, because hey - who doesn’t like more holiday beverages and fireworks?
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There is a special viewing area for the fireworks, but I recommend watching from the Christmas Town Village.  You get a wonderful view while still being able to drink and/or eat if you want, and be around less crowds.  The fireworks went off at 9pm, but the park did not close for another hour, which was nice, as we were able to continue enjoying the park a bit before heading out. ​
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You can experience Christmas Town daily - which is included in park admission - until January 2nd!  Fireworks are on select days.  

​Looking forward to returning next year! As always, thank you for reading and if you go, let me know what your favorite food and drink were!
I am a Busch Gardens blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Christmas Town Returns EARLY with MILLIONS of Holiday Lights, Spectacular Fireworks, & a NEW Santa Experience!

11/2/2021

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BUSCH GARDENS® CHRISTMAS TOWN™ RETURNS EARLY WITH MILLIONS OF HOLIDAY LIGHTS, SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS AND A NEW SANTA EXPERIENCE
Tampa’s biggest and brightest holiday event opens earlier this year with MILLIONS of twinkling holiday lights throughout the park’s 335 acres, spectacular fireworks, and a brand-new experience with Santa that will create merry memories for guests of all ages. Included in park admission, the award-winning holiday event features all-new activities for the whole family, including: 
  • New! Holiday in the Sky Fireworks Show: Enjoy classic holiday tunes and watch festive bursts of Christmas colors as they cover the sky in a dazzling fireworks display. Holiday in the Sky is offered on the Festival Field every Saturday and select event nights, beginning November 13
  • New! Storytime with Mrs. Claus: Located in the Coke Canopy near the Christmas Town Village, Mrs. Claus will share traditional holiday tales and a joyful song. 
  • New! Santa’s North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola: Jolly elves guide guests to see Santa in his workshop as he prepares for the holiday season.
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Other fan favorite holiday entertainment returning to this year’s Florida-style winter wonderland includes:
  • “Christmas on Ice”: Busch Gardens’ longest running holiday show returns to the Moroccan Palace Theater. This inspiring skating production transforms the stage with incredible feats of skating athleticism for a truly unmissable show set to holiday classic songs. ​
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  • Elmo’s Christmas Wish: Join Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and Zoe as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish! Families are sure to be singing and dancing along while watching this fun holiday show.
  • Three Kings Journey: The musical tale of the famed journey to Bethlehem is celebrated in the round at the Stanleyville Theater.​
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  • Holly Jolly Express: All aboard for Christmas Cheer! This locomotive is on track to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the favorite songs of the season as guests venture through the park.
  • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Journey to Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland to find the most famous reindeer of all.
As guests dash through the night between iconic rollercoasters, they can explore the Christmas Town Village: a delicious destination filled with drinks and dishes from an indulgent holiday menu. These unique, limited time options include NEW specialty cocktails like the “Mistletoe Margarita” and the “Apple Brandy Hot Toddy”. Complete the night with a signature Christmas Town Hot Chocolate featuring festive flavors like peppermint or gingerbread. Feel the spirit of the season in each bite with the new maple bourbon pecan pie or feast on holiday favorites like the smoked brisket “totchos.”

The best way for guests to savor and save during the holidays is with a Christmas Town Sampler Lanyard, starting at ONLY $44.99 for an 8-punch lanyard. 
Give the Gift that Gives All Year: Busch Gardens Fun Card and Annual Passes!
For a limited-time, guests who purchase a 2022 Busch Gardens Fun Card receive park admission to visit NOW through the end of 2022 for only $119.99. For even more value, guests can purchase an Annual Pass for unlimited visits and unbeatable benefits ranging from no blockout dates, up to six free guest tickets, and exclusive monthly rewards for 2022. The Annual Pass is organized in easy-to-use tiers, and includes one-park, two-park Busch Gardens and Adventure Island Passes, and the popular Florida four-park options, allowing guests to choose the pass, benefits and the parks that are the best fit.

To be the first to know about event details and special offers, visit www.ChristmasTown.com and follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Guests are encouraged to check the park’s website before visiting to learn which event components are available each date.
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Christmas Town runs daily with park-wide festive fun from November 12 through January 2. Guests can get a head start on the holiday celebrations with a Preview Weekend November 6 & 7 and enjoy shows, holiday character meet-and-greets, and iconic holiday light displays. Annual Pass Members get exclusive access to the 2 p.m. Christmas on Ice performance during the Preview Weekend.

