Ever wondered how to get the most thrill out of your visit to Busch Gardens Tampa? We’ve been there—so many rides, so little time.
After comprehensive exploration and countless adrenaline surges, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best rides at Busch Gardens Tampa that you absolutely can’t miss!
Top 10 Best Rides at Busch Gardens Tampa
Our Top Pick: Iron Gwazi
Ride Style: Steel Track Hybrid Roller Coaster
Most Suited For: Extreme Thrill Seekers
Iron Gwazi holds the title as North America’s tallest hybrid roller coaster, and it’s right here at Busch Gardens Tampa. We love how this monstrous ride marries old-school wooden structure with modern steel track technology for a unique experience.
The heart-pounding thrill begins as you climb 206 feet into the sky, then plunge down at an incredible 91-degree angle!
With speeds reaching up to 76 miles per hour, you zoom through multiple twists, turns and inversions that make Iron Gwazi one of our favorite adrenaline-pumping adventures in the park.
Falcon’s Fury
Ride Style: Intense Drop Tower Ride
Most Suited For: Height & Free Fall Lovers
Falcon’s Fury is one of the most exhilarating rides at Busch Gardens Tampa, and it’s not for the faint of heart. This towering drop tower ride stands at a height of 335 feet, making it North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower.
The ride slowly lifts you to the top before tilting your seat forward so that you’re facing the ground below. You’ll freefall towards the earth at speeds up to 60 miles per hour!
It’s a thrilling experience that will have your heart pounding and leave you wanting more. So if you’re an adrenaline junkie in search of a truly wild ride, Falcon’s Fury should be at the top of your list when visiting Busch Gardens Tampa.
Kumba
Ride Style: High Speed Thrill Coaster
Most Suited For: Speed Enthusiasts
This high-speed coaster did not disappoint. With seven inversions, including a heart-stopping vertical loop and a stomach-churning zero-g roll, it was an adrenaline rush like no other.
The speed was mind-blowing, hitting up to 60 miles per hour and the towering heights of over 140 feet added to the exhilaration.
Every twist and turn of this iconic coaster was a new adventure, with G-forces that pull you all directions!
Cheetah Hunt
Ride Style: Multi-launch Roller Coaster
Most Suited For: moderate to intense coaster lovers
Another coaster included in out top 10 at Busch Gardens Tampa is Cheetah Hunt. This triple-launch coaster is perfect for adrenaline junkies and offers a unique experience that you won’t want to miss.
As soon as you board the ride, you are launched into action with the rides high-speed launch system that propels you from 0 to 60 mph in just a matter of seconds. The track twists and turns through the African-themed landscape, giving riders an exhilarating sense of speed and adventure.
With three separate launches throughout the ride, each one faster than the last, it’s impossible not to feel your heart racing as you dart past trees and soar over hills.
Cheetah Hunt truly lives up to its name by simulating the movements of a cheetah chasing its prey, making it one wild ride that will leave you breathless and wanting more.
SheiKra
Ride Style: Dive Coaster
Most Suited For: Extreme Thrill Seekers
SheiKra is one of the most thrilling rides at Busch Gardens Tampa in our opinion. This dive coaster takes you up a towering 200-foot lift hill before plunging you down at an incredible 90-degree angle, giving you the feeling of weightlessness as you freefall towards the ground below.
With speeds reaching up to 70 miles per hour, SheiKra provides an adrenaline rush like no other. The ride also features two inversions and plenty of twists and turns, making it a favorite among thrill-seeking roller coaster enthusiasts.
An addition to the multiple thrills, the ride zooms through water at its finale, soaking bypassers but thankfully not yourselves!
Montu
Ride Style: Inverted Roller Coaster
Most Suited For: Guests who love the sensation of flying
This inverted roller coaster takes you on a high-speed adventure as you soar through seven intense inversions.
With its unique design that suspends riders underneath the track, Montu delivers an exhilarating experience like no other. As you twist and turn through loops and corkscrews, you’ll feel a rush of adrenaline like never before.
