Busch Gardens and Adventure Island Reopening June 11

The wait is over…it appears Busch Gardens and Adventure Island will be reopening on June 11! We’re still waiting on the official announcement from our friends at Busch Gardens, but if you head to their websites, June 11 appears to be the big day. It also looks like online reservations will be required to attend. You can start booking reservations on Monday, June 8 at 10 am.

The theme parks got the approval to reopen from city officials and state last week.

It won’t be a return to normal. In addition to expected pandemic related adjustments like required reservations, the calendars are showing reduced hours and days through the end of August. Here is what we know as of now:

Busch Gardens:
Hours: 10am-6pm
Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
BuschGardens.com/safety

Adventure Island:
Hours: 9am-5pm
Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
AdventureIsland.com/safety

Once we get official word on what the reopening will look like, we will share the details with you. But, according to the websites, you can expect these most notable changes:

• Guests ages 2 and older will be required to wear a face mask at Busch Gardens. The exceptions are in eating areas and designated relaxation zones. If you don’t have a mask, one will be available for purchase at the park.
• Face masks will not be required in most areas at Adventure Island and will NOT be allowed in the water attractions. However, you will need to wear a mask in designated areas like retail shops.
• Your temperature will be taken when you arrive at the front gate.
• The arrival process may take a bit more time due to these new policies. So be patient and give yourself time.
• You will still be able to use cash at the park, but cashless payments will be encouraged like Apple Pay, Google Pay and credit card.
• Most rides and animal attractions will be open, however there may be modifications to allow for physical distancing. Some interactions may require a rule to allow for one party at at time. Character meet and greets may also be modified or removed.

As with other parks and attractions, cleaning and sanitation will be more frequent, you’ll see more hand sanitizing stations and signage to social distance, and you may also see guest facing employees wearing masks.

Related Tampa Bay Comeback stories:

INSIDE LOOK: ZooTampa has REOPENED! Here’s what to expect.

INSIDE LOOK: See what it’s like as MOSI reopens

INSIDE LOOK: The new normal at the Florida Aquarium