​I am a Busch Gardens blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
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4th Annual Bier Fest Starts Friday, August 13th at Busch Gardens, Tampa!

8/7/2021

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Each weekend, park guests can toast delicious brews and coast on epic thrill rides at Busch Gardens’ open air, beer-inspired food festival, now serving every Friday – Sunday through October 31.
During the fourth year of Bier Fest at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, guests can sip seasonal beverage offerings and savor new recipes featuring fan-favorite breweries. Beer flows through the park on an all-new beer trail, weaving between iconic coasters, local live music and fascinating animal habitats while incorporating fan-favorite restaurants and outdoor culinary stations, including the new Giraffe Bar. This year, park guests can toast to new adventures each Friday through Sunday, from August 13 to October 31.

Pair Epic Thrill Rides with NEW Hoppy Culinary Delights
Brew fans will have dozens of beers to choose from at this year’s Bier Fest, featuring over 50 varieties of IPAs, wheat ales, stouts and more! This year’s event shines a spotlight on breweries that bring flavor to Florida and beyond, with iconic local, regional and national brews incorporated into new shareable samples at over a dozen culinary locations, including:
  • Brews & Chews with Funky Buddha Brewing®: Pair a “Hop Gun IPA” with NEW Drunken Shrimp Papaya Salad, featuring beer-battered and golden fried shrimp topped with Tajin and Thai chili Buddha dressing.
  • Pub Grub featuring Alcatraz Brewing®: Indulge in a “2 X IPA” with pepper smoked chopped brisket poutine, including beer-battered French fries smothered in blue cheese, caramelized onions, and chipotle BBQ sauce.
  • Garden Gate featuring Anheuser-Busch®: A nod to the park’s roots include the return of fan-favorite Mojo roasted heritage pork pub chip nachos topped with pepper jack mornay cheese and a savory avocado crema.
  • Kraft-Heinz Kitchen featuring Sierra Nevada® Brewing: Enjoy a mountain of flavor packed into the NEW High Altitude Smoked Elk Jalapeño Sausage Chili topped with a drizzle of Kraft-Heinz cilantro sour cream.
Plus, more brew-dedicated locations throughout the park feature favorite breweries from Tampa’s backyard, including fan favorites like Big Storm®, 3 Daughters®, Motorworks®, Cigar City®, Coppertail®, Yuengling® and more!

Not into Beer? No fear! Enjoy frozen cocktails, live music and more!
Beyond the brews, Busch Gardens offers plenty of delicious options for everyone to enjoy at Bier Fest this year. From delectable bourbon tastings to chilling frozen cocktails and seltzers, satisfying refreshment is abundantly available in every corner of the park. 
Several festival locations feature non-alcoholic beverage options as well, including the new Giraffe Bar. Barrilitos® strawberry hibiscus or watermelon Agua Frescas offer cool relief on warm summer days and Serengeti views from panoramic windows or the open-air patio.
After enjoying live local music at the Coke Canopy, a stop at Xcursions gift shop is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. The NEW sangria and mimosa bar pairs with the whiskey-inspired gourmet cupcake flight fresh from the park’s bakery for the perfect dessert combo.

Savor and save with a Bier Fest lanyard!
For the best value to taste a variety of food and drink offerings, guests can purchase a Bier Fest Sampler Lanyard, starting at only $49.99 for a 8-sample punch card. Pass Members get an exclusive offer: 15 items for the same price as a 12-item Sampler to enjoy three extra samples for FREE!
For all alcohol purchases, including sampler lanyard redemption for alcoholic items, guests must be 21 years of age or older to be served.

Enjoy fan-favorite events all year with a Busch Gardens Annual Pass or Fun Card!
Visit again and again with a Busch Gardens Fun Card, where guests can pay for a day and play all year!* For the price of a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens, the Fun Card allows access throughout the year, so guests can visit again and again, and experience great events like Bier Fest, Christmas Town and more! For the best value and benefits, guests can upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass to enjoy the perks they want most throughout 2021. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, and exclusive savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more! Annual Pass Members and Fun Card holders get special discounts for the best deals on Howl-O-Scream, starting at $26.99 for a limited time.

