Busch Gardens Launches 2026 Annual Pass with Best Benefits Ever: Unlimited Visits, Exclusive Perks, and First Access to Landmark New Attractions and Events

Rhea-AI Summary

Busch Gardens (NYSE:PRKS) has unveiled its enhanced 2026 Annual Pass program, offering unprecedented value with unlimited admission and extensive benefits. The program features no blackout dates and includes perks such as free parking, guest tickets, and animal feeding experiences. Pass Members can receive up to $100 in promotional cards through a limited-time introductory offer.

The 2026 program introduces new features including first access to landmark attractions, FREE Quick Queue access on select passes, and quarterly in-park credits. Both Williamsburg and Tampa Bay locations will host expanded seasonal festivals, with Tampa Bay featuring its largest animal habitat expansion in over a decade. Members who purchase now can enjoy the remainder of 2025 events while securing 2026 access.

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Insights

Theme Park Industry Analyst

Busch Gardens' enhanced 2026 pass program signals strategic focus on recurring revenue and guest loyalty amid industry-wide push for monetization.

The 2026 Annual Pass program represents a significant strategic pivot for United Parks & Resorts (PRKS), focusing on recurring revenue streams and increased guest loyalty through value enhancement. The pass's structure - featuring unlimited admission, no blackout dates, free parking, guest tickets, and various perks - addresses the industry-wide shift toward maximizing per-capita spending while building stable attendance figures.

Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of up to $100 in promotional cards, which functions as both a purchase incentive and a clever mechanism to drive in-park spending. The strategy leverages behavioral economics: funds restricted to park use create a higher likelihood of incremental spending beyond the card value. The promotional credits effectively increase revenue while appearing as added value to consumers.

The announcement of landmark new attractions and habitats for 2026, including Tampa Bay's largest expansion in over a decade, indicates significant capital deployment to drive attendance. The strategic timing of this announcement allows for immediate revenue capture while attractions are still in development, as consumers can purchase now and enjoy the remainder of 2025 – creating cash flow before major capital investments are completed.

The expanded seasonal festivals and events strategy mirrors successful approaches from competitors like Disney and Universal, creating year-round attendance drivers beyond traditional summer peaks. This represents a sophisticated approach to smoothing seasonal revenue fluctuations and increasing overall park utilization rates, a metric closely watched by investors in the theme park sector.

Pass Members unlock Busch Gardens' most valuable program in history, with unlimited visits, free parking, free guest tickets, exclusive monthly rewards, and more. In 2026, Pass Members will also get first access to landmark new attractions and expanded seasonal festivals, making it the biggest year yet at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. and TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Busch Gardens today announced its 2026 Annual Pass program, delivering more value and more unforgettable experiences than ever before. With no blackout dates and the most benefits in park history, Pass Members enjoy unlimited admission, exclusive perks, and first access to new rides, habitats, and fan-favorite events returning bigger than ever. As part of a limited-time introductory offer, Pass Members can also receive up to $100 in promotional cards for in-park purchases.

"With our 2026 Annual Pass, Busch Gardens guests can unlock unlimited thrills, unforgettable animal encounters, and the biggest calendar of events we've ever offered," said Marc Swanson, CEO of United Parks & Resorts. "From landmark new attractions to family traditions like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town, our Pass Members will be the first to experience every exciting moment."

Best Benefits Ever *

• Unlimited admission for 12 months with no blackout dates
• FREE guest tickets to share the fun with friends and family
• FREE parking and in-park discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• FREE animal feeding experiences
• Exclusive monthly rewards and Busch Bucks
• Discounts on animal encounters, VIP Tours, and Youth Summer Camps
• Member-only offers during festivals and events
• Up to $100 in promotional cards – for a limited time

NEW for 2026:

• First access to landmark new attractions and habitats
• FREE Quick Queue access on select passes
• Quarterly in-park credits
• Expanded seasonal festivals with new culinary cabins, concerts, and entertainment

All-New in 2026: Seasonal Events and Festivals **
2026 marks a milestone year for Busch Gardens, with Williamsburg and Tampa Bay delivering the most ambitious calendar of events ever:

• Williamsburg: Mardi Gras; Food & Wine Festival; Concert Series; All-New Summer Entertainment lineup; Bier Fest Brews & BBQ; Halloween Spooktacular; Howl-O-Scream with new haunted houses and shows; Christmas Town with millions of lights and all-new experiences.
• Tampa Bay: Landmark new animal habitat — the park's largest expansion in over a decade; Kids' Weekends with Sesame Street friends; Food, Wine & Garden Festival with rotating global cabins and multi-genre concerts; Glory in the Gardens (Christian music and spring festival); Military Appreciation Month; Wild Oasis Kids Weekend; Howl-O-Scream; Christmas Town with dazzling lights and holiday cheer.

Added Value for 2025
Guests who purchase now can also enjoy the remainder of the 2025 season, including seasonal celebrations like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town, while locking in access to 2026's biggest attractions and events.

Where to Get Passes Now
The 2026 Busch Gardens Annual Pass is available now at a limited-time introductory price, including up to $100 in promotional cards. Visit BuschGardens.com to secure first access to landmark new attractions, unforgettable events, and exclusive perks all year long.

* Benefits may vary based on the applicable pass tier.

**Event calendar may be subject to change.

About Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens® is a premier family destination offering world-class coasters, immersive animal habitats, award-winning seasonal festivals, and year-round entertainment. With parks in Williamsburg, Virginia, and Tampa Bay, Florida, Busch Gardens is known for its blend of thrilling rides, enriching animal encounters, and unforgettable live entertainment. Both parks are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Humane Certified by American Humane, reflecting the company's commitment to animal welfare and conservation. Busch Gardens is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit BuschGardens.com.

Media Contacts:
BuschGardensWilliamsburg.PR@BuschGardens.com 
BGTPublic.Relations@BuschGardens.com 

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SOURCE United Parks and Resorts Inc.

FAQ

What are the main benefits of Busch Gardens' 2026 Annual Pass?

The 2026 Annual Pass includes unlimited admission with no blackout dates, free parking, free guest tickets, animal feeding experiences, exclusive monthly rewards, and up to $100 in promotional cards during the introductory period.

What new attractions is Busch Gardens adding in 2026?

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will unveil its largest animal habitat expansion in over a decade, while both parks will feature expanded seasonal festivals with new culinary cabins, concerts, and entertainment.

When can I buy the Busch Gardens 2026 Annual Pass?

The 2026 Annual Pass is available now at a limited-time introductory price, including up to $100 in promotional cards. Early purchasers can also enjoy the remainder of the 2025 season.

What events are included in Busch Gardens' 2026 calendar?

The 2026 calendar includes Mardi Gras, Food & Wine Festival, Concert Series, Bier Fest, Halloween Spooktacular, Howl-O-Scream, and Christmas Town at Williamsburg, plus additional events at Tampa Bay including Kids' Weekends and Military Appreciation Month.

What new perks are being added to Busch Gardens Annual Pass for 2026?

New 2026 perks include first access to landmark attractions, FREE Quick Queue access on select passes, quarterly in-park credits, and expanded seasonal festivals with new entertainment options.