| Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has created the park’s newest adventure – an exotic jungle where guests can discover and explore the animal world. And, if you have kids like mine – with boundless energy – they can experience what it’s like to climb as high as the tree tops.
Jungala opened earlier this month so we headed over to check it out. Set in the a Congo-like area, the four-acre attraction allows guests to discover exotic jungle creatures, explore a colorful village hidden deep in the jungle and connect with the inhabitants of the lush landscape through up-close animal interactions, multi-story family play areas, rides and live entertainment.
On a recent trip to Jungala, my boys spent a full hour climbing and trying to chase each other through the intricate maze-like tree house. They jumped right into the attraction – eager to explore. A few parents and I were joking from the sidelines that we wished we had one of these massive playgrounds at home to wear out our energetic kids.
What I really loved about Jungala is that families with kids of all ages can find something to keep their little ones busy. Sometimes, it’s tough for the little ones when big brother or sister is going on the big roller coasters. Here, toddlers can have just as much fun as their older siblings and the family can stick together. There is also a Water Play area, which is always a welcomed treat in the warmer months.
Multi-tiered habitats allow visitors to connect with two of the world’s most endangered species – Bengal tigers and orangutans. Guests can view orangutans as they maneuver overhead on O-lines, or watch them rest in rope hammocks through glass platforms.
Subterranean caves and underwater windows offer a clear view of tigers swimming in their temperature-controlled plunge pool, while a pop-up dome brings guests face to face with these magnificent predators. Acrobatic gibbons, flying foxes and unusual gharials also make this exotic rain forest home.
If your kids are like mine, it’s all about the rides. Two signature rides add to the excitement of Jungala: Jungle Flyers is a zip line experience for young adventurers ages 6 to 13 that offers three different flight patterns above the tree tops. Wild Surge launches 14 passengers out of a mountain crater above a towering waterfall for a thrilling view of the village below.
Tree Tops Trails is three-story climbing area featuring nets, bridges and crawl tubes, allowing families to explore the different layers of jungle life.
The Bengal Bistro and the all-new Orang Café offer seasonal entrées, salads and sandwiches, snacks and children's’ menus. I opted for a veggie wrap and the kids had chicken strips and fries to refuel.
In the village, larger-than-life stilt walkers highlight the beauty and grace of the colorful jungle flora and fauna with elaborate costumes representing birds, frogs and even the trees themselves. Zoo Educators introduce guests to jungle creatures such as lemurs, coatimundi and toucans, and children are invited to participate in impromptu games and musical play throughout the day. |
