Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Launches Nearly $40 Million Park Transformation Under New Leadership

Rhea-AI Summary

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announces a transformative $40 million investment under new Park President Jeff Davis. The expansion includes the new Wild Oasis at Jungala opening May 2025, featuring kid-friendly adventures, animal encounters, and interactive play zones.

Key improvements include new animal habitats for capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys, and meerkats, plus enhanced facilities for existing residents. The culinary experience is being elevated under Executive Chef Lavon Smith with the new Treetop Kitchen and expanded Food & Wine Festival.

The investment extends to Adventure Island water park with the new Castaway Falls interactive splash area. The park continues its streak of major additions, following Iron Gwazi (2022), Serengeti Flyer (2023), and Phoenix Rising (2024). Annual Pass Members will get early access to Wild Oasis and exclusive benefits starting at $15.75 monthly.

Positive

• $40 million investment in park transformation and infrastructure improvements
• Consistent track record of new attraction launches over past 4 years
• Multiple new revenue streams with Wild Oasis, new dining venues, and Adventure Island expansion
• New executive leadership with strategic vision for growth
• Expansion of animal attractions adding 4 new species to drive visitor engagement
• Introduction of year-round entertainment and extended summer hours to increase visitor duration
• New annual pass program with recurring revenue potential starting at $15.75/month

Negative

• Significant capital expenditure requiring ROI justification
• Heavy reliance on seasonal events for revenue generation
• Increased operational costs with new attractions and animal care requirements

Insights

Theme Park Industry Analyst

SeaWorld's $40M investment in Busch Gardens shows strategic commitment but lacks concrete financial projections to fully assess ROI potential.

The $40 million capital investment announced for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay represents a significant strategic commitment from SeaWorld Entertainment (PRKS). This comprehensive park transformation includes the new Wild Oasis at Jungala attraction opening May 2025, animal habitat enhancements, upgraded dining experiences, and expansion of the Adventure Island water park.

This investment continues a four-year pattern of consecutive capital deployments at this property, following Iron Gwazi (2022), Serengeti Flyer (2023), and Phoenix Rising (2024). The systematic approach to refreshing park offerings demonstrates management's confidence in the Tampa property's growth potential.

The focus on family-oriented attractions with Wild Oasis appears strategically designed to broaden demographic appeal beyond the park's traditional thrill-ride audience. By positioning as "Florida's ultimate family adventure destination," PRKS is targeting a more diverse visitor mix in the competitive Florida theme park market.

The May 2025 opening timing strategically captures the crucial summer tourism season. The continued investment in animal exhibits also leverages the park's zoological differentiation factor in the marketplace.

While this substantial capital expenditure will impact near-term financials, the consistent investment pattern suggests management expects positive returns. However, the announcement provides no specific metrics on expected attendance growth, revenue projections, or ROI targets that would allow for quantitative assessment of the potential financial impact.

New Park President, Jeff Davis, unveils sweeping additions and upgrades—including new Wild Oasis at Jungala, new animals and animal habitats, new and improved food experiences, and Adventure Island expansion

TAMPA, Fla., April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is entering an exciting new chapter with a bold almost $40 million investment and a new park president at the helm. 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 major transformation of Adventure Island. These improvements aim to make Busch Gardens the best it's ever been and solidify the park as Florida's ultimate family adventure destination.

"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. With its record-breaking coasters and thrilling experiences, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is often celebrated as the home of "Florida's Best Thrill Rides."

Investments to Make Busch Gardens Tampa Bay the Best Ever

Explore Wild Oasis: A New World of Kid-Friendly Adventure: Inspired by lush rainforests and teeming with 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 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.

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, and—for the first time—concerts on Fridays. 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 — New Rides, New Energy: Adventure Island, Tamps Bay's #1 water park, 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, the summer will bring new thrills, and interactive events guests won't want to miss. More exciting announcements to come later this spring!

Annual Pass Members Get Early Access and Exclusive Perks! 
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Annual Pass Members will be the first to explore Wild Oasis before it opens to the public in Spring 2025. Annual passes for 2025 are on sale now starting as low as $15.75 per month with no down payment. Membership includes unlimited admission, access to vibrant seasonal events and exclusive Pass Member benefits like FREE guest tickets, FREE parking and special savings on merchandise as well as food and beverage. Guests can learn more about Wild Oasis and the unbeatable benefits of being an Annual Pass Member by visiting BuschGardensTampa.com. To be the first to know about park updates, guests can follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and TikTok.

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 over 16,000 animals representing more than 200 species, and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit BuschGardensTampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by United Parks & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: PRKS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.

About Adventure Island
Located right across the street from Busch Gardens^® Tampa Bay, Adventure Island^® is Tampa Bay's premier water park, featuring a combination of exhilarating water slides and tropical, tranquil surroundings. At Tampa's Island Paradise, thrilling slides await, such as Rapids Racer, Wahoo Remix, Solar Vortex^®, Vanish Point^™, Caribbean Corkscrew^® and Colossal Curl^™, waterfalls, a 17,000-square-foot wave pool, a children's splash and play zone, Shaka-Laka Shores, and other family attractions including the all-new Castaway Falls. 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.

Media Contact: Busch Gardens Public Relations, BGTPublic.Relations@BuschGardens.com
Media Contact: Jessica Fox, Senior Public Relations Manager, jfox@fkq.com

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SOURCE Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

FAQ

How much is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay investing in its 2025 transformation?

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is investing nearly $40 million in park-wide improvements, including new attractions, animal habitats, dining experiences, and Adventure Island water park expansions under new Park President Jeff Davis.

What new attractions are coming to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (PRKS) in 2025?

The main new attraction is Wild Oasis at Jungala, opening in May 2025, featuring the Tree Top Drop ride, interactive climbing structures, splash pad, and animal encounters. Adventure Island is also adding Castaway Falls, a multi-level water play area.

What new animals are being added to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in 2025?

Busch Gardens is adding capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys, and meerkats in spring 2025. The park currently houses over 16,000 animals representing more than 200 species.

When does Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Summer Nights 2025 start?

Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay runs from May 23 to August 10, 2025, featuring extended hours, a new nighttime spectacular, live shows, and special summer dining options.

How much are Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 2025 Annual Passes?

Annual Passes for 2025 start at $15.75 per month with no down payment, including unlimited admission, free parking, guest tickets, and special discounts on food and merchandise.