CHRISTMAS TOWN AT BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA

SHADE-O-METER RATING

3 OUTTA 5 WERKS: “NO SHADE, BUT SHE DIDN’T TURN IT OUT”

By Mike Jeknavorian

What’s Christmas Town?  It’s the Christmas event at Busch Gardens Tampa.  The event is included with a regular admission ticket or an annual pass.

How much did it cost?  A one-day ticket at Busch Gardens starts at $79.00.  An annual pass starts at $119.88.

How was the parking?  We parked in the disabled area, because someone who was with us had a disabled parking permit.  However, the regular parking lot was packed.  Parking costs $18.  Depending on what type of annual pass you have, parking is either free or 50% off.

Does the venue serve liquor?  Yes.  How were the drinks?  We got one well drink for $7.50 and a double wine for $12.  They were no complaints about them.

Does the venue serve food?  Yes.  How was the food?  We didn’t get any.

How was Christmas Town?  The Christmas lights were prolific throughout the park.  Furthermore, the park was segmented into various Christmas themes, such as: Celebration Village, Penguin Point (with live penguins), The North Pole (with a Santa meet and greet), a Sesame Street Christmas, and so on.  The park franchised Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as well, so you can meet him and his friends, if you heart desires.  Beyond that, some of the rides were open, but we didn’t go on any.  A lot of them had crazy wait-times, from a half an hour to an hour.

How were the shows?  There were several indoor and outdoor shows.  We only saw one indoor show, because the other ones were sold out.  For the indoor shows, there was an ice skating one, a gospel one, an animal show, an Elmo show, and a traditional Christmas one.  For the outdoor shows, there was a New-Orleans-style brass band that played Christmas music, a Three King’s show, and a synchronized light and music show.  Regarding the outdoor shows, we saw the brass band and the Three King’s show.  They were fine.  The only indoor show that we saw was the gospel show.  A Nashville-caliber gospel show, for example, it was not.

How was the crowd?  Profuse, but maybe that’s because it was a Saturday.  What could have improved Christmas Town?  For the indoor shows, many of them had people lined at least a half an hour before the doors opened.  Busch Gardens simply must adopt some kind of free reservation system to eradicate this waiting nonsense.  Since there was no reservation system, the only way that you can see the shows is to go to the park early, when then sun’s still up.  You’ll have to see the shows in the daytime, and then look at the lights at night.  But we didn’t get there until sundown, so no indoor shows for us (except for the gospel show).

What was surprising about it?  The crowds.  Who would think that Busch Garden’s Christmas event would be more popular than their Halloween event, but it definitely is.  That, and giant alligators starring at you in the night.  Were those Santa’s watch dogs?

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa is located at 10165 N. McKinley Drive, in Tampa, Florida.  The event runs from November 17 to December 31.  It closes from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., depending on the day.