Guests are devastated by the current situation at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Opened in 1959, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay grew from a simple brewery tour and botanical garden into one of Florida’s most notable thrill and wildlife destinations. It became known for massive roller coasters, expansive animal habitats, and lush, immersive theming inspired by regions around the world.
Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Over the decades, the park introduced major attractions like Cheetah Hunt, Montu, SheiKra, and Iron Gwazi, which once cemented its status as a destination for coaster fans. Combined with animal exhibits like Edge of Africa and the Serengeti Plain, Busch Gardens was an experience that blended theme park thrills and zoological wonder.
However, many longtime fans argue the park is now a shell of what it once was.
Theme Park Fans Condemn Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
One visitor explained on Reddit that “almost every ride has been only running one train,” adding that Iron Gwazi has reportedly operated this way “for months.” They described breakdowns, inaccurate app wait times, and animal habitats sitting empty without explanation.
Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
This follows similar complaints in recent months, as well as a more specific issue impacting one coaster: a wasp infestation at the top of Iron Gwazi’s hill.
Others point to staffing as a core issue. As one guest put it, “Busch Gardens is severely understaffed… it’s maintenance and leadership.” They noted that running more trains requires not just front-line staff, but skilled teams behind the scenes — and guests feel the company has failed to invest in that support.
The frustration is particularly painful for longtime passholders. “I used to adore the place,” one wrote, explaining that reduced train capacity means longer waits and fewer rides, while rising food and merchandise prices make the experience feel less worthwhile. “It takes away much of my time… and merch has barely any care put into the designs.”
According to some visitors, the issue is tied to ownership priorities. “It’s owned by investors,” one guest commented. “If they cut back to the bare minimum, it doesn’t affect the profit for them because you are already in the park.” Many claim the experience has shifted from guest-focused to cost-focused, with the recent decision to require guests to pay for a locker before riding Iron Gwazi proving particularly divisive.
Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Animal lovers are feeling the shift, too. One zoo-focused visitor described multiple habitats being closed or empty, along with upcharges for previously included experiences. “Gondola broke down… Cheetah Hunt and Cobras Curse were down… most egregious food pricing I’ve seen,” they wrote, calling the situation “rougher than I’d hoped.”
Some of the most emotional reactions come from those who have supported the park for decades. One 20-year passholder shared, “I am letting my passes go… I find better quality food and staff at the local carnival.” For them, the decline feels personal — a place filled with memories now feels unrecognizable.
These guest experiences come as United Parks & Resorts, the company behind Busch Gardens and SeaWorld, reported disappointing third-quarter results. Attendance fell, with revenue and profit dropping as well. “We are obviously not happy with the results we delivered in the quarter,” Chief Executive Marc Swanson said.
Credit: SeaWorld
Many guests say the same issues are showing across SeaWorld parks. One recent visitor to SeaWorld Orlando described “single trains everywhere, skeleton crew in the stations… no keepers around animal exhibits… everything was unreasonably priced.” Even parking, they said, felt like too much for what was offered.
Guests have also previously complained about the lack of visibility for the park’s star attraction – its orcas – as well as antisocial behavior from some guests.
United Parks & Resorts was recently also named in a lawsuit in which a guest claimed it was tricking people into paying more for their theme park tickets with hidden fees.
Have you noticed changes at Busch Gardens and SeaWorld?
Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She’s obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney’s next Muppets project.
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