Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Tampa Rides: Every Coaster Ranked for 2026
Aug
Busch Gardens Tampa rides include major roller coasters, family attractions, animal habitats, live entertainment, and seasonal experiences.
The park is also home to more than 200 animal species. Therefore, a visit does not need to focus only on thrill rides.
However, attraction availability can change because of weather, maintenance, and operational conditions.
Check the official park calendar and Busch Gardens app before building your day around a specific attraction.
Busch Gardens Tampa rides – Coaster ranking
The order below is an editorial ranking rather than an official park classification.
Ride preferences depend on each guest’s comfort with launches, inversions, drops, spinning, and height.
1. Iron Gwazi
Iron Gwazi is the park’s hybrid wood-and-steel roller coaster.
The attraction reaches a 206-foot peak before a 91-degree first drop. It can reach speeds of 76 miles per hour.
Iron Gwazi also includes multiple airtime moments and inversions.
The minimum height is 48 inches.
2. SheiKra
SheiKra is a floorless dive coaster.
The attraction climbs 200 feet and briefly holds riders above a 90-degree drop.
It then reaches speeds of approximately 70 miles per hour. The ride also includes an inversion, a second drop, and a splashdown.
The minimum height is 54 inches. (buschgardens.com)
3. Montu
Montu is an inverted roller coaster.
Riders sit below the track with their legs suspended throughout the experience.
The attraction includes seven inversions, including a vertical loop, an Immelmann, and a zero-gravity roll.
The minimum height is 54 inches. (buschgardens.com)
4. Cheetah Hunt
Cheetah Hunt is a triple-launch roller coaster.
It travels across 4,400 feet of track, making it one of the park’s longest ride experiences.
The attraction combines launches, elevated sections, curves, and lower sections close to the ground.
The minimum height is 48 inches. (buschgardens.com)
5. Tigris
Tigris is a launch coaster with forward and backward motion.
The attraction reaches a height of approximately 150 feet and speeds above 60 miles per hour.
It also includes an inverted heartline roll.
The minimum height is 54 inches.
6. Cobra’s Curse
Cobra’s Curse combines forward motion, backward motion, and free spinning.
The amount and direction of spinning can vary according to the weight distribution inside the ride vehicle.
Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to ride alone.
Guests between 42 and 48 inches may ride with a responsible person who is at least 14 years old. (buschgardens.com)
7. Phoenix Rising
Phoenix Rising is a family-friendly suspended roller coaster.
It does not launch or spin. Instead, riders travel below the track through turns, drops, and elevated sections.
The attraction reaches speeds of up to 44 miles per hour.
The minimum height is 42 inches. The maximum rider height is 77 inches, or 6 feet 5 inches. (buschgardens.com)
8. Air Grover
Air Grover is a junior roller coaster inside Sesame Street Safari of Fun.
It is designed as an introductory coaster for younger visitors.
The minimum height is 38 inches.
Additional companion requirements may apply. Therefore, check the posted rules before entering the queue. (buschgardens.com)
What is happening with Kumba?
Kumba permanently closes after park operation on August 2, 2026.
The roller coaster opened in 1993 and operated for 33 years.
Its minimum height is 54 inches.
Visitors traveling before August 2 may still have an opportunity to ride. However, check the attraction status before visiting.
Guests traveling after that date should not include Kumba in their itinerary. (buschgardens.com)
Coaster height requirements
The current major coaster requirements are:
| Attraction | Minimum height | Additional rule |
| Iron Gwazi | 48 inches | Must meet minimum height |
| SheiKra | 54 inches | Must meet minimum height |
| Montu | 54 inches | Must meet minimum height |
| Tigris | 54 inches | Must meet minimum height |
| Cheetah Hunt | 48 inches | Must meet minimum height |
| Cobra’s Curse | 42 inches | 42–48 inches requires a responsible companion age 14 or older |
| Phoenix Rising | 42 inches | Maximum rider height is 77 inches |
| Air Grover | 38 inches | Companion rules may apply |
| Kumba | 54 inches | Closes August 2, 2026 |
Height requirements are enforced at attraction entrances.
A height-check station is also available near the front of the park.
Measure younger guests before promising a specific ride.
Other major thrill rides
Busch Gardens Tampa also offers major attractions that are not roller coasters.
