Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida, has everything for the entire family including these great shows.
Pirates 4-D.
This show has been running for a couple of years now. I actually preferred the previous one, “The Haunted Lighthouse” but progress continues and new shows appear.
The star of the show is Leslie Nielsen so you know it is going to be a comedy. It is a 3-D film so you have to put the funny glasses on. It is centered on the ship and on an island where pirate’s treasure is hidden. The 4-D part comes in when you enter the Timbuktu Theater. I watch people walking up and down the aisles trying to find a dry seat. So water comes from somewhere. Actually there in no escaping it as it comes from the backs of the seats in front of you and from the ceiling. You also feel other effects that are being acted on the big screen.
It is a fun show for all the family. However there is quite a lot of noise if you have little ones.
I would suggest you be early as the doors close promptly and stay closed throughout the show. The show runs for 15 minutes.
KaTonga – Musical Tales from the Jungle.
This performance is in the Moroccan Palace Theater, just to your right, when you enter the park. Again come early, as you are unable to enter the theater once it has started. This is a Broadway show set in the heart of Africa. Incorporating puppetry with the animals of that area cleverly does it. This isn’t my favorite show and I have only seen it twice.
The music and dancing will linger on long after you have exited the building. This show runs 35-40 minutes.
Mirage Canteen.
A good outdoor show with the stage immediately in front of you. If you love the 1940’s music, dancing, and fun, then this is the place for you. Even though I wasn’t born in the war all the songs were familiar with me. My toes were tapping and I was singing along. There were some great dancing routines too.
The show is 25 minutes but being open air you can come and go as you please.
Friends Forever.
This show is in the Dragon’s Tale Theater in the children’s area of Busch Gardens. Dumphrey and his friends sing, dance, and get the children to join in. Even though I haven’t had children with me, Len and I have watched and enjoyed this show. Now as we walk pass we join in singing while walking past the area. This is an outdoor show and runs for 15 minutes.
Wild Wings of Africa.
This show is close to the Hospitality House, where you can get 2 free beers a day, if you are 21 or over. You sit in rows of seats with the stage in front of you. However, the birds fly in all directions. I really love the eagles and owls. This show is wonderful for all the family and it is very educational too. This is a 25 minute show that is outdoor seating.
The Dessert Grill Restaurant.
This always has entertainment but it changes throughout the year. At the start of the year they usually have the Irish dancers. The regular show is singing and dancing from rock-n-roll up to the present day. They also have a wonderful Christmas show for part of November and December. If you happen to go in between these shows they do have a duo of a piano player and a guitarist to entertain you.
Stanleyville Theater
In the spring they have the dance bands here. We have been lucky enough to see The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Terry Myers Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orchestra, and Les Brown Band. We also enjoyed Herman’s Hermits and John Davidson.
The Mystic Sheiks of Morocco march around Busch Gardens in their bright red and gold uniforms. They are a brass marching band and stop and play for the guests. They also sing and dance and interact with the people. We are always pleased to see them on our regular visits.
In the longer summer evenings they have Summer Nights with entertainment included in the entrance fee.
