Are you trying to figure out if Busch Gardens Tampa has any height requirements that might impact your upcoming trip?
Trust me, I understand going with a group of all sizes and wanting to make sure everyone has an enjoyable experience.
Although there are some ride restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa, there are lots of shows and animal exhibits that everyone in your group can enjoy!
But before we get started, let’s tackle a few commonly asked questions.
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How Strict are the Height Requirements at Busch Gardens Tampa?
Busch Gardens Tampa (like most theme parks) is definitely strict about their height requirements.
This is to make sure that they are able to keep everyone safe inside of the park.
According to Busch Gardens Tampa:
Some Rides restrictions are posted at each ride, and all guests including those using wheelchairs must meet the requirements. Please see a Park Ambassador at the ride if you have any questions.
How many rides are at Busch Gardens Tampa?
There are currently 24 standard rides at Busch Gardens Tampa (plus 6 more in the Sesame Street Land) that range in thrill level from a dive coaster to a quiet train ride around the park.
What I like about this Tampa destination is that there’s always something for everyone to do no matter what you enjoy the most at a theme park.
But before you get here, you’ll want to know what the best rides at Busch Gardens are for your trip. Let me give you the ThemeParkHipster picks below!
5 Best Rides at Busch Gardens Tampa:
I choose these attractions at Busch Gardens based on fan reviews, thrill levels and overall consistency and reliability.
2024 Complete List Of Rides At Busch Gardens Tampa And Their Height Restrictions
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of the ride requirements:
- Iron Gwazi: 48 inches minimum
- Gwazi Gliders: No Taller than 56 inches (Guests must be 56″ or less to ride. Handheld infants not permitted)
- Cheetah Hunt: 48 inches minimum
- Skyride: 56 inches minimum (Riders must be 56” or accompanied by a supervising companion)
- Cobra’s Curse: 42 inches minimum
- Montu: 54 inches minimum
- Falcon’s Fury: 54 inches minimum
- Scorpion: 48 inches minimum (Guests between 48” and 54” must be accompanied by a supervising companion 14 years of age or older who is at least 54” tall)
- Phoenix Rising: 42 inches minimum (opening Spring 2024)
- Grand Caravan Carousel: No Limit (Riders under 42” must be accompanied by a responsible person 14 years of age or older and are allowed only on the middle rows. Infants must be accompanied by a responsible person 14 years of age or older and must ride on a bench seat.)
- Desert Runners: No Taller than 48 inches minimum (Handheld Infants are not permitted)
- Kiddie Train: No Taller than 56 inches (Handheld Infants not permitted)
- Bush Flyers: No Taller than 56 inches (Handheld Infants not permitted)
- Serengeti Flyer: 48 inches minimum
- Serengeti Express: No Limit
- Kumba: 54 inches minimum
- Congo River Rapids: 42 inches minimum
- Ubanga-Banga Bumper Cars: 42 inches minimum (Riders must be at least 42” tall to ride. Guests between 42” and 52” in height must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion)
- Tigris: 54 inches minimum
- SheiKra: 54 inches minimum
- Serengeti Express: No Limit
- Stanley Falls Flume: 46 inches minimum
- Skyride: 56 inches minimum (Riders must be 56” or accompanied by a supervising companion)
- AirGrover: 38 inches minimum
- Zoe-Patra and the Hippos of Nile: Between 36 inches and 56 inches may ride
- Rosita’s Djembe Fly-Away: Under 42 inches to ride (Infants not permitted)
- The Count’s Zambezi Rally: Under 42 inches to ride (Infants not permitted)
- Elmo’s Safari Go-Round: All ages permitted (Infants must be accompanied by a companion 14 years or older)
- Big Bird’s Whirly Birdie: Under 56 inches to ride (Infants not permitted)
- Snuffy’s Elephant Romp: Under 56″ to ride unaccompanied (Under 36″ must be accompanied by a supervising companion 14 years or older)
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What is the Average Height Requirement for Busch Gardens Tampa Rides?
