Two months into his role as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay president, Jeff Davis has unveiled an ambitious $35 million investment initiative aimed at revitalizing the 66-year-old theme park and neighboring Adventure Island water park.
“There has been a renewed sense of investment in this park and Wild Oasis is a great example of that,” Davis said during a recent hard-hat tour of the upcoming attraction. “We’re going to spend $35 million in investment between this park and Adventure Island this year alone.”
A substantial portion of the funding will be allocated to complete Wild Oasis, a rainforest-themed realm scheduled to open this spring. The family-friendly area will replace the previously closed Treetop Trails attraction in the park’s Jungala section. The remainder will support critical infrastructure improvements and investments in rides, attractions, events, experiences and technology across both properties.
The new Wild Oasis realm features multiple attractions designed for families with younger children. Tree Top Drop, a 35-foot drop tower, offers an immersive multimedia experience with action-packed jungle scenes displayed on screens throughout the ride’s cenote-themed environment. The Canopy Climb provides an expansive climbing structure with four levels, 200 feet of horizontal trails, and vertical climbs reaching 45 feet high. Younger visitors can cool off at Enchanted Falls, an interactive splash pad with fountains and spray towers, while the Rainforest Quest offers a self-guided educational scavenger hunt.
Animal encounters represent a key component of the new realm, with the Habitat Hideaway introducing guests to several new species joining the park’s collection. Visitors will have opportunities to see capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys, and tropical birds in a multi-species habitat designed with unique viewing perspectives from both ground level and aerial viewpoints.
“We’re incredibly excited to introduce the Wild Oasis—a vibrant, rainforest-inspired realm with amazing animal habitats, thrilling attractions, and interactive play areas that will entertain, educate and inspire our guests to cherish the wonders of the natural world,” Davis stated in the official announcement.
Davis emphasized his commitment to reopening areas that have been closed due to budgetary constraints, staffing issues, or shifts in focus. He also highlighted plans to develop entirely new experiences, with multiple announcements expected over the next five years as part of a comprehensive strategic plan.
“I’m a caretaker; there’s been plenty of park presidents before me and there will be plenty after me,” Davis said, underscoring his focus on infrastructure improvements to ensure the park can operate “for another 66 years.” These enhancements include replacing water systems, HVAC units, and renovating back areas for animal habitats.
The investment strategy reflects Davis’s goal of positioning Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as “two attractions in one” — combining theme park thrills with an extensive zoological collection. “I don’t think we’ve done a great job over the past few years telling people what we have here,” he noted, pointing out that the park houses over 800 animals representing 200 species, a fact that isn’t always highlighted in marketing efforts.
With approximately 3,000 seasonal employees hired annually alongside full-time staff, Busch Gardens remains a significant employer in the Tampa Bay region. Davis, who began his career at age 16 with Anheuser-Busch at Sesame Place Philadelphia, expressed his desire to position the park as “a premier employer” that provides valuable job skills regardless of employees’ long-term career paths.
Kyle Miller, Chief Parks Operations Officer at United Parks & Resorts, the parent company of Busch Gardens, has publicly expressed confidence in Davis’s leadership. “We are making extensive investments in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to make the park the best it’s ever been. We’re excited to have Jeff in the leadership role as one of our most seasoned executives,” Miller stated.
While Busch Gardens’ primary visitors have traditionally been locals and those within driving distance, the park has seen increasing numbers of out-of-state and international guests as the Tampa Bay region has grown as a tourist destination. Davis plans to revamp marketing efforts to ensure the park remains competitive in attracting visitors who choose Tampa Bay for their vacations.
“Even when there’s troubling economic times, people are going to do things, so it’s all about making sure you have something viable and entertaining they can spend their money on,” Davis said, reflecting the park’s strategy to adapt and thrive despite economic fluctuations.
Annual pass holders will receive exclusive early access to Wild Oasis before it opens to the general public, with passes available starting at $15.75 per month with no down payment. The passes include unlimited admission, access to seasonal events, free guest tickets, free parking, and special savings on merchandise, food, and beverages.