Guests can visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information and to purchase tickets, Fun Cards, or Annual Passes. Fans can stay up to date with park events, attractions and more by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The safety of our guests, Ambassadors and animals in our care remains our top priority. Consistent with CDC guidance, we recommend that our guests wear face coverings while indoors.
*Some restrictions apply
I am a Busch Gardens blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
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NEW! Starting Friday, Fireworks EVERY NIGHT at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

6/8/2021

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Enjoy NEW “Spark! A Nighttime Spectacular”, now launching EVERY NIGHT from Friday, June 11 through Sunday, August 8!
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Summer Nights just got brighter at Busch Gardens! Due to popular demand, the park’s NEW nighttime spectacular, “Spark!” can now be enjoyed every night starting Friday, June 11 through Sunday, August 8.

​As the biggest and brightest show ever to light the park’s sky, “Spark!” features an explosive array of fireworks and exciting effects from dazzling lasers to graceful water elements and dramatic pyrotechnics. From the electrifying pre-party to the epic grand finale, the dazzling experience of “Spark!” can be enjoyed with any park ticket, Fun Card or Annual Pass. After August 8, “Spark!” will continue to light the night sky at Busch Gardens with presentations each Friday, Saturday and Sunday night through September 6, including Labor Day.

​I am a Busch Gardens blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Starting May 28th Indoor Shows will Safely Go On At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: AWARD-WINNING “Turn It Up” Ice Skating Show and NEW "Cirque Electric"

4/18/2021

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Turn It Up!
As Busch Gardens continues to prioritize the health and safety of its guests, ambassadors and animals in its care, soon guests will be able to enjoy indoor world-class entertainment beginning Friday, May 28. From “Turn It Up!”, the park’s award-winning ice-skating production to an all-NEW acrobatic show, “Cirque Electric,” modified operations in the park’s theaters will make it possible for guests to once again enjoy incredible shows as they explore Busch Gardens’ 300 acres of exhilarating rollercoasters and fascinating animal habitats.
 
In addition to the park’s already strict health and safety measures, which include enhanced cleaning and sanitization, temperature checks, and face covering requirements, many modifications will be in place at Busch Gardens’ theaters upon reopening, including:
  • Significantly limited capacity inside the parks’ expansive theaters to accommodate plenty of space between parties.
  • Staggered entering and exiting procedures to keep guests physically distant.
  • Protective Face Coverings required by all guests, ambassadors and performers at all times, covering the nose and mouth.
  • No eating or drinking permitted inside the theaters.
  • Hand sanitizing stations available at the entrance and exit points of the theater.
  • Extensive sanitation of all seats conducted between shows.
 
“Bringing more live entertainment safely back to the park is another huge step in returning to world class entertainment at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay,” said Neal Thurman, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Park President. “Since our reopening in June, our park teams have been incredibly innovative and adaptable with bringing our productions to life in new ways and we’re thrilled to expand our offering to include new programs in addition to fan-favorite shows.”
 
Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, guests will be able to enjoy the following productions on select days beginning Friday, May 28:
 
Turn It Up!
Thursday – Monday, multiple shows per day
The Moroccan Palace Theater will once again be home to Busch Gardens’ spectacular, year-round ice-skating shows, including “Turn It Up!” With contemporary performances, dazzling aerial moments and eclectic pop music, it’s no wonder this production has earned a spot on “USA TODAY’S 10Best” Readers’ Choice Awards.
 
ALL NEW: Cirque Electric
Friday – Monday, multiple shows per day
For awe-inspiring feats that spark the imagination, the dynamic performance of “Cirque Electric,” an all-new acrobatic stunt show exclusively produced for Busch Gardens, will soon thrill guests at the Stanleyville Theater. From the daring airborne aerialist to stunning displays of balance and strength and a fascinating act on wheels that cannot be missed, guests will be dazzled by world-class performers.
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ALL NEW: Cirque Electric (please note this image does not show the masks that will be worn by performers)
Best Way to Play – Busch Gardens Fun Card and Annual Passes
Enjoy each show again and again with a Busch Gardens Fun Card, where guests can pay for a day and play all year!* For the price of a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens, the Fun Card allows access throughout the year, so you can visit again and again, and experience great events like the Food & Wine Festival, Summer Nights, Christmas Town and more!
 
For the best value and benefits, guests can upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass to enjoy the perks they want most throughout 2021. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, and up to 50-percent savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more!
 
