Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando are both owned by SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., and the two parks share a connected pass program. For visitors who want to experience both, there's a logical 2-3 day strategy that covers both parks efficiently.
Busch Gardens Tampa: What It Offers
- Iron Gwazi — Hybrid steel/wood coaster, ranked among the world's best
- Tigris — Florida's tallest launch coaster
- Cheetah Hunt — Multi-launch coaster, 60 mph
- SheiKra — 200-foot dive coaster, 90-degree drop
- 12,000 animals — Authentic African wildlife in naturalistic habitats
- Serengeti Plain — Safari-style animal encounter
- Live entertainment — Multiple daily shows throughout the park
SeaWorld Orlando: What It Offers
- Pipeline — A unique stand-up surf coaster, first of its kind
- Ice Breaker — Launched coaster, four inversions
- Mako — Hypercoaster, 200 feet tall, 73 mph
- Animal encounters — Dolphins, orcas, sea turtles, manatees
- Aquarium experiences — Extensive marine life exhibitions
The Combo: Two Parks, Two Days
Day 1: Busch Gardens Tampa
Allocate a full day to Busch Gardens — there's enough content for 8+ hours. Stay in Tampa that night.
Day 2: SeaWorld Orlando
Drive/transfer from Tampa to SeaWorld Orlando (85-90 minutes). Full day at SeaWorld. Return to Tampa for TPA departure or continue to another Orlando destination.
Combo Ticket Savings
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment offers a Fun Card and Florida Resident annual pass that includes both Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando. For non-Florida visitors, 2-park combo tickets are available.
Transportation Between the Parks
- Busch Gardens to SeaWorld Orlando: 75-85 miles via I-4 East, 75-90 minutes
- Private transfer: from $90