Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: COVID-19


Tampa, Florida:  In early June, Busch Gardens Tampa reopened to the public after being closed for several months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and executive orders from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.  Reopening during a pandemic comes with risks and requirements but Busch Gardens is trying its best to keep park goers safe during the pandemic.

It starts prior to your visit.  To limit the number of people in the park, all park guests are required to have a reservation.  The reservations are capped when the park reaches the capacity requirements of local regulations.

When you arrive at the park, you are required to have a wellness check.  Located inside an air conditioned tent before the entrance, guests will have a temperature screening to make sure you do not have a fever in excess of 100.4 degrees and that you have not tested positive or come in contact with a positive COVID patient nor have any of the symptoms of COVID-19.  

All guests are also required to wear a mask during their visit with the exception of while eating and drinking or while within a mask relaxation zone which are located throughout the park.  Be sure to bring your own mask, there have been reports that masks will be provided if you do not have one, but people were turned away at the wellness tent without masks.

Once inside the park, you will see changes as well.  A shift to touch less transactions in stores, hand sanitizing stations around every corner and enhanced cleaning of rides and high touch points.

One thing not clearly identified to park guests is to be prepared for closures.  In fact, the day we went we experienced more than half the rides, shows, restaurants and stores were closed on our visit.  This can be a big disappointment if you are headed to the park for a specific experience.  

It is the responsibility of everyone to keep safe during the pandemic.  While it may not be the Busch Gardens we remember pre-pandemic, they are open and trying to get back to normal.  Until then we all need to be patient with the new normal.

Click on the photo above to view photos from this trip and the entire Busch Gardens photo gallery.
Location: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, USA

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