I woke early to make the four and a half hour journey to St. Petersburg, Florida. I was picking up my friend Shawna to take her back to Miami. In the meantime, I was excited to meet up with another friend of mine Bill for a visit to Busch Gardens and then karaoke.
The weather was absolutely beautiful as I crossed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Years ago, working for the cruise lines, our ship would pass under the bridge on its way to Key West. Later, while living in Tampa, I always looked forward to driving over the bridge when visiting Sarasota, Fort Myers or Sanibel Island.
Arriving in Pinellas County, I made my pilgrimage to The Frog Pond, a breakfast restaurant where I worked with my friend Theresa. We would bus tables, arriving as early as 6AM but finish the day by 2PM. Our favorite days were when Hulk Hogan would stop by with Linda for breakfast, driving up on his Hulkster. We still laugh about it to this day. 
The condo where Theresa and I lived was at Gull Harbor, conveniently close to the The Frog Pond. Her father had just met his girlfriend, so when he moved in with her, he allowed us to stay at his place paying a small monthly fee. The property was beautiful with a gorgeous pool and spectacular views of North Redington Beach. I had no idea how lucky we were to live here and love to stop by each time I visit.
I had made arrangements to meet my friend Bill at Busch Gardens. We had both worked together at the Tampa Airport and he was now taking tickets at the park. When I arrived, he had a couple of additional hours to work and then we would hang out at the park riding rides and visiting the animals.
One of my favorite rides at Busch Gardens is the Skyride where I can see many of the animals in the safari park.
I remember when the Kumba first opened in 1993. There was so much hype and press covering its opening and having friends who worked at the park was the best advantage.
The SheiKra climbs 200 that slowly reaches the top the stops. The pause seems endless as you wait before diving down at 70 miles per hour. There is an Immelmann loop, a second dive into an underground tunnel and the splashdown finale where those that are waiting in line are sure to be drenched.
The Cheetah Hunt was my favorite ride as it shoots immediately out of the gate at an incredible speed. The coaster makes its way to the top only to plunge down through a rocky gorge. It is the longest roller coaster at the park.
One of my favorite attractions at Busch Gardens was the Animal Care Center where I could watch the medical team work on an eagle’s wing.
Busch Gardens opened its animal care facility in 2012 at an estimated cost of $5 million. From nutrition to treatments, X-rays to surgeries, visitors are able to watch the animal care team take on some animal science’s major challenges in their state of the art facility while guests watch the team care for over 200 species of animals.
The day was amazing with so many rides, animals and incredible experiences, but it wouldn’t have been complete without a photo with Big Bird!
Have you visited Busch Gardens in Tampa? What was your favorite activity at the park? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing day on the west coast of Florida and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Busch Gardens Tampa
10165 N McKinley Dr
Tampa, FL 33612
Telephone: 1 813 884 4FUN (4386)
- Admission Fee: There are several entrance pass options (i.e., single day, two-day pass, annual pass, any day ticket and four-park passes) ranging from $43.33 per day. The website outlines each option along pricing.
- Hours: Open daily from 10AM but closing time may change throughout the season, so confirm with the park prior to visiting.
- Amenities: Rides and Attractions, Entertainment, Restaurants, Baggage storage area, Gift Shop, Private Tours, Safaris, Kid-Friendly and Educational Events
- Length of Visit: With so much to do at the park, try to arrive when the park opens and stay until it closes. Check the Busch Gardens website for additional activities.
- Tips for Your Visit: Reservations are highly recommended especially during high season. Wear comfortable shoes for the park and book additional experiences in advance as they sell out quickly.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge (I-275 South from St. Petersburg, Florida to Sarasota, Florida)
Where to Stay:
Don Cesar Hotel
3400 Gulf Beach Boulevard
St. Petersburg, FL 33706
Telephone: 884 338 1501
Where to Eat:
The Frog Pond
16909 Gulf Blvd.
North Redington Beach, FL
Telephone: 727 392 4117
What to Read:
- The Florida Explorer’s Guide To Busch Gardens Tampa
- Dreamland, by Nicholas Sparks
- St. Petersburg Florida, by Sandra Rooks
Photo Guide:
- The Sunshine Skyway Bridge
- The Pinellas County Beaches
- Busch Gardens
- Don Cesar Hotel