Falcon’s Fury
Falcon’s Fury is a freestanding drop tower.
The structure reaches 335 feet. Before the drop, the seats rotate until riders face the ground.
The actual drop is approximately 300 feet.
The minimum height is 54 inches.
Serengeti Flyer
Serengeti Flyer is a large swing attraction overlooking the Serengeti Plain.
The ride reaches a maximum height of approximately 135 feet and speeds near 68 miles per hour.
The minimum height is 48 inches.
Congo River Rapids
Congo River Rapids is a circular raft attraction.
Guests should expect the possibility of getting wet.
Availability can be affected by weather and seasonal maintenance.
Check the operating schedule before visiting.
Which Busch Gardens ride is the tallest?
Falcon’s Fury is taller than any of the park’s roller coasters.
The drop tower reaches 335 feet.
Among the roller coasters, Iron Gwazi has the highest peak at 206 feet.
SheiKra follows with a 200-foot climb and drop.
Busch Gardens rides for younger children
Sesame Street Safari of Fun offers rides, play areas, characters, and family activities.
Air Grover is the area’s junior roller coaster.
However, children who do not meet its 38-inch minimum still have other options.
Kid-friendly attractions can include:
- Elmo’s Safari Go-Round;
- Big Bird’s Whirly Birdie;
- Rosita’s Djembe Fly-Away;
- The Count’s Zambezi Rally;
- Cookie Monster Cloud Bounce;
- Play and splash areas.
Operating schedules and height rules vary.
Therefore, check the attraction signs and app during the visit.
Animals at Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens combines a theme park with a highly accredited zoo.
The park cares for more than 200 animal species and offers exhibits, presentations, tours, and conservation-focused experiences.
Serengeti Plain
The Serengeti Plain covers approximately 65 acres.
Guests may see giraffes, zebras, ostriches, antelopes, rhinos, and other animals.
Animal visibility and behavior are never guaranteed.
Serengeti Express
Serengeti Express is a train ride around sections of the park.
It offers views of animals across the Serengeti Plain.
There is no minimum height requirement. However, operating hours can vary.
Walking animal areas
Guests can explore several animal habitats without purchasing an additional tour.
These areas may include:
- Edge of Africa;
- Myombe Reserve;
- Walkabout Way;
- Animal Care Center;
- Cheetah Run;
- Bird Gardens.
Animal locations and access may change during the year.
Serengeti Safari
Serengeti Safari is an optional paid experience.
The approximately 30-minute tour crosses the 65-acre Serengeti Plain in an open-air vehicle.
Guests can see animals from closer viewing areas. Tour elements and animal interactions may vary.
Participants must be at least 5 years old.
Park admission is required and is not included with the safari purchase. Advance reservations are recommended.
New animal experience in 2026
Lion & Hyena Ridge opens on July 25, 2026.
Busch Gardens describes it as one of its largest new animal habitats in more than a decade.
The area adds new viewing opportunities for lions and hyenas.
However, animal behavior and visibility remain variable.
Busch Gardens shows
The park’s live entertainment changes by season.
Therefore, avoid building a permanent itinerary around one show without confirming its dates.
During Summer Nights 2026, offerings include Rhythm of Nature and Icons.
A drone show with a fireworks finale is also scheduled on selected Summer Nights dates.
These experiences are seasonal rather than guaranteed year-round.
Check the official calendar within a week of your visit for current showtimes.
Suggested ride order
No touring order guarantees shorter waits.
Weather, group size, attraction closures, and crowd patterns can change the best plan.
At park opening
Begin with the highest-priority attraction.
Iron Gwazi, Cheetah Hunt, and other major coasters can develop long waits.
However, check live wait times before crossing the park.
Morning coaster route
One possible route is:
- Iron Gwazi;
- Cheetah Hunt;
- Cobra’s Curse;
- Montu;
- Phoenix Rising;
- Falcon’s Fury;
- SheiKra;
- Tigris.
This order reduces some backtracking. However, attraction status should take priority over a fixed route.
Afternoon
Use the hotter part of the day for animal habitats, indoor shows, meals, and lower-intensity attractions.
Then, return to major rides when wait times become more favorable.
Before closing
Review current waits near the end of the day.
Selected attractions may accept guests until the published queue closes.
However, rides can stop operating early because of weather or technical conditions.
Is Quick Queue worth it?
