As some have already heard, I recently got a position writing for Orlando Attractions Magazine. While I'd love to still update the BGTNation blog and write for OAM, it has been a little too much for me to take on along with school. From now on you can find my coverage of Busch Gardens Tampa on Orlando Attractions Magazine's website at http://attractionsmagazine.com/, by following me on Twitter @flthrillseeker, and on YouTube!
Thanks for understanding and I hope you continue to follow me on my journeys through all the different outlets above.
Remember, Bands, Brew and BBQ kicks off for 2012 this Sunday with Lynyrd Skynyrd. For four weekends of rockin' bands, smokin' BBQ and dozens of craft beers. Performances also include Bret Michaels, 38 Special and REO Speedwagon! Each Sunday, Gwazi Field opens at at 4 p.m. and the shows begin at 5 p.m. Check out the food & beer menus below:
Enjoy unlimited beer each day of the event for $30. Pass Members can enjoy two unlimited beer passes for $50. Wristbands are available for purchase at Gwazi Path on each day of the event. You must be at least 21 years of age to purchase beer at this event. To learn more about Bands, Brew & BBQ 2012 or buy VIP Tickets click here.
Busch Gardens Tampa is celebrating Valentines Day a few weeks early this year with a new baby female reticulated giraffe on Monday, January 27, 2011 born to Cupid, a female giraffe on the Serengeti Plain. This is Jafari’s second calf, and Cupid’s fifth. She stood tall at 6 foot, 2 inches and weighed in at approximately 176 pounds.
This new addition brings the park’s reticulated giraffe population to 19! Just one month ago on that day Tesa gave birth to Jafari's first calf which was also female. These births are apart of a successful long-term breeding program known as the SSP or Specials Survival Plan at Busch Gardens.
Remeber, You can view these amazing animals from the Serengeti Express, the Skyride or on a Serengeti Safari, an open-truck tour during which you can hand-feed reticulated giraffes and get up-close with the other animals on the plain. To book a Serengeti Safari click here and stay tuned here for all the latest news on animal births at Busch Gardens Tampa.
While Iceploration doesn't open it's curtains to the public until tomorrow, February 2nd, we had a sneak peek this morning of the new show. The new ice skating show combines 2 dozen skaters, amazing costumes, life-sized puppets, live animals including huskies, acrobats, high tech video mapping and an original score. There is so much imagery and emotion in the show you are going to have to see this show multiple times to take it all in!
The 30-minute show opens with Austin, a digitally savvy preteen, who believes that technology has made his generation more connected to the world than ever before. But his grandfather – and old-world explorer – argues that the boy is more disconnected than he realizes, and takes him on an adventure around the globe. Through their travels they visit the African Serengeti, Great Barrier Reef, the Arctic and the Amazon rainforest.
Their adventures beings in the African Serengeti were Austin and Grandpa see a cheetah gracefully stalk its gazelle. Larger than life elephant puppets and meerkats around the waterhole and more.
Then they dive into the Great Barrier Reef with an amazing black light transition into a colorful coral reef. Helium filled puppets swim across the stage and jellyfish bounce up and down above the crowd.
Austin and Grandpa then travel to the Artic where snow flurries come to life and they encounter the beautiful Aurora Borealis phenomenon. Huskies and a Siberian Lynx join the stage as they journey through the tundra.
They then wrap up their adventure around the globe in the Amazon Rainforest. Watch sun conures and macaws fill the air as frogs and a dragonfly skate into the grand finale featuring the brand new original song: "Meet The World".
Overall, Iceploration brings together many elements to create a one of a kind experience that you can't get anywhere else. From the original score, lighting, costumes, puppets and all the imagery portrayed throughout the performance. It a 30 minute heart warming performance that will make you want to keep coming back to see it again and again! Check out more photos below and a video at the top of this article.