Generally, the Busch Gardens Tampa ride height requirements are between 42″ (inches) and 54″ (inches) tall, which is pretty common for most rides in America.
You’ll notice the ride restrictions at the entrance of each attraction.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Busch Gardens Tampa, it’s important to know about the different lands and what they offer.
Now, let’s go through the height requirements for all the rides at Busch Gardens Tampa by land.
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Morocco Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa
Let’s start with Morocco, where you can find fun Moroccan design and unique shops.
Although the Iron Gwazi roller coaster could be in a land of its own, I will put it in the Morocco section of the park based on its map location.
- Iron Gwazi: 48 inches minimum
- Gwazi Gliders: No Taller than 56 inches (Guests must be 56″ or less to ride. Handheld infants not permitted)
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Nairobi Section of Busch Gardens Tampa
In Nairobi, you’ll be transported to Africa with its animal exhibits and close encounters with gorillas, chimpanzees and more!
This land area of Busch Gardens doesn’t have any rides; however, the Myombe Reserve is one of my favorite areas to relax and chill inside of the park.
Edge of Africa Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa
The Edge of Africa offers a thrilling experience with its up-close encounters with lions, hyenas, and other predators.
Both Cheetah Hunt and the Skyride entrance are technically in an unnamed area of the park but for the ease of finding the rides of the map, I put them as a part of the Edge of Africa due to their proximity to the entrance.
- Cheetah Hunt: 48 inches minimum
- Skyride: 56 inches minimum (Riders must be 56” or accompanied by a supervising companion)
Egypt Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa
The land of Egypt will take you back in time with its ancient Egyptian artifacts and architecture.
It’s here where you can conquer one of my favorite rides in the park, Montu!
- Cobra’s Curse: 42 inches minimum
- Montu: 54 inches minimum
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Pantopia Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa
Pantopia is a land of fun, enchantment and excitement with its roller coasters, live entertainment, and games.
- Falcon’s Fury: 54 inches minimum
- Scorpion: 48 inches minimum (Guests between 48” and 54” must be accompanied by a supervising companion 14 years of age or older who is at least 54” tall)
- Phoenix Rising: 42 inches minimum (opening Spring 2024)
- Grand Caravan Carousel: No Limit (Riders under 42” must be accompanied by a responsible person 14 years of age or older and are allowed only on the middle rows. Infants must be accompanied by a responsible person 14 years of age or older and must ride on a bench seat.)
- Desert Runners: No Taller than 48 inches minimum (Handheld Infants are not permitted)
- Kiddie Train: No Taller than 56 inches (Handheld Infants not permitted)
- Bush Flyers: No Taller than 56 inches (Handheld Infants not permitted)
As you can see, you can find the most family-friendly rides in this section of the Tampa theme park.
Serengeti Plain Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa
The Serengeti Plain is home to some of the most beautiful animals you’ll ever see. You can also get a great view of it from the NEW Serengeti Flyer or the Serengeti Express Train.
However, if you want to take your Busch Gardens experience up a notch, then book a Serengeti Safari Tour where you can feed giraffes and so much more!
- Serengeti Flyer: 48 inches minimum
- Serengeti Express: No Limit
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Congo Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa
The Congo is where you can ride the Congo River Rapids and experience the rush of the white water rapids.
I have so many fun memories on this ride with my family growing up and I hope you can make amazing memories with your family too!
You can also experience the ROAR of Kumba, one of my absolute favorite roller coasters at Busch Gardens.
- Kumba: 54 inches minimum
- Congo River Rapids: 42 inches minimum
- Ubanga-Banga Bumper Cars: 42 inches minimum (Riders must be at least 42” tall to ride. Guests between 42” and 52” in height must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion)
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Jungala Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa
Although there aren’t any rides here, Jungala is a land of adventure with its zip-line and jungle trails, tiger and orangutan exhibits and so much more!