Quick Queue provides priority access to participating attractions.
However, Busch Gardens sells several versions with different rules.
Current products can include:
- One-time access to selected rides;
- Unlimited access to selected attractions;
- One-time access to Iron Gwazi or Phoenix Rising;
- Junior products for selected family rides;
- Year-round options.
Not every product includes every coaster.
For example, some Unlimited products exclude Iron Gwazi and Phoenix Rising. Other PLUS products include one-time priority access to those attractions.
The lineup can also change after Kumba closes.
Therefore, check the exact attraction list for your visit date before purchasing. Park admission is required and is not included with Quick Queue.
Parking at Busch Gardens Tampa rides
Standard single-day admission does not normally include parking.
General and preferred parking are sold separately.
Some Annual Pass tiers include complimentary or discounted parking.
Prices vary by date and are subject to change. Therefore, review the current parking rate before visiting.
Free shuttle from Orlando
Busch Gardens Tampa rides offers free round-trip shuttle transportation from selected Orlando-area locations.
The service is available with valid Busch Gardens admission, a Fun Card, or an Annual Pass.
Advance reservations are required. Walk-up guests cannot board without a reservation.
A credit card is also required during booking. A no-show fee may apply when guests miss the departure without canceling by the stated deadline.
Pickup locations, arrival times, and return times can change. Therefore, confirm the current schedule before depending on the shuttle.
Weather-or-Not Assurance
Busch Gardens offers a Weather-or-Not Assurance policy for eligible tickets.
Guests may request a return visit when severe weather significantly affects park operations.
Examples can include:
- Early park closure;
- Ride closures lasting more than 60 minutes;
- Extreme heat conditions;
- Lightning, wind, rain, hail, or other serious weather.
However, not every admission product is eligible.
Annual Pass admissions, complimentary tickets, and selected promotional products may be excluded.
Parking, lockers, Quick Queue, and other upgrades are not included with the return visit. Requests must follow the official deadlines and procedures.
FAQ
What are the best Busch Gardens Tampa rides?
Iron Gwazi, SheiKra, Montu, Cheetah Hunt, and Tigris are among the main thrill attractions.
However, the best ride depends on your preference for drops, launches, spinning, or inversions.
What is the tallest coaster at Busch Gardens?
Iron Gwazi has the tallest coaster peak at 206 feet.
Falcon’s Fury is taller overall, but it is a drop tower rather than a coaster.
Is Iron Gwazi the most intense coaster?
Many guests consider Iron Gwazi one of the park’s most intense rides.
However, SheiKra, Montu, and Tigris offer different types of thrill.
Is Phoenix Rising a spinning coaster?
No.
Phoenix Rising is a suspended family roller coaster. It does not spin or use a launch.
What happened to Kumba?
Kumba permanently closes after August 2, 2026.
Do not include it in itineraries for later visits.
Are there rides for toddlers?
Yes.
Sesame Street Safari of Fun offers rides, play areas, and family activities.
However, each attraction has its own height and companion rules.
Is the Serengeti Safari included?
No.
Serengeti Safari costs extra and requires regular park admission.
Participants must be at least 5 years old.
Does Quick Queue include Iron Gwazi?
It depends on the product.
Some versions exclude Iron Gwazi. Quick Queue Unlimited PLUS currently provides one-time priority access.
Always check the current list before purchasing.
Is parking included?
Not with most standard single-day tickets.
Some eligible Annual Passes include parking benefits.
Is the shuttle from Orlando free?
Yes, with valid eligible admission.
However, advance reservations are required.
Does Busch Gardens close when it rains?
The park may remain open during rain.
However, rides and shows can close because of lightning, wind, or other conditions.
Eligible guests may qualify for Weather-or-Not Assurance.
Planning your Busch Gardens visit
Busch Gardens Tampa rides offers major roller coasters, animal habitats, family attractions, and seasonal entertainment.
Thrill seekers should prioritize Iron Gwazi, SheiKra, Montu, Cheetah Hunt, and Tigris.
Families can combine Sesame Street attractions with animal exhibits and Serengeti Express.
Check attraction closures, showtimes, weather, and Quick Queue inclusions before leaving Orlando.
MyParkTickets offers valid Busch Gardens Tampa admission at prices below the gate. Compare current options on the Busch Gardens Tampa tickets page before booking.