Guests can visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information, reservations and tickets. Fans can stay up to date with park events, attractions and more by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
Expanded Health and Safety Measures:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. The park has worked diligently with state and local health experts, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health, and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19.
 
For detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when visiting the park, including key operational changes, visitbuschgardens.com/tampa/safety

I am a Busch Gardens blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival - Cheers to the Yummiest Event of the Season!

3/6/2021

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The Orlando Millennial was invited to attend Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Food & Wine Festival this year and it sure did not disappoint.  Just like the past few festivals, this one required a park reservation, social distancing, and masks.

Y’all, the food at each festival just keeps getting better.  I have been to Food & Wine at Busch Gardens before, but hands down, this one was THE BEST.  I thought Mardi Gras had the best food and drink- NOPE - this one did! Never have we at The Orlando Millennial eaten or drank so much while at one of the events - but we used THREE sampler cards.  Two 5 stamps, and one 12 stamp.  Yes… it’s true.  The drinks were wonderful and honestly, the festival area was empty as everyone was on the rides, which made it even better.
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FAVORITE DRINKS: Hungry Elephant [Frozen] (Giraffe Bar), The Posh Puffin (Giraffe Bar), Chandon Sparkling Brut (Napa Nook), Main & Vine Blood Orange Mango (Vino, Vidi, Vici), Bud Light Seltzer Lemon Lime (#CorksandCoasters Draft House), and the grape Jell-O Shots (XCursions​) .
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You MUST stop at the Giraffe Bar!
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Every festival there are different flavor Jell-O shots. This event: Grape & Titos- So YUM!
FAVORITE FOODS: Fried Chicken & Biscuit Slider (Southern Kitchen), Lobster, White Cheddar KRAFT Mac ‘N’ Cheese (All American Eats by KraftHeinz), Drunken Shrimp Tostada *This is listed as beer battered but it is actually not fried* (West Coast Catch), Baileys Bliss Cupcake (XCursions), Hand Carved Espresso-Rubbed Tenderloin (Yuengling Butchery)
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Hand Carved Espresso-Rubbed Tenderloin (Yuengling Butchery)
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Lobster, White Cheddar KRAFT Mac ‘N’ Cheese (All American Eats by KraftHeinz)
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Drunken Shrimp Tostada (West Coast Catch)
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Fried Chicken & Biscuit Slider (Southern Kitchen)
As always, I highly recommend getting the sampler card.  This is a GREAT way to save some money.  The drinks will be smaller, but if you want to try a bunch, it's also a great way to do that while saving room in your belly and saving a penny - plus once you know what you love, you can then go back and grab a big one!  The food portions stay the same size, which is great.
There was tons of seating and tables for eating for this festival. My absolute favorite spot for sure though, was the #CorksandCoasters Draft House area.  It is a little hidden gem.  We sat there for about an hour or more.  Very peaceful in that area and close to drinks if needed.  Starting this weekend bands will be playing, so I’m sure it will change, but in the evening a live musician was playing, which also made it nice.
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Busch Garden’s Food & Wine Festival will be taking place on weekends until April 25th.  It is included with park admission, but food and drinks are sold separately.  Park reservations are required, as are masks and social distancing.
I am a Busch Gardens blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Busch Gardens' Food & Wine Festival is BACK!

2/21/2021

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ampa Bay’s largest food festival returns this spring with limited capacity, enhanced health and safety measures, live music and 22 NEW dishes.
This spring, flavors are in bloom at Busch Gardens with the return of the park’s fan-favorite Food & Wine Festival. 

Guests are invited to take their taste buds on an adventure as they sample more than 110 tasty treats, including 22 NEW dishes. Serving guests every weekend from February 20 to April 25 with limited capacity, this year’s menu features festival favorites and fresh twists on classic cuisines from around the country that pair perfectly with more than 80 wines, brews, and cocktails.
 
In addition to the park’s already strict health and safety measures, which include increased cleaning and sanitation, temperature checks, and face covering requirements, capacity will also be significantly limited to create more open space for guests to maintain physical distancing in a safe environment and enjoy their experience. 
 
Here are a few of the more than 110 tasty reasons to come back week after week:
  • Fresh finds with seasonal flavors: From the NEW five-spice duck lettuce wraps with Asian pear coleslaw and plum sauce drizzle to meatless options like the Impossible® slider topped with caramelized balsamic onions and crispy jalapeños, there’s something for everyone.
  • Savory bites of BBQ, Tex-Mex and more: Try sharable dishes like slowly smoked beef brisket pub chips and tasty handhelds. All American Eats by Kraft-Heinz offers a new take on American favorites featuring bison sliders with bacon onion jam, vintage cheddar, and Heinz® MAYOCHUP™, and lobster white cheddar KRAFT® Mac N Cheese.
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  • Sinfully sweet eats: From NEW Woodford Reserve® bourbon bread pudding, señorita sangria cupcakes, maple bacon cinnamon rolls and more, there’s something to satisfy any sweet tooth.
  • More than 50 wines, beers and seltzers for all tastes: Take a tasting tour of vineyards and breweries from around the state, country and globe without leaving Tampa Bay. Enjoy a curated selection from Benziger Family Vineyards® and Proud Pour Vineyards®; signature brews on tap from Tampa Bay Brewing Company®, Yuengling®, Florida Avenue Brewing Co. ® and Coppertail Brewing Co. ®; hard seltzers from Funky Buddah® and Maine & Vine®.
  • More than 20 refreshing cocktails: It’s easy to find the perfect pairing to complement this year’s festival menu with new hand-crafted mixologist recipes like the Tito’s® Handmade Vodka Smoked Bloody Mary and Falcons Fury Lemon Drop with Milagro® tequila, and Flor De Caña® Rum Hurricanes. Chill out with NEW Cutwater® frozen margarita popsicles or frozen watermelon margaritas.
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BRAND-NEW Giraffe Bar! Featuring 2 NEW Cocktails and 2 NEW Wines!
Return to Live Music with Physically-Distant Concerts—Coming Soon to the Festival Field
From nationally recognized bands to local favorites, safely eat to the beat with plenty of open space across the expansive Festival Field. All concerts are included with theme park admission and will take place on select dates in March and April. Concert acts will be announced soon, including upgrade opportunities for premium seating.
 
For the first course of the Food & Wine Festival, guests can enjoy a taste of local acts at the Coke Canopy stage starting February 20 and running throughout the duration of the festival. Physically distant seating will be available in the open-air pavilion.
 
Best Way to Play – Busch Gardens Fun Card and Annual Passes
With a Busch Gardens Fun Card, you pay for a day and play all year!* For a limited time, guests who purchase the Busch Gardens Fun Card for $113.99 will receive an Adventure Island Fun Card, plus a bonus single-day ticket to Adventure Island so you can bring a guest for FREE! For the price of a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens, the Fun Card allows access throughout the year, so you can visit again and again, and access great events like the Food & Wine Festival, Summer Nights, Christmas Town and more! Offer ends February 14, 2021.
 
For more park benefits, guests can upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass to enjoy the perks they want most throughout 2021. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, and up to 50-percent savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more!
 
Enjoy the Best of the Food & Wine Festival with a Sampler Lanyard
The best way for guests to savor and save on their favorite dishes and drinks at this year’s Food & Wine Festival is with a sampler lanyard. Guests can purchase a 5, 10 or 12-item sampler lanyard to use at each festival cabin to explore sample-sized dishes and drink offerings with ease, starting at just $34.99 for a 5-punch lanyard. Pass Members can purchase an exclusive 15-item sampler for the same price as a 12-item sampler to enjoy three FREE samples! Visit buschgardens.com/tampa/events/food-and-wine-festival/ to view the full festival menu.
 
Guests can visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information and reservations—and to purchase tickets, Fun Cards, or Annual Passes. Fans can stay up to date with park events, attractions and more by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
Expanded Health and Safety Measures:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. The park has worked diligently with state and local health experts, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health, and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19.
 
For detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when visiting the park, including key operational changes, visit buschgardens.com/tampa/safety
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​I am a Busch Gardens blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
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    Hi all!  I'm Michelle and I have been a lifestyle blogger since 2017.  I used to host fun networking events around Orlando and now I've decided to take a step back and continue to focus on my favorite part - bringing you all the fun happenings around Central Florida, plus filling you in on my travels, life, and more!  I'm a foodie, selfie-taking Millennial that loves spending time at the theme parks, traveling, and spending time with her dog, and trying new wine. I hope you enjoy reading my blog!

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