There are few Florida theme parks that balance adrenaline-pumping thrills with immersive animal encounters quite like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For decades, the park has been a reliable stop for visitors seeking both high-speed roller coasters and sweeping views of giraffes, zebras, and more across its sprawling African-inspired grounds. Yet even legacy attractions at this park are not immune to change.
First opened in 1959 as a brewery tour and hospitality center, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay grew into one of the state’s most distinctive destinations. Today, it boasts a lineup that includes Iron Gwazi — the tallest hybrid coaster in North America — alongside habitats for more than 200 animal species. Its blend of zoological exhibits and thrill rides has cemented its place in the state’s competitive theme park landscape.
In recent months, however, the park has made headlines for reasons beyond its roller coasters and animal experiences. A quick-service dining location was forced to close after a public health and safety inspection detailed unsanitary conditions, including the presence of roaches inside the kitchen and dining areas.
Financial scrutiny has also lingered, with accusations that the park failed to pay $3.1 million owed to contractors, while guests have complained about wasp infestations.
Busch Gardens Confirms A Permanent Closure
Despite these challenges, Busch Gardens remains popular with Florida’s most passionate theme parkgoers. Longtime favorites like SheiKra, Montu, Kumba, and Cheetah Hunt continue to draw crowds looking for cutting-edge coaster experiences. The park’s ride lineup, though, is in constant evolution — as seen last year when it permanently shuttered Scorpion, then its oldest operating roller coaster.
Now, another classic is preparing for its final run. Busch Gardens has confirmed that Stanley Falls, a log flume that has entertained guests since 1973, will close permanently this fall. The park announced the news with a nostalgic message on its website:
“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.”
A Farewell to Stanley Falls
The ride, which once featured a spillwater drop later removed during its operation, has long been one of the park’s defining water attractions. Like Scorpion before it, Stanley Falls’ closure is arriving with relatively little advance notice, leaving fans only a brief window to take one final plunge.
When Scorpion closed, some fans expressed disappointment that the farewell period was so short, with Busch Gardens eventually extending the closure by a few days. Even so, the ride’s final hours were cut short by inclement weather that shut it down before guests could say a proper goodbye.
Busch Gardens has yet to reveal what will take Stanley Falls’ place. In contrast to rival Universal Orlando Resort — which swiftly began tearing down Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit after its recent closure — Busch Gardens has often left shuttered rides dormant for months before starting demolition or replacement.
For now, Stanley Falls remains on the park’s calendar through early September, a bittersweet opportunity for longtime fans to ride one last time. With half a century of memories tied to the flume, its absence will mark the end of an era for one of Tampa’s most beloved attractions.
Will you miss Stanley Falls?