Montu is not for the faint of heart, but for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping thrill, this ride is a must-try at Busch Gardens Tampa.
Tigris
Ride Style: Triple-Launch Roller Coaster
Most Suited For: High-Speed Launch Lovers
This steel roller coaster guarantees an adrenaline rush from start to finish with its lightning-fast launches, breathtaking drops, and intense inversions.
As the tallest launch coaster in Florida, Tigris reaches speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and takes riders through a series of heart-pounding twists and turns. Whether you’re a seasoned coaster enthusiast or just looking for a thrilling experience, Tigris is not to be missed during your visit to Busch Gardens Tampa.
Cobra’s Curse
Ride Style: Spinning Roller Coaster
Most Suited For: Fun-seeking Families
Cobra’s Curse is an exciting spin roller coaster that takes riders on a wild adventure through an ancient Egyptian temple.
As you board your car, get ready for a unique experience as the ride spins and twists in unexpected ways.
The highlight of this ride is the vertical lift that takes you to dizzying heights before plunging down at top speeds. With its intense G-forces and surprising drops, Cobra’s Curse is sure to satisfy adrenaline junkies looking for a truly wild roller coaster experience.
Scorpion
Ride Style: Classic Roller Coaster
Most Suited For: Guests seeking a moderate thrill experience
Scorpion at Busch Gardens is a true gem! As one of the park’s classic coasters, it brings a touch of nostalgia to the whole experience. Built back in 1980, this ride has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among visitors.
The ride may not boast the tallest drops or the most inversions, but it sure knows how to deliver a good time. The compact layout packs a surprising punch with its sudden drops and tight turns, keeping you engaged and thrilled throughout the ride.
It’s a coaster that strikes the perfect balance between fun and excitement without being too overwhelming.
For families looking to have a blast together or coaster enthusiasts seeking a quick and enjoyable ride, Scorpion is a must-try. Plus, its smooth ride makes it accessible to a wide range of guests.
Congo River Rapids
Ride Style: River Rapids Water Ride
Most Suited For: Families and Children
One of the wettest, but fun for all the family rides at Busch Gardens Tampa is Congo River Rapids. This whitewater rafting adventure takes you on a wild journey through raging currents, unexpected twists, and turns, and even waterfalls.
You’ll brave the rapids with your friends or family in a circular raft that can fit up to twelve people. As you navigate the rushing waters, be prepared to get soaked from head to toe!
The best part about Congo River Rapids is that each ride experience can be different due to changing water currents and the unpredictable nature of the course.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Busch Gardens Tampa is home to some of the most thrilling and exciting rides in Florida.
From the record-breaking roller coasters like Iron Gwazi and Falcon’s Fury, to the family-friendly attractions like Congo River Rapids, there is something for everyone at this amazing theme park.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a day of fun with the family, Busch Gardens Tampa has it all. Don’t miss out on experiencing these top 10 rides that are guaranteed to leave you wanting more!
FAQs
What is The Biggest Roller Coaster at Busch Gardens?
The biggest roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa is Iron Gwazi. It holds the title for North America’s tallest and the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster.
How Many Roller Coasters are at Busch Gardens?
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is home to eight high-performance roller coasters. On the other hand, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is home to ten operating roller coasters
When is The Best Time To Visit Busch Gardens?
The best time to visit Busch Gardens depends on what you’re looking for in your visit. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, the best months to visit Busch Gardens Tampa are February, and weekdays in winter, late spring, and fall typically have the lowest crowds.
For Busch Gardens Williamsburg, the quieter months include January, June, and September.
In terms of days of the week, Tuesdays through Thursdays usually see lower visitor numbers. As for the time of day, arriving early, ideally by 9:45 AM, allows you to park close by and be at the gates as they open.
Is it possible to ride all 10 attractions in one day?
While it may be challenging to experience all 10 rides in just one day due to factors such as wait times and crowds, it is certainly possible with proper planning and utilizing time-saving strategies like arriving early, making use of FastPass if available, and prioritizing your must-ride attractions.
