What is the Busch Gardens Rain Policy? | Easily Explained
When you're visiting a theme park, rain is one of the few things that you can't control, that can still impact your experience.
In this page, we will go over what Busch Garden's rain policy is, what will happen due to Hurricane Ian, and how to prepare for the rain.
What Happens If It Rains in Busch Gardens Tampa?
If rain negatively impacts your visit at Busch Gardens in Tampa, you will be eligible to receive a complimentary visit to the park that must be used within 1 year of your visit.
In order to receive your complimentary ticket, visit Guest Services.
Guest Services is located inside of the park on the left hand side, right next to the entrance.
Protocols For Hurricane Ian
Due to the projected path of Hurricane Ian, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed on Tuesday, September 27 through Thursday, September 29.
All date-intended admission tickets have been extended through December 31, 2022.
Annual Pass members’ guest tickets with an expiration date of September 30 will be extended through October 16, 2022.
Guest Services Discretion
One thing that you should be aware of is that the complimentary ticket is at the discretion of Guest Services.
This means that if on a day that you are visiting, it rains for a few minutes, which forces the rides to pause, only for the rides to resume minutes afterwards..
Guest Services may not provide you with a complimentary ticket, as they would on a day where it was raining and lightning for long periods of time causing rides to shut down.
Additionally, the 'Rainy day guarantee' can only be used by guests with a Single-Day ticket or Multi-Day ticket
Know About iPhone Rain Notifications
If you're visiting a theme park, especially on a day that there's a chance of rain, you'll want to enable rain notifications.
We use this at almost every theme park that we visit, and it notifies us ahead of time when the rain is approaching, or when the rain is clearing up.
When we receive the notification that the rain is approaching, it gives us plenty of time to seek shelter, or find an indoor ride.
Rain is Stopping Notification
When we receive the notification that the rain is expected to clear up, we know that we can start heading over to rides very soon.
This small feature gives us a 'leg up' on everyone else on the park, as we're able to know what's going to happen a few minutes before everyone else.
Are Add-On's Included?
Add-On's such as parking, Quick Queue, lockers, all-day dining deals & other upgrades will not be included in the 2nd visit (complimentary).
If you arrive to the park, pay for parking and your visit is cut short due to rain/inclement weather, and you receive a complimentary ticket...
You will have to pay for parking again when you return for your second visit.
Spending your day at the park worried about rain, is no way to have fun.
You’ll want to be familiar with the best day to visit Busch Gardens Tampa, along with our best Busch gardens tips, to maximize your time and money at the park.
Be Prepared For Rain
If you're visiting any theme park in Florida, it's always a good idea to be prepared for the rain by bringing a poncho, an umbrella and/or a spare change of clothes.
Florida is notorious for having a severe thunderstorm at one minute, and 10 minutes, later the sun is back out and the storms are gone.
Nothing cuts a theme park experience short like having wet clothes, socks and shoes that won't dry. Learn from our mistakes and be prepared!
Our Poncho Choice
Poncho's in particular are very cheap, and very worth it.
This unisex, lightweight reusable poncho has worked wonders over the years at dozens of theme parks.
Our Umbrella Choice
The most reliable umbrella that we've used over the years has been the Repel Umbrella.
The main reasons are that it's:
- Wind Resistant - Won't Bend or Fold During High Winds
- Portable - Easy to Put Away After Use
- Only Takes 1 Button to Open and Close
- Non Slip Grip Allows For an Easy Hold Even During Severe Storms
- Can Be Used For Both Men and Women
Many visitors are prepared for the rain when they come to the parks, but they forget about the wind! Don't overlook the fact that there will be plenty of wind if there's rain.
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