1990 – 1999

Continued expansion with the addition of several world-class roller coasters was the theme of the 1990s for Busch Gardens Tampa.

1990

  • Attendance for the year estimated at 3.05, down slightly from the previous year due to lack of new attractions and overall slump in Florida tourism. (Orlando Sentinel 1/10/1991)

1991

  • May 23 – Questor opens to guests.
  • August – Admission prices listed at $26.45 for ages 3 and above, with parking at $3. (Orlando Sentinel 8/9/1991)
  • December – Admission prices raised about 4% to $28.70 including tax for adults, and $24.45 for children age 3 to 9. (Orlando Sentinel 7/17/1992)

1992

  • April 15 – Five gorillas arrive at the park from Yerkes Primate Center as part of the Myombe Reserve project.
  • June 17 – Myombe Reserve officially opens to guests.
  • July – Park hours were 9:30 to at least 6 p.m., with later hours for the summer. Daily admission is $26.95 plus tax, 22.95 plus tax for children age 3 to 9. Parking is $3. (The Morning Call, 7/19/1992)

1993

  • April 21 – Kumba officially opens.



1995

1996

  • May 16 – Montu officially opens to guests.
  • October – Vice President of Marketing is quoted as saying park is on track to break attendance records for the year, estimated to be around 4 million. (Orlando Sentinel 10/8/1996)
  • Attendance for the year estimated at 4.17 million, up 10% from previous year. (Orlando Sentinel 12/27/1996)

1997

1998

  • July 15 – A press event is held to announce the addition of Gwazi, which would open the following June.
  • October 19 – Park begins doing background checks (going back 7 years) on all new hires, regardless of role. Previously, only certain positions required background checks. (Orlando Sentinel 10/21/1998)
  • Attendance for the year estimated at 4.2 million. (Ultimate Rollercoaster)

1999

  • June 18Gwazi officially opens to the public.