Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is no stranger to transformation. Over the decades, the park has reshaped its lineup of attractions in order to remain competitive in Florida’s crowded theme park market. Now, it’s preparing for another change — one that longtime visitors may find especially bittersweet.
The Tampa park, which first opened in 1959 as a brewery tour, has long balanced thrills with animal experiences. Unlike nearby competitors such as Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Busch Gardens carved out its identity by combining expansive zoological habitats with major roller coasters. Today, animals from giraffes to gorillas roam the African-themed landscapes that sit alongside Iron Gwazi, SheiKra, Montu, and other headline rides.
That unique balance hasn’t kept Busch Gardens out of the news. Earlier this year, a public health inspection forced the temporary closure of one of its quick-service restaurants after reports of insects inside the kitchen and dining spaces. Contractors have also accused the park of failing to pay $3.1 million in invoices.
The End of an Era
Despite such controversies, Busch Gardens has retained a devoted following. Fans still flock to ride record-breaking coasters like Kumba — with its seven inversions — or Cheetah Hunt, a triple-launch coaster spanning more than 4,400 feet of track. Yet even with such modern attractions, older staples have gradually disappeared.
Last year, Scorpion, once the park’s oldest operating coaster, was retired. Now, another longtime fixture is set to follow. Busch Gardens has confirmed the permanent closure of Stanley Falls, a log flume that has splashed riders for more than half a century.
The park’s website shared the announcement:
“After more than 50 years of splashes, smiles, and summer memories, Stanley Falls Flume® is taking its final plunge on September 7, 2025. As one of the original rides from the park’s opening in 1973, this classic has been a fan favorite for generations. This is your last chance to ride before we say goodbye and make way for an exciting new future attraction! Come relive the fun and help us celebrate a true Busch Gardens legend.”
Looking Toward the Future
Stanley Falls, which originally featured a spillwater drop later removed during its run, was one of the last remaining water rides of its era. The ride’s closing echoes the sudden end of Scorpion, when fans were given little time to bid farewell. At the time, Busch Gardens extended the closure date by a few days, but heavy rains meant the ride’s final hours ended earlier than promised.
What comes next for the space remains unknown. Busch Gardens has not revealed any replacement plans, though history suggests fans may wait a while. Scorpion, for instance, sat dormant for months before demolition began. That slow process contrasts with Universal Orlando Resort, where work started on demolishing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit almost immediately after its closure.
Even with new attractions on the horizon, the loss of Stanley Falls marks a generational shift. For many visitors, the flume was an introduction to the park, offering a family-friendly ride before guests braved the towering coasters. Its departure, scheduled for September 7, closes a 52-year chapter in Busch Gardens’ history.
For fans, the next few weeks are their last chance to experience the classic log flume. Whether its replacement will honor the legacy of Stanley Falls remains to be seen, but for now, Busch Gardens is inviting guests to take one more plunge — and relive a Florida theme park tradition.
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