Stanleyville Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa
The Stanleyville land of Busch Gardens Tampa is where you can ride the iconic SheiKra dive roller coaster.
- Tigris: 54 inches minimum
- SheiKra: 54 inches minimum
- Serengeti Express: No Limit
- Stanley Falls Flume: 46 inches minimum
- Skyride: 56 inches minimum (Riders must be 56” or accompanied by a supervising companion)
Sesame Street Safari of Fun Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa
The Sesame Street Safari of Fun is perfect for families with young children with its Sesame Street-themed rides and attractions.
- AirGrover: 38 inches minimum
Although AirGrover is the main thrill ride of the Busch Gardens land, there are so many things your little one can do here.
Attractions and Rides at Sesame Street Safari of Fun at Busch Gardens Tampa
- Zoe-Patra and the Hippos of Nile: Between 36 inches and 56 inches may ride
- AirGrover: 38 inches minimum
- Rosita’s Djembe Fly-Away: Under 42 inches to ride (Infants not permitted)
- Bert & Ernie’s Watering Hole: All ages permitted
- Storytime at Sesame Street Safari of Fun
- Character Meet-and-Greets
- Elmo’s Treehouse Trek: All ages permitted (Infants must be accompanied by a companion 14 years or older)
- The Count’s Zambezi Rally: Under 42 inches to ride (Infants not permitted)
- Elmo’s Safari Go-Round: All ages permitted (Infants must be accompanied by a companion 14 years or older)
- Big Bird’s Whirly Birdie: Under 56 inches to ride (Infants not permitted)
- Snuffy’s Elephant Romp: Under 56″ to ride unaccompanied (Under 36″ must be accompanied by a supervising companion 14 years or older)
- Telly’s Jungle Jam: All ages permitted
- The Cookie Monster Canopy Crawl: Infants not permitted (Adults must be accompanied by a child)
- Cookie Monster Cloud Bounce: Under 56″ to play (Infants not permitted)
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Bird Gardens Section of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Finally, Bird Gardens offers a peaceful escape where you can observe and learn about different bird species.
Although there aren’t any rides or attractions here, you can visit the kangaroo exhibit in this section of the park.
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5 Pro Tips for Visiting Busch Gardens Tampa for Beginners
Now that you’re ready with all of the Busch Gardens Tampa ride height restrictions, let’s go through some tips and tricks to make your day much better!
1. Measure Before You Go
You’ll want to make sure that you know your child’s height before you get to Busch Gardens Tampa.
This will allow you to get an idea of what rides you all will be able to conquer together as a family.
2. Arrive in the Morning
Arriving before the park gates open at Busch Gardens Tampa is my best tip experiencing some of the must-do attractions before it gets crowded.
3. Watch the Shows And Explore the Animal Exhibits
Be sure to watch the incredible shows at Busch Gardens Tampa.
Not only do they have some of the best singers and performers in Tampa, they also have some amazing animal presentations that you must see!
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4. Buy Your Tickets Online
You’ll save more money by buying your tickets online directly from Busch Gardens Tampa or from Groupon.
They usually have discount deals happening so you’ll want to start there instead of paying full price at the gate.
5. Make a List of Your Must-Do Rides
Don’t be tempted by an “okay” ride that has a short line.
When you arrive early, head to all of your must-do attractions before the lines get long or before the temperamental Florida weather causes them to shut down.
Once you’ve enjoyed your must-do’s, now’s the time to do the other rides in the park that were not at the top of your list.
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My Final Thoughts on the Busch Gardens Tampa Height Requirements
As you can see, only ThemeParkHipster pros come prepared for a day at a theme park like Busch Gardens Tampa.
Doing your research ahead of time will allow you to know which rides you can and cannot participate in.
Don’t worry if you don’t quite make the cut, Busch Gardens Tampa has so many other attractions and shows for you to enjoy.
I hope this helps 🙂
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Article Date: July 3, 2023/Updated on January 28, 